Quantum critical dynamics in a 5,000-qubit programmable spin glass.

Experiments on disordered alloys1-3 suggest that spin glasses can be brought into low-energy states faster by annealing quantum fluctuations than by conventional thermal annealing. Owing to the importance of spin glasses as a paradigmatic computational testbed, reproducing this phenomenon in a programmable system has remained a central challenge in quantum optimization4-13. Here we achieve this goal by realizing quantum-critical spin-glass dynamics on thousands of qubits with a superconducting quantum annealer. We first demonstrate quantitative agreement between quantum annealing and time evolution of the Schrödinger equation in small spin glasses. We then measure dynamics in three-dimensional spin glasses on thousands of qubits, for which classical simulation of many-body quantum dynamics is intractable. We extract critical exponents that clearly distinguish quantum annealing from the slower stochastic dynamics of analogous Monte Carlo algorithms, providing both theoretical and experimental support for large-scale quantum simulation and a scaling advantage in energy optimization.

O esporte para o desenvolvimento e a paz nas revistas acadêmicas brasileiras: uma revisão de literatura integrativa / Sport for development and peace in brazilian academic journals: an integrative literature review / El deporte para el desarrollo y la paz en las revistas académicas brasileñas: una revisión de literatura integrativa

Neste artigo, realizamos uma revisão de literatura integrativa através de quatro bases de dados científicas de ampla utilização no meio acadêmico brasileiro, a partir dos descritores: "Esporte e Desenvolvimento Social", "Projeto Social Esportivo" e "Projetos Sociais Esportivos". Encontramos 341 artigos, os quais foram, posteriormente e de acordo com critérios de inclusão/exclusão, reduzidos a 57 trabalhos analisados. Apresentamos aqui resultados referentes às categorias "Campo de atuação", "Ano de publicação", "Revistas" e "Resultados da pesquisa". A metodologia seguiu os passos sugeridos por Whittemore e Knafl (2005): (a) identificação do problema, (b) pesquisa da literatura, (c) avaliação dos dados, (d) análise dos dados e (e) apresentação. Os resultados de nossa pesquisa lidam com variações que consideramos significativas no contexto das categorias eleitas e sugerem interpretações para tais variações. Além disso, por fim, refletimos acerca dos limites de nossa pesquisa e das implicações deste trabalho para investigações futuras. (AU)

In this article, we carry out an integrative literature review in four databases widely used in the Brazilian academic environment, using the descriptors: "Sport and Social Development", "Sport Social Project" and "Sports Social Projects". We found 341 articles, which were, later and according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, reduced to 60 works to be analyzed. Here we present results referring to the categories "Field of action", "Year of publication", "Journals" and "Research results". The methodology followed the steps suggested by Whittemore and Knafl (2005): (a) problem identification, (b) literature search, (c) data evaluation, (d) data analysis and (e) presentation. The results of our research deal with variations that we considered significant in the context of the categories chosen and suggest interpretations for such variations. In addition, finally, we reflect on the limits of our research and the implications of this work for future research. (AU)

En este artículo, realizamos una revisión de literatura integrativa en cuatro bases de datos ampliamente utilizadas en el medio académico brasileño, a partir de los siguientes descriptores: "Deporte y Desarrollo Social", "Proyecto Social Deportivo" y "Proyectos Sociales Deportivos". Encontramos 341 artículos, los cuales fueron, posteriormente y de acuerdo con criterios de inclusión/exclusión, reducidos a 57 trabajos analizados. Presentamos aquí resultados referentes a las categorías "Campo de actuación", "Año de publicación", "Revistas" y "Resultados de la investigación". La metodología siguió los pasos sugeridos por Whittemore y Knafl (2005): (a) identificación del problema, (b) investigación de la literatura, (c) evaluación de los datos, (d) análisis de los datos y (e) presentación. Los resultados de nuestra investigación trabajan con variaciones que consideramos significativas en el contexto de las categorías elegidas y sugieren interpretaciones para tales variaciones. Además, reflexionamos acerca de los límites de nuestra investigación y de las implicaciones de este trabajo para las futuras investigaciones. (AU)

CASE STUDY: DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AND INTERPRETATION AND HERITAGE PROGRAM OF THE GUARATIBA STATE BIOLOGICAL RESERVE (RIO DE JANEIRO/BRAZIL) / ESTUDIO DEL CASO: DESARROLLO DEL PROGRAMA DE EDUCACIÓN E INTERPRETACIÓN AMBIENTAL Y PATRIMONIAL DE LA RESERVA BIOLÓGICA ESTATAL DE GUARATIBA (RIO DE JANEIRO/ BRASIL) / ESTUDO DE CASO: DESENVOLVIMENTO DO PROGRAMA DE EDUCAÇÃO E INTERPRETAÇÃO AMBIENTAL E PATRIMONIAL DA RESERVA BIOLÓGICA ESTADUAL DE GUARATIBA (RIO DE JANEIRO/BRASIL)

This paper presents a case study on the development of the Environmental Education, and Interpretation and Heritage Program (EEIHP) for the Guaratiba State Biological Reserve in Rio de Janeiro (RJ/Brazil). The general objective was to analyze the process and point out strengths and weaknesses of the adopted strategies. The methodological basis was Qualitative Research, with an Observational Case Study. The research was carried out between April 2017 and July 2021. The methodological strategies that were used were: bibliographic survey; document analysis (Public Use and Management Plan reports) and participant observation as well as participant research (events, meetings of the advisory board and the environmental education working group). The development of the EEIHP in the Reserve went forward due to a set of factors such as: participatory management committed to the Management and Action Plans; 2) participation of volunteers, through contribution to human and material resources; 3) integration of formal and non-formal education, reconciling school projects with the protected area's socio-environmental actions; 4) support from the headquarters team to decisions from the working group and 5) adaptation of the action plan to the global reality and local context generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The weaknesses to be overcome were identified as: little basis in legislation and documents; lack of a qualified professional team; difficulty in reconciling school and management agendas in order to proceed with actions and products; overload of tasks directed at the few members of the working group.

Este artículo presenta un estudio del caso sobre el desarrollo del Programa de Interpretación y Educación Ambiental y Patrimonial (PEIAP) en la Reserva Biológica Estatal de Guaratiba en Rio de Janeiro (RJ / Brasil). El objetivo general fue analizar el proceso y señalar fortalezas y debilidades en las estrategias adoptadas. La base metodológica fue la Investigación Cualitativa, con enfoque del Estudio del caso, por medio de la observación y la investigación participante. La investigación se llevó a cabo entre abril de 2017 y julio de 2021. Las estrategias metodológicas utilizadas fueron: levantamiento bibliográfico; análisis de documentos y observación e investigación participante (eventos, reuniones del consejo asesor y la cámara temática de educación ambiental). Se pudo concluir que el desarrollo del PEIAP en la Reserva se debe a un conjunto de factores como: 1) manejo participativo comprometido con el Plan de Manejo y Planes de Acción; 2) participación de voluntarios, por medio de recursos humanos y materiales; 3) integración de los proyectos escolares con las acciones socioambientales de la unidad de conservación; 4) apoyo del equipo de la sede a la Cámara Temática y 5) adecuación del plan de acción a la realidad global y contexto local, generado por la pandemia COVID-19. Cómo se verificaron las debilidades a superar; escasa base legislativa, falta de profesionales calificados en educación ambiental que integren el equipo de la Reserva; dificultad para conciliar las agendas escolares y de gestión y sobrecarga de tareas dirigidas a unos pocos integrantes de la Cámara Temática.

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso sobre o desenvolvimento do Programa de Educação e Interpretação Ambiental e Patrimonial (PEIAP) da Reserva Biológica Estadual de Guaratiba, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ/Brasil). O objetivo geral foi analisar o processo de implantação do PEIAP e apontar potencialidades e fragilidades das estratégias adotadas. A base metodológica foi a pesquisa qualitativa, com abordagem de estudo de caso observacional. A pesquisa foi realizada entre abril de 2017 e julho de 2021. As estratégias metodológicas empregadas foram: levantamento bibliográfico; análise documental e observação-participante e pesquisa participante. Foi possível concluir que o desenvolvimento do PEIAP da Reserva se deve a um conjunto de fatores como: 1) gestão participativa e comprometida com o Plano de Manejo e Planos de Ação; 2) participação de voluntários, através de recursos humanos e materiais, 3) integração do ensino formal e não formal, conciliando os projetos escolares com as ações socioambientais da unidade de conservação; 4) apoio da equipe da sede aos encaminhamentos da Câmara Temática e 5) adaptação do plano de ação à realidade global e ao contexto local, gerada pela pandemia por COVID-19. Como fragilidades a serem superadas foi verificado: insuficiente embasamento na legislação, ausência de profissional qualificado em educação ambiental integrando a equipe da Reserva; dificuldade de conciliar as agendas das escolas e da gestão e centralização de tarefas em poucos integrantes da Câmara Temática.

Scaling advantage over path-integral Monte Carlo in quantum simulation of geometrically frustrated magnets.

The promise of quantum computing lies in harnessing programmable quantum devices for practical applications such as efficient simulation of quantum materials and condensed matter systems. One important task is the simulation of geometrically frustrated magnets in which topological phenomena can emerge from competition between quantum and thermal fluctuations. Here we report on experimental observations of equilibration in such simulations, measured on up to 1440 qubits with microsecond resolution. By initializing the system in a state with topological obstruction, we observe quantum annealing (QA) equilibration timescales in excess of one microsecond. Measurements indicate a dynamical advantage in the quantum simulation compared with spatially local update dynamics of path-integral Monte Carlo (PIMC). The advantage increases with both system size and inverse temperature, exceeding a million-fold speedup over an efficient CPU implementation. PIMC is a leading classical method for such simulations, and a scaling advantage of this type was recently shown to be impossible in certain restricted settings. This is therefore an important piece of experimental evidence that PIMC does not simulate QA dynamics even for sign-problem-free Hamiltonians, and that near-term quantum devices can be used to accelerate computational tasks of practical relevance.

Genetic and demographic aspects of Varronia curassavica Jacq. in a heterogeneous coastal ecosystem.

The restinga is a threatened Brazilian ecosystem and a highly heterogeneous environment. This work aimed to evaluate demographic and genetic aspects of Varronia curassavica and whether environmental heterogeneity can influence the studied population parameters. Three annual evaluations were carried out in an area of restinga in Florianópolis-SC, Brazil. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the spatial distribution pattern was calculated by Ripley's K-function and correlated with environmental characteristics. To characterize diversity and genetic structure, eight microsatellite markers were used. This work demonstrated that variations in the distribution of individuals and genotypes can be related to specific environments. Dry lowlands were environments favorable to population development, and flooded lowland and mobile dunes were unfavorable. The fixation indices were distinct between environments, evidencing a tendency toward preferential crosses in favor of heterozygotes. We found absence of spatial genetic structure, indicating that genotypes are randomly distributed and that gene flow may be related to such genetic factors as the presence of autoincompatibility mechanisms. This diversity of environments contributed to the aggregate distribution and is relevant for the maintenance of demographic and genetic processes of the species in restingas, and this aspect should be considered for in situ conservation.

Uma análise da MP n° 936/2020 sobre os rendimentos dos trabalhadores e a renda domiciliar per capita / An analysis of MP n ° 936/2020 on workers' income and per capita household income

O objetivo desta nota técnica é caracterizar trabalhadores e famílias que poderão ser potencialmente afetados por esta norma e simular as possíveis variações de salários e rendimentos. Além desta introdução, a nota é composta pela seção 2, que descreve os principais aspectos da MP nº 936/2020; pela seção 3, a qual apresenta os dados utilizados; pela seção 4, que sumariza os resultados; e pela seção 5, que expõe as principais conclusões.

Consumption of Euterpe edulis fruit by wildlife: implications for conservation and management of the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

This study aimed to measure the wildlife consumption of Euterpe edulis fruit and use this data to discuss management possibilities. To estimate infructescence fruit volume consumed, collectors were installed in fruit-bearing palms. To characterize consumption from the ground, samples were placed next to fruiting palms. To identify wildlife and their activities, camera traps were installed in infructescences and on the ground. The results suggested that there was a small fruit surplus (1.8 %), and this finding indicated the possibility of a harvest to reduce food for the wildlife. However, recurrent variations in the annual fruit production (21.4 %) were also noted, and suggested that wildlife could tolerate some fruit harvesting. Thus, a harvest could be restricted to fruit volume that exceeds the annual average (94 kg/ha/year). Turdus flavipes, a migratory bird, was the most active species in the dispersal of seeds; this finding indicates the need for broader conservation strategies. Wildlife composition also changed along with the fruiting, and this alteration suggests that dependence on the fruit is variable among different species. Seed germination and seedling mortality were high, results that indicate that local conditions may have a predominant effect on seed volume in natural regeneration density.

Measuring the mismatch between field of study and occupation using a task-based approach.

This paper seeks to provide a continuous measure to represent the distance between skills acquired in tertiary education and those required in an individual's occupation. This distance measure, which is computed by combining data from the 2010 Brazilian census with information from the 2010 Brazilian classification of occupations, suggests that workers usually classified in most of the literature into a single group of mismatches are in fact quite heterogeneous in the way their occupations are associated with areas of study. Evidence also shows that, even among mismatched workers, hourly labor earnings tend to decrease as the distance measure increases. This indicates the labor earnings penalty is not the same for all mismatched workers, seemingly changing substantially depending on the level of similarity between occupation and field of study.

Observation of topological phenomena in a programmable lattice of 1,800 qubits.

The work of Berezinskii, Kosterlitz and Thouless in the 1970s1,2 revealed exotic phases of matter governed by the topological properties of low-dimensional materials such as thin films of superfluids and superconductors. A hallmark of this phenomenon is the appearance and interaction of vortices and antivortices in an angular degree of freedom-typified by the classical XY model-owing to thermal fluctuations. In the two-dimensional Ising model this angular degree of freedom is absent in the classical case, but with the addition of a transverse field it can emerge from the interplay between frustration and quantum fluctuations. Consequently, a Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition has been predicted in the quantum system-the two-dimensional transverse-field Ising model-by theory and simulation3-5. Here we demonstrate a large-scale quantum simulation of this phenomenon in a network of 1,800 in situ programmable superconducting niobium flux qubits whose pairwise couplings are arranged in a fully frustrated square-octagonal lattice. Essential to the critical behaviour, we observe the emergence of a complex order parameter with continuous rotational symmetry, and the onset of quasi-long-range order as the system approaches a critical temperature. We describe and use a simple approach to statistical estimation with an annealing-based quantum processor that performs Monte Carlo sampling in a chain of reverse quantum annealing protocols. Observations are consistent with classical simulations across a range of Hamiltonian parameters. We anticipate that our approach of using a quantum processor as a programmable magnetic lattice will find widespread use in the simulation and development of exotic materials.

Reproductive Biology of Varronia curassavica Jacq. (Boraginaceae)

ABSTRACT Varronia curassavica, a subshrubby medicinal species associated with restinga in the Atlantic Forest, has been exploited by local people and the pharmaceutical industry. Indeed, restingas have experienced a continuous process of degradation, and thus, with species and ecosystem both at risk, efforts to support conservation actions are required. The present study aimed to evaluate aspects of V. curassavica reproductive biology. To accomplish this, morphological characterization was performed by monitoring flowering events. The availability of nectar and pollen, as well as the frequency and behavior of floral visitors and dispersers, was also evaluated. This species exhibits both heterostyly and protogyny. Anthesis is diurnal, and flowers last less than a day. The high number of flower and fruit abortions suggests that mechanisms, such as self-incompatibility intra-morphs and easily detached flowers, contribute to reduced fruit production. The high diversity of floral visitors indicate a generalist pollination syndrome. Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were the main pollinators, and nectar was the main resource sought by these insects. Fruits were dispersed by birds and ants. It can be concluded that the interaction of V. curassavica with several species is a key factor in its own survival and for maintaining the biological diversity of restinga.

Reproductive Biology of Varronia curassavica Jacq. (Boraginaceae).

Varronia curassavica, a subshrubby medicinal species associated with restinga in the Atlantic Forest, has been exploited by local people and the pharmaceutical industry. Indeed, restingas have experienced a continuous process of degradation, and thus, with species and ecosystem both at risk, efforts to support conservation actions are required. The present study aimed to evaluate aspects of V. curassavica reproductive biology. To accomplish this, morphological characterization was performed by monitoring flowering events. The availability of nectar and pollen, as well as the frequency and behavior of floral visitors and dispersers, was also evaluated. This species exhibits both heterostyly and protogyny. Anthesis is diurnal, and flowers last less than a day. The high number of flower and fruit abortions suggests that mechanisms, such as self-incompatibility intra-morphs and easily detached flowers, contribute to reduced fruit production. The high diversity of floral visitors indicate a generalist pollination syndrome. Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were the main pollinators, and nectar was the main resource sought by these insects. Fruits were dispersed by birds and ants. It can be concluded that the interaction of V. curassavica with several species is a key factor in its own survival and for maintaining the biological diversity of restinga.

Do plant populations on distinct inselbergs talk to each other? A case study of genetic connectivity of a bromeliad species in an Ocbil landscape.

Here, we explore the historical and contemporaneous patterns of connectivity among Encholirium horridum populations located on granitic inselbergs in an Ocbil landscape within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using both nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers. Beyond to assess the E. horridum population genetic structure, we built species distribution models across four periods (current conditions, mid-Holocene, Last Glacial Maximum [LGM], and Last Interglacial) and inferred putative dispersal corridors using a least-cost path analysis to elucidate biogeographic patterns. Overall, high and significant genetic divergence was estimated among populations for both nuclear and plastid DNA (ΦST(n) = 0.463 and ΦST(plastid) = 0.961, respectively, p < .001). For nuclear genome, almost total absence of genetic admixture among populations and very low migration rates were evident, corroborating with the very low estimates of immigration and emigration rates observed among E. horridum populations. Based on the cpDNA results, putative dispersal routes in Sugar Loaf Land across cycles of climatic fluctuations in the Quaternary period revealed that the populations' connectivity changed little during those events. Genetic analyses highlighted the low genetic connectivity and long-term persistence of populations, and the founder effect and genetic drift seemed to have been very important processes that shaped the current diversity and genetic structure observed in both genomes. The genetic singularity of each population clearly shows the need for in situ conservation of all of them.

Reproductive Strategy of the Polyploid Species Varronia curassavica Jacq. in Restinga Environment.

This study aimed to elucidate the breeding strategies of Varronia curassavica, an important medicinal species associated with Brazilian restinga. This was accomplished by combining phenological and genetic data. Every 2 weeks over a period of 2 years, we measured flowering and fruiting phenology to evaluate the activity and intensity of phenophases (n = 60). We evaluated the mating system, pollen ovule ratio and genotypes from progeny and mother plants using 8 nuclear microsatellite loci. We observed flowering and fruiting of V. curassavica at low intensity throughout the entire year, but with 2 distinct peaks, one of which was seasonal, corresponding to the period of gradual increase of temperature and photoperiod. Overlapping of flowering and fruiting strategies favors gene flow among different groups of individuals and between populations by attraction of fauna throughout the year. Analysis of the mating system indicates that V. curassavica is a typical outcrossed species (t^ = 0.98; pollen/ovule ratio = 7087.50). Combining phenology with genetic studies improved our understanding of the reproductive strategies of this species. The typical outcrossing system of V. curassavica reflects the existence of functional self-incompatibility mechanisms still unaffected by changes in genetic balance by polyploidy.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Varronia curassavica: A Medicinal Polyploid Species in a Threatened Ecosystem.

Varronia curassavica is an important medicinal species associated with the restinga, one of the most threatened coastal ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest. These circumstances call for studies aimed at estimating effective population size and gene flow to improve conservation efforts. Hence, the present study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity, ploidy level, and population structure of this species in different areas of restinga using microsatellites. Varronia curassavica was characterized as an autotetraploid, with high genetic variability, low divergence, and no significant fixation indices, indicating the absence of, or reduced, inbreeding and genetic drift in the study area. About 44% of the alleles occurred at low frequency in adults of all populations and 41% in the progenies evaluated. Gene flow was high, consistent with outcrossing species with high dispersal capacity (Nm = 4.87). The results showed no tendency toward isolation by distance. The estimated effective size indicates that the populations studied have the potential to ensure conservation of the species in the long term. The genetic variability and population structure of V. curassavica, as determined in this study, could form the foundation for activities directed toward the sustainable use of this resource and its conservation. Even though the restinga ecosystem has suffered dramatic reductions in area, this study provides evidence that this species is resilient to anthropogenic threats to its genetic integrity, since it is a polyploid with self-incompatibility mechanisms that contribute to maintaining high genetic diversity in an panmictic meta-population along the coast of Santa Catarina.

Mating System and Genetic Structure Across All Known Populations of Dyckia brevifolia: A Clonal, Endemic, and Endangered Rheophyte Bromeliad.

Dyckia brevifolia is an endemic rheophyte bromeliad that occurs exclusively in patches on rocky banks of the Itajaí-Açu River in southern Brazil. The genetic diversity of all known populations was carried out using allozyme markers and the total numbers of rosettes, reproductive rosettes, and clumps per population were characterized. The mating system was also investigated. Most rosettes were aggregated in groups, and the populations differed significantly in number of rosettes and reproductive rosettes per population. The outcrossing rate obtained was 8.2%, with predominant selfing. The populations presented an average of 1.4 alleles per locus and 27% of polymorphisms. The mean expected genetic diversity was 0.067. Downstream populations showed the highest genetic diversity which could be attributed to hydrochory (unidirectional river flow). Most genetic diversity is distributed among populations (F^ST = 0.402). Natural habitats of D. brevifolia are not recommended for the construction of hydroelectric plants given that it would seriously complicate in situ conservation of this species. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that between 35 and 161 reproductive rosettes must be collected for effective ex situ conservation, depending on the targeted population, or seeds collected from 157 seed-rosettes per population.

Patterns of gene flow in Encholirium horridum L.B.Sm., a monocarpic species of Bromeliaceae from Brazil.

Encholirium horridum is a bromeliad that occurs exclusively on inselbergs in the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil. These rock outcrops form natural islands that isolate populations from each other. We investigated gene flow by pollen through paternity analyses of a bromeliad population in an area of approximately 2 ha in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. To that end, seed rosettes and seedlings were genotyped using nuclear microsatellite loci. A plot was also established from the same population and specimens were genotyped to evaluate their fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) through analyses of spatial autocorrelation and clonal growth. Paternity analysis indicated that 80% of the attributed progenitors of the genotyped seedlings were from inside the study area. The pollen dispersal distances within the area were restricted (mean distance of 45.5 m, varying from 3 to 156 m) and fine-scale SGS was weak (F(ij) = 0.0122, P < 0.001; Sp = 0.009). Clonal growth was found to be a rare event, supporting the monocarpy of this species.

Bark harvesting systems of Drimys brasiliensis Miers in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.

Drimys brasiliensis Miers, locally known as cataia or casca-de-anta, is a native tree species of the Atlantic Rainforest. Its bark is harvested from natural populations. This study examined the recovery capacity of the bark of D. brasiliensis under different bark harvesting methods, as well as the influence of these approaches on its population dynamics and reproductive biology. While none of these treatments resulted in changes in phenological behavior or the rate of increase of diameter at breast height and tree height, the removal of wider bark strips resulted in lower rates of bark recovery and higher rates of insect attack and diseases. Accordingly, the results recommend using strips of bark 2 cm wide and 2 m long, with 4 cm between strips, for effective rates of bark regrowth and for lower susceptibility to insect attack and diseases. From these studies, we concluded that D. brasiliensis has a high potential for sustainable management of its natural populations, demonstrating the possibility of generating an important supplementary income for farmers and contributing to the use and conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest.

At risk of population decline? An ecological and genetic approach to the threatened palm species Butia eriospatha (Arecaceae) of Southern Brazil.

To estimate the risk of population decline for the threatened palm species Butia eriospatha, we investigated the patterns of demography, natural regeneration, herbivory, and the levels of genetic diversity using 9 microsatellite loci from both adults and seedlings sampled from 4 populations in Southern Brazil (n = 330). Our results indicate that cattle grazing in B. eriospatha population areas severely affect their demographic structure. Three B. eriospatha populations showed a bimodal age structure made up of adult plants and seedlings and high rates (>77%) of livestock herbivory. For 1 population, we describe and quantify for the first time the occurrence of 6 ontogenetic stages for this threatened palm species. Populations of B. eriospatha showed high levels of genetic differentiation (F ST adult plants = 0.287, F ST seedlings = 0.175). The amount of observed heterozygosity differed significantly between small (H O = 0.329) and large populations (H O = 0.461), indicating that small populations can be more susceptible to genetic drift. With no recruitment and a mortality rate of 2.0%, we show that the populations investigated in this study would be at an extremely high risk of local extinction, with a greater than 50% reduction in the effective population size, in the next 40 years. Although this study highlights the importance of analyzing both population ecology parameters and genetic data to better understand the level of risk facing threatened species, we emphasize that policy actions are urgently needed for effective conservation of this vulnerable biological resource.

Totally implantable central venous catheters for chemotherapy: experience with 793 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively study the results obtained with the implementation of totally implantable catheters in patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: 815 totally implantable catheters placed in 793 patients undergoing chemotherapy regimen, preferably using the right cephalic vein. We evaluated early and late complications. RESULTS: The retrospective analysis showed an average duration of 339 days of the catheters. In 733 (90%) catheters there was no observe complication. Among early complications we observed one pneumothorax, one bad positioning of the catheter, one arterial puncture, one bleeding, one hemothorax and hemomediastinum and six hematomas in the implantation site. As for late complications, there were 35 catheter-related infections ten, infections in the surgical site, six obstructions and 20 thromboses. We removed 236 catheters, 35 due to complications and 201 by the end of treatment. CONCLUSION: totally implantable catheters for chemotherapy are a safe means for the administration of substances, in view of the low number of complications observed in this study.

Use of the palm Euterpe edulis martius in landscape units managed by migrants of German origin in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: People influence their environments through the manipulation of landscapes and species. Human influence on the landscape may lead to the development of differentiated landscape units that originate from past use and may be related to the presence of certain species. This study investigated the presence of the palm Euterpe edulis and its current and past importance in landscape units established by a community of German descendants located in southern Brazil. The objectives of this study were to characterize the use of the species, to identify the importance of E.edulis for the German immigrant community, to identify past and current uses of E.edulis, to describe the historical use of the landscape, and lastly, to identify landscape units in which E.edulis is found. METHODS: The researched community is composed of people of German descent residing in southern Brazil. A variety of research tools were used to achieve the objectives of the research. Semi-structured interviews and free-listings were conducted in all family units. The interviews focused on groups of people in the community who had current or historical connection with the species. Group workshops and guided tours were conducted to identify different landscape units. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, use-value index, citation frequency, salience index, and informant perception analysis. RESULTS: Over the historical period studied, the community demonstrated changes with respect to economic activities. These changes are reflected in the transformation of the landscape. The species E.edulis was and still is very important for people in the community; its importance is reflected in its high use value, citation frequency and salience. The species is found within various landscape units in the community as well as in homegardens and in secondary forests. CONCLUSIONS: The landscape heterogeneity of this community is influenced by changes in economic activities and by the relationship with the conservation unit. Landscape units resulting from this relationship may be identified. The species E.edulis is found within these landscape units and is integrated into the livelihood of the community.