Amazon Region Research Articles

COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DO PESCADO NO MUNICÍPIO DE LARANJAL DO JARI, AMAPÁ, BRASIL

Fishing is the cornerstone of the economy in the Amazon region, which stands out compared to other Brazilian regions due to the richness of the species exploited. Fishing ensures income and subsistence for a significant portion of the population and is one of the most traditional activities in Brazil, generating important revenue for the country and for fish production in the states of Amapá and Pará. Fish has increasingly become one of the main foods on the table of the people of Amapá, with the most consumed species including Pirapitinga, Tambaqui, Tucunaré, Filhote, Dourada, Traíra, Acará, Pescada, Acari, and Tamuatá. Through data collection and using the inductive method, we aim to outline the profile of fish commercialization and inspection in the municipality of Laranjal do Jari. Buying and selling promote and drive the local economy, but with little attention to the handling and conservation of the product until it reaches the final consumer, that is, the customer in Laranjal. The analysis will objectively examine which fish are most sought after, their origin whether from fish farms, the Jari River, or nearby cities along with the challenges faced by vendors in their daily work to market these species.

Modeling and advanced Ground Penetrating Radar techniques for evaluating pipe leakage and pavement distress

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data processing techniques for detecting water leakage in urban pavements. By examining GPR images characterized by continuous and discontinuous high-amplitude reflections, the research identifies clear indicators of water saturation caused by leaking underground pipes. Computer modeling of GPR profiles enables effective comparisons with real data and helps in calibrating key GPR attributes such as energy, amplitude variance, and RMS amplitude. These attributes allow for the precise delineation of leakage zones in both synthetic and real GPR datasets collected in the Amazon region of Brazil. The Reflector Tilt Method (RTM) significantly enhances GPR data analysis, especially for detecting subsurface water leaks. RTM utilizes changes in the relative dielectric constant and electromagnetic wave velocity induced by water saturation in unconsolidated, horizontally stratified sand layers. By analyzing the tilt of reflections in GPR profiles, RTM differentiates between dry and saturated zones, providing insights into the geometry and extent of water infiltration. Notably, this study demonstrates how increased subsurface water saturation causes underlying reflectors to tilt. Using the tilt angle, we propose a novel technique to quantify the increase in the dielectric constant due to water saturation. This technique could also be adapted to detect leaks involving other fluids, as long as there is a strong contrast between the dielectric constant and the background. The integration of RTM improves the creation of accurate three-dimensional models of affected areas, enhancing leak detection and aiding in understanding water movement dynamics within the subsurface. The study underscores the importance of combining GPR attributes with RTM to generate detailed 3D models of leakage zones, which are essential for estimating the volume of infiltrated areas. Observations indicate significant water saturation near leaking pipes at shallow depths, with saturation levels decreasing rapidly as depth increases. By identifying 2D geophysical signatures of water leaks in public distribution networks, the research highlights the effectiveness of non-invasive GPR methods in mitigating risks such as soil erosion and surface collapse. This approach demonstrates the utility of GPR attributes and RTM as essential tools for assessing urban pavement integrity, enabling early detection of leaks and precise mapping of affected zones. The findings contribute significantly to the efficient and sustainable management of urban infrastructure, enhancing maintenance strategies and reducing potential hazards associated with undetected fluid leaks.

Discovering Accessible Financial Systems Resources for Emergent Users

The widespread use of mobile phones in Brazil has significantly altered information access and communication, impacting the financial sector as institutions increasingly use mobile apps. However, ensuring accessibility for all users remains challenging, particularly for riverside people who lack exposure to formal education, urban environments, and digital technologies. This study examined the accessibility and communicability barriers this population faces in mobile banking applications, especially in instant payment features. After reviewing best practices and applying the Semiotic Inspection Method (SIM), the study developed and tested an instant payment prototype with riverside people in the Amazon region. Interviews and the Communicability Evaluation Method (CEM) were used to measure communication effectiveness and inform design improvements for Pix interfaces. Afterward, a workshop with computing students was conducted, and they showed interest in inclusive systems but needed more practical knowledge. The workshop also highlighted the necessity of providing audio resources, more security, and illustrations and text that are easy to understand in financial conversation systems for emergent users. This research supports digital inclusion by exploring resources to improve accessibility in interactive systems for emergent users.

Avaliação microbiológica e antimicrobiana da água de consumo humano de casas flutuantes na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT Limited access to safe water and basic sanitation contributes to morbidity and mortality caused by waterborne diseases, and reinforces social inequalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of water consumed by residents of floating houses and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates in the low and increasing flow regime in the Amazon River basin. The samples consisted of drinking water from floating domestic units located on the edges of cities in the Amazon region, Amazonas state, Brazil. Sampling occurred during the low (LWL) and raising river-water level (RWL) periods. Water samples were analyzed using the filtering membrane method. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the disk-diffusion method. The source of water for consumption was predominantly tubular/artesian wells (75.0% LWL; 72.7% RWL); the main storage form was in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles or buckets (90.9%) and the majority of the residents (63.6%) did not treat the water before consumption. Most water samples were contaminated with Escherichia coli during both the LWL (86.3%) and RWL periods (82.5%). Enterococcus spp., Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp. were identified in association with water contamination by E. coli. Salmonella spp. exhibited the highest resistance rate among the bacteria subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, especially during the LWL period; 100% showed resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin, 68% were resistant to tobramycin and 64% to gentamicin. Therefore, raising public awareness about the consumption of safe water, through dissemination of proper water storage and disinfection procedures could help minimize contamination and reduce waterborne diseases.

Well-managed grass is a key strategy for carbon storage and stabilization in anthropized Amazon soils.

Well-managed grass is a key strategy for carbon storage and stabilization in anthropized Amazon soils.

Pretreatment of Oryza sativa (Rice) and Musa cavendishii (Banana) Waste Biomass Using Ionic Liquids of Choline Amino Acid for Nanoscale Cellulose Production

The species Oryza sativa (rice) and Musa cavendishii (banana) are sources of cellulose-rich waste biomass in the Amazon region, Tocantins State. This research investigates the nanoscale production of cellulose through the interactions between three choline amino acid ionic liquids Ch[AA]IL and the respective fibers by pretreatment. To this end, the synthesis of three ILs was carried out: choline arginate Ch[Arg], choline glycinate Ch[Gly] and choline lysinate Ch[Lys], characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The samples resulting from the pretreatment were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was possible to infer from the SEM micrographs that Ch[Arg] caused greater fiber breakage than the other ILs. The TEM analyses identified fibers up to 16 nm in diameter. Positive effects were observed in the diffractograms, although no crystallinity was obtained in the pretreated samples. Thermogravimetry curves showed that the fibers treated with Ch[Arg] showed higher thermal stability.

Towards culturally inclusive healthcare in Peru: Mapping epistemic concepts in contemporary Indigenous Amazonian medicine-Traditional healers' perspectives.

Peru is among Latin American countries with the largest Indigenous population, yet ethnical health disparities persist, particularly in the Amazon region which comprises 60% of the national territory. Healthcare models that include Indigenous medicine and traditional healers present an important avenue for addressing such inequalities, as they increase cultural adequacy of services, healthcare access, and acknowledge Indigenous Rights for their perspectives to be represented in public healthcare. Understanding the underlying epistemologies of Indigenous medicine is a prerequisite for this purpose. Thus, in order to support Indigenous Organizations and governmental initiatives to develop more inclusive healthcare approaches, the current study investigated key epistemic concepts in Indigenous-Amazonian medicine from the perspective of traditional healers. We conducted systematic in-depth interviews (semi-structured) with a sample of 13 healers of three Peruvian-Amazonian regions (Loreto, Ucayali, San Martín). Data was analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis. Our findings point to an intricate medical system based on a sophisticated understanding of health, illness, and treatment. Indigenous healers described multifactorial aetiology concepts, complex interactions between material and spirit-related aspects of body and nature, diagnosis, and treatment. These often involved carefully designed applications of 'teacher plants', a concept at the heart of this medical system. Furthermore, while the healers considered traditional and biomedicine as complementary systems, they identified the lack of recognition of traditional healers as a primary barrier for collaboration. Indeed, preconceptions and stigma on Indigenous medicine along with a paucity of research, still represent an impediment to countries' ability to respond to Indigenous peoples' health-related expectations and needs, thus maintaining existing inequalities. This work offers a significant contribution to the understanding of Indigenous-Amazonian medicine and perspectives of traditional healers, relevant for Peru and adjacent countries sharing Amazonian territory and cultures. Our findings also highlight Amazonian healers' unique expertise around the therapeutic applications of psychoactives, from which the current revival of clinical scientific interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies may have a great deal to learn.

Adding a new piece to the puzzle of Cosmocercidae evolutionary relationships: genetic characterization of Aplectana pella parasitic in Osteocephalus cabrerai from Amazon Region.

Aplectana comprises species of gastrointestinal helminths commonly found parasitizing amphibians and reptiles worldwide. However, most species of the genus are described based only on morphological traits. During helminthological surveys, we found nematodes identified as Aplectana pella parasitizing the hylid frog Osteocephalus cabrerai from the same locality as the original description. We provided the first nucleotide sequence of ribosomal gene 18S rDNA for Aplectana pella and established the species' phylogenetic position between representatives of Cosmocercidae. A pairwise genetic comparison between A. pella and its congeners revealed a low genetic divergence. We found that our sequences clustered with species of Cosmocerca, reinforcing the hypothesis that representatives of the genus Aplectana do not form a monophyletic group.

Ioinvasão do camarão-arco-íris Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis (Heller, 1862) em pescarias em águas estuarinas da Amazônia, Brasil

As a consequence of the severe drought in the Amazon region, there has been a decrease in the volume of water in the river basins and a loss of river flow in the northern region of Brazil. As a result of this factor, there has been a greater presence of marine waters entering continental regions, which is favoring the spread of the rainbow shrimp Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis (Heller, 1880), which is an exotic species to Brazil, but its presence is being expanded to estuarine waters in the municipalities of Colares, Vigia, São Caetano de Odivelas and Curuçá, all located in northeastern Pará. In these regions, its presence has been detected since September 2024, but the official records of the species are being made in this study. The presence of M. sculptilis in Brazilian waters may be linked to transportation by ballast water, in addition to its expansion in estuarine and marine waters in Brazil associated with climate change events. This study warns of the presence and high dissemination of the species in the northern region, and reinforces the need for mitigating measures to control the bioinvasion of M. sculptilis in Brazil.

Hematology and biochemistry of Chelonians from the Amazon region: a literature review

This paper presents a literature review of Amazonian turtles' hematological and biochemical parameters from different habitats. The methodology is based on information in other languages from reliable national and international scientific databases between 2000 and 2021. The results obtained in this study for the hematological and biochemical parameters showed differences between the Amazonian turtle species and other turtle species analyzed in the published works. The hatchlings of Podocnemis unifilis (yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle) showed differences in blood parameters among sex ratios. Differences were also observed between recently hatched Podocnemis erythrocephala (red-headed river turtle) and adults (sex ratio). The hematocrit (Ht) values of the recently hatched P. unifilis (15.1 ± 1.9 %) and P. erythrocephala (15.36 ± 2.87 %) groups presented by the authors were lower than those of the adult animals of the same species. In the hematimetric indices, when compared between species, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) found was higher for P. unifilis, Peltocephalus dumerilianus and Podocnemis expansa. The hematological and biochemical values presented may be influenced by factors such as sex and developmental stage in certain species, as well as by their environment and other aspects of biology. The information gathered can serve as a reference for future research on captive breeding and conservation strategies for freshwater turtles

Childbirth dynamics in the riverside region of the Brazilian Amazon from the perspective of geospatialization.

to analyze the spatial-temporal pattern of childbirths and flow of postpartum women assisted at a regional reference maternity hospital. ecological study of 4,081 childbirths, between September 2018 and December 2021, at a public maternity hospital in the Baixo Tocantins region, Pará, Brazil. With data collected from five sources, a geographic database was constructed, and spatial analysis was used with Kernel density interpolator. Maps were generated using QGis/3.5 and TerraView/4.3, calculating chi-square (p<0.05). the highest concentrations of normal and cesarean childbirths were observed in Barcarena (n=2,558/62.68%), Abaetetuba (n=750/18.38%), Moju (n=363/8.89%) and Igarapé-Miri (n=219/5.37%). Among the municipalities in the region, ten had obstetric beds, totaling 210 beds. In this scenario, postpartum women traveled up to 288 km to reach the maternity hospital. long distances between certain municipalities of residence and maternity hospital, and low supply of obstetric beds, were identified as risk factors for unfavorable obstetric outcomes.

The Impact of Brazil’s Agricultural Export Boom on Domestic Food Security

Brazil has become a global leader in agricultural exports, supplying major commodities such as soybeans, beef, corn, and sugarcane to international markets, particularly China, the European Union, and the United States. While this export-driven agricultural boom has contributed significantly to economic growth, trade surpluses, and rural employment, it has also raised serious concerns about domestic food security, environmental sustainability, and social inequality. The shift toward large-scale agribusiness and monoculture farming has led to deforestation, displacement of small-scale farmers, increased food prices, and reduced access to staple foods for low-income populations. This paper examines the drivers, consequences, and policy responses related to Brazil’s agricultural export expansion. It analyzes how export prioritization has reduced the availability of domestically consumed staple foods, leading to food inflation and nutritional insecurity. It also explores the environmental costs of farmland expansion, including deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado regions, soil degradation, and water overuse. Social consequences, such as the marginalization of small farmers, rising rural unemployment, and widening economic inequalities, are also discussed. In response to these challenges, the Brazilian government has implemented various policy measures, including food price stabilization programs, land-use regulations, and social assistance initiatives like Bolsa Família and the National School Feeding Program. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains mixed, as agribusiness interests continue to dominate policy decisions. The paper concludes by evaluating potential solutions, such as stricter environmental protections, incentives for sustainable farming, and trade policies that ensure sufficient domestic food supply while maintaining Brazil’s position as a major agricultural exporter.

Populações “Das Águas”: Ambiente-Saúde a partir da perspectiva da Determinação Social e da Política de Saúde na região do Baixo Amazonas-PA

Abstract The relationship between the environment and health has become a relevant topic on the public policy agenda since the 1990s. This study seeks to describe this relationship from the perspective of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of Populations of the Countryside, Forest, and Waters in the community of São Pedro, in the Lower Amazon region of Pará. This is a descriptive study focused on conducting diagnoses that consider the environment-health relationship in the Community. A participatory Rural Diagnosis was used to construct conceptual maps and conversation circles. According to the results, issues, such as excess trash, shortage of medicines and deficiencies in basic education are some key conditions that can make the community vulnerable. Furthermore, it is clear that the health policy, despite being important, still faces challenges for its full implementation in regions where there is a strong presence of this group.

Sinopse taxonômica de Anomospermum (Menispermaceae) na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT Anomospermum comprises nine species and five subspecies distributed from Central to South America. This work consists of a synoptic treatment for the genus Anomospermum in the Brazilian Amazon and involved the analysis of field collections from 21 expeditions (between January 2020 and December 2022), types and botanical specimens from 32 Brazilian and foreign herbaria. In Brazil, Amazonia is the main center of diversity for the genus. The genus is represented in the Brazilian Amazon by eight species, two of them with three subspecies. Amazonas state was the most representative with seven taxa. Two new occurrences were found, one for Pará state (A. chloranthum subsp. chloranthum) and another for Amapá state (A. matogrossense). Anomospermum reticulatum subsp. reticulatum is the most common and widely distributed species of the genus in the Brazilian Amazon region. An identification key for taxa of the Brazilian Amazon, descriptions, illustrations, distribution data, and additional comments for each species are provided.

"Water" Populations: Environment-Health, from the Social Determination and Health Policy perspective, in the Baixo Amazonas Region-PA.

The relationship between the environment and health has become a relevant topic on the public policy agenda since the 1990s. This study seeks to describe this relationship from the perspective of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of Populations of the Countryside, Forest, and Waters in the community of São Pedro, in the Lower Amazon region of Pará. This is a descriptive study focused on conducting diagnoses that consider the environment-health relationship in the Community. A participatory Rural Diagnosis was used to construct conceptual maps and conversation circles. According to the results, issues, such as excess trash, shortage of medicines and deficiencies in basic education are some key conditions that can make the community vulnerable. Furthermore, it is clear that the health policy, despite being important, still faces challenges for its full implementation in regions where there is a strong presence of this group.

Respiratory infection in indigenous population of the Amazon region, Brazil

Respiratory infection in indigenous population of the Amazon region, Brazil

Nurses' representations about partner participation in prenatal care: perspective on masculinities.

to understand nurses' representations about partner participation in prenatal care. an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study, carried out in four Basic Health Units, located in two municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon region. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 11 nurses who had been working in prenatal care for at least six months, between January and July 2023. Professionals who were on sick leave or vacation were excluded. Data organization was carried out through content analysis, and theoretical analysis was based on the gender category. perceptions of partner participation were observed based on representations of hegemonic masculinity, but indicators of a paradigm shift regarding paternity were also observed. professionals reinforce traditional gender roles, treating care as something inherent to women. It was also observed that the category overload leads to the perpetuation of biomedical models of care.

Analysis of eco-friendly business practices and their impact on environmental sustainability in a Peruvian Amazon region

Eco-friendly business practices range from energy efficiency to sustainable management; therefore, the implementation of these practices not only has the potential to mitigate environmental impacts, but also to improve the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of companies. In this study we analyze eco-friendly business practices and their impact on environmental sustainability in companies in a region of the Peruvian Amazon. A quantitative, non-experimental approach was considered, with an explanatory design; for which, a sample size of 200 companies was considered, which were randomly selected, to which two instruments were applied, the first with 7 indicators and the second with 3, valid, with an alpha of 0.720 and 0.670 respectively, assessing structural equation modeling. The results show that eco-friendly business practices are oriented towards sustainability (C.R. = 19.280), as well as preventive and eco-efficient practices (C.R. = 5.023, C.R.= 14.185); these findings can serve as a basis for the creation or improvement of public policies that promote eco-friendly business practices, encouraging companies to adopt measures that favor environmental sustainability. Therefore, eco-friendly business practices have a positive impact on environmental sustainability in companies in a region of the Peruvian Amazon; in addition, preventive practices and eco-efficient practices have a positive impact on environmental sustainability in companies in a region of the Peruvian Amazon.

Regional development and transport infrastructure in the Brazilian amazon region: a literature review on governmental plans for the Transamazon Highway

Regional development and transport infrastructure in the Brazilian amazon region: a literature review on governmental plans for the Transamazon Highway

Clinical and epidemiological characterization of patients with cutaneous tuberculosis treated at a referral center in the Brazilian Amazon: case series.

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare form of the disease that defies diagnosis due to the diversity of clinical presentations. This study was based on the reality of a dermatology referral center in the Brazilian Amazon region to detail several characteristics of this disease. To describe a series of cases of cutaneous tuberculosis treated at a dermatology service in the Brazilian Amazon region, addressing epidemiological aspects, clinical forms, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes. This is a descriptive and observational study of the case series type, including eight patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis seen between 2021 and 2023. A standardized protocol was used to collect data from patients' medical records. Among the eight cases of cutaneous tuberculosis, there were four cases of erythema induratum of Bazin, one case of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, two cases of scrofuloderma, and one case of lupus vulgaris. Erythema induratum of Bazin, the most common form in the study, occurred predominantly in women, presenting as infiltrated plaques and erythematous nodules. All eight cases were treated with the standard therapeutic regimen of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol). They include the small sample size, making generalizations difficult. The study addressed the clinical diversity of cutaneous tuberculosis, with erythema induratum of Bazin as the most common form. The importance of the socioeconomic context in the prevalence of the disease and the need for more comprehensive epidemiological studies to improve the understanding of cutaneous tuberculosis, especially in endemic regions, are highlighted.