Thesis (M.Sc.). / Written for the Dept. of Geography. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2004. / Includes bibliography.

Orientadores: Valéria Maia Merzel, Anete Pereira de Souza / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T08:16:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ottoni_JuliaRonzella_D.pdf: 14116261 bytes, checksum: f49982ceaff5d9b1dd9c87dcf8c01fcf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Os manguezais são ecossistemas peculiares de alta atividade biológica, considerados um dos ambientes mais ricos do mundo. No Brasil, os manguezais ainda são pouco estudados, tornando o conhecimento e exploração de micro-organismos e seus metabólitos nesses ecossistemas um tópico importante. Os manguezais são ambientes adversos, caracterizados, em muitos casos, pela alta salinidade, variações constantes de pH e temperatura, e condições anóxicas. Micro-organismos adaptados à essas condições podem ser fontes de moléculas bioativas ainda desconhecidas e de interesse ambiental e econômico. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como um dos objetivos analisar a diversidade taxonômica e funcional presente em sedimento de manguezal contaminado com petróleo através do sequenciamento de uma biblioteca metagenômica construída em vetor do tipo fosmídio. As análises taxonômicas da biblioteca metagenômica mostraram predominância do filo Proteobacteria, seguido por Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Cloroflexi e Bacteroidetes. Em nível de classe, a mais abundante foi Gamaproteobacteria, seguida de Alfaproteobacteria e Deltaproteobacteria. A diversidade taxonômica se reflete na diversidade metabólica, com espécies capazes de degradar hidrocarbonetos, oxidar enxofre em zonas de transição oxica-anóxica costeiras, transformar metais pesados e outros compostos xenobióticos, dentre outras habilidades. Em adição, foram realizadas triagens funcionais com 4.800 clones da biblioteca e 215 isolados bacterianos para esterase e lipase, 5.184 clones para atividade proteolítica e os genomas de duas bactérias foram analisados in silico na busca de genes que codificam para atividade de catalase. As triagens dos clones resultaram em 17 hits positivos para esterases que posteriormente se revelaram falsos-positivos, e 182 hits positivos para proteases nos ensaios com sondas, sendo 60 hits positivos no pH 4,0, 55 no pH 7,0 e 67 no pH 9,0. Nos ensaios com isolados de bactérias foram detectados 42 com atividade de esterase e 20 com atividade de lipase, sendo que a melhor atividade de esterase foi obtida com um isolado de Gordonia sp. e a melhor atividade de lipase foi obtida para um isolado de Bacillus safensis. Estes dois isolados já possuem seus genomas sequenciados e uma análise in silico foi realizada para busca dos respectivos genes de atividade lipolítica. Na busca in silico por catalases foi selecionada uma sequência completa para ensaios de expressão. Foram desenhados pares de primers para amplificação dos genes das três enzimas e, destes, os genes da lipase e da catalase foram expressos, ambos do Bacillus safensis. A caracterização funcional e estrutural foi realizada com a catalase, cujo gene possui 1500 pb, é um tetrâmero composto por 4 monômeros de 59 kDa cada, ativa em intervalo de pH de 6,0 a 12 e temperaturas de 25 ºC a 55 ºC, com atividade ótima em pH 10 e 30 ºC e estável até 40 ºC. Os resultados mostraram que o mangue impactado é composto por populações microbianas adaptadas ao ambiente, e também responsáveis pela degradação de compostos xenobióticos, auxiliando na sua recuperação. A abordagem metagenômica foi bem sucedida nas triagens funcionais para proteases, indicando um grande potencial proteolítico no ambiente. As triagens funcionais com os isolados mostraram a presença de enzimas lipolíticas ativas, e a catalase expressa exibiu características funcionais interessantes, tais como atividade ótima em pH 10 e estabilidade térmica até 40 ºC, com potencial aplicação industrial / Abstract: Mangroves are unique ecosystems of high biological activity and are considered one of the richest environments in the world. In Brazil, mangroves are still poorly studied, making the knowledge of microorganisms and their metabolites in these ecosystems an important topic. Mangroves are harsh environments characterized, in many cases, by high salinity, high pH and temperature variations, and anoxic conditions. Microorganisms adapted to these conditions may be sources of yet unknown bioactive molecules of environmental and economic interest. In this context, one of the objectives of the present study was to analyze the taxonomic and functional diversity present in mangrove sediment contaminated with oil through the sequencing of a metagenomic library constructed using fosmid vector. The taxonomic analysis of the metagenomic library showed predominance of Proteobacteria phylum, followed by Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi and Bacteroidetes. At class level, the most abundant was Gammaproteobacteria, followed by Alphaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria. The taxonomic diversity is reflected in the metabolic diversity, with species capable of degrading hydrocarbons, oxidizing sulfur in oxic-anoxic coastal transition zones, transforming heavy metals and other xenobiotic compounds, among other skills. In addition, functional screenings were performed with 4,800 fosmid clones and 215 bacterial isolates for esterases and lipases, and with 5,184 clones for proteolytic activity and the genomes of two bacteria were analyzed in silico to search for genes encoding catalase activity. The screening of the clones resulted in 17 positive hits for esterases that later proved to be false-positive, and 182 positive hits for proteases using probe-based assays: 60 positive hits at pH 4.0, 55 at pH 7.0 and 67 at pH 9.0. Tests with bacterial isolates yielded 42 positive hits for esterase activity and 20 for lipase activity. The best esterase activity was obtained with one isolate of Gordonia sp. and the best lipase activity was obtained with one isolate of Bacillus safensis. These two isolates have their genomes already sequenced and in silico analyses were performed in the search for the respective genes of lipolytic activity. In silico analysis for catalase genes was performed and a complete sequence was selected for expression assays. Primer pairs were designed to amplify the genes encoding the three enzymes, and of these, lipase and catalase were expressed, both from Bacillus safensis. The functional and structural characterization was carried out with catalase, which gene has 1500 bp, it is a tetramer composed of four monomers of 59 kDa each, active in the pH range from 6.0 to 12 and temperatures of 25 °C to 55 °C, with optimum activity at pH 10 and 30 °C and stable until 40 ºC. The results showed that oil-impacted mangrove is composed by microbial populations adapted to the environment, responsible for the degradation of xenobiotics and assisting in the recovery of the mangrove. The metagenomics approach was successful in the functional screening for proteases, indicating a great proteolytic potential in the environment. Functional screening with the bacterial isolates showed presence of active lipolytic enzymes, and the expressed catalase exhibited unique functional characteristics, such as optimal activity at pH 10 and thermal stability until 40 ºC, with potential industrial application / Doutorado / Genetica de Microorganismos / Doutora em Genética e Biologia Molecular

No description available.

Orientador: Fosca Pedini Pereira Leite / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T22:36:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Garcia_AbelFurlan_M.pdf: 2175839 bytes, checksum: 3883ef33f2fc268ad9117685b3795634 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: As algas do gênero Bostrychia, juntamente com outras algas, formam uma comunidade que está presente nos costões, bem como associadas com pneumatóforos nos manguezais. Sua estrutura complexa propicia a retenção de sedimento, água e matéria orgânica, bem como um mosaico de algas que varia temporalmente e, formando microhabitats que são refúgios para a fauna. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a distribuição da fauna associada à comunidade de algas Bostrychietum e os fatores que influenciam a sua distribuição. Foram amostrados dois costões rochosos e uma área de manguezal no litoral norte do Estado de São Paulo. Nestes locais, foram realizadas quatro coletas durante o ano de 2012, sendo obtidas amostras para a identificação da fauna associada e para a análise de fatores ambientais (teor de matéria orgânica e granulometria do sedimento). O peso da amostra (peso seco da alga + do sedimento) foi usado para o cálculo da densidade de indivíduos. A composição das algas variou nos meses amostrados em todos os locais. Amostras do mesolitoral apresentaram mais espécies de algas associadas que as do supralitoral. Tal fato influenciou a distribuição da macrofauna, uma vez que a diversidade diminuiu nas amostras com menos espécies de algas. Os moluscos e anfípodes onívoros foram abundantes em todas as amostras, sendo os anfípodes Hyalidae dominantes. A interação entre as variações sazonais das algas da comunidade e o hidrodinamismo modula a distribuição da macrofauna nos costões. No manguezal, os pneumatóforos mais próximos da água apresentaram diferenças com relação às amostras do interior do mangue quanto à composição de algas e da fauna associada. O Bostrychietum é, portanto um microecossistema com vários fatores modulando as interações entre as espécies, sendo necessárias maiores investigações das relações existentes entre as espécies e os fatores ambientais atuantes / Abstract: The algae of the genus Bostrychia together with other algae form a community present in rocky shores as well as associated to pneumatophoresin mangroves. Both their complex structure with ramifications which provide sediment, water and organic matter retention and the algae mosaic that varies seasonally foster microhabitats which are refuges for the fauna during low tide periods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of fauna associated wih algal community Bostrychietum and the factors that influence their distribution.Two rocky shores and one mangrove area in the Northern shore of São Paulo State were sampled. In these sites four samplings were made during the year of 2012: samples were collected for the identification of the associated fauna and for the analysis of environmental factors (organic matter content and sediment grain size). The weight of the sample (alga dry weight + sediment dry weight) was used to calculate the density of individuals. The algal composition varied through the sampled months as well as in relation to distance from the sea. Samples located in the mesolittotal presented more algal species associated. Such fact influenced macrofauna distribution since diversity was lower for samples containing less algal species. Omnivore mollusks and amphipods were abundant in all samples, Hyalidae amphipods being dominant.The interaction between seasonal variations of the algae in the community and the hydrodynamics modulates the distribution of macrofauna on the rocky shores. In the mangroves, those pneumatophores closer to the water presented diferences in relation to the composition of algae and associated fauna compared to samples from inner parts of the mangrove. Thus, Bostrychietum is a microecosystem with many factors modulating the interactions between species, making further investigation on the existing relationships between species and the operating environmental factors necessary / Mestrado / Ecologia / Mestre em Ecologia

<p>Protecting public health is the most legitimate use of zoning, and yet there is minimal progress in applying it to the obesity problem. Zoning could potentially be used to address both unhealthy and healthy food retailers, but lack of evidence regarding the impact of zoning and public opinion on zoning changes are barriers to implementing zoning restrictions on fast food on a larger scale. My dissertation addresses these gaps in our understanding of health zoning as a policy option for altering built, food environments. </p><p>Chapter 1 examines the relationship between food swamps and obesity and whether spatial mapping might be useful in identifying priority geographic areas for zoning interventions. I employ an instrumental variables (IV) strategy to correct for the endogeneity problems associated with food environments, namely that individuals may self-select into certain neighborhoods and may consider food availability in their decision process. I utilize highway exits as a source of exogenous variation .Using secondary data from the USDA Food Environment Atlas, ordinary least squares (OLS) and IV regression models were employed to analyze cross-sectional associations between local food environments and the prevalence of obesity. I find even after controlling for food desert effects, food swamps have a positive, statistically significant effect on adult obesity rates.</p><p>Chapter 2 applies theories of message framing and prospect theory to the emerging discussion around health zoning policies targeting food environments and to explore public opinion toward a list of potential zoning restrictions on fast-food restaurants (beyond moratoriums on new establishments). In order to explore causality, I employ an online survey experiment manipulating exposure to vignettes with different message frames about health zoning restrictions with two national samples of adult Americans age 18 and over (N1=2,768 and N2=3,236). The second sample oversamples Black Americans (N=1,000) and individuals with high school as their highest level of education. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of six conditions where they were primed with different message frames about the benefits of zoning restrictions on fast food retailers. Participants were then asked to indicate their support for six zoning policies on a Likert scale. Subjects also answered questions about their food store access, eating behaviors, health status and perceptions of food stores by type. </p><p>I find that a message frame about Nutrition and increasing Equity in the food system was particularly effective at increasing support for health zoning policies targeting fast food outlets across policy categories (Conditional, Youth-related, Performance and Incentive) and across racial groups. This finding is consistent with an influential environmental justice scholar’s description of “injustice frames” as effective in mobilizing supporters around environmental issues (Taylor 2000). I extend this rationale to food environment obesity prevention efforts and identify Nutrition combined with Equity frames as an arguably universal campaign strategy for bolstering public support of zoning restrictions on fast food retailers.</p><p>Bridging my findings from both Chapters 1 and 2, using food swamps as a spatial metaphor may work to identify priority areas for policy intervention, but only if there is an equitable distribution of resources and mobilization efforts to improve consumer food environments. If the structural forces which ration access to land-use planning persist (arguably including the media as gatekeepers to information and producers of message frames) disparities in obesity are likely to widen.</p> / Dissertation

Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus .L) swamp is the most species rich habitat that play vital hydrological, ecological, and economic roles in central tropical and western African wetlands. However, the existence of papyrus vegetation is endangered due to intensification of agricultural use and human encroachment. Techniques for modelling the distribution of papyrus swamps, quantity and quality are therefore critical for the rapid assessment and proactive management of papyrus vegetation. In this regard, remote sensing techniques provide rapid, potentially cheap, and relatively accurate strategies to accomplish this task. This study advocates the development of techniques based on hyperspectral remote sensing technology to accurately map and predict biomass of papyrus vegetation in a high mixed species environment of St Lucia- South Africa which has been overlooked in scientific research. Our approach was to investigate the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing at two levels of investigation: field level and airborne platform level. First, the study provides an overview of the current use of both multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing techniques in mapping the quantity and the quality of wetland vegetation as well as the challenges and the need for further research. Second, the study explores whether papyrus can be discriminated from each one of its coexistence species (binary class). Our results showed that, at full canopy cover, papyrus vegetation can be accurately discriminated from its entire co-existing species using a new hierarchical method based on three integrated analysis levels and field spectrometry under natural field conditions. These positive results prompted the need to test the use of canopy hyperspectral data resampled to HYMAP resolution and two machine learning algorithms in identifying key spectral bands that allowed for better discrimination among papyrus and other co-existing species (n = 3) (multi-class classification). Results showed that the random forest algorithm (RF) simplified the process by identifying the minimum number of spectral bands that provided the best overall accuracies. Narrow band NDVI and SR-based vegetation indices calculated from hyperspectral data as well as some vegetation indices published in literature were investigated to test their potential in improving the classification accuracy of wetland plant species. The study also evaluated the robustness and reliability of RF as a variables selection method and as a classification algorithm in identifying key spectral bands that allowed for the successful classification of wetland species. Third, the focus was to upscale the results of field spectroscopy analysis to airborne hyperspectral sensor (AISA eagle) to discriminate papyrus and it co-existing species. The results indicated that specific wavelengths located in the visible, red-edge, and near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum have the highest potential of discriminating papyrus from the other species. Finally, the study explored the ability of narrow NDVI-based vegetation indices calculated from hyperspectral data in predicting the green above ground biomass of papyrus. The results demonstrated that papyrus biomass can be modelled with relatively low error of estimates using a non-linear RF regression algorithm. This provided a basis for the algorithm to be used in mapping wetland biomass in highly complex environments. Overall, the study has demonstrated the potential of remote sensing techniques in discriminating papyrus swamps and its co-existing species as well as in predicting biomass. Compared to previous studies, the RF model applied in this study has proved to be a robust, accurate, and simple new method for variables selection, classification, and modelling of hyperspectral data. The results are important for establishing a baseline of the species distributions in South African swamp wetlands for future monitoring and control efforts. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

This thesis examines pond aquaculture as a development strategy in the Philippines, with particular reference to its impact on the local environment and the livelihoods of local people. / A theoretical framework is provided by recent literature in development studies and human geography, which attempts to move away from an essentialist and ethnocentric development praxis, and towards a locally-based, participatory process of empowerment. From the perspective of such 'alternative' development ideas, orthodox strategies involving modernization, formalization of economic activities, and resource mobilization, can be reassessed. / The promotion of pond aquaculture--and the widespread mangrove deforestation associated with it--is shown to be a strategy endorsed and supported by national and international development agencies. What is often overlooked, however, is the local ecological and economic importance of mangrove ecosystems. This study examines the effects of mangrove removal and fishpond development on the entitlements of people in three coastal communities in the Philippines. Aquacultural development is shown to have detrimental effects on the integrity of the coastal ecosystem and the livelihoods of certain groups of local residents; a rich common property resource is converted into a privately-owned system of cultivation. While benefits accrue to those with access to the capital necessary for the construction of fishponds, the costs of development are borne largely by mangrove gatherers and artisanal fisherfolk, whose share of a diminishing resource base is steadily declining. For these marginal groups, aquaculture is shown to provide few compensating economic benefits. / The study supports, through concrete local evidence, the criticisms made of orthodox approaches to development, and the need to construct attitudes and strategies which are more attuned to local sustainability and equity.

No description available.

El proyecto de Centro de Interpretación de la biodiversidad de los humedales en Pantanos de Villa, el cual se encuentra dentro de la categoría de importancia internacional o sitio RAMSAR concedido en 1997. El propósito es concientizar a los ciudadanos para poder conservar, preservar y difundir los humedales ya que se encuentran frente a un gran peligro entre conflictos ambientales y como apropiación por parte de los vecinos en la zona protegida. El proyecto emplazado en la zona de amortiguamiento busca evitar seguir teniendo o creando barreras entre arquitectura, ciudadanos y el ecosistema, es decir, lograr conectarlos con su historia, importancia y cuidado. Se logrará por medio del énfasis de la biomímesis para que el proyecto logre que a través de la educación es frenar y que se tome conciencia sobre la degradación del espacio y permitir transmitir hacia los visitantes y turistas el valor e importancia del ecosistema en base a sus principios ya que funciona como filtro entre el entorno inmediato y el interior. / The project of Interpretation Center of the biodiversity of the wetlands in Pantanos de Villa, which is within the category of international importance or RAMSAR site granted in 1997. The purpose is to raise awareness among citizens to be able to conserve, preserve and disseminate the wetlands as they are facing great danger between environmental conflicts and as appropriation by neighbors in the protected area. The project located in the buffer zone seeks to avoid continuing to have or creating barriers between architecture, citizens and the ecosystem, that is, to connect them with their history, importance and care. It will be achieved through the emphasis on biomimicry so that the project achieves that through education it is to stop and raise awareness about the degradation of the space and allow to transmit to visitors and tourists the value and importance of the ecosystem based on its principles since it works as a filter between the immediate environment and the interior. / Trabajo de investigación