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Structures of perfect symmetry, order, and beauty exist in both discoveries of science and objects found in natures. With careful observation and analysis, creative applications of these interesting forms can be and have been applied in many architectural structures with great success. In this project the utilization of these forms can not only bring out the purpose of this Museum of Nature and Science, but because these forms are derived from natural studies, they can also give viewers a sense of familiarity and peacefulness. / Master of Architecture

Through the use of natural history records, published literature, and personal sampling (2011-2016) a total of 454 caddisfly species represented by 24 families and 93 genera were documented from the south-central United States. Two Hydroptilidae species were collected during the 2011-2016 collection efforts that are new to the region: Hydroptilia scheringi and Mayatrichia tuscaloosa. Eightteen species are endemic and 30 are considered species of concern by either federal or state agencies. The majority of each of these groups is Hydroptilidae, or microcaddisflies. Trichoptera community structure, by minimum number of species, was analysed in conjunction with large-scale geographical factors to determine which factor illustrated caddisfly community structure across the region. Physiographic provinces compared to other geographic factors analyzed best-represented caddisfly communities with a minimum of 10 or more species. Statistically, Hydrologic Unit Code 4 (HUC 4) was the most significant geographical factor but low number of samples representing this variable rendered it less representative of caddisfly community structure for the study area.

L’histoire naturelle de l’infection anale par le virus du papillome de type 16 (VPH-16) est mal définie pour les hommes ayant des relations sexuelles avec d’autres hommes (HARSAHs) VIH-séropositifs. Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer l’association entre la charge épisomale et intégrée du VPH-16 et la progression de la néoplasie intraépithéliale anale (AIN). Les charges épisomales et intégrées du VPH-16 furent mesurées par PCR quantitatif en temps réel sur 665 spécimens anaux obtenus de 135 hommes VPH-16-positifs participant à l’étude prospective HIPVIRG (Human Immunodeficiency and Papilloma VIrus Research Group). Le grade de l’AIN fut déterminé sur des biopsies obtenues lors des anuscopies à haute résolution périodiques. L’intégration du VPH-16 fut confirmée par DIPS-PCR pour démontrer la présence de jonctions virales-cellulaires. La charge épisomale du VPH-16 [ratio de cote (OR) 1.5, intervalle de confiance (IC) à 95%=1.1–2.1], le nombre de types de VPH [OR 1.4 (IC 95%=1.1–1.8)] et le tabagisme actuel [OR 4.8 (IC 95%=1.3–18.6)], mais non la charge intégrée, furent associés aux lésions de haut-grade (AIN-2,3) après ajustement pour l’âge et le décompte des lymphocytes CD4. La charge épisomale du VPH-16 était le seul facteur prédictif de progression de l’AIN de bas-grade (AIN-1) vers l’AIN-2,3 [OR 8.0 (IC 95%=1.2–55.4)]. Les spécimens avec une charge épisomale du VPH-16 élevée étaient moins susceptibles de contenir de l’intégration [OR 0.5 (IC 95%=0.3–0.8)]. L’intégration du VPH-16 fut détectée en absence d’AIN, dans l’AIN-1 et dans l’AIN-2,3. L’analyse des jonctions virales-cellulaires ne permit pas d’identifier un site d’intégration spécifique. / The natural history of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) anal infection is undefined among HIV-seropositive men having sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to assess the association between HPV-16 episomal and integrated viral loads and the progression of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). HPV-16 episomal and integrated loads were measured on 665 specimens from 135 HPV-16-positive men participating in the prospective HIPVIRG (Human Immunodeficiency and Papilloma VIrus Research Group) study. AIN grade was evaluated on biopsies obtained during periodical high-resolution anoscopies. HPV-16 integration was confirmed by DIPS-PCR to demonstrate the presence of viral-cellular junctions. HPV-16 episomal loads [odds ratio (OR) 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1–2.1], burden of HPV infection [OR 1.4 (95% CI=1.1–1.8)] and current smoking [4.8 (95% CI=1.3–18.6)], but not integrated loads, were associated with high-grade lesions (AIN-2,3) after age and CD4 counts adjustment. A high HPV-16 episomal load was the only predictive factor of progression from low-grade AIN to high-grade AIN [OR 8.0 (95% CI=1.2–55.4)]. Specimens with higher HPV-16 episomal loads were less likely to contain integration [OR 0.5 (95% CI=0.3–0.8)]. HPV-16 integration was detected in the absence of AIN, in AIN-1 and in AIN-2,3. The analysis of the viral-cellular junctions did not allow identifying a specific site of integration.

Dans la première partie de ce travail, nous passons en revue les sujets qui ont fait l’objet d’essais thérapeutiques randomisés dans le domaine de la prévention et de la prise en charge de l’adulte infecté par le VIH en Afrique sub-saharienne. Nous en tirons deux conclusions : (i) que beaucoup de questions de recherche n’ont pas été explorées par des essais, soit parce qu’elles n’ont pas été jugées prioritaires, soit parce qu’un essai pour répondre à la question n’était pas jugé possible ; (ii) que les essais ayant des résultats positifs débouchent souvent eux même sur de nouvelles questions, notamment sur l’interprétation à donner à leurs résultats, les implications pratiques, les projections à long terme, et la réplicabilité dans différents contextes. Il arrive que ces questions paralysent les décisions. La question se pose donc d’utiliser au mieux les outils complémentaires aux essais thérapeutiques, incluant l’outil « modélisation ». Dans la deuxième partie, nous situons les modèles multi-états d’histoire naturelle de la maladie dans le spectre des différents modèles mathématiques utilisés en recherche médicale, et nous décrivons en détail un de ces modèles, le modèle « Cost Effectiveness of Preventing Aids Complication » (CEPAC) conçu aux USA, et développé puis appliqué ensuite dans la collaboration « CEPAC international » avec des équipes françaises, ivoirienne, Sud-Africaine et indienne pour des analyses cout-efficacité. Dans la troisième partie, nous utilisons le modèle CEPAC pour explorer deux questions : La première question porte sur le choix entre efavirenz, potentiellement tératogène, et la névirapine, pouvant être responsable d’une toxicité sévère, pour servir de base à la première ligne de traitement antirétroviral chez les femmes en âge de procréer en Afrique subsaharienne. En projetant à 10 ans la survie chez la mère et le nombre cumulé de malformations chez l’enfant, nous montrons que la tératogénicité de l’efavirenz devrait être 2,3 fois plus élevée que celle de la nevirapine pour que le nombre de malformations chez les enfants dont les mères ont pris de l’efavirenz soit supérieur au nombre de décès chez les femmes qui ont pris de la nevirapine. La deuxième question porte sur l’efficacité et le coût-efficacité de plusieurs stratégies thérapeutiques après l’échec de la deuxième ligne de traitement ARV chez des adultes en Côte d’Ivoire. Cette analyse montre que l’utilisation des médicaments ARV de troisième ligne serait dores et déjà non seulement efficace mais également coût-efficace en Côte d’Ivoire, si elle était utilisée dans une stratégie comportant une phase de renforcement intensif de l’adhérence avant décision de changement de ligne. En conclusion, nous proposons de définir en quatre groupes les situations dans lesquelles la modélisation peut aider la recherche clinique : (i) pour aider à la conception d’un essai clinique ; (ii) pour mettre en perspective les résultats d’essais cliniques, en les projetant à plus long termes ou dans différents contextes ; (iii) pour étudier une question pour laquelle un essai clinique n’est pas faisable ; (iv) pour stimuler la réflexion sur de nouvelles questions sur lesquelles il n’y a pas encore eu d’essai. En même temps qu’on expérimente l’utilisation pratique de ces modèles, il y a également une réflexion à avoir sur les aspects de validation, de transparence et de standardisation, notamment au moment de la publication des études, pour les rendre accessibles aux cliniciens et aux chercheurs qui ne sont pas familiers avec la modélisation. / In the first part of this work, we review the issues that have been the subject of randomized clinical trials in the field of prevention and care of HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa. From this research, we draw two conclusions: (i) many research questions have not been explored with clinical trials, either because they were not considered as a priority, or because conducting a trial was not a feasible way to answer the question; (ii) trials with positive results often lead to new issues, especially regarding interpretation of results, practical implications, long-term projections, and replication in different contexts. At times, these issues paralyze health decisions. The question therefore becomes how to best use tools that complement clinical trials, including "disease modelling" tools. In the second part of this work, we place multi-state models of natural history of disease within different mathematical models used in medical research. We describe, in detail, one of these models--the “Cost Effectiveness of Preventing Aids Complication” (CEPAC) model, designed in the USA and then developed and implemented by the “CEPAC-International” collaboration, which includes French, Ivorian, South African and Indian teams, to conduct cost-effectiveness analyses. In the third part, we use the CEPAC model to explore two questions: The first question is concerned with whether to use efavirenz, which is potentially teratogenic, or nevirapine, which can induce severe toxicity, in first-line antiretroviral regimen for women of child-bearing age in sub-Saharan Africa. Projecting at 10 years the survival of the mothers and the cumulative number of malformations in their children, we show that the teratogenicity of efavirenz would have to be 2.3 times higher than that of nevirapine for the additional number of defects in children whose mothers are taking efavirenz to be greater than the number of additional deaths among women who are taking nevirapine. The second question focuses on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different treatment strategies after the failure on second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected adults in Côte d'Ivoire. This analysis shows that the use of third-line ART would be effective and cost-effective in Côte d'Ivoire, if used within a strategy that mandated an intensive adherence reinforcement intervention before deciding to switch patients to third-line. In conclusion, we define four situations within which modelling can help inform clinical research: (i) to assist the design of clinical trials, (ii) to put in perspective the results of clinical trials, by projecting the results in the long term or in different contexts, (iii) to study any questions for which a clinical trial is not suitable, (iv) to fuel the discussion on new issues for which testing has not yet be done. While we experiment with the practical use of these models, we also have to reflect on the validation, standardization, and transparency of the model, especially at the time of publication, to make sure studies are accessible to clinicians and researchers who are not familiar with modelling.

The pichi Zaedyus pichiy (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae) is a poorly known, diurnal armadillo inhabiting arid and semi-arid regions of Argentina and Chile that has endured substantial population declines. My objective was to elucidate different aspects of the natural history of Z. pichiy as a first step towards establishing a conservation plan. Wild and captive pichis were studied. Body temperature of wild pichis averaged 35.2±1.2 °C and was highly variable (range 32.2 – 38.3 °C). Temperature measurements of semi-captive males showed that pichis can survive energetically challenging periods by entering hibernation or daily torpor. Stomach contents of poached animals revealed that pichis feed predominantly on insects but also ingest plant material, vertebrates and arachnids. This opportunistic, omnivorous feeding strategy allows them to thrive where food type and availability vary seasonally. The reproductive cycle of pichis was studied by means of histological and fecal hormone analyses. Pichis are seasonal breeders that produce one yearly litter of 1 to 2 offspring, and the initiator of breeding season seems to be an increase in daylength. The absence of regular estrous cycles and corpora lutea in non-pregnant females, and immediate mating attempts after pairing, all suggest that pichis are induced ovulators. Clinical examinations and hematological, serological and coproparasitological analyses of free-ranging pichis, and necropsies and histological examinations of confiscated pichis and roadkills, indicate that the populations are currently in good health. While parasites were often found, no severe pathologies were observed. Infections with potentially zoonotic diseases were rare: only a few pichis were seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi, none had antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, and none of the histologically examined individuals presented lesions attributable to these pathogens. Elevated ambient humidity levels often caused moist dermatitis with epidermal detachment in captive pichis. Poaching is currently considered to have a much higher negative impact on the wild populations than disease epidemics. Mortality due to heavy poaching activity may be difficult, if not impossible, to compensate by the current birth rates. This preliminary database on the natural history and reproduction of pichis will assist efforts to conserve this little-known species of armadillo.

Estudando uma comunidade de serpentes da Serra da Mantiqueira, foram encontradas 11 espécies de serpentes, e constatada a superioridade numérica de indivíduos da família Viperidae. As áreas abertas foram as mais freqüentadas, além de mostrar maior riqueza de espécies. A maioria das espécies encontradas apresenta a viviparidade como modo reprodutivo. A altitude mostrou influenciar a distribuição e abundância das espécies. As três espécies mais abundantes foram B. neuwiedi, B. jararaca e C. durissus, e são apresentadas informações de sua história natural. As fêmeas são maiores e mais robustas do que os machos. Entre filhotes, o dimorfismo sexual não ocorre ou é restrito. Fêmeas são mais ativas na primavera e no verão, e machos no outono. As fêmeas parecem ser mais agressivas. As três espécies alimentam-se preferencialmente de pequenos mamíferos. A espermatogênese e a vitelogênese são sazonais, e machos e fêmeas estocam espermatozóides no trato genital a fim de harmonizarem seus ciclos. O nascimento dos filhotes ocorre no verão. / This study was conducted in the Serra da Mantiqueira, and show biological and ecological aspects within a community of snakes. Eleven species were found. The snakes was mostly found in open areas, and open areas also showed a greater richness of species. A significant percentage of the species reproduced by viviparity. Altitude influenced the abundance and distribution of the species. The three dominant species of snakes was B. neuwiedi, B jararaca and C. durissus. Females are bigger and stronger then the males. Among the young, sexual dimorphism does not happen or it is restricted. Females also showed increased activity during the spring and summer, whiles males had increased activity levels during the autumn months. Females were more aggressive. These three species feed primarily on small mammals. Spermatogenesis and vitellogenesis are seasonal, and males and females show sperm storage in the genital tract so their cycles are harmonized. B. jararaca is bigger and stronger than B. neuwiedi, and female B. jararaca have larger and heavier litters.

O presente estudo propôs uma análise comparativa de narrativas em museus de história natural com o intuito de identificar e quantificar o uso de informações sobre comportamento animal em contexto evolutivo. Uma etapa inicial foi de levantamento de caracteres para a elaboração de uma matriz de dados onde eles foram codificados. As informações textuais foram obtidas por meio de imagens (fotografias e vídeos) dos painéis e demais elementos narrativos ou de arquivos de texto cedidos pelas instituições estudadas. As fotos foram montadas de acordo com o trajeto da exposição e organizadas em arquivo word. Os textos foram transcritos e organizados em arquivo word para serem analisados. O presente estudo contribui com uma nova área de pesquisa fornecendo novo conjunto de caracteres (etológicos, expográficos e temáticos) para estabelecer os padrões de abordagem dos caracteres em suas diferentes formas. A metodologia cladística filogenética foi utilizada para estabelecer relações entre as narrativas das exposições estudadas usando caracteres comportamentais. A metodologia foi escolhida por apresentar resultados relevantes para sistemas não organísmicos. Para que esta se torne aplicável é necessário apenas que o sistema esteja sujeito ao algorítimo darwiniano onde um sistema de informação (genética ou simbólica) que apresente variabilidade hereditária (transmissível), dado tempo suficiente, estará sujeito ao processo de seleção que resulta em adaptação do sistema (narrativas) às novas pressões ambientais (culturais). Os resultados encontrados a partir da análise filogenética mostraram baixa frequência de informação quanto à abordagem do tema comportamento em exposições de museus de história natural. Por outro lado, observamos um aumento na complexidade dos recursos utilizados para a abordagem dos temas comportamentais ao longo da árvore encontrada. Esta complexidade, deve-se tanto ao escopo e tema das exposições quanto aos recursos empregados em suas execuções. Desta forma, não surpreende que as exposições Darwin do AMNH (com sua riqueza de recursos) e Etologia do SDM (com sua riqueza de informação comportamental) apareçam neste estudo como grupo-irmão dentro do clado mais derivado da árvore. / The present study was a comparative analysis of narratives in natural history museums in order to identify and quantify the use of information on animal behavior in evolutionary context. An initial step was to gather character to prepare a data matrix where they were coded. The textual information was obtained through images (photos and videos) of the panels and other narrative elements or text files transferred by the researched institutions. The photos were assembled according to the order suggested in the exhibition and organized in word file. The texts were transcribed and organized into word file to be analyzed. The current study contributes to a new area of research providing new set of characters (ethological, expographic and thematic) to establish standards of approach for the characters in their different forms. Phylogenetic cladistic methodology was used to establish relations between the narratives of exhibition using behavioral characters. The methodology was chosen to present relevant results for non-organismic systems. In order to become applicable, the system only needs to be subject to the Darwinian algorithm where an information system (genetic or symbolic) which shows hereditary variability (transmitted), given enough time, will be subject to the selection process that results in the adaptation of the system (narratives) to new environmental pressures (cultural). The results from the phylogenetic analysis showed low frequency of information in the approach to the subject of behavior in exhibitions in the natural history museums. On the other hand, an increase in the complexity of the resourses used in the approach to behavioral issues was observed along the branches of the tree found. This complexity is due both to the scope and theme of the exhibition about the resources applied in their executions. Thus, not surprisingly, the AMNH Darwin exhibition (with its wealth of resources) and Ethology of SDM (with its wealth of behavioral information) appear in this study as sister group within the more derived branch of the tree.

Atualmente estamos presenciando mudanças climáticas ao nível global sem precedentes, as quais se tornarão mais severas no decorrer dos anos, podendo causar danos irreversíveis à biodiversidade. Como as espécies irão reagir a essas mudanças e quais ações de conservações devem ser tomadas estão entre os tópicos mais significantes na ecologia atualmente. As mudanças climáticas têm sido apontadas como uma das principais causas de reduções (e alterações) na distribuição geográfica e abundância de muitas espécies, e até mesmo a extinção. Os modelos de nicho ecológico têm sido uma ferramenta muito utilizada a fim de compreender como a distribuição das espécies pode ser afetada pelas mudanças climáticas. Os modelos fornecem valiosas informações sobre o potencial efeito das mudanças climáticas na distribuição futura das espécies, podendo assim ser usado para a compreensão de como e quais espécies podem ser mais afetadas, além dos locais adequados para sua conservação. Uma vez que informações importantes sobre os organismos não são incorporadas nos modelos, é fundamental o conhecimento sobre a biologia e história natural das espécies para a interpretação dos resultados. No presente estudo é aprestada uma revisão sobre o atual estado de conhecimento das quatro espécies do gênero Eunectes em relação à distribuição geográfica, uso do habitat e microhabitat, atividade diária e sazonal, reprodução, tamanho corporal, dieta e status de conservação. Adicionalmente aspectos da história natural de uma população da sucuri verde, Eunectes murinus, foram estudados em locais florestados, na cidade de Bonito, MS, e aqui são apresentados dados sobre movimentação, uso do microhabitat, reprodução e dieta. Ainda, foram desenvolvidos modelos de nicho climático para cada uma das quatro espécies a fim de entender os possíveis impactos das mudanças climáticas nessas espécies em dois cenários futuros. Foram assumidas duas abordagens de dispersão, com livre dispersão e sem dispersão. A partir dos resultados foi possível reconhecer padrões na biologia das espécies de Eunectes, identificar as principais lacunas de conhecimento e sugerir onde esforços em pesquisa devem ser focados. Além disso, importantes dados sobre a história natural da sucuri verde (E. murinus) foram registrados. Foi observado que, em relação à movimentação, dieta e reprodução, aparentemente a espécie mantém o padrão já registrado em estudos anteriores. Entretanto, o uso do microhabitat diferiu substancialmente, tendo sido encontrado um número muito elevado de indivíduos utilizando árvores. As projeções futuras indicam que, para o intervalo entre os anos de 2061-2080, todas as espécies, menos E. notaeus, perderão grande quantidade de hábitat climaticamente adequado, sendo E. deschauenseei a mais afetada (100% de perda com e sem dispersão no pior cenário). Ainda, as análises apontam que haverá uma mudança de local adequado para a potencial ocorrência de três espécies. Sem dispersão, todas as espécies perderão área, sendo que E. beniensis perderá 100% de habitat adequado em ambos os cenários de alterações climáticas. As informações geradas por este estudo ajudam a melhorar a compreensão da ecologia, história natural e distribuição das espécies do gênero, bem como indica quais as espécies poderão ser mais prejudicadas pelas mudanças climáticas em curso. Finalmente, os resultados fornecem subsídios para a formulação de planos de conservação, indicando importantes áreas que poderão servir de refúgio climático para as espécies / We are currently witnessing unprecedented global climate change, which will become more severe over the years and can cause irreversible damage to biodiversity. How species will react to these changes and what conservation actions should be taken are among the most significant topics in ecology today. Climate change has been identified as a major cause of reductions (and changes) in geographic distribution and abundance of many species, and even extinction. Ecological niche models have been widely used in order to understand how the distribution of species can be affected by climate change. The models provide valuable information on the potential effect of climate change on the future distribution of species and can be used to assess how and which species may be most affected, as well as the appropriate sites for their conservation. Since important information about the species is not incorporated into the models, the knowledge about their biology and natural history is crucial for interpretating the results. In the present study a review is presented on the current state of knowledge about the four species of the genus Eunectes in relation to geographic distribution, habitat and microhabitat use, daily and seasonal activity, reproduction, body size, diet and conservation status. In addition, natural history aspects of a green anaconda (E. murinus) population were studied in forested sites in the Bonito municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, where data on movement, microhabitat use, reproduction and diet are presented. Furthermore, climate niche models were developed for each of the four species in order to understand the possible impacts of climate change under two future scenarios.Two dispersion approaches were performed, with \"free dispersion\" and \"no dispersion\". It was possible to recognize patterns in the biology of Eunectes species, identify the main knowledge gaps and to suggest where research efforts should be focused. Moreover, important data on the natural history of the green anaconda (E. murinus) were recorded. It was observed that, in relation to movement, diet and reproduction, the species apparently maintains the pattern recorded in previous studies. However, the use of the microhabitat differed substantially, with a very high number of individuals being found on trees. Future projections indicate that, for the interval between the years 2061-2080, all species, but E. notaeus, will lose a large amount of climatically suitable habitat, with E. deschauenseei being the most affected (100% loss with and without dispersion in the worst scenario). Future projections also indicate that there will be a shift in the distribution of suitable habitat for the potential occurrence of three species. Without dispersion, all species will lose area, and E. beniensis will lose 100% of suitable habitat in both climate change scenarios. The information generated by this study helps to improve the knowledge about the ecology, natural history and distribution of the species of Eunectes, as well as indicates which species may be most affected by ongoing climate change. Finally, the results provide subsidies for the formulation of conservation plans, indicating important areas that could serve as a climate refuge for the species

Esta tese versa sobre as diferentes funções para as quais a História Natural foi mobilizada em Portugal e na América Portuguesa entre 1750 e 1822. Defende-se aqui que esse domínio do saber se constituiu entre dois paradigmas ilustrados: o da Teologia Natural e o da ideia de utilidade da natureza para uso humano, sendo este segundo paradigma predominante a partir novos Estatutos da Universidade de Coimbra (1772). Para tanto, analisamos discursos de homens de ciência que fizeram parte do quadro de sócios da Academia Real das Ciências de Lisboa (1779). Em um primeiro momento, a questão é debatida por meio da análise dos novos Estatutos. Examinamos as concepções de História Natural na Ilustração e a opção dos legisladores de enfatizar um ensino voltado para a utilidade. Em seguida, atentamos para a maneira como a História Natural foi mobilizada pelo padre oratoriano Teodoro de Almeida e pelos frades franciscanos José Mayne e Manuel do Cenáculo com o intuito oferecer uma resposta pública às ideias radicais da Ilustração. Além disso, discutimos a maneira como Cenáculo apresentou uma reflexão sobre os usos que os homens poderiam tirar da natureza. Na sequência, esmiuçamos a importância de Domingos Vandelli no panorama da História Natural da segunda metade do século XVIII. Destacamos especialmente a maneira como mobilizou a Academia das Ciências para o seu projeto de inventariação \"física\" e \"econômica\" da natureza de Portugal e suas colônias, incorporando princípios da economia política. Por fim, abordamos as concepções de História Natural e o papel atribuído à providência divina no funcionamento da natureza por parte de dois naturalistas luso-brasileiros com claros vínculos aos projetos políticos do Estado português de finais do século XVIII e início do XIX: Frei José Mariano da Conceição Veloso e José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva. / This dissertation discusses the different roles of the concept of Natural History in Portugal and Portuguese America among 1750 and 1822. We propose here that this field of knowledge has been built up from two enlightened paradigms: Natural Theology and the idea of nature usefulness for human apropriation. This second paradigm prevails as from the publication of the Statutes of the University of Coimbra (1772). Therefore, we analyze the texts of men of science who integrated the board of members of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon (1779). In a first moment, this issue is debated through the analysis of the new Statutes. We examined the conceptions of Natural History in Enlightenment and the option to emphasize an education oriented by the idea of utility. Then, we attend to the manner how Oratorian priest Teodoro de Almeida and Franciscan friars José Mayne and Manuel do Cenáculo resorted to Natural History concepts, providing a public answer to the radical ideas of Enlightenment. Also, we discuss the way Cenáculo presented a reflection about the uses men could make from nature. After that, we debate the importance of Domingos Vandelli in the context of the Natural History studies in the second half of the XVIII century. We emphasize especially the way he mobilized The Royal Academy of Sciences around his project of creating an inventory of \"physics\" and \"economics\" of nature in Portugal and its colonies, incorporating principles of Political Economy. Lastly, we debated the conceptions of Natural History and the role attributed to divine providence in the working of nature by two Luso-Brazilian naturalists clearly identified to the Portuguese State\'s political projects of the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries: Friar José Mariano da Conceição Veloso and José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva.