State Of Bahia Research Articles

Energy Justice and Territory: Present and Futures of Wind Energy in Brazil

Transitioning towards renewable energy sources is crucial in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Global energy consumption is expected to increase 50 % by 2050, meaning one of today’s main challenges is complying with those demands without tampering with the uncertainties of global climate change. To address climate change renewable energy sources are essential and wind power plays a great role in the energy matrix. Brazil is one of the front runners in the energy transition, where wind power has expanded since the early 2000’s. The state of Bahia, in Northeastern Brazil, is currently the region where wind energy is expanding the most. However, conflicts related to territoriality and justice aspects are increasing in the state due to the fast-expanding wind energy sector. This study applies document and content analysis to explore the multiple narratives regarding the wind energy expansion in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Framing theory and theories addressing power struggles and conflicts in relation to the energy transition will guide the analysis of the documents included in the material. Based on the analysis of the Bahian case, this study shows that different actors frame the matter of wind energy expansion differently depending on their positionings. Civil society and local perspectives are not present in policies and decision-making processes, including the planning and installation of wind energy parks in the studied case. The results suggest that inclusion and participation of local actors, stakeholders and the civil society is essential to ensure a just and sustainable transition to clean energy sources.

Merianthera calyptrata sp. nov. (Melastomataceae, Myrtales), a new candelabriform species from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Merianthera is a genus of flowering plants with up to now seven species occurring in eastern Brazil, in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais. It belongs to the tribe Pyramieae (Melastomataceae), and can be recognized by its shrubby or treelet habit with caducous leaves, 5-merous flowers with a strongly zygomorphic androecium, the latter with dimorphic stamens bearing complex dorsal connective appendages, as well as an inferior ovary and capsular fruits. We describe here a new species of Merianthera from two collections and a photographic record, all from the same locality, an inselberg in the Municipality of Jacinto, in northeastern Minas Gerais. Its candelabriform habit, with a fistulose stem, and solitary, axillary or cauliflorous flowers are only shared with M. burlemarxii. However, M. calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov. has at least three characters that are absent in M. burlemarxii and all other species in the genus: the total absence of both a peduncle and bracteoles, the calyptrate calyx and the fruits developing from inferior ovaries and dehiscing through longitudinal slits. The first character appears to be unknown in other species in the family.

Molecular and Phylogenetic Analysis of HIV-1 Subtype C in Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil.

HIV-1 subtype C is associated with more than half of infections in southern Brazil and has been increasing in other regions of the country. In a previous study carried out in northeastern Brazil, we found a prevalence of 4.1% of subtype C. This work investigates the origin of subtype C in the state of Bahia based on five new viral sequences. The phylogenetic analysis showed that subtype C viruses found in Bahia descend from the main lineage that circulates in other Brazilian regions.

Burnout among Brazilian Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study.

This article identifies the factors associated with burnout among dentists in the state of Bahia, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2020 and February 2021, of 251 dentists, selected by snowball sampling. Sociodemographic, occupational, and epidemiological information was collected in an electronic form. Burnout was evaluated through the Maslach Burnout Inventory; anxiety through the Beck Anxiety Inventory; and quality of life through the WHOQol-BREF questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with variations in levels of the three burnout dimensions. The mean levels of the burnout dimensions were: Emotional Exhaustion: 28.9 ± 8.9 (SD); Depersonalization = 8.2 ± 6.3; and Personal Accomplishment: 28.0 ± 6.2. The proportion of professionals with high Emotional Exhaustion (≥ 30 cut-off score), high Depersonalization (≥ 12 cut-off score), and low Personal Accomplishment (≤ 33 cut-off score) were 43.4%, 26.3% and 81.3%, respectively. Burnout components were associated with high anxiety; lower levels of the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental dimensions of quality of life; less time working as a dentist; increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, feeling safe when using personal protective equipment, and support from work fellows. The dentists investigated showed moderate levels of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization, and very low levels of Personal Accomplishment. The prevention and mitigation of burnout syndrome among dentists during a pandemic should consider several factors, such as quality of life, amount of time in the profession, use of personal protective equipment, support from fellow dentists, and alcohol consumption.

A Taxonomic Revision of Arapatiella (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae): An Endemic and Threatened Genus from the Brazilian Coast

Arapatiella is a genus of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, endemic to the Atlantic Forest on the coast of the Brazilian state of Bahia. Popularly known in its region of occurrence due to the commercial use of its wood, Arapatiella is subject to strong influence of anthropic action. Currently, two species of trees are described for the genus: Arapatiella psilophylla and Arapatiella emarginata. However, the circumscription of these taxa is based on old works made with reduced sets of specimens, in need to be stronger delimited. Given this, we conducted a taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the genus based on an integrative species concept. We examined 125 gatherings from 26 national and international herbaria and living individuals collected during in situ expeditions. From the herbarium and field analyses, it was possible to state that the previous taxa circumscriptions do not fully correspond to the currently available specimen set and aren’t strong enough to delimit two species. Therefore, we chose to recombine the species as two varieties: Arapatiella psilophylla var. psilophylla and Arapatiella psilophylla var. emarginata, separated mainly by leaflet apex, stipule size, pubescence, and size of inflorescences and flowers. Distribution maps, taxonomic comments, an identification key, and a nomenclatural revision, including two new lectotypifications, are presented.

Genomic Detection of the Emerging, Highly Pathogenic HIV-1 Subtype D in Bahia, Northeast Brazil.

(1) Background: The HIV subtype D is generally associated with a faster decline in CD4+ T cell counts, a higher viral load, and a faster progression to AIDS. However, it is still poorly characterized in Brazil. In this study, we used genomics and epidemiological data to investigate the transmission dynamics of HIV subtype D in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. (2) Methods: To achieve this goal, we obtained four novel HIV-1 subtype D partial pol genome sequences using the Sanger method. To understand the emergence of this novel subtype in the state of Bahia, we used phylodynamic analysis on a dataset comprising 3704 pol genome sequences downloaded from the Los Alamos database. (3) Results: Our analysis revealed three branching patterns, indicating multiple introductions of the HIV-1 subtype D in Brazil from the late 1980s to the late 2000s and a single introduction event in the state of Bahia. Our data further suggest that these introductions most likely originated from European, Eastern African, Western African, and Southern African countries. (4) Conclusion: Understanding the distribution of HIV-1 viral strains and their temporal dynamics is crucial for monitoring the real-time evolution of circulating subtypes and recombinant forms, as well as for designing novel diagnostic and vaccination strategies. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate preparedness for future epidemics mediated by emerging viral strains.

A new species of Oxalis sect. Thamnoxys (Oxalidaceae) from the state of Bahia, Brazil

Oxalis jacobinensis, a new species of Oxalis sect. Thamnoxys, is described from the State of Bahia, in the northern sector of the Chapada Diamantina mountains. It can be distinguished from other species of the section by the leaves usually grouped at the stem apex, terminal leaflet blades rhombic-ovate to lanceolate, usually appearing grayish when fresh on the abaxial side, pedicels articulated at ca. 1/3 of their length, usually leaving a conspicuous foot, and capsules with two-seeded carpels narrowing distally, and abaxially covered with short stalked glandular hairs. We provide a description, illustrations, a geographic distribution map, a preliminary evaluation of its conservation status, and taxonomic notes.

Revisiting Psyllocarpus intermedius (Rubiaceae, Spermacoceae): an updated description with a new synonym

Borreria catolensis, described based on specimens lacking mature fruits and seeds, is here treated as a new synonym of Psyllocarpus intermedius (Rubiaceae, Spermacoceae), an endemic species from the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. This new treatment is based on the examination of a newly found duplicate of a paratype which bears these missing structures, spawning a detailed micromorphological analysis of fruits, seeds, and pollen grains. We provide an updated description of P. intermedius, and further comment on its distribution, habitat, preliminary conservation status and taxonomy.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Cities from the Southern Region of Bahia State, Brazil: Analysis of Variables Associated in Both Individual and Community Level.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), challenged public health systems worldwide. Individuals in low-income countries/regions are still at individual and community risk concerning inequality, sanitation, and economic conditions. Besides, during the pandemic, the transmission in municipalities and communities in the countryside and less developed regions kept viral spread and required structured and strengthened clinical and laboratory surveillance. Here, we present an observational, analytic, cross-sectional study conducted using secondary data from the Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular (LAFEM)-Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), to evaluate individual and community factors associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection in outpatients from different cities from Southern Region of Bahia State, in Brazil. The data were collected between June 2021 and May 2022. The SARS-CoV-2 positivity by RT-qPCR was correlated with low socio-economic indicators, including the Human development index (HDIc) and Average worker salary (AWSc). Besides, in general, females were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 0.752; CI 95% 0.663-0.853; p < 0.0001), while brown individuals had more positivity for infection (p < 0.0001). In addition, those who had clinical symptoms were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 6.000; CI 95% 4.932-7.299; p < 0.0001). Although dry cough, headache, and fever were the most frequent, loss of taste (OR = 5.574; CI 95% 4.334-7.186) and loss of smell (OR = 6.327; CI 95% 4.899-8.144) presented higher odds ratio to be positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. Nonetheless, the distribution of these characteristics was not homogenous among the different cities, especially for age and gender. The dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 positivity differed between cities and the total population and reinforces the hypothesis that control strategies for prevention needed to be developed based on both individual and community risk levels to mitigate harm to individuals and the health system.

Watershed-scale assessment of environmental background values of soil potential toxic elements from the Caatinga and Atlantic forest ecotone in Brazil

The evaluation of the concentration of a potentially toxic element (PTE) in soils under native vegetation is the base study to obtain the quality reference values (QRVs), and the watershed is the strategic planning unit for decision making. The objective of this study was to determine the natural concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn and to establish QRVs for the Verruga river basin. Soils with no or minimal anthropic intervention from the surface layer (0.0–0.2 m) were collected and processed, and PTEs were extracted according to the USEPA 3051A method and determined by ICP‒OES. The quality of the analyses was checked by blank tests and soil samples certified SRM 2709 - San Joaquin Soil. The data set was subjected to exploratory analysis and multivariate statistics. The mean background concentrations of PTEs in soils showed high variability compared to other locations in Brazil and in the world and were (mg kg−1) Fe (24,300) > Mn (211.10) > Cr (40.98) > Zn (28.28) > Cu (10.68) > Ni (9.44) > Pb (4.95) > Co (4.08) > As (3.48) > Cd (0.09). The QRVs for the PTEs were established based on the 75th percentile, where (mg kg−1) Mn (124.59) > Cr (54.51) > Zn (31.66) > Cu (7.89) > Ni (7.20) > Pb (5.98) > As (4.05) > Co (3.40) > Cd (0.10). The chemical attributes and topography variation along the watershed are very heterogeneous and influence the dynamics of the PTEs. This survey will support future research on the impact of human activities on soil contamination in the watershed. This survey will support future research on environmental monitoring and the impacts caused by increased human activities on soil contamination in the Verruga river watershed, in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Micro-CT imaging in species description: exploring beyond sclerotized structures in lichen moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini).

X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging (micro-CT) is valuable for systematic research since it permits the non-destructive scanning and imaging of internal structures of very rare species and/or type specimens. Additionally, micro-CT allows to view the morphology and the functional anatomy of structures in their natural anatomical position, without deformations that typically occur using classical dissection protocols. In this study we provide the description of two new species of lichen moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Lithosiini) from the Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil: Nodozana heliae Moraes sp. nov. from Rio de Janeiro state and Epeiromulona pataxo Moraes & Aguiar sp. nov. from Bahia state. The male and female genitalia as well as the wing morphology were examined by means of non-destructive micro-CT, subsequent 3D model reconstruction, 360 degree spinning animations, 2D images from different angles, and those were compared against classical genitalia dissections from the same specimens. We conclude that techniques complement each other, micro-CT being particularly useful to study wing venation, sclerotized internal structures and muscles, while classical dissection is useful to study membranous structures, particularly in the female genitalia, abdominal skin and specialised scales on the male 8th sternite.

Ogun in the Black Atlantic: Family History and Cross-Cultural Religious Exchange in Bahia, c. 1813–1970

Abstract Afro-Brazilian religions play a vital role in the history of northeastern Brazil, home to an enormous Black population. An especially well-known case is Candomblé, which arose in the state of Bahia, where a number of large temples dating back to the time of the slave trade have long attracted scholarly attention. Less well-known, however, is the parallel existence of shrines belonging to individual families. One, dedicated to Ogun, in the city of Salvador, recently gained government recognition as a site of memory. According to oral tradition, it was created by a freed African couple on the farm where they lived and worked. Drawing on oral traditions, ethnographic data, and archival sources, this article reconstructs the family’s history over the course of nearly two centuries, tracing the presence of cross-cultural exchanges over time, initially from Dahomean and Hausa religion and more recently from Yoruba and Catholic cosmologies.

Numerical modeling as a support tool for groundwater permits in the state of Bahia, Brazil

The western region of Bahia State is an important agricultural frontier in Brazil, generating a large increase in requests for groundwater usage in the last decades, mainly through large capacity water wells tapping the Urucuia Aquifer System (UAS). This study aims to develop a groundwater numerical model using the Visual MODFLOW software and the additional packages MODPATH and ZONEBUDGET to evaluate the effects of intensive groundwater pumping in eight possible scenarios of two areas (Central and Eastern) in the Alto Grande - São Desidério rivers sub-basin. Drawdown ranging from 4 to 20 m was observed in the different areas and scenarios. The analysis of the local flow path lines showed that the wells have an area of influence that captures part of the groundwater flow. The water balance indicated that the total volume pumped in the sub-basin did not reach 10% of the recharge in any scenario, considering the entire model domain. The high concentration of irrigation pumping wells in restricted areas resulted in a significant impact on the aquifer, reaching up to 84.6% of the local recharge, a value that is far above what is considered sustainable for the region. Results show that the eastern area is more susceptible to drawdown and changes in flow path lines by pumping. The applied method has proven to be useful to predict the effects of water abstraction on the aquifer before the implementation of projects, improving water resources management. Long-range forecasts and taking into account possible climate changes are also some of the advantages of the method, though it depends on reliable field hydrological and climate data.

Description of three new species of Isoctenus Bertkau, 1880 and new records for I. areia Polotow & Brescovit (Araneae, Ctenidae) from northeastern Brazil.

Three new species of the genus Isoctenus Bertkau, 1880 are described from the state of Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil: Isoctenus jussara new species, Isoctenus cabula new species, and Isoctenus botocudos new species. In addition, new records of Isoctenus areia Polotow and Brescovit, 2009 are presented. Previously known only from the city of Areia, state of Paraíba, its distribution now expands to the cities of Mamanguape, state of Paraíba, and Igarassu, state of Pernambuco.

Application of the PROMETHEE II method to define better strate-gies for preventing land transport accidents in the Nordeste region

One of the biggest causes of death in the world is caused by land transport accidents (ATL), involving vehicles, according to the world health organization. This article presents an application of the multicriteria methodology for ordering preventive actions in the Nordeste region of Brazil, considering traffic accidents involving fatal victims. Through the database of the Federal Highway Police on traffic accidents in the year 2018, it identified the State of Bahia that had the highest absolute number of fatalities. The PROMETHEE II method was applied to the collected data and resulted in the ordering of preventive actions that should be incorporated by decision makers. It is expected that emphasis should be placed on intensifying traffic enforcement in the State of Bahia, as in 2018, there were 83 deaths caused by speeding, representing 18% of the data collected involving fatal victims in 2018. In addition, undue overtaking and non-activation of the lighting/signalling system represented 9.6% of the deaths that occurred in 2018. Therefore, decision-makers will be able to define strategies, actions and measures to improve traffic safety.

Physicochemical changes of semiarid soil submitted to treated wastewater, with and without cultivar

This work evaluated the changes in physicochemical attributes in semiarid soil submitted to domestic sewage submitted to anaerobic treatment, in the presence or absence of the cultivar. The experimental unit was set up in the rural area of Ouro Verde, municipality of São Domingos, state of Bahia, Brazil. Five treatments were tested by diluting wastewater and supply in the percentages 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 %. Soil samples were taken at depths of 0 - 35 cm (P1), and 35 - 70 cm (P2) from the sampling units with cultivar, control units without cultivar, and the unit without treatment (white). The cultivar was of corn (Zea mays L.), of the family Poaceae, which has a relatively short cycle (60 - 120 days). At the end of the experiments, after the harvest, the control units presented average Ca, P, K, and OM percentages from 5% to 66 % higher than white, while in the sample units, the percentages were 4% to 44 % higher, due to consumption by the cultivar. The contribution of TKN in the sampling units was the minimum sufficient for consumption by the cultivar. Compared to the control units, the sampling units presented Na, SAR, PST, and EC percentages higher by 35 - 113 % in P1, and by 29 – 456 % in P2, which indicates a higher consumption of cation by the cultivar in P2; change of ion distribution in the soil cation exchange site; as well as predisposition of the soil to sodification (increase of PST) and salinization (increase of EC). Consequently, the application of treated domestic effluents for agricultural activity, although it adds nutrients to the soil, has negative effects due to the increase in soil sodicity and salinity.

Cluster and Factor Analyses as Contributions to the Groundwater Quality Monitoring of the Marizal/São Sebastião Aquifer System, Alagoinhas (Bahia, Brazil)

The Marizal/São Sebastião aquifer system is the main water supply of the municipality of Alagoinhas in the state of Bahia. However, anthropic interventions contribute to soil and groundwater pollution, increasing the need for related research. Multivariate statistical analysis is a widely used tool, helping in the investigation of groundwater quality while being capable of simultaneously evaluating diverse variables of a sample set. In this study, factor analysis and multivariate cluster analysis methodologies were applied. Ten of the most influential variables for groundwater quality were selected and then grouped into two factors. The first factor included electrical conductivity, salinity, calcium, chloride, sulfate, manganese, and iron, which are indicators of water salinity. The second factor encompassed pH, bicarbonate, and phosphate, indicating anthropic interventions and alkalinity in the environment. The multivariate cluster analysis was applied to the parameters of both factors, resulting in dendrograms with four clusters. The present study showed that the multivariate statistical analysis is an efficient tool for monitoring and can contribute to the management of groundwater quality.

Geographical distribution and notes on the nests of the “uruçu-do-chão” bee, Melipona (Melikerria) quinquefasciata Lepeletier, in Bahia, North-eastern Brazil

The Neotropical genus of stingless bees Melipona Illiger, 1806 is exclusive to Tropical America and has its greatest diversity in South America, with about 74 described species. In Bahia, there is an occurrence record for 12 species of Melipona, distributed in four subgenera. Among the Melipona (Melikerria) that occur in Bahia, we highlight Melipona (Melikerria) quinquefasciata Lepeletier, 1836. Although widely distributed in Brazil, its underground nesting habit associated with its preference for high altitude areas, make the species extremely vulnerable. This work sought to describe nests and map the occurrence of this species for the State of Bahia, since its record is limited to areas of Chapada Diamantina. Knowledge about the biogeography of the species is extremely important, strengthening its sustainable creation that respects the area of ​​occurrence of the species, as well as seeking alternatives and public policies for sustainable conservation, since its area of ​​occurrence is extremely vulnerable to the expansion of the agricultural frontier in the State.

Redescription and geographical distribution of Leiostracusobliquus (Reeve, 1849) (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Simpulopsidae).

Leiostracus Albers, 1850 was established to allocate land snails from Central America and Northern South America. Currently, approximately 19 species are considered valid. However, for most of them, the internal morphology is unknown. Leiostracusobliquus was described as a species of Bulimus from the state of Bahia based on shell characters. Until now, knowledge of this species has been scarce. The discovery of ethanol-preserved specimens from MZSP of this species allowed us to characterize, for the first time, the internal anatomy of this species and update its distribution. The shell of L.obliquus has seven to eight whorls and a wide pale-pink disrupted band all over the teleoconch. The rachidian tooth is small rectangular, symmetric, with round edges, and without differentiated cusps. After comparing the anatomy and radular characters between the shells of L.obliquus and L.carnavalescus, we found remarkable similarities in the morphology and color pattern.

Agroclimatic zoning for eucalyptus in the southern mesoregion of Bahia State, Brazil

Forestry promotion is one of the approaches to forestry production with an increasing tendency in Brazil. The objective of this work was to present an agroclimatic zoning (AGZ), based on environmental conditions necessary for the planting of four species of eucalyptus in the southern mesoregion of Bahia State, Brazil, on a surface of 54,642.35 km². AGZ was proposed for Eucalyptus grandis Hill, E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis and Eucalyptus urograndis (E. grandis X E. urophylla), using geographic information systems for crossing spatial variables of temperature, precipitation, water deficit, evapotranspiration, soils, altitude, slope, conservation units and land use. The region showed planting aptitude of 27.93, 11.87, 3.74 and 1.70%, for E. grandis, E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis and Eucalyptus urograndis, respectively. The AGZ is an important alternative to minimize, in the long term, the negative effects of a monoculture with a high rate of transpiration that could compromise environmental sustainability and reduce water availability in a region.