Brazilian Cerrado Biome Research Articles

Architectural diversity and galling insects on Caryocar brasiliense trees

Galling insects are a highly sophisticated herbivore group on Caryocar brasiliense, a tree that represents the main income source for many communities. The effect of architectural diversity of C. brasiliense trees on galling insect community diversity and abundance was studied. The abundance of adult insects and galled leaves were seven and 1.6 times higher in trees with a greater height/width of canopy (RHW) ratio, respectively. Gall parasitoid richness was 1.8 times greater on trees with higher RHW. Zelus armillatus (Lepeletier & Serville) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and ant numbers were 5.8 and 2.7 higher on trees with the largest and smallest RHW, respectively. More complex plant architectures favored species diversity for galling insects and their natural enemies. The competition among four galling insect species for space and feeding and the evidence of “prudence strategy” were, for the first time, observed for galling insects in the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

High frequency of trypanosomatids in gallery forest bats of a Neotropical savanna

Bats are well-known hosts of trypanosomatids, though information about their role as reservoirs of these protozoans in the Brazilian savanna is poorly known. We aimed to analyze the occurrence of trypanosomatid species in bats occurring in remnants of gallery forests of Brasília, Federal District of Brazil. We sampled bats using mist nets in six sites, and we collected blood, wing fragments and oral swab samples from all captured individuals. Trypanosomatids were identified in the captured bats through sequencing of the SSUrRNA region and kDNA qPCR. We found no parasite in blood smears of 146 individuals of 14 species captured, but blood cultures were positive for nine bats. We detected trypanosomatids molecularly in 111 (76%) specimens of all bat species in the studied areas. Most of the infected bats had Leishmania-like DNA detected in blood and swab samples of the oral mucosa. We distinguished three species of Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma dionisii, T. rangeli and T. cruzi) in Carollia perspicillata. SSUrRNA PCR of oral samples is a non-invasive and practical method for identification of trypanosomatid species in bats. Our results support our belief that bats could be potential reservoirs for Trypanosoma and Leishmania-like species in the enzootic cycle of these parasites in gallery forests of the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

Edge, height and visibility effects on nest predation by birds and mammals in the Brazilian cerrado

Edge influence is one of the main impacts in fragmented landscapes; yet, most of studies on edge influence have focused on high-contrast edges, and the impacts of low-contrast edges and narrow linear openings are less understood. Edge influence often affects bird nest predation, but these effects are not ubiquitous and may depend on characteristics such as nest height and visibility. We performed an experiment on nest predation in a migratory passerine, Elaenia chiriquensis (Lesser Elaenia; Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), in a savanna vegetation of the Brazilian Cerrado biome in South-Eastern Brazil. We used 89 real E. chiriquensis nests, collected during previous reproductive seasons, with two plasticine eggs in each, and randomly distributed them at two locations (edge – up to 20 m from a firebreak edge and interior – approx. 150–350 m from the edge) and two heights (low – 60–175 cm and high – 190–315 cm above ground). We also measured leaf and branch density around each nest. We performed this study on two 15-days campaigns, checking the nests every 2–3 days and removing those with predation marks. We sorted the predation marks into those made by birds, mammals, or unidentified predators, and used generalized linear models to assess the effects of location, height and leaf density on survival time and predator type. Only four nests had not been predated during the experiment; 55 nests were predated by birds, 7 by mammals, and 23 by unidentified predators. Low nests in the interior tended to have larger survival times whereas high nests at the edge tended to be more predated by birds and less predated by mammals. Thus, even a low-contrast (firebreak) edge may significantly increase nest predation, which is also affected by the nest's height, mainly due to predation by birds. These effects may be due to predator movement along the edge as well as to edge-related changes in vegetation structure. We suggest that higher-contrast edges which may also be used as movement conduits, for example powerline openings, may have even stronger effects, demanding further studies.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) of the brazilian cerrado: hematology and storage effect

ABSTRACT: Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species because of progressive habitat destruction, mostly affected by wildfires and car accidents. The increasing number of animals that are attended by wildlife rescue centres reinforces the need of knowledge about haematological parameters, especially for those that inhabit Brazilian cerrado biome. For this purpose and in order to establish reference values for this species and also to compare them with previous studies, haematological analysis of captive giant anteaters from Brazilian cerrado were performed. Moreover, the alterations of blood samples after 24 and 48 hours of storage at refrigeration temperatures (4oC) and preserved with two different EDTA concentrations (5% and 10%) were studied. Means and standard deviations of haematological parameters analysed immediately after collection were: RBC: 2,07 x106/μL ± 0,40; hematocrit: 38,08%± 5,93; haemoglobin: 11.33g/dL±2.15; MCV:186.52 fL±21.72; MCHC: 29.68g/dL±2.56; MCH: 55.08pcg±5,94; total leucocytes: 8.142/μL±2.441; neutrophils: 5.913/μL±2.168; lymphocytes: 1.460/μL±740; eosinophil: 522/μL±385; monocytes: 247/μL±176; thrombocytes: 123.458/μL±31.362 and total plasma protein: 6.23g/dL±0.49. This data shows evidence of the existence of important differences between these values and others from other areas, either from Brazil or from other South American countries. Those variations might be connected to environment, genetic, nutritional and/or management factors. Regarding the storage effect analysis, it can be concluded that in giant anteaters, haematological analysis can be performed until 24h after collection without any significant alterations on the haematological parameters, except for thrombocytes. Concerning the different EDTA concentrations, it can be concluded that there are no quantitative differences in haematological variables. Nevertheless, relevant morphologic alterations in blood cells can be observed after a 24h storage period, being most noticeable in the leucocytes. Those alterations can lead to misinterpretation of the results, interfering diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Effects of conversion of native cerrado vegetation to pasture on soil hydro-physical properties, evapotranspiration and streamflow on the Amazonian agricultural frontier.

Understanding the impacts of land-use change on landscape-hydrological dynamics is one of the main challenges in the Northern Brazilian Cerrado biome, where the Amazon agricultural frontier is located. Motivated by the gap in literature assessing these impacts, we characterized the soil hydro-physical properties and quantified surface water fluxes from catchments under contrasting land-use in this region. We used data from field measurements in two headwater micro-catchments with similar physical characteristics and different land use, i.e. cerrado sensu stricto vegetation and pasture for extensive cattle ranching. We determined hydraulic and physical properties of the soils, applied ground-based remote sensing techniques to estimate evapotranspiration, and monitored streamflow from October 2012 to September 2014. Our results show significant differences in soil hydro-physical properties between the catchments, with greater bulk density and smaller total porosity in the pasture catchment. We found that evapotranspiration is smaller in the pasture (639 ± 31% mm yr-1) than in the cerrado catchment (1,004 ± 24% mm yr-1), and that streamflow from the pasture catchment is greater with runoff coefficients of 0.40 for the pasture and 0.27 for the cerrado catchment. Overall, our results confirm that conversion of cerrado vegetation to pasture causes soil hydro-physical properties deterioration, reduction in evapotranspiration reduction, and increased streamflow.

RESTORATION THROUGH AGROFORESTRY: OPTIONS FOR RECONCILING LIVELIHOODS WITH CONSERVATION IN THE CERRADO AND CAATINGA BIOMES IN BRAZIL

SUMMARYThe new Brazilian Forest Code obliges farmers to restore degraded lands on conservation set-asides required on all rural properties, known as Permanent Preservation Areas and Legal Reserves. While farmers can do so through agroforestry systems (AFS) to improve their livelihoods and offset the costs of restoration, these areas must also maintain basic ecological functions. How this can be done in practice, however, stills need to be regulated at the state level, but there are few scientific studies in Brazil on the costs and benefits of restoration through AFS. These knowledge and policy gaps have left ample room for interpretation and thus discouraged technicians from recommending — and policymakers from regulating — AFS for restoration. Aiming to bridge these gaps, this study draws from a comprehensive literature review, expert knowledge, stakeholder participation and analyses of agroforestry-based restoration efforts in the field. First, we discuss the social and ecological benefits of AFS as well as key constraints to upscaling agroforestry-based restoration. Focusing on different biophysical and social contexts within the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, we conclude that AFS can provide win–win solutions for reconciling livelihoods needs with conservation goals and propose practical options to do so, which vary according to farmer objectives, resource constraints and opportunities. In order to guide implementation of these agroforestry options, we propose design principles and criteria as well as key species and management practices most suited to different contexts and farmer objectives.

Anticonvulsant activity of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fixed pulp oil against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures

Objectives: Epilepsy is a common brain disease and a major worldwide public health problem. The seizures in a significant number of patients suffering from epilepsy remain inadequately controlled by currently available pharmacological treatments. Accordingly, there is a need for the discovery of new anticonvulsant approaches with improved efficacy and a better safety profile. In this context, natural products can be a valuable source of substances with potential anticonvulsant activity. In the present study, we tested the anticonvulsant potential of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm., a plant native from the Brazilian Cerrado biome (tropical savanna ecoregion).Methods: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were treated with increasing doses of the fixed oil obtained from the pulp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. Seizure activity was induced by PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.), and evaluated by behavioral and electrographic methods. Potential adverse effects were investigated in the open-field, rotarod, forced swim, or object recognition tests. The antioxidant potential of the oil was evaluated by the DPPH scavenging assay.Results: Administration of the oil at the dose of 100 mg/kg increased the latency for the first myoclonic jerk and the first generalized tonic–clonic seizures. The duration of generalized convulsions induced by PTZ was not altered. No significant behavioral adverse effects were detected in the open-field, rotarod, forced swim, or object recognition tests. Interestingly, a significant antioxidant activity of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fixed pulp oil was detected in the DPPH scavenging assay.Discussion: Natural products can be a valuable source of substances with potential anticonvulsant activity and improved safety profile. Further studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the anticonvulsant effects of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fixed pulp oil as well as the potential of the oil as a source of new anticonvulsant compounds.

Antigenotoxicity of Depsidones Isolated from Brazilian Lichens

Although phenolic compounds produced by lichens have been widely investigated in antitumor assays, only a small number have been evaluated for mutagenicity and genotoxicity. This study evaluated protocetraric, hypostictic, psoromic, and salazinic acids for their potential genotoxic or antigenotoxic activity against somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster . These compounds were isolated from the lichens Parmotrema dilatatum, Pseudoparmelia sphaerosphora, Usnea jamaicensis, and Parmotrema cetratum , respectively, collected from the Brazilian Cerrado biome. The compounds were evaluated at 0.75, 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mmol L –1 using the SMART test, employing standard and high-bioactivation crosses of Drosophila melanogaster. Doxorubicin (DXR) was the positive control. Psoromic and salazinic acids proved toxic at 6.0 mM. None of the compounds evaluated exhibited mutagenicity, but each of them significantly reduced genetic damage caused by DXR, proving antigenotoxic when tested on somatic cells of D. melanogaster . DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v9i1.897

DIVERSIDADE FLORÍSTICA E EQUABILIDADE EM FRAGMENTOS FLORESTAIS USANDO REDES NEURAIS ARTIFICIAIS

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência da predição dos índices de diversidade de Shannon (H’) e de Equabilidade de Pielou (J) em fragmentos florestais do Cerrado brasileiro a partir de índices de vegetação e métricas da paisagem empregando redes neurais artificiais (RNA). Utilizaram-se redes anteroalimentadas (feedforward), treinadas por meio do algoritmo da retropropagação do erro (back propagation). As variáveis utilizadas como entradas das RNA para a estimação simultânea dos índices foram: as categóricas (índices H’ e J) e as numéricas relacionadas às médias e desvios padrão dos índices de vegetação (NDVI, SAVI, EVI, MVI5 e MVI7) e métricas da paisagem (AREA, GYRATE, SHAPE, CONTIG, CORE e ENN). Foram gerados cinco modelos de RNA a partir das relações funcionais entre as variáveis numéricas inerentes aos índices de vegetação em duas épocas, uma seca (junho) e outra chuvosa (fevereiro). A arquitetura das redes foi a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) para estimar simultaneamente H’ e J: 500 utilizando os índices de vegetação na época úmida (100 para cada índice de vegetação) e 500, na seca (100 para cada índice de vegetação). Foi avaliada a precisão, acurácia e realismo biológico das RNA. As redes construídas na época chuvosa e seca que utilizaram os índices de vegetação MVI5 (Moisture Vegetation Index) e SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index), respectivamente, foram mais adequadas, precisas e realistas biologicamente para estimar, simultaneamente, os índices de H’ e de J. A modelagem por RNA demonstrou-se adequada para estimar os índices de diversidade e equabilidade.

The amazing diversity of the genus Monospilus Sars, 1862 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Aloninae) in South America.

The main goal of this paper is to describe three new species of the genus Monospilus Sars, 1862 (Crustacea: Cladocera). Monospilus macroerosus sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus in several peculiar morphological traits, the most striking being the presence of a saw-shaped pecten of teeth on the postabdominal claw. This species inhabits semiterrestrial habitats (wet leaf litter on hydromorphic soil from gallery forest), exhibiting adaptations related to movement and food handling in this type of habitat. Monospilus brachyspinus sp. nov. inhabits truly aquatic habitats, where lives being associated with macrophytes and submerged leaves. It may be recognized by the postabdominal claw, which is armed with proximal spinulae modified in a short spine. In Monospilus sp., the proximal spinulae are modified in a long and slender spine. So far, Monospilus sp. occurs in southern South America, while Monospilus macroerosus sp. nov. and Monospilus brachyspinus sp. nov. occur in the Cerrado biome in Brazil, in the central portion of South America. Some conclusions about the conservation status of new species also are made.

Forest carbon emissions from cropland expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado biome

Land use, land use change, and forestry accounted for two-thirds of Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions profile in 2005. Amazon deforestation has declined by more than 80% over the past decade, yet Brazil’s forests extend beyond the Amazon biome. Rapid expansion of cropland in the neighboring Cerrado biome has the potential to undermine climate mitigation efforts if emissions from dry forest and woodland conversion negate some of the benefits of avoided Amazon deforestation. Here, we used satellite data on cropland expansion, forest cover, and vegetation carbon stocks to estimate annual gross forest carbon emissions from cropland expansion in the Cerrado biome. Nearly half of the Cerrado met Brazil’s definition of forest cover in 2000 (≥0.5 ha with ≥10% canopy cover). In areas of established crop production, conversion of both forest and non-forest Cerrado formations for cropland declined during 2003–2013. However, forest carbon emissions from cropland expansion increased over the past decade in Matopiba, a new frontier of agricultural production that includes portions of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia states. Gross carbon emissions from cropland expansion in the Cerrado averaged 16.28 Tg C yr−1 between 2003 and 2013, with forest-to-cropland conversion accounting for 29% of emissions. The fraction of forest carbon emissions from Matopiba was much higher; between 2010–2013, large-scale cropland conversion in Matopiba contributed 45% of total Cerrado forest carbon emissions. Carbon emissions from Cerrado-to-cropland transitions offset 5%–7% of the avoided emissions from reduced Amazon deforestation rates during 2011–2013. Comprehensive national estimates of forest carbon fluxes, including all biomes, are critical to detect cross-biome leakage within countries and achieve climate mitigation targets to reduce emissions from land use, land use change, and forestry.

Adaptability and yield stability of cowpea elite lines of semi-prostrate growth habit in the cerrado biome

The effects of the genotype × environment interaction can be reduced by using cultivars with high adaptability and good yield stability. Studies on this subject allow identification of genotypes of predictable behavior, and responsive to environmental variations in specific and general conditions, in favorable or unfavorable environments. The objective of this work was to evaluate the adaptability and phenotypic stability of cowpea elite lines of semi-prostrate growth habit in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. Twenty cowpea genotypes of semi-prostrate growth habit were evaluated in nine VCU (value for cultivation and use) tests from 2010 to 2012. Grain yield data were subjected to analysis of variance, and stability and adaptability analyses were carried out by the methods of Eberhart and Russell (1966), Lin and Binns (1988) (modified), Wricke (1965), and Annicchiarico (1992). The method of Wricke (1965) was not very descriptive, since it indicates only the contribution of each genotype to the genotype × environment interaction. The results obtained by the methods of Lin and Binns (1988) (modified), Annicchiarico (1992) and Eberhart and Russell (1966) were more descriptive, and similar in indicating the most promising cultivar (BRS-Xiquexique) and lines (Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2, MNC02-676F-1, MNC01-649F-2-1 and MNC02-677F-2). These lines have potential for the development of new cultivars because they present adaptability and yield stability in the Cerrado biome of Brazil.

Predispersal infestation of Vochysia haenkeana seeds by Lius conicus

ABSTRACT: The deficient development of fertile seeds of native forest plant species in Brazil limits the reproduction of these plants in various conditions. Among the limiting biotic factors in quality and quantity of the forest seeds, borer insects are quite prominent, before and after their dispersion. This study reports for the first time a host of the buprestid beetle Lius conicus (Gory & Laporte, 1840). The larval development of L. conicus takes place in the seed capsules of Vochysia haenkeana Mart. (Vochysiaceae), a typical tree species in the Brazilian cerrado biome. In two regions of the cerrado in Goiás State, Brazil, almost ripe fruits of V. haenkeana were collected directly from the plants. After natural drying, and fruit and seed processing in laboratory, damage caused by the L. conicus larvae was quantified and qualified. Bigger fruits were preferred as hosts. Fruits developing on the eastern side of the plant were most frequently occupied by L. conicus. Seed lots of bigger fruits showed damage up to 37.5% from the infestation by L. conicus larvae. There was only one larva per fruit, which damaged all the seeds of the capsule (three or four) and generally consumed around 26% of the seed dry mass.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibothropic Properties of Jatropha Elliptica, a Plant from Brazilian Cerrado Biome.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibothropic and anti-inflammatory properties of J. elliptica.Methods: Phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) assays were performed on J. elliptica hydroalcoholic extract (TE) in order to observe its main constituents. The antibothropic activity of TE was evaluated by the in vitro neuromuscular blockade caused by Bothrops jararacussu venom (Bjssu), in a mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm model (PND). A quantitative histological study was carried out to observe a possible protection of TE against the venom myotoxicity. The anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated in two models, Bjssu-induced paw edema, and carrageenan-induced neutrophils migration in the peritoneal cavity. Results: TLC analysis revealed several compounds in TE, such as saponins, alkaloids, and phenolic constituents. TE was able to neutralize the blockade and the myotoxicity induced by venom, when it was pre-incubated for 30 min with venom. In addition, it showed anti-inflammatory activity, inducing less neutrophils migration and reducing paw edema. Conclusion:J. elliptica showed both antibothropic and anti-inflammatory properties.

High throughput screening to investigate Brazilian Cerrado biome plant extract bank chemical diversity

High throughput screening to investigate Brazilian Cerrado biome plant extract bank chemical diversity

Influence of Various Farmland Habitats on Abundance of Taeniaptera (Diptera: Micropezidae)

Abstract Stilt-legged flies play an important ecological role in the process of decomposition of organic matter and, on occasion, in the biological control of insects. Currently, there are 46 known species of Taeniaptera Macquart (Diptera: Micropezidae), and their occurrence is reported in various environments throughout the tropics. In contrast, population information on their temporal and spatial distribution is scarce in areas of the Cerrado biome in Brazil, where habitats are highly disturbed and fragmented by agricultural practices and, therefore, the abundance of the group may change. This study assessed abundance of Taeniaptera species in habitats associated with farmland, and determined the change in abundance throughout the year. The stiltlegged flies were sampled in various habitats, namely, organically produced vegetable crops, fallow areas, agroforestry, and native vegetation associated with 4 farms located in the Federal District. In each habitat, one Malaise trap was installed, which remaine...

Soil textural class plays a major role in evaluating the effects of land use on soil quality indicators

Inappropriate land use that negatively affects ecological processes and soil quality is generally considered to be the primary cause of soil degradation in tropical agroecosystems. We hypothesized that in addition to land use, soil textural class also has an important effect on ecological processes and soil quality. To test our hypothesis, effects of land use change on soil organic fractions as well as microbial and biochemical indicators were quantified for clayey and sandy-clay-loam soils within the native Cerrado biome, pasture (Brachiaria brizantha) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) agroecosystems in southwestern Brazil (Minas Gerais state). Labile carbon, humic substances, soil microbial respiration (SMR), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), metabolic quotient (qCO2), hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA), beta-glucosidase, urease, phosphatase and arylsulphatase activities were measured for each sample. Labile carbon concentrations were not affected by land use but were lower in sandy-clay-loam soil than clayey soil. Humic substances were at the highest concentrations in the native Cerrado and the lowest in sugarcane agroecosystems. Sandy-clay-loam soil had lower humic acid concentrations than clayey soil. Soil microbial indicators (SMR, MBC and FDA) showed lower values in pasture and sugarcane agroecosystems than in the native Cerrado. FDA was a more sensitive microbial indicator than SMR and MBC for detecting land use and textural class differences. The qCO2 indices were greater in sugarcane systems than in either pasture or native Cerrado systems. The activity of exocellular hydrolytic enzymes, such as beta-glucosidase, urease, phosphatase and arylsulphatase, was smaller in sugarcane and pasture agroecosystems than in native Cerrado ecosystems. Within the same land use, the activity of these enzymes was always greater in clayey soil than in sandy-clay-loam soil, indicating a higher impact of land uses on enzyme activities in clayey soils. Results for the measured indicators support the hypothesis that soil textural class plays a major role in assessing differences between land use systems in the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

Multilocus phylogeny of Clonostachys subgenus Bionectria from Brazil and description of Clonostachys chloroleuca sp. nov.

Phylogenetic analyses based on protein-encoding gene exons and introns of ATP citrate lyase (ACL1), beta tubulin (TUB), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1), and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) are used for inferring the existence of a new Clonostachys species from the Cerrado biome in Brazil, described here as C. chloroleuca. The species produces dimorphic, primary, and secondary conidiophores that form consistently greenish conidial masses on artificial media. It resembles therefore C. rosea f. catenulata although it differs from this species by less adpressed branches in the secondary conidiophores. The new species is also phylogenetically related to C. byssicola and C. rhizophaga. Our inventory suggests that C. byssicola, C. chloroleuca, C. pseudochroleuca, C. rhizophaga, C. rogersoniana, and C. rosea commonly occur in native and agriculturally used soils of the Cerrado and Amazon Forest. Using sequences available from two genome-sequenced strains employed as biological control agents, we confirm the identity of the European strain IK726 as C. rosea and identify strain 67-1 from China as C. chloroleuca.

Suscetibilidade à contaminação da água subterrânea em função de propriedades dos solos no Cerrado brasileiro

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar um índice para caracterização da suscetibilidade dos solos à contaminação do lençol freático, bem como realizar um estudo de caso exploratório para os solos do bioma Cerrado. O índice de tempo de retenção (TR) de água nos solo foi determinado a partir de valores médios, obtidos por meio de uma metodologia de filtragem, em bases de dados das seguintes propriedades do solo: espessura de horizontes; granulometria; teor de carbono orgânico; densidades global e de partículas; e umidade na capacidade de campo. A profundidade do lençol freático foi estimada com uso do modelo Hand. As distribuições espaciais dos dados de entrada e dos resultados do índice TR foram obtidas com uso de um aplicativo de sistema de informação geográfica. Os solos que oferecem menor proteção à contaminação do lençol freático por contaminantes químicos orgânicos estão localizados nas regiões Sudeste e Centro-leste do Mato Grosso, no Oeste da Bahia, no Sudoeste de Goiás e no Norte de Mato Grosso do Sul. Os solos predominantes nas áreas mais suscetíveis são Neossolos Quartzarênicos órticos e Latossolos Vermelhos distróficos.

MASE-BDI: agent-based simulator for environmental land change with efficient and parallel auto-tuning

This paper presents an agent-based simulator for environmental land change that includes efficient and parallel auto-tuning. This simulator extends the Multi-Agent System for Environmental simulation (MASE) by introducing rationality to agents using a mentalistic approach--the Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) model--and is thus named MASE-BDI. Because the manual tuning of simulation parameters is an error-prone, labour and computing intensive task, an auto-tuning approach with efficient multi-objective optimization algorithms is also introduced. Further, parallelization techniques are employed to speed up the auto-tuning process by deploying it in parallel systems. The MASE-BDI is compared to the MASE using the Brazilian Cerrado biome case. The MASE-BDI reduces the simulation execution times by at least 82 × and slightly improves the simulation quality. The auto-tuning algorithms, by evaluating less than 0.00115 % of a search space with 6 million parameter combinations, are able to quickly tune the simulation model, regardless of the objective used. Moreover, the experimental results show that executing the tuning in parallel leads to speedups of approximately 11 × compared to sequential execution in a hardware setting with 16-CPU cores.