Abstract The Neogene benthic foraminiferal ecostratigraphy of offshore Pelotas Basin has not yet been researched. The benthic foraminifera were examined in twenty-nine ditch cuttings samples from Well 1-SCS-3B, present water depth 200 m. These samples ranged from the Lower Miocene Catapsydrax dissimilis planktonic foraminiferal Zone to the Pliocene Globigerinoides trilobus fistulosus Zone. Only ditch cuttings were available, which allowed us to present just broad paleoenvironmental trends within the studied section. Benthic foraminifera indicate deposition mostly between outer neritic to upper bathyal paleodepths. A peak in uvigerinid relative abundance marks a possible flooding surface or condensed section with a high nutrient flux, low diversity (marked by the Shannon Function H), and sluggish circulation within the Globorotalia mayeri Zone. This peak is bracketed by high abundances of Cibicidoides, which indicate stronger current action than within the condensed section. Biostratigraphic hiatuses within these Cibicidoides-rich intervals are concluded not to indicate subaerial exposure, but to reflect current action sufficiently strong to induce either non-deposition or seafloor scouring. A second possible flooding surface occurs at the top of the section, indicated by a decline in Cibicidoides associated with upticks in Sphaeroidina and Bolivina and a dip in H. The top of this younger maximum flood was not encountered, probably occurring above the studied section. That the timing of these floods differs from those recorded elsewhere in the Pelotas Basin implies that they were tectonically induced, perhaps as distal effects associated with the interaction between the South American and Nazca tectonic plates. Future studies with better quality core samples will add detail to this picture; such studies can incorporate eustatic sea-level changes into the model presented.

ABSTRACT This study aims to bring forward helpful anatomical characteristics to assist in the identification of Cordia goeldiana Huber, Cordia bicolor A.DC. and Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav.) Cham., all of them commercialized by the popular name of “freijó” in the Amazon region. The anatomical study of the woods followed the orientations of the International Association of Wood Anatomists - IAWA Committee. The helpful wood’s characteristics found to distinguish the species were: the different types of growth layers; type of axial parenchyma; presence of sheath cells involving the rays; frequency and diameter of the vessel elements; lumen diameter; and fiber wall fraction. Quantitatively, the applied multivariate techniques were helpful, once they have evidenced greater similarities between C. goeldiana and C. alliodora distinguishing themselves from C. bicolor mainly because of the rays’ height (μm). From the anatomical study of the woods it was possible to differentiate the species. We were able to see important anatomical patterns that could be helpful in the macroscopic and microscopic identification of the woods of C. goeldiana, C. bicolor and C. alliodora.

ABSTRACT Associations between root distribution and bean growth habit may contribute to the selection of genotypes adapted to restrictive environments. The present work aimed to relate and compare root distribution with the growth habit in beans. 10 bean genotypes of different growth habits (I, II and III) were evaluated for root distribution in two agricultural years (2014/15 and 2015/16). The genotypes responded similarly for the trait root distribution throughout the agricultural years, without any simple effect of the genotype x year interaction. The factors genotype and years were significant for the trait. The genotypes of a determinate habit showed significant differences compared to other genotypes (II and III), which were ascribed to their poor performance in the average of years. They include the Carioca Precoce, which showed a behavior similar to the other habits. It could be considered a “plastic” genotype under restrictive conditions. The contrasts revealed significant differences between the growth habits II vs I (2.87) and III vs I (3.64) for root distribution. The differences were also significant for grain yield. Thus, genotypes of indeterminate growth habit show greater root distribution than those of a determinate habit, regardless of the agricultural years. Therefore, they are promising for use in blocks of crosses, when the purpose is the selection of cultivars adapted to low input environments.

A identificação das espécies de fungos pertencentes à microbiota saudável em animais é pré-condição para o reconhecimento dos processos patológicos causados por esses. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de fungos potencialmente patogênicos nas fezes de aves selvagens coletadas em Centros de Triagem. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes de 50 gaiolas com diferentes espécies de aves. As amostras foram processadas de acordo com o método modificado STAIB e as placas foram incubadas a 32 °C por até dez dias, com observações diárias para detecção do crescimento dos fungos. Observamos o isolamento de espécies: Malassezia pachydermatis, Candida albicans, C. famata, C. guilliermondii, C. sphaerica, C. globosa, C. catenulata, C. ciferri, C. intermedia, Cryptococcus laurentii, Trichosporon asahii, Geotrichum klebahnii, Aspergillus spp., A. niger e Penicillium spp. Conhecendo o caráter de alguns fungos oportunistas resalta-se a importância para identificá-los, facilitando a adoção de medidas preventivas, como a limpeza adequada das gaiolas, uma vez que a acumulação de excrementos pode indicar um risco tanto para os profissionais de saúde e centros de triagem de saúde pública.

The identification of the fungal species belonging to the healthy microflora in animals is a precondition for the recognition of pathological processes causing them. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi in the feces of wild birds collected in Screening Centers. Samples were collected from the feces of 50 cages with different species of birds. The samples were processed according to the modified method STAIB and the plates incubated at 32 °C for up to ten days with daily observation for detection of fungal growth. The isolation of the following species was observed: Malassezia pachydermatis, Candida albicans, C. famata, C. guilliermondii, C. sphaerica, C. globosa, C. catenulata, C. ciferri, C. intermedia, Cryptococcus laurentii, Trichosporon asahii, Geotrichum klebahnii, Aspergillus spp., A. niger and Penicillium spp. Knowing the character of some opportunistic fungi is important in identifying them, facilitating the adoption of preventive measures, such as proper cleaning of cages, since the accumulation of excreta may indicate a risk for both health professionals and centers for screening public health.

Duas novas espécies de Xestoleberididae: Xestoleberis brasilinsularis sp. nov. e Xestoleberis machadoae sp. nov., ambas endêmicas do Arquipélago São Pedro e São Paulo, são descritas. O registro dessas espécies marinhas de águas rasas em ilhas oceânicas brasileiras representa uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da história evolutiva das espécies que habitam estas áreas.

Two new species of Xestoleberididae: Xestoleberis brasilinsularis sp. nov. and Xestoleberis machadoae sp. nov., both endemic to Archipelago of São Pedro and São Paulo, are described. The record of these shallow marine waters species from Brazilian oceanic islands represents an important contribution to the knowledge of the evolutionary history the species inhabit areas.

Foram coletadas 62 amostras de sedimentos de fundo e fital no infralitoral rochoso superior (< 3 m de profundidade) das regiões central e norte do Estado de Santa Catarina (26º10'/27º50'S – 48º26'/48º40'W). Os ostracodes vivos e mortos recuperados estão distribuídos em 16 famílias, destacando-se, neste trabalho, um novo gênero e espécie de Hemicytheridae ricamente descrito e ilustrado: Auricythere sublitoralis gen. nov., sp. nov. Alguns aspectos ecológicos e zoogeográficos deste novo táxon são brevemente discutidos.

This study is based on 62 samples of phytal and bottom sediments collected along rocky beaches (< 3 m water depth) of the central and northern coasts of the state of Santa Catarina (26º10'/27º50'S – 48º26'/48º40'W), southern Brazil. Living and dead ostracodes distributed among 16 families were recovered. In this paper is emphasized one new hemicytherid genus and species that is described and richly illustrated: Auricythere sublitoralis gen. nov. and sp. nov. Some ecological and zoogeographical aspects of this new ostracode are briefly discussed.

O presente estudo é uma contribuição para o conhecimento da sistemática dos ostracodes marinhos rasos das ilhas oceânicas brasileiras. Um total de 14 espécies pertencentes a 10 gêneros e oito famílias é aqui identificado. Um novo gênero e espécie são descritos e ilustrados: Berguecythere insularis gen. nov., sp. nov. Além desse novo táxon, foram também identificados Loxocorniculum tricornatum Krutak, 1971, espécie abundante amplamente distribuída em sedimentos recentes do Golfo do México, Caribe, norte e nordeste do Brasil e no Atol das Rocas, e o ostracode cosmopolita tropical Triebelina sertata Triebel, 1948. As 11 espécies restantes foram deixadas em nível de gênero e devem fornecer novas espécies. Aspectos ecológicos e zoo- e paleozoogeográficos também foram brevemente discutidos.

The present study is a further contribution to the systematic knowledge of the shallow water marine ostracodes from the Brazilian oceanic islands. A total of 14 species belonging to 10 genera and eight families is herein identified. One new genus and species are described and illustrated: Berguecythere insularis gen. nov., sp. nov. In addition to this new taxon, the abundant species Loxocorniculum tricornatum Krutak, 1971, widely distributed in recent sediments in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, north and northeast of Brazil and the Rocas Atoll, along with the cosmopolitan tropical ostracode Triebelina sertata Triebel, 1948, were also identified at specific level. The remaining 11 species were left at the genus level, and should provide new species. Ecological, zoo- and paleozoogeographical aspects were also briefly discussed.

Espectroscopia fotoacústica foi utilizada tanto para obter algumas propriedades ópticas de óleos de soja, canola e oliva quanto para avaliar as alterações ocorridas devido ao tratamento térmico dos óleos. A intensidade do sinal fotoacústico normalizado e a sua fase foram medidas, independentemente, como uma função do comprimento de onda da fonte de radiação. Amostras de óleo foram aquecidas por 30 min após atingido o ponto de fumaça visando sua degradação. Depois disso, as amostras de óleo foram resfriadas e medições fotoacústicas foram conduzidas de forma a obter os espectros de absorção de amostras em ambas as condições degradadas e não degradada. A comparação entre as duas condições indicou que as amostras de óleo degradado exibiram alargamento das bandas de absorção na região ultravioleta do espectro, em relação à respectiva amostra com óleo não-degradado. Os picos das referidas bandas de absorção apresentaram um desvio para a região do vermelho.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy was used to obtain optical properties of edible soybean, canola and olive oils as well to evaluate the oil modifications induced by thermal treatment. The normalized photoacoustic signal intensity and its phase were independently measured as a function of wavelength of the radiation source. The oil samples were heated up to the smoke point and then for additional 30 min in order to degrade them. After, the oil samples were cooled down and photoacoustic measurements were conducted in order to obtain the absorption spectra of samples at both degraded and non-degraded conditions. Comparisons between the two conditions indicate that the degraded oil samples exhibited widening of the absorption bands in ultraviolet region of the spectra, relative to the respective non-degraded sample. Also, the peaks of those absorption bands presented a red shift.

Being mercury one of the most toxic heavy metals present in the environment, it is of major concern to develop cleanup technologies to remove it from wastewater and recover mercury polluted ecosystems. In this context, we study the potential of some microporous titanosilicates and zirconosilicates for taking up Hg2+ from aqueous solutions. These materials have unique chemical and physical properties, and here we are able to confirm that they readily remove Hg2+ from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the presence of the competitive Mg2+ and Na+, which are some of the dominant cations in natural waters, does not reduce the uptake capacity of some of these materials. Thus, several inorganic materials reported here may have important environmental applications, efficiently removing Hg2+ from aqueous solutions.

As assembléias de ostracodes do sistema estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape são pela primeira vez aqui discutidas em detalhe. Foram coletadas amostras em trinta e quatro pontos, eqüidistantes aproximadamente 1 km, incluindo o mar de Cananéia, mar Pequeno, mar de Cubatão, rio Ribeira de Iguape e rio Itapitangui. A ostracofauna mostrou-se pouco abundante e diversificada, contabilizando um total de apenas 662 espécimens entre vivos e mortos. As espécies mais abundantes são eurihalinas: Cyprideis multidentata Hartmann, 1955 (174 espécimens), Minicythere heinii Ornellas, 1974 (54 espécimens), Tanella gracilis Kingma, 1948 (96 espécimens) e Whatleyella sanguinettiae Coimbra, Carreño & Ferron, 1994 (226 espécimens). Embora existam poucos estudos sobre ostracodes mixohalinos no Brasil - inclusive dos táxons marinhos marginais tipicamente eurihalinos - uma revisão bibliográfica exaustiva mostrou que eles são melhor conhecidos nas regiões sul e sudeste. Com base nesta revisão e nos novos dados aqui apresentados, discute-se a distribuição geográfica das oito espécies mais características das áreas mixohalinas do sul e sudeste do país.

The ostracode assemblages from Cananéia-Iguape estuarine/lagoon system (southernmost State of São Paulo) are here discussed in detail for the first time. Thirty-four sites, approximately 1 km equidistant, were sampled along the system, including the Cananéia Sea, Pequeno Sea, Cubatão Sea, Ribeira de Iguape River and Itapitangui River. The ostracodes throughout this area have poor assemblages, with a total of 662 specimens of dead and living organisms. The majority of the ostracode fauna is composed of euryhaline species, as follows: Cyprideis multidentata Hartmann, 1955 (174 specimens), Minicythere heinii Ornellas, 1974 (54 specimens), Tanella gracilis Kingma, 1948 (96 specimens) and Whatleyella sanguinettiae Coimbra, Carreño & Ferron, 1994 (226 specimens). Although there are few studies on the Brazilian mixohaline ostracode faunas, including the euryhaline marginal marine taxa, the published data show that the group is best known in the south and southeast regions. Based on this review and with the new data presented in this paper, the geographical distribution of eight mixohaline key species in southern and southeastern Brazil is also discussed.