DBIO - Artigos em Revistas Internacionais / Articles in International Journals
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- Evaluation of Respiratory, Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects from Occupational Exposure to Typography ActivitiesPublication . Linhares, Diana P.; Rocha, Joana Gonçalves; Rodrigues, Armindo; Camarinho, Ricardo; Garcia, PatríciaThis cross-sectional study was structured to allow the evaluation of the respiratory, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects of occupational exposure to products resulting from the activity of printers in typographies and, to determine the risk of genotoxicity associated with such exposure. This study comprised 69 subjects, 25 individuals occupationally exposed to the products of typographies (study group), and 44 individuals non-exposed to the environment studied (reference group). The frequency of micronucleated cells and other nuclear anomalies (binucleated, karyolitic, pyknotic, and karyorrhectic cells) in the oral epithelia of each subject were analyzed. The frequency of micronucleated cells was significantly higher in the study group when compared to the reference one (12.96 MN/2000 cells vs. 4 MN/2000 cells, respectively). Occupational exposure to products of typography is a risk factor for the occurrence of micronucleated cells in the study group (RR = 3.2; 95% CI, 2.7–3.9; p < 0.001). The results of the spirometry test did not reveal significant respiratory effects between the reference and study groups.
- 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.
- A roadmap for ladybird conservation and recoveryPublication . Soares, António O.; Haelewaters, Danny; Ameixa, Olga M. C. C.; Borges, Isabel; Brown, Peter M. J.; Cardoso, Pedro; de Groot, Michiel D.; Evans, Edward W.; Grez, Audrey A.; Hochkirch, Axel; Holecová, Milada; Honěk, Alois; Kulfan, Ján; Lillebø, Ana I.; Martinková, Zdenka; Michaud, J. P.; Nedvěd, Oldřich; Omkar, null; Roy, Helen E.; Saxena, Swati; Shandilya, Apoorva; Sentis, Arnaud; Skuhrovec, Jiří; Viglášová, Sandra; Zach, Peter; Zaviezo, Tania; Losey, John E.Ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) provide services that are critical to food production, and they fulfill an ecological role as a food source for predators. The richness, abundance, and distribution of ladybirds, however, are compromised by many anthropogenic threats. Meanwhile, a lack of knowledge of the conservation status of most species and the factors driving their population dynamics hinders the development and implementation of conservation strategies for ladybirds. We conducted a review of the literature on the ecology, diversity, and conservation of ladybirds to identify their key ecological threats. Ladybird populations are most affected by climate factors, landscape composition, and biological invasions. We suggest mitigating actions for ladybird conservation and recovery. Short-term actions include citizen science programs and education, protective measures for habitat recovery and threatened species, prevention of the introduction of non-native species, and the maintenance and restoration of natural areas and landscape heterogeneity. Mid-term actions involve the analysis of data from monitoring programs and insect collections to disentangle the effect of different threats to ladybird populations, understand habitat use by taxa on which there is limited knowledge, and quantify temporal trends of abundance, diversity, and biomass along a management-intensity gradient. Long-term actions include the development of a worldwide monitoring program based on standardized sampling to fill data gaps, increase explanatory power, streamline analyses, and facilitate global collaborations.
- Tree growth-climate relationship in the Azorean holly in a temperate humid forest with low thermal amplitudePublication . Pavão, Diogo Cláudio; Jevšenak, Jernej; Engblom, J.; Borges Silva, L. Borges; Elias, Rui B.; Silva, LuísDendroclimatic records in areas with high relative humidity and low thermal amplitude are manifestly scarcer and only a few studies are applied to species that are present in areas with weak seasonality. The Azores archipelago with temperate climate, with low thermal amplitude, has unique biodiversity, including the Azorean holly, Ilex azorica Gand., that is dominant in most extant natural forests. Hence, the importance of understanding its behavior and relation with climate. In this study, we try to understand tree-ring patterns of this species and examine the relationship between radial tree growth and main climatic drivers. For this purpose, we sampled four populations from São Miguel Island and two from Terceira Island. We found a diffuse-ring porous wood with a common layer of vessels associated to the ring boundary, which was critical to identify annual tree-rings. Generalized linear models were used to relate different variations of temperature and precipitation parameters, resulting into a diverse climate-growth relationships of different populations, while the composite population exhibited pronounced effect of temperature. We conclude that, I. azorica forms reliable annual tree-rings, which can be statistically related to climate, mostly temperature. However, there are differences among specific sites, thus the climate sensitivity depends on other site characteristics, such as soil and slope, but probable also to other ecological drivers, such as the competition, water drainage, among others.
- Contrasting Phenotypic Variability of Life-History Traits of Two Feral Populations of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae) under Two Alternative DietsPublication . Borges, Isabel; Oliveira, Luísa; Durão, Ana C.; Arruda, Patrícia Melo; Figueiredo, Elisabete; Franco, José Carlos; Lucas, Éric; Soares, António O.Tuta absoluta is a major pest attacking tomato crops. This invasive species emerged in Europe (Spain) in 2006, and 3 years later it spread to Portugal. In 2009/2010, it was recorded for the first time in the Azores archipelago. Macrolophus pygmaeus is a predator widely used as biological control agent against the tomato leaf miner. This study contrasted the life-history traits and population growth parameters of two feral populations of M. pygmaeus, one from Portugal mainland and one from the Azores archipelago. The predators were tested on single prey diet, either of Ephestia kuehniella eggs, a factitious prey used for mass rearing of mirids, or T. absoluta eggs. We predicted that populations would express differences in its phenotypic characteristics, with the Azorean population displaying low performance due to likely low genetic diversity, as expected for insular populations. Our results revealed the inexistence of phenotypic differences in several life history traits, such as immature developmental time, female longevity, males’ body weight and sex ratio. Contrary to our predictions, traits with direct impact on fitness, such as lifetime fertility (95.78 ± 14.23 vs. 61.38 ± 13.52 nymphs), explain better performances for the population of the Azores. Azorean M. pygmaeus females were larger, matured earlier and reproduced at a higher rate for longer periods, than mainland females. Therefore, population growth parameters show a positive advantage for the population of the Azores, fed on T. absoluta (time required for doubling the population Azores, Ek: 8.42 ± 0.50, Ta: 5.76 ± 0.31 and mainland, Ek: 10.88 ± 1.94, Ta: 12.07 ± 3.15). Biological performance of M. pygmaeus was similar when fed with T. absoluta or E. kuehniella that could be beneficial both to optimize mass production of the predator and biological control of the pest. Our results are discussed as well in a fundamental perspective, seeking if differences in biological performance can be explained by lower genetic diversity driven by geographic isolation.
- Air Quality at Ponta Delgada City (Azores) Is Unaffected so Far by Growing Cruise Ship Transit in Recent YearsPublication . Bernardo, Filipe; Garcia, Patrícia; Rodrigues, ArmindoThe ease of travel allowed by contemporary means of long-range transportation has brought increasingly higher numbers of visitors to remote and relatively undisturbed insular territories. In a framework of environmental conservation of the natural patrimony, sustainably accommodating touristic flooding and the associated polluting footprint poses a demanding challenge. Over the past decade, Ponta Delgada, the largest city of the mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago, has become a hotspot for transatlantic cruise ship (CS) lines in spring and autumn. CSs are substantial contributors to the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), as well as hazardous sulphur (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx) oxides. It is hereby retrospectively investigated whether the background levels of air pollutants were raised following the CS influx at Ponta Delgada, which conventionally displays great air quality. The daily CS traffic at the local harbor was associated with the daily concentrations of air pollutants (SO₂, O₃, NO₂, NOx, PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅), monitored by the local urban background monitoring station (~1.3 km northwards). Exceedances above daily legislated limits from 2013 until 2020 only occurred sporadically for PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, often during episodes of natural dust storms. No major correlation was found between CS parameters with the recorded values of pollutants, although a noticeable signal of NOx increase of southern origin is observed during spring days with CS presence. Daily data suggest CS influx has not strongly influenced background air quality. A near-source, real-time monitoring network should be implemented in the city to provide the necessary spatial and temporal resolution for tracking short-term fluctuations in air pollutants during CS arrivals and departures.
- Climate–Growth Relationships in Laurus azorica—A Dominant Tree in the Azorean Laurel ForestPublication . Pavão, Diogo Cláudio; Jevšenak, Jernej; Silva, Lurdes da Conceição Borges; Elias, Rui B.; Silva, LuísForests on oceanic islands, such as the Azores archipelago, enable interesting dendroclimatic research, given their pronounced climatic gradients over short geographical distances, despite the less pronounced seasonality. The Lauraceae play an essential ecological role in Macaronesian natural forests. An example is Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco, a relevant species given its high frequency and physiognomic dominance in Azorean laurel forests. This study aims to quantify climate–growth relationships in L. azorica using a dendroecological approach. We sampled four stands at São Miguel and two stands at Terceira islands, for a total of 206 trees. Following standard dendrochronological methods and rigorous sample selection procedures, we obtained relatively low rbar values and high temporal autocorrelation. Using a stepwise Random Forest analysis followed by Generalized Linear Models calculation, we found prominent effects of present and previous year temperature, but a low precipitation signal on growth rings, with some model variation between stands. Our results agreed with previous observations for broad-leaved species with diffuse porous wood, contributing to increase the baseline dendroecological knowledge about Azorean forests. Due to the high levels of within- and between-stand variation, and to refine the climatic signal analysis, complementary approaches should be explored in the future.
- To be or not to be : the role of absences in niche modelling for highly mobile species in dynamic marine environmentsPublication . Fernandez, Marc; Sillero, Neftali; Yesson, ChrisSpecies distribution models are valuable tools for conservation management. However, there remain challenges in developing and interpreting these models in the marine environment, such as the nature of the species used for the modelling process. When working with mobile species in dynamic environments, lack of observation is usually interpreted as an observation of absence, which can result in the introduction of biases by methodological (false) absences. Here, we explore the role of absences when modelling marine megafauna distributions. To better understand how the use of absences (or equivalent) affects the niche modelling algorithms, we used a set of 20 virtual species with different relations to the habitat (generalist static, specialist static, generalist dynamic and specialist dynamic) with different encounter rates. We tested six different modelling techniques divided into three distinct groups: presence-only, presence-background and presence-absence. We compared the outputs of the models using traditional validation metrics and overlap metrics in the geographical and environmental spaces. Algorithms characterized the ecological niche for the simulated species differently. Approaches using background data generally outperformed the other methods, suggesting that the non-observation of a species in a given location and time should not be considered as an absence. A very intense (practically unrealistic) sampling schema would be required to obtain a genuine unbiased absence when working with these species and habitats. For highly mobile species, a precautionary approach would be to consider the non-observation of a species as part of the background (a sample of the conditions available in the study area) rather than an absence. A good starting point would be to use presence-background models, complemented with presence-absence and/or presence-only models, comparing outputs from the different algorithms tested in the geographic and environmental space. Improving model performance for highly mobile marine species should lead to better-informed decision making for conservation.
- Behavioural Ecology Traits of Elusive Deep-Diver Whales Unravel a Complex Social Structure Influenced by Female Philopatry and Defence PolygynyPublication . Badenas, Anja; Dinis, Ana; Ferreira, Rita; Sambolino, Annalisa; Hamard, Eliette; Berninsone, Leonardo G.; Fernandez, Marc; Alves, Filipe M. A.Knowledge of the role of individual associations has provided an insightful understanding of the structures of animal societies, especially in highly social mammals such as primates. Yet, this is unbalanced towards marine mammals, particularly to beaked whales, due to their elusive nature. In addition, information on the fundamental drivers of the social structure of these deep-diving animals is still scarce. Here, the hypothesis of female defence polygyny was tested in Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) and discussed within the context of marine and terrestrial organisms displaying similar patterns, by (i) estimating residency times to obtain information on the movements into and out of the area, (ii) analysing social networks to assess individual association metrics, (iii) measuring the strength of the associations to assess the existence of preferred or avoided relationships among individuals, and (iv) modelling different social structures to address temporal patterns in social relationships. Using a 9-year photographic dataset derived from the pelagic habitat, individual associations were inferred based on likelihood techniques. This approach allowed to infer on the species’ social structure in relation to age class, sex, residency status, and spatio-temporal patterns, which can be a good practice to be applied for other taxa. Heterogeneity in capture probability and residency times was observed between age-sex classes, with adult females exhibiting long-term site fidelity. This suggests different habitat roles and spatial structuring within this social organisation. Strong and long dyadic associations occurred between adult females and immatures, contrarily to between males, and the best-fitting models of the temporal patterns suggested long-lasting and temporary associations. The present findings unravel a complex social structure stratified by age-sex class and influenced by female philopatry and defence polygyny, like an unimale group mating system, which varies from other beaked whales but is similar to some birds, pinnipeds, or non-human primates.
- Aqua : Leveraging Citizen Science to Enhance Whale-Watching Activities and Promote Marine-Biodiversity AwarenessPublication . Dionisio, Mara; Mendes, Mafalda; Fernandez, Marc; Nisi, Valentina; Nunes, NunoLife-supporting ecosystems are facing impending destruction. The human-computer interaction (HCI) community must rethink how to design technological interventions that reconcile concepts and theories for ecological computing. Proponents of sustainable HCI have pushed for tools and systems that aim to decenter the human in a shift toward post human design-a theoretical approach that challenges the assumption that only humans are stakeholders of technology as it increasingly shapes the future. Building on the iconic value of whales and the economic impact of whale watching as a form of ecotourism, we developed Aqua, a digital tool that leverages the potential of citizen science to engage tourists in marine-biodiversity awareness and conservation. This manuscript is advancing the field of sustainable HCI and tourism applications in two ways: first, we deliver an artefact contribution by designing and implementing a digital tool to enhance whale-watching activities. Second, we offer an empirical research contribution through observation and data gathering while comparing participants’ experiences of a whale-watching trip with and without the digital tool. Finally, preliminary insights are provided to inform the design of future digital tools aimed at promoting environmental conservation and citizen-science approaches among tourists. This work presents progression in understanding and informs the design of digital tools to engage tourists in novel and sustainable experiences.