Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Leptodactylus fuscus é uma rã de pequeno porte, que vive em áreas abertas e possui ampla distribuição, ocorrendo desde o Panamá até a Argentina. Neste estudo são apresentadas informações sobre a história natural de L. fuscus de duas localidades do lavrado de Roraima. Este estudo foi realizado entre fevereiro a julho de 2012, abrangendo parte do período seco e do período chuvoso em Roraima. As diferenças morfométricas do comprimento rostro-cloacal entre adultos machos e fêmeas foram significativas. As diferenças morfométricas do diâmetro do tímpano entre machos e fêmeas foram significativas. O padrão reprodutivo é do tipo prolongado durante o período chuvoso. Machos constroem tocas subterrâneas e atraem as fêmeas para realizarem a desova. A desova é terrestre e feita em ninho de espuma, próximas às margens de poças temporárias. O desenvolvimento dos girinos até a metamorfose leva cerca de 28 dias no campo e 44 dias no laboratório. Desovas foram observadas sendo predadas por serpentes e insetos. L. fuscus caça de espera e foi observado predando minhoca (Anellida) e grilo (Orthoptera). Na análise do conteúdo estomacal foi encontrado Orthoptera, Blattodea, Araneae, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera e Diptera. A distribuição espacial dos machos e das tocas foi agregada durante o período reprodutivo. / Leptodactylus fuscus is a small sized frog which lives in open areas and has a wide distribution, occurring from Panama to Argentina. In this study are presented information about the natural history of L. fuscus from two localities in savannas of Roraima. This study was conducted between february and july 2012, covering part of the dry period and the rainy period in Roraima. The morphometric differences in snout-vent length between adult males and females were significant. The morphological differences between the tympanic diameter of the males and females were significant. The reproductive pattern is of type prolonged during the rainy period. Males make underground burrows and they do attract females to perform spawning. The spawning is terrestrial and made in foam nest, near the banks of temporary puddles. The development of tadpole until metamorphosis takes up about 28 days in the field and 44 days in the laboratory. The spawnings were observed being preyed by snakes and insects. L. fuscus hunts waiting and was observed preying on earthworms (Anellida) and crickets (Orthoptera). In the analysis of stomach contents was found Orthoptera, Blattodea, Araneae, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. The spatial distribution of males and burrows was aggregated during the reproductive period.

Abstract Divergence of behavioral traits (e.g. courtship rituals, habitat choice) has had a major impact on species formation and isolation. Species-specific courtship rituals preventing species hybridization may arise as a by-product of natural selection during spatial isolation or through direct action of natural selection to prevent species hybridization after a secondary contact. Coordination leading to the assumption of coevolution of signals and preferences is a prerequisite for effective courtship signaling between a male and a female of the same species. We found a reasonable amount of variation in the mate traits within the Drosophila montana and D. virilis species, but our findings did not reveal evidence of the coevolution between the male courtship signals and female preference for these signals. Variation also did not cause isolation within species. The form of female preference for carrier frequency of male song was found to be stabilizing even in changing environments, when female preference for the carrier frequency and pulse length of the male song was measured at ambient temperature. D. montana females always preferred males with high frequency songs, which probably advertises the male condition. The frequency of male song decreased due to male aging, although males with larger body size were able to maintain frequencies better. Ageing also had a deterioration effect on male reproductive success. The importance of male courtship song was not only highlighted in mate choice, but also in species-recognition. We were able to persuade D. montana females to copulate with alien D. lummei species by playing them simulated song resembling the song of conspecific males. Simulated courtship songs were demonstrated to be a practical tool in studies of preference between sexually isolated Drosophila species. / Tiivistelmä Kosintapiirteiden (esim. kosintarituaalit, habitaatin valinta) vaihtelevuudella on ollut suuri vaikutus lajien muodostumisessa ja eriytymisessä. Lajien välisiä risteytymisiä estäviä lajispesifisiä kosintarituaaleja voi syntyä luonnonvalinnan sivutuotteena spatiaalisen eristäytymisen aikana tai luonnonvalinnan suoralla vaikutuksella estämään lajiristeymät lajien uudelleen kohdatessa. Tehokkaan koiraan ja naaraan välisen kosintaviestinnän edellytyksenä on koordinointi, minkä vuoksi on oletettavaa, että signaalien ja vasteiden välillä on yhteisevoluutiota. Löysimme kohtuullisen määrän vaihtelevuutta kosintapiirteissä Drosophila montana – ja D. virilis – lajeilla, mutta emme löytäneet todisteita koiraan kosintasignaalien ja naaraan näihin signaaleihin kohdistamien vasteiden välisestä yhteisevoluutiosta. Vaihtelu ei myöskään aiheuttanut isolaatiota lajien välille. Naaraan koiraan kosintalaulun kantofrekvenssiin osoittaman vasteen funktion muodon havaittiin olevan tasapainottava jopa vaihtelevissa ympäristöissä, kun naaraan kantotaajuuteen osoittamaa vastetta mitattiin eri lämpötiloissa. D. montana naaraat suosivat koiraita, joilla oli korkeataajuinen kosintalaulu. Laulun korkea taajuus kertoo luultavasti naaraalle koiraan fyysisestä kunnosta. Koiraan laulun frekvenssin havaittiin laskevan koiraan ikääntyessä, mutta isommat koiraat pystyivät paremmin säilyttämään korkean taajuuden laulussaan. Ikääntyminen heikensi myös koiraan lisääntymismenestystä. Koiraan kosintalaulun tärkeys ei korostunut pelkästään parinvalinnassa, vaan myös lajintunnistuksessa. Pystyimme suostuttelemaan D. montana –naaraat parittelemaan vieraan D. lummei –lajin kanssa käyttämällä simuloituja kosintalauluja, jotka osoittautuivat käytännöllisiksi välineiksi tutkittaessa naaraan vasteita seksuaalisesti eriytyneillä Drosophila-lajeilla.

The social reproductive inhibition evident in female common (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) and highveld (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae) mole-rats was investigated, focussing on intra- and inter-subspecies differences in gonadotropin¬releasing hormone (GnRH) neuroanatomy and neuroendocrinology and potential mechanisms mediating social infertility through the suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or GnRH synthesis or release. The molecular structure of the GnRH peptide present in highveld mole-rat tissue was determined. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) coding for GnRH was isolated from hypothalamic tissue of a female highveld mole-rat. The nucleotide sequence of the transcribed complimentary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) predicts amino acid sequences that indicate a potential polymorphism in the mature peptide. These sequences differ from classic 'mammalian' GnRH by either one or two amino acid positions. One form of mole-rat GnRH is identical to the unique GnRH expressed by guinea pigs, while the second form differs from guinea pig GnRH in one amino acid position. These results indicate that classic 'mammalian' GnRH is not the chief structural form of GnRH in the mole-rat. In both the common and highveld mole-rat, GnRH structures were loosely distributed along the septo-preoptico-infundibular pathway. Highveld mole-rats consistently had more GnRH cell bodies and higher levels of the peptide than common mole-rats. The subspecies also differed with regards to the relative distribution of GnRH cell bodies in the preoptic area and the medio-basal hypothalamus. Reproductive status and season did not influence GnRH neuroanatomy (numbers and morphology of cell bodies, distribution of GnRH structures and density of GnRH staining in the median eminence) or endogenous brain GnRH content in male or female common mole-rats. Likewise reproductive and non-reproductive male highveld mole-rats did not differ with regards to the GnRH neuroanatomical and neuroendocrinological parameters investigated. Dominant and subordinate female highveld mole-rats had similar numbers of GnRH cell bodies, and did not differ with regards to the distribution of GnRH structures. Brain GnRH levels was however significantly lower in reproductive females compared to non-reproductive females. Similarly, GnRH staining in the median eminence was significantly less intense in reproductive compared to non-reproductive females, indicating reduced release in the latter. Excess peptide most likely accumulates in the nerve terminals and the cell bodies. Endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) are tentatively considered to playa role in the socially-induced infertility in non-reproductive female highveld mole-rats. Intact reproductive females and intact and ovariectmized non-reproductive females were treated with the opioid antagonist naloxone, alone and in different combinations with exogenous GnRH, to establish the role of EOPs and gonadal hormones in the reduced GnRH release evident in subordinate female highveld mole-rats. Naloxone treatment failed to alter plasma LH levels in any of the intact groups, while ovariectomized non-reproductive females showed a significant response. The pituitary response to a GnRH challenge was not influenced by either a single naloxone administration or longer term naloxone-priming regimens. In the absence of the negative feedback effects of gonadal steroids following ovariectomy, non¬reproductive females showed GnRH-chalienged plasma LH levels similar to that seen in intact reproductive females, both being significantly higher compared to intact non-reproductive females. Steroid-dependent mechanisms altering GnRH secretion and/or pituitary sensitivity to the endogenous peptide may therefore playa role in the social reproductive regulation displayed by the highveld mole-rat. EOPs may be indirectly involved in steroid negative feedback suppression of GnRH. In conclusion, the GnRH neuroanatomy and neuroendocrinology of female common mole-rats provide no evidence for a physiological component to the behavioural reproductive restraint in subordinate females due to incest avoidance. Non¬reproductive female highveld mole-rats are, however, temporarily infertile due to pituitary insensitivity to GnRH coupled with suppressed hypothalamic GnRH release potentially mediated by steroid-dependent mechanisms. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

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This dissertation examines the role of nongovernmental public action (NGPA) in the controversial field of adolescent fertility in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago (Chile) and Montevideo (Uruguay). Embracing a comparative perspective the study investigates the modes in which national policy and institutional environments shape the role of civil society organizations and their margins of autonomy vis a vis other powerful actors such as the State and the Catholic church. Forty one organizations whose mission includes the prevention of teenage pregnancy or the support of teenage parents were studied using a multi-method approach to explore cross national similarities and differences. An exhaustive account of national and subnational policies and programs in this field demonstrates the existence of isomorphic trends in the treatment and framing of adolescent reproductive behavior as a critical issue of public policy in each country. Similarly in all three countries women’s rights organizations play a critical role in the legal recognition and enforcement of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive rights while pro-poor organizations are fundamental actors in addressing the specific needs of teenage mothers and their children. However, important cross national differences were found regarding the modes in which NGPA engages with governmental agencies. As distinctive national marks, the study reveals a strong presence of NGOs in the role of rights watchdogs and monitors in Argentina, a strong alliance between central government structures and technical NGOs to confront resistances to reforms in Chile, and the utilization of NGOs as service providers in detriment of their participation in phases of policy design in Uruguay. Although the language of rights has colonized most of the surveyed organizations, adult-centric practices and discourses are still defining the interaction with adolescents. Adolescent’s demands are rarely voiced and only a few organizations favor their engagement in contentious politics and community activism. Nongovernmental autonomy is severely curtailed as a result of the influence of religion, and the lack of state modernization or financial opportunities, in the three countries. On theoretical grounds, the study highlights the importance of public policy as the arena where the potential of civil society can be maximized. / text

Reproductive behavior and its pattern in the South Kazakhstan region Abstract This study is focused on reproductive behavior issues in the South Kazakhstan region over the period from 1999 to 2010. The main objective is to contribute to the scientific cognition of reproductive attitudes, intentions and its realization among South Kazakhstani couples. The analysis is based on data collected for couples in the survey "Reproductive behavior of a family of Kazakhstan" held in the year 2007. In addition to that, trends in population development and impact of recent socio-economic changes on reproductive behavior in the selected region are studied. Differences in age, sex, ethnicity, place of residence as well as religious affiliation, educational attainment and respondents' incomes are considered in data analysis. The results of fertility decomposition method showed, that recent increase in fertility was predominantly caused by the factor of age-specific fertility rate. Factors of urban-rural difference and birth order were not significant. With regard to reproductive attitudes, intentions and its realization it was found that reproductive preferences among South Kazakhstani couples were devoted to a large family, while their reproductive intentions were focused on two-three children at most. Keywords:...

Opogona sacchari (Bojer, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) é uma praga cosmopolita conhecida popularmente como traça-da-banana. Este trabalho visou conhecer as principais etapas do comportamento sexual de O. sacchari, e isolar quimicamente os compostos de seu feromônio sexual. Para caracterizar as atividades do comportamento sexual, 80 casais recém-emergidos foram observados e dados sobre o horário de início e fim, duração, idade do primeiro acasalamento e número de cópulas foram registrados. O extrato natural do feromônio sexual foi obtido por (i) aeração das fêmeas virgens, e (ii) extração das glândulas das fêmeas virgens. Os extratos naturais foram analisados por GC/EAG utilizando as antenas dos machos para avaliar as atividades eletrofisiológicas; os extratos foram também analisados em GC/MS. As cópulas ocorreram a partir da sexta hora da escotofase, com duração de aproximadamente 2 horas. Os adultos acasalaram com até 72 h de idade, com o pico das atividades com 24 horas após a emergência. As antenas dos machos apresentaram três respostas eletroantenográficas (picos) ao extrato do feromônio natural de fêmeas virgens. O composto \"C1\" foi selecionado como candidato ao feromônio sexual de O. sacchari. Quatro isômeros do composto candidato ao feromônio sexual promoveram respostas eletrofisiológicas nas antenas dos machos, idênticas ao extrato natural das fêmeas. Novas etapas envolvendo testes de campo deverão ser realizadas a fim de definir os compostos ativos deste feromônio e em quais proporções serão mais eficientes na atração dos machos. / Opogona sacchari (Bojer, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) is a cosmopolitan crop pest, commonly known as banana moth. The goals of this study were to investigate the stages of sexual behavior for O. sacchari and to isolate their sex pheromone. In order to characterize the sexual behavior, 80 newly emerged sexual pairs were observed and data on their age, duration and frequency of mating\'s were recorded. The natural sex pheromone was extracted by (i) headspace collection of virgin females, and (ii) gland extraction of virgin females. Extracts were analyzed by GC/EAD using male antennae to monitor electrophysiological activity; extracts were also analyzed by GC/MS. Copulation occurs from the sixth hour of the scotophase and lasts approximately 2 hours. Adults mate for up to 72 hours, with the peak of sexual activity at 24 hours after emergence. Male antennae showed three electroantennogram responses (peaks) to extracts of virgin females. The putative sex pheromone was identified as \"C1\". Four isomers of this pheromone candidate promoted electrophysiological response as the same natural female extract. New steps involving field tests will be carried out to define the active component of this pheromone and proportions most effective for male attraction.

The relationship between religion and reproductive behavior in demographic perspective Abstract The aim of this thesis is to provide a deeper discussion of the relationship of religion to reproductive behavior at the theoretical, methodological and practical level. The secondary objective is to introduce a recently formed branch called religious demography. The main part of the thesis is of a theoretical and methodological character, and is built on the comprehensive elaboration of the foreign literature, which is dealing with the theme of religion and reproductive behavior. In the first chapter, the latest processes and changes that occur on the religious scene and difficulties associated just with the research in this area are described. The second chapter is dealing with general methodological problems, which are mainly related to the operationalization of religion and the availability of data needed to examine the relationship of religion to reproductive behavior. The third chapter then presents two demographic prospects, which reveal two different ways of relationships, showing how to deal with the religion and the demographic reproduction. In the final part a model example is introduced, based on principles of religious demography. The example is built on data of the individual categories of...

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Introdução: As escolhas relacionadas à fecundidade são complexas e envolvem idéias e valores das sociedades e de seus integrantes. Existem muitos estudos que procuram explicar a fecundidade a partir de variáveis socioeconômicas e culturais, mas não indagam os motivos que teriam levado as mulheres a proceder de uma forma ou de outra para a formação de suas famílias. A fecundidade abaixo do nível de reposição é observada nos grandes centros urbanos brasileiros há algumas décadas, mas permanecem diferenciais intra-urbanos que precisam ser identificados, assim como seus determinantes. Objetivo: Identificar os diferenciais de fecundidade no município de Curitiba e contribuir para o conhecimento e entendimento do comportamento reprodutivo, motivações e vivência das mulheres com alta fecundidade. Metodologia: Pesquisa quantitativa e qualitativa, de caráter descritivo e exploratório. Analisou-se inicialmente a tendência da fecundidade e os diferenciais por bairro. O estudo na etapa quantitativa incluiu 441 mulheres residentes em Curitiba que tiveram o quinto ou mais filhos nascidos vivos em 2005, identificadas pelo SINASC. Para coleta dos dados nesta etapa utilizou-se questionário semi-estruturado. Os dados foram organizados em banco de dados Access e analisados com o uso do programa computacional Statistica v.8.0. Os sujeitos da etapa qualitativa constituíram-se de nove mulheres entrevistadas em profundidade a partir de roteiro temático. Os dados qualitativos foram interpretados seguindo os ensinamentos da \"análise de conteúdo\". Resultados: A taxa de fecundidade em Curitiba chegou a 1,5 filhos por mulher em 2005, mas com diferenciais intra-urbanos. Nove dos 75 bairros de Curitiba concentravam 59,6% das mulheres com alta fecundidade. Cerca de 90% das entrevistadas tiveram mais filhos do que desejavam. O número ideal de filhos referidos variou entre 2,4 e 2,9. No momento da entrevista 85% das mulheres usavam algum método contraceptivo com prevalência da laqueadura e da pílula. A esterilização voluntária foi efetivada para apenas 36,4% das mulheres e 42% dos homens solicitantes. A auto-avaliação de saúde não boa foi referida por 40% das mulheres. As entrevistadas relataram dificuldade de acesso aos programas de proteção social e à casa própria. Contribuíram para o maior número de filhos, as falhas dos programas de planejamento familiar, a falta de informação e domínio da negociação no uso dos métodos contraceptivos, as desigualdades de gênero e a vulnerabilidade psico-afetiva das mulheres. As entrevistadas da etapa qualitativa vivenciaram trajetórias reprodutivas e produtivas conflituosas marcadas pelas desigualdades sociais e de gênero. A maioria das mulheres do estudo apresentava elevada vulnerabilidade social. Conclusões: Uma diversidade de fatores, além dos socioeconômicos, exerce influência na definição da maternidade e do número de filhos. Identificou-se que são necessárias medidas que implementem o acesso à contracepção, a inclusão dos homens neste processo, a capacitação de profissionais para a assistência sexual e reprodutiva. São indispensáveis a promoção de políticas compatíveis para realização da maternidade, que facilitem a participação das mulheres no mercado de trabalho e promovam a eqüidade entre os sexos tanto neste mercado quanto no âmbito doméstico e medidas efetivas de proteção social. A liberação da laqueadura no pós-parto normal imediato foi recomendada, com vistas a agilizar e facilitar o acesso das mulheres a este procedimento. / Introduction: The choices concerning about fertility are complex because they involve ideas and values of societies and their members. Many studies seek to explain the fertility socioeconomic and cultural changeable but don\'t consider the women reasons to select one way or another to form their families. The fertility rate below the replacement is observed in Brazilians urban centers a few decades ago, but is necessary to identify the intra-urban differentials remain and its determinants. Objective: To identify the fertility differentials in Curitiba and to contribute to the women with high fertility reproductive behavior knowledge and comprehension, their motivations and experiences. Methodology: quantitative and qualitative researches, descriptive and exploratory in nature. The trend in fertility and the differentials were examined by neighborhood initially. The study included 441 women living in Curitiba which had the fifth or more children born alive in 2005 and identified by SINASC. In this step the data collect used a semi-structured questionnaire. They were organized in Access database and analyzed using the Statistica computer program, v.8.0. Nine women were the qualitative phase subjects interviewed in depth from thematic roadmap. Qualitative data were interpreted by following the teachings of the \" contents analysis.\" Results: The rate of fertility in Curitiba reached 1.5 children per woman in 2005, but with intra-urban differentials. Nine of the 75 districts of Curitiba concentrated 59.6% of women with high fertility. About 90% of respondents had more children than desired. The ideal number of children referred ranged between 2.4 and 2.9. At the time of the interview 85% of women were using contraceptive methods, with prevalence of sterilization and the pill. The voluntary sterilization was carried out for only 36.4% of women and 42% of male applicants. The self-assessment of health \"not good\" was cited by 40% of women. Interviewees reported difficulty of access to programs of social protection and housing. Contributed to the largest number of children, the failures of programs for family planning, lack of information and area of negotiation in the use of contraceptive methods, inequalities of gender and psycho-emotional vulnerability of women. Subjects of qualitative stage experienced conflict trajectories reproductive and productive marked by social inequality and gender. Most women in the study had high social vulnerability. Conclusions: A variety of factors, in addition to the socioeconomic, exerts influence on the definition of motherhood and the number of children. It was identified that are necessary to implement the access to contraception, the inclusion of men in this process, the training of professionals for sexual and reproductive assistance. Its essential to promote politics for consistent implementation of motherhood, to facilitate the participation of women in the labor market and promote equity between the sexes in this market as both under domestic and effective measures of social protection. The release of sterilization in the immediate post-normal delivery was recommended, in order to expedite and facilitate women\'s access to this procedure.