Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Claudia Pittiglio, Sean Shadomy, Ahmed El Idrissi, Baba Soumare, Juan Lubroth, Yilma Makonnen
Summary: Anthrax is a globally distributed but neglected zoonotic disease, with hyper-endemicity in West Africa. By analyzing outbreak data from different sources and combining it with environmental variables, it was found that anthrax outbreaks in the region significantly increased with incremental changes in precipitation and vegetation growth during the transition from dry to wet season. Livestock density, precipitation seasonality, NDVI, and alkaline soils were identified as key predictors of anthrax suitability. The study optimized the use of limited datasets and ecological niche modeling to generate risk maps, informing public and animal health strategies.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Shagun Chaudhary, Lloyd H. C. Chua, Arun Kansal
Summary: This study examines the uncertainty of stormwater quality modeling and highlights the significance of distinguishing the differences in washoff behavior and results between catchments in different climate zones.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Fausto Henrique Vieira Araujo, Alexandre Ferreira da Silva, Rodrigo Soares Ramos, Sabrina Rodrigues Ferreira, Jose Barbosa dos Santos, Ricardo Siqueira da Silva, Farzin Shabani
Summary: This study used modeling to predict the suitable areas for Striga asiatica invasion under current and future climate change scenarios. The results showed high suitability areas in South America, Africa, and Europe. There were both agreement and disagreement between different methods in certain regions.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Daniele Jovem-Azevedo, Jose Fernandes Bezerra-Neto, Maria Joao Feio, Rodrigo Fernandes, Wilma Izabelly Ananias Gomes, Sidinei Magela Thomaz, Joseline Molozzi
Summary: This study investigated the abundance of the non-native mollusk Melanoides tuberculata in Brazilian reservoirs, finding that abiotic factors like water depth and temperature were more important than biotic resistance (native macroinvertebrate richness) in explaining the mollusk's abundance. The study suggests that factors related to species' niches play a crucial role in the invasion processes of M. tuberculata.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul D. Krushelnycky, Lucas Berio Fortini, Jeffrey Mallinson, Jesse M. Felts
Summary: Accurate estimation of habitat suitability is crucial for assisting species in tracking climate change. Standard species distribution models (SDMs) might not accurately evaluate climatic suitability due to disequilibrium dynamics and the inability to identify suitable climate regions with no analogues in the current range. An alternative approach is to test performance with experimental introductions and model suitability based on empirical results. This study used such an approach with the Haleakala silversword, finding that using mean rainfall and air temperature resulted in effective explanation of survival variations. The empirical model was then applied to estimate current suitability, identify trends over the past three decades, and project future suitability. The results indicated low suitability for long-term restoration in most of the current range but revealed high suitability in areas where the plants are currently absent, contrasting with the projections obtained from a standard SDM.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tatiana Geler Roffe, Stephane Couturier, Arturo Garcia-Romero
Summary: The occurrence and combination of extreme meteorological events have a significant impact on forests and protected areas worldwide. A study in Cuba's Alejandro de Humboldt National Park assessed the impact of megadisturbance on different forest types between 2001 and 2017. The results showed that approximately 16% of the park's total area, predominantly tropical rainforests, were affected by megadisturbance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Boniface K. Ngarega, John M. Nzei, Josphat K. Saina, Marwa Waseem A. Halmy, Jin-Ming Chen, Zhi-Zhong Li
Summary: Understanding the influence of environmental covariates on the distribution of aquatic plant species is crucial, particularly in the context of climate change. This study focuses on Ottelia, an important aquatic genus, and examines the effects of climate change on its distribution in Africa. The findings highlight the significance of topography and climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, in shaping the distribution patterns of Ottelia species. The study also emphasizes the importance of water-temperature conditions and the potential impacts of climate change on fragmentation and habitat loss. Additionally, the assessment of niche overlap provides insights into the similarities among Ottelia species. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect natural Ottelia populations and provides valuable information for understanding the distribution of Ottelia species in Africa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olivier M. Zannou, Daniele Da Re, Achille S. Ouedraogo, Abel S. Biguezoton, Emmanuel Abatih, Kouassi Patrick Yao, Souaibou Farougou, Laetitia Lempereur, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Claude Saegerman
Summary: Ticks are important due to their ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases are particularly significant in tropical and sub-tropical countries. This study developed models to predict suitable habitat for Rhipicephalus microplus distribution in West Africa. The models performed well, with temperature and vegetation index identified as key factors. Coastal countries were found to be the most suitable, but some Sahelian areas were also favorable. Vector surveillance and control are crucial in countries with predicted suitable habitat.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luis Mejia-Ortiz, Mary C. Christman, Tanja Pipan, David C. Culver
Summary: The study in two caves near Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, found variations in relative humidity at different sites, with deviations concentrated at the end of nortes and beginning of the rainy season. Most sites showed strong seasonality in RH, but periods of constant high humidity were not consistent. The troglomorphic fauna was uniformly spread throughout the caves, without concentration in specific RH conditions.
Article
Forestry
Md. Shawkat I. Sohel, Adriana Vega Grau, Jeffrey J. McDonnell, John Herbohn
Summary: It was found that the majority of tree species in tropical forests rely on water from shallow soil layers, with trees of high wood density, slow growth, and small size showing the highest dependence on shallow soil water.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Anja Rammig, David M. Lapola
Summary: Observational data shows a decrease in carbon sink in undisturbed African and Amazonian tropical rainforest, while simulations from Earth system models fail to reproduce this decline.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Komlavi Akpoti, Thomas P. Higginbottom, Timothy Foster, Roshan Adhikari, Sander J. Zwart
Summary: Small-scale irrigation has become a focus in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a recent study in Ghana's Upper East Region showing the importance of considering both biophysical factors and socio-economic variables to determine suitability for development. Factors such as travel time to cities, access to small reservoirs, and population density were found to be top predictors. The study highlighted the need for strategic road development and improved support for farmers to enhance market accessibility in areas suitable for small-scale irrigation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez, Mark G. Tjoelker, Jonathan Lenoir, John B. Baumgartner, Linda J. Beaumont, David A. Nipperess, Sally A. Power, Benoit Richard, Paul D. Rymer, Rachael Gallagher
Summary: This research found that over half of urban tree species currently experience non-ideal climate conditions, and the risk is projected to increase by 2050 due to climate change. The study also highlights cities where all tree species are at risk.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ricardo Hideo Taniwaki, Davi Gasparini Fernandes Cunha, Camila Bolfarini Bento, Luiz Antonio Martinelli, Emily H. Stanley, Solange Filoso, Murilo de Souza Ferreira, Marcus Vinicius Franca, Jose Wagner Ribeiro Junior, Luis Cesar Schiesari, Janaina Braga do Carmo
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of sugarcane cultivation on methane fluxes and concentrations in tropical streams in Southeastern Brazil, finding higher methane fluxes and concentrations during the summer and in streams with preserved catchments. Water chemistry factors such as dissolved oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, water velocity, and conductivity were found to influence methane concentrations in the studied streams.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caio R. C. Mattos, Guilherme G. Mazzochini, Bianca F. Rius, Deliane Penha, Leandro L. Giacomin, Bernardo M. Flores, Mateus C. Silva, Rafael O. Xavier, Magali F. Nehemy, Amanda R. Petroni, Julliene S. G. M. Silva, Monique B. Schlickmann, Mayda Rocha, Gleicy Rodrigues, Soliane S. Costa, Fernanda Barros, Julia Tavares, Mariana N. Furtado, Larissa S. Verona, Maria J. Oliveira-Alves, Rafael S. Oliveira, Ying Fan, Marina Hirota
Summary: Drought increases the vulnerability of valley plants to embolism compared to hill plants, highlighting the importance of diversity to cope with drought. Sample efforts should be expanded to improve understanding of ecosystem resistance to drought.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
I. Cobelo, K. B. Machado, A. C. M. David, P. Carvalho, M. E. Ferreira, J. C. Nabout
Summary: This study aimed to improve water quality monitoring using remote sensing techniques. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with low-cost sensors were used to determine the concentration of chlorophyll-a in water. The results showed that using vegetation indices, particularly NGBDI, was effective in detecting the gradient of chlorophyll-a.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joao Carlos Nabout, Karine Borges Machado, Ana Clara Maciel David, Laura Beatriz Gomes Mendonca, Samiris Pereira da Silva, Priscilla Carvalho
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on aquatic ecosystem services. The research found that there is still less research on aquatic environments compared to terrestrial environments. The study also found a correlation between types of services and taxonomic groups, with different types of services being studied using different biological communities. Additionally, the study identified common keywords in aquatic and terrestrial-aquatic studies.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Andre Vieira Rodrigues, Lais Aline Grossel, Leonardo Matheus Servino, Jose Alexandre Felizola Diniz-Filho
Summary: Body size is associated with physiological demands, habitat structure, and climatic variation. Herbivores tend to be larger due to their voluminous digestive system, while carnivores grow larger in relation to the size of their prey. The Bergmann's Rule suggests that larger endotherms are found in colder areas. In this study, the body size evolution of Mustelidae was analyzed, revealing that habitat, but not diet or temperature, is related to body size. Specifically, semi-aquatic species are larger, possibly due to factors such as thermal inertia and predation pressure.
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Pedro Henrique Francisco Oliveira, Karine Borges Machado, Fabricio Barreto Teresa, Rodrigo Assis de Carvalho, Manuel Eduardo Ferreira, Francisco Leonardo Tejerina-Garro, Priscilla Carvalho, Carla Ferragut, Adriano Sanches Melo, Joao Carlos Nabout
Summary: In this study, the relative importance of local environment, regional landscape, and spatial distance on the periphytic community in Cerrado stream sites was assessed. The results showed that spatial distance had a significant impact on species richness, total density, and species composition. However, local environment and regional landscape did not have a significant effect on the community.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junilson Augusto Paula Silva, Gabriela Gomes Lima, Carlos Filipe Camilo-Cotrim, Elisa Flavia Luiz Cardoso Bailao, Samantha Salomao Caramori, Joao Carlos Nabout, Luciane Madureira Almeida
Summary: Currently, e-waste is being overproduced and insufficient recycling programs exist, leading to negative environmental and health impacts. A systematic review of the literature reveals that small IT and Telecommunication equipment are the most studied e-waste classes, with cell phones, printed circuit boards, and LCD panels being commonly cited. Toxic heavy metals such as Pb and Cd, as well as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are frequently associated with e-waste toxicity. Bioassays were identified as effective tools for assessing the toxic potential of e-waste in soil and water. The review also highlights the need for collaborative studies and government regulation to address methodological difficulties and evaluate the long-term effects of e-waste exposure.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rodrigo Assis Carvalho, Fabricio Barreto Teresa, Joao Carlos Nabout, Patrick Thomaz de Aquino Martins, Francisco Leonardo Tejerina-Garro
Summary: The investigation aimed to determine the factors influencing fish diversity in headwater streams, including environment, connectivity with large rivers, and interchange of individuals with other stream assemblages. Four diversity indices were used to measure local diversity: species richness, functional diversity, taxonomic diversity, and local contribution to beta diversity. The results showed that water velocity, elevation, channel width, and conductivity were all associated with different aspects of fish diversity. Distance among streams also played a significant role. Spatial scales and regional processes influenced different diversity indices. The results suggest that protecting headwater stream assemblages in tropical regions should involve multiple sites to ensure species dispersal and environmental heterogeneity preservation.
Article
Ecology
Laura Barreto de Paula-Souza, Daisy Jorge Lima, Gabriel Nakamura, Jose Alexandre Felizola Diniz-Filho
Summary: The study reveals that an adequate description of biodiversity patterns for sharks requires considering different biological dimensions. Phylogenetic diversity is the most important metric for understanding global and regional variations in shark biodiversity.
BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Leandro Duarte, Gabriel Nakamura, Vanderlei Debastiani, Renan Maestri, Maria Joao Ramos Pereira, Marcus Cianciaruso, Jose Alexandre Felizola Diniz-Filho
Summary: This article introduces a simulation approach coupled to approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to evaluate the variation of biological diversity across spatial and environmental gradients. The analytical tool shows high accuracy in estimating the adaptation rate parameter but less precision in relation to the dispersal limitation parameter. The study sheds light on the links between niche evolution, dispersal limitation, and gradients of biological diversity, improving our understanding of evolutionary imprints on current biological diversity patterns.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jacqueline Souza Lima, Rosane Garcia Collevatti, Leciane Karita de Oliveira, Lazaro Jose Chaves, Ronaldo Veloso Naves, Thannya Nascimento Soares, Jose Alexandre Felizola Diniz Filho, Mariana Pires de Campos Telles
Summary: This study provides the first description of genetic diversity distribution and population structure in Brazilian cashew populations. The results suggest that future climate change will lead to the disappearance of genetic clusters and a homogenization of genetic variability. The loss of genetic diversity in cashew populations may reduce the species' ability to cope with predicted future climate changes.
Article
Ecology
Jose Alexandre F. Diniz-Filho, Marco Tulio Pacheco Coelho, Levi Carina Terribile
Summary: Macroecology and biogeography have made progress in understanding biodiversity patterns, but the problem of underdetermination remains a challenge. Underdetermination occurs when multiple explanations are consistent with data, leading to difficulties in theory and model development. This study explores different forms of underdetermination in macroecology and biogeography and their implications for understanding biodiversity patterns. It highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that consider hierarchical scales and phylogenetic relationships.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Camila Maria Ribeiro da Silva-Filha, Ramilla dos Santos Braga-Ferreira, Igor Lucien Bione Dardenne Barbosa, Aliane D'Oliveira Ricardo, Rafael Barbosa Pinto, Ariany Rosa Goncalves, Mariana Pires de Campos Telles, Jose Alexandre Felizola Diniz-Filho
Summary: Biodiversity is organized in three levels: within-species genetic diversity, between-species community diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Species-Genetic Diversity Correlation (SGDC) analysis is important for understanding biodiversity patterns and planning conservation efforts. In this study, SGDC analysis revealed a negative correlation between the genetic diversity of Stryphnodendron adstringens and the species diversity of Stryphnodendron and related genera. This suggests that conservation strategies should consider multiple levels of biodiversity.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
CiNTIA P. Targueta, Adriana m. Antunes, Karine b. Machado, Jordana g. Fernandes, Mariana p. de c. Telles, Ludgero c. galli Vieira, R. A. M. I. R. O. Logares, Joao c. Nabout, Thannya n. Soares
Summary: This study assessed the diversity of eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in tropical floodplain lakes of the Araguaia River in Central Brazil. The results showed a high diversity of microorganisms in these lakes. However, there was no spatial concordance in the microbiota composition among the lakes.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Victor Felipe Mendanha de Lima, Edivani Villaron Franceschinelli, Dulce Maria Sucena da Rocha, Ariany Rosa Goncalves, Igor Madureira de Assis, Joicy Martins Morais, Thannya Nascimento Soares
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic structure and hybrid formation of P. pubescens and P. emarginatus in sympatric areas. Genotyping and controlled pollination experiments were conducted, revealing natural hybridization between these species and the absence of reproductive barriers. These results contribute to the understanding of the diversification process of Pterodon species.
ACTA BOTANICA BRASILICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Concepta Mcmanus, Abilio Afonso Baeta Neves, Jose Alexandre Diniz Filho, Felipe Pimentel, Daniel Pimentel
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between funding and citation impact at a national level. Data from Incites (R) (2011-2020) and the UNESCO database (2013-2018) were used. Overall analysis and cluster analysis based on R&D investments were conducted. Countries with lower R&D investments tend to have less business investment and fewer publications. However, countries in the lowest investment group show higher international collaboration and publications in Open Access Journals, leading to a higher impact but below countries with the highest R&D investments. The paths to high impact differ by cluster, with international collaboration appearing in multiple clusters and the percentage of papers in Top journal quartile based on citations appearing in almost all clusters. More investments in R&D and open access publishing do not necessarily lead to high impact.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2023)