Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2022-07"
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- Supporting the spatial management of invasive alien plants through assessment of landscape dynamics and connectivityPublication . Machado, Rui; Duarte, Liliana Neto; Gil, Artur José Freire; Sousa‐Neves, Nuno; Pirnat, Janez; Santos, PedroInvasive alien species are responsible for several negative impacts worldwide. Managing biological invasions is often difficult and the success rate is quite low, but with good planning it is possible to achieve good results. Besides employing the correct methods and techniques, an overall strategy based on landscape dynamics and expected spatial patterns can be fundamental to achieve success. The decision of where to act can be embedded in a general strategy based on several criteria/goals such as control of large populations, connectivity disruption, and so on. This work focused on Acacia dealbata in a Natura 2000 site in Portugal, how the current amount and distribution can affect the spread pattern, and different possible strategies to approach the management. Based on the species dispersal traits, we argue that not only the area but also the perimeter (therefore, the shape) and location of the patches should be considered when fighting the invasion. Three scenarios were designed and compared using the perimeter–area ratio, a landscape dynamics analysis, and a connectivity index. Results show that removing the patches with higher perimeter–area ratio (mostly small satellite patches) would be more impactful than removing the larger patch or removing random intermediary perimeter–area patches first. After this approach based on landscape dynamics, the employment of a connectivity assessment provided an ordered list of patches to remove sequentially. Overall, this approach can be valuable in the early steps of the planning process, supporting better decisions regarding the available resources and contributing to maximize the effectiveness of the action.
- Threatened and extinct island endemic birds of the world: Distribution, threats and functional diversityPublication . Matthews, Thomas J.; Wayman, Joseph P.; Cardoso, Pedro; Sayol, Ferran; Hume, Julian P.; Ulrich, Werner; Tobias, Joseph A.; Soares, Filipa C.; Thébaud, Christophe; Martin, Thomas E.; Triantis, Kostas A.AIM: The world's islands support disproportionate levels of endemic avian biodiversity despite suffering numerous extinctions. While intensive recent research has focused on island bird conservation or extinction, few global syntheses have considered these factors together from the perspective of morphological trait diversity. Here, we provide a global summary of the status and ecology of extant and extinct island birds, the threats they face and the implications of species loss for island functional diversity. LOCATION: Global. TAXON: Birds. METHODS: We provide a review of the literature on threatened and extinct island birds, with a particular focus on global studies that have incorporated functional diversity. Alongside this, we analyse IUCN Red List data in relation to distribution, threats and taxonomy. Using null models and functional hypervolumes, in combination with morphological trait data, we assess the functional diversity represented by threatened and extinct island endemic birds. RESULTS AND MAIN CONCLUSIONS: We find that almost half of all island endemic birds extant in 1500 CE are currently either extinct or threatened with extinction, with the majority of threatened extant species having declining population trends. We also found evidence of 66 island endemic subspecies extinctions. The primary threats to extant island endemic birds currently are agriculture, biological resource use, and invasive species. While there is overlap between the hotspots of threatened and extinct island endemics birds, there are some notable differences, including the Philippines and Indonesia, which support a substantial number of threatened species but have no recorded post-1500 CE bird extinctions. Traits associated with threatened island endemic birds are large body mass, flightlessness, aquatic predator, omnivorous and vertivorous trophic niches, marine habitat affinity, and, paradoxically, higher dispersal ability. Critically, we find that threatened endemics (i) occupy distinct areas of beak morphospace, and (ii) represent substantial unique areas of the overall functional space of island endemics. We caution that the loss of threatened species may have severe effects on the ecological functions birds provide on islands.
- New records of rove-beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) for Azores Islands (Portugal)Publication . Borges, Paulo A. V.; Lamelas-López, Lucas; Schülke, MichaelThe data we present consist of an updated checklist of the Azorean Staphylinidae (Insecta, Coleoptera), by compiling new identified records of three recent published studies about Azorean arthropods. In general, the records were obtained from different standardised sampling campaigns and from non-standardised observations. The presented records were collected between July 1999 and September 2020, in five islands of the Azores Archipelago: Flores, Graciosa, Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria. The samples include records collected in several habitat types, such as native, mixed and exotic forests, pasturelands and agricultural areas (maize fields, orchards, citrus areas and vineyards). This inventory represents the most updated checklist and knowledge about Staphylinidae in Azores and new information includes one new exotic rove-beetle for the Azores (Thecturota tenuissima Casey, 1893) and seven new islands records.
- Projeto Anos Incríveis® - TCM nos Açores: 25 educadoras incríveis e queremos mais!Publication . Gil, Ana Cristina Correia, dir.; Fialho, Adolfo Fernando da Fonte, ed.; Major, SofiaNesta edição, em Agora, noticiamos a constituição da nova equipa reitoral, cuja participada cerimónia de tomada de posse ocorreu recentemente. Susana Mira Leal, a nova reitora da UAc, em Conversa Escrita, partilhou connosco os desafios da Academia para o seu mandato que agora se inicia. E porque não há férias de verão sem sol e sem mar, apanhamos a onda à boleia da prancha de José António Cabral Vieira em Agora Deu-me para isso e mergulhamos no talento de José Maria Silva, o fotógrafo da AFAA eleito em Agora Veja.
- Morphological determination of the larval instars of Eupeodes americanus (Diptera: Syrphidae)Publication . Fauteux, Arlette; Gonzalez, Noémie; Soares, António O.; Lucas, ÉricIn North America, the potential of the American hoverfly Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae) as a biocontrol agent has been demonstrated, particularly against the foxglove aphid Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach, 1843 (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Since no information is available to distinguish the larval instars of this species, the present study used the semi-continuous observation (time-lapse photography and stereo microscope) of the three larval stages to build a table of morphological traits and a dichotomic key for discriminating the larval instars by observation under stereo microscope. Discriminating traits are black hairs at first instar and fused posterior breathing tubes at third instar.
- Mapping and assessing ecosystem services in Europe's Overseas : A comparative analysis of MOVE case studiesPublication . Sieber, Ina M.; Montero-Hidalgo, Miriam; Kato-Huerta, Jarumi; Rendon, Paula; Santos-Martín, Fernando; Geneletti, Davide; Gil, Artur José Freire; Trégarot, Ewan; Lagabrielle, Erwann; Parelho, Carolina Paula Furtado de Medeiros; Arbelo, Manuel; van Beukering, Pieter; Bayley, Dan; Casas, Enrique; Duijndam, Sem; Cillaurren, Esperance; David, Gilbert; Dourdain, Aurélie; Haroun, Ricardo J.; Maréchal, Jean-Philippe; Martín García, Laura; Otero-Ferrer, Francisco; Palacios Nieto, Elena; Pelembe, Tara; Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Burkhard, BenjaminMapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) has been widely applied on the European Union (EU) mainland, whereas the EU Overseas entities still bear potential for implementation. This paper presents novel applications of the MAES procedure in the EU Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories ("EU Overseas"). Eight case studies from different geographical areas were analysed through a comparative assessment by applying an established framework following key steps in the MAES process, in order to stipulate lessons learned and recommendations for MAES in the EU Overseas. These key steps include the identification of policy questions, stakeholder networks and involvement, application of MAES methods, dissemination and communication and implementation. The case studies were conducted and analysed under the umbrella of the EU MOVE pilot project, including the Azores, the Canary Islands, Saint Martin, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion Island and the Falkland Islands. Each case study represented different governance, policy and decision-making frameworks towards biodiversity and environmental protection. Case studies predominantly addressed the policy domains of Nature and Biodiversity Conservation and Marine and Maritime Policy. Ecosystem Services (ES) were assessed across a wide range of themes, biomes and scales, focusing on terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. Results show that the implementation of the case studies was accompanied by extensive communication and dissemination activities. First success stories were visible, where the MAES exercise led to meaningful uptake of the ES concept to policies and decision-making. Yet, there is still work to be done - major bottlenecks were identified related to the MAES implementation centring around financial resources, training and technical expertise. Addressing these aspects can contribute to an enhanced implementation of MAES in the EU Overseas in the future.
- A Praça do Emigrante : do esboço à projeção futuraPublication . Tavares, Sílvia Prata; Amaral, Carlos Eduardo Pacheco; Miúdo, Berta PimentelO presente relatório de estágio incide sobre as atividades desenvolvidas durante o período de estágio realizado na AEA – Associação dos Emigrantes Açorianos, na cidade da Ribeira Grande, na ilha de São Miguel, Açores, entre novembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021, encerrando assim a componente não-curricular do referido Mestrado em Relações Internacionais: o Espaço Euro-Atlântico. O objeto deste relatório contempla a produção do filme documentário, em colaboração com a AEA - Associação dos Emigrantes Açorianos, alusivo ao principal foco temático de estudo: a Praça do Emigrante, inaugurada no passado ano de 2020, no município ribeiragrandense. Com o intuito de enquadrar o objeto de estudo nas áreas das Relações Internacionais e do Espaço Euro-Atlântico, e de uma maior compreensão do tema, procedeu-se à breve teorização de conceitos-chave evocados em matéria da emigração açoriana. Esta secção antecede o corpo principal do trabalho, isto é, o relatório do referido estágio e dos vários aspetos essenciais ao desenvolvimento do trabalho, desde os vários recursos metodológicos utilizados ao desfecho do mesmo e respetivos resultados.
- Significative Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 3CL- Protease by Camellia sinensis Galloylated theaflavins: Processing conditions to maximize TF-3,3 -DG contentPublication . Paiva, Lisete; Rato, Catarina; Baptista, JoséABSTRACT: Since the last decade of the 19th century, the Camellia sinensis tea plant is commercially produced in one unique place in Europe, the volcanic São Miguel Island of the Azores Archipelago (Portugal) [1,2]. The molecular constituents of C. sinensis, in particular the galloylated theaflavins, mainly theaflavin-3,3’-di-O-gallate (TF-3,3’-DG), have been reported to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), a crucial enzyme required for the cleavage of its polyproteins (1a and 1ab) to produce vital individual functional proteins for viral cell replication [3]. According to Ohgitani [4] the virus treated with galloylated theaflavins, particularly TF-3,3’-DG, at 100 µM showed less than 1/10.000 infectivity compared to untreated virus. The TF-3,3’-DG content increased 50.91% with increased fermentation time from 1 to 3 hrs at room temperature (RT) and increased 41.26% at 35 °C of fermentation temperature. Furthermore, TF-3,3’-DG increased 29.40% with increasing temperature from RT to 70 °C in short extraction time (1:30 hrs) and oppositely decreased 18.44% with increasing temperature from RT to 70 °C in long extraction time (16:00 hrs). Taking all of the in vitro reported studies by several research teams and the in vivo results comparing the COVID-19 infections (mortality per million of population) in high tea consumption (4.28%) as compared with low tea consumption countries [5], the aim of this study was to investigate the steps of tea manufacturing conditions which lead to maximum TF-3,3’-DG content and, given its potential impact as an inhibitor of the 3CLpro enzyme, to create a novel antiviral Azorean black tea.
- Cryptomeria japonica : inovar para (re)criar valorPublication . Arruda, Filipe Martim Pacheco; Lima, Ana; Pavão, Alexandre; Baptista, José; Rosa, José S.; Lima, Elisabete[…] Por que as florestas são importantes? Os factos falam por si: as florestas cobrem 30% da superfície terrestre; armazenam cerca de 300 gigatoneladas de carbono na biomassa; são o habitat de mais de 80% de todas as espécies terrestres; são o meio de subsistência para cerca de 1,6 biliões de pessoas; contribuem para a saúde humana e bem estar, fatores fundamentais para a qualidade de vida de um indivíduo; oferecem proteção às bacias hidrográficas; previnem a erosão do solo e possuem um papel importante na mitigação das alterações climáticas. No que respeita especificamente à Região Autónoma dos Açores (RAA), a floresta constitui um elemento determinante da paisagem do arquipélago, ocupando cerca de um terço do território insular. Desta área, mais de 12 mil hectares estão ocupados por matas de criptoméria (Cryptomeria japonica), planta originária do Japão e introduzida nos Açores em meados do século XIX. […].
- A incidência da varroose no arquipélago dos Açores entre os anos 2008 e 2020Publication . Cipriano, Carla Sofia LinharesA Varroa destructor ataca as larvas e as abelhas adultas, enfraquecendo-as, por alimentar-se da sua hemolinfa. Causa graves problemas sanitários, seja por delapidar as reservas corporais das abelhas, seja por enfraquecer o seu sistema imunológico, levando à sua morte. Esse ácaro também contribui para o desenvolvimento anormal das crias, originando deformações nas abelhas adultas. A ação nociva da varroa sobre a espécie Apis mellifera é elevada, pois é um vetor para diferentes viroses. Indutor de vírus que afetam a abelha ainda em estado de larva ou de pré-pupa. São 18 os vírus descobertos pela ciência e que pelo menos 5 usam esse parasita como agente infeccioso, nomeadamente o vírus das asas deformadas, vírus Kashmir, o vírus da cria ensacada, o vírus da paralisia aguda e o vírus paralisia aguda Israelita. As abelhas são fulcrais para assegurar a sustentabilidade dos ecossistemas e produtividade e diversidade das culturas agrícolas, pois trata-se de um importante polinizador responsável pela fertilização de plantas, que dão origem à produção de frutos e sementes. Este trabalho aborda a incidência da varroa nos Açores entre os anos 2008 a 2020, e o papel do Programa Sanitário Apícola Regional no controle da varroose, dando relevo à prevenção e tratamento daquela doença, uma vez que a varroose não está completamente erradicada nos Açores. Por outro lado, 6 ilhas detêm o estatuto de indemnes, o Corvo, a Graciosa, S. Jorge, Stª. Maria, S. Miguel e a ilha Terceira, reconhecendo assim a importância da apicultura nos Açores e valorizando os produtos resultantes da atividade apícola. Investigadores de Washington State University criaram em laboratório uma nova estirpe do fungo Metarhizium, que apresenta resultados promissores na luta contra a varroa. Esta descoberta aguarda a aprovação da Agência de Proteção Ambiental, para ser usada na apicultura.