Paulo Area Research Articles

Rainfall variability in the São Paulo area of ​​the Ribeira de Iguape river basin (Brazil) and the influence of ENOS, based on the Box- Plot technique

Foi realizada uma análise das precipitações pluviais mensais durante anos influenciados pelos fenômenos El Niño-Oscilação Sul (ENOS) no Vale do Ribeira de Iguape, localizado no sudeste do estado de São Paulo. Dados de 1970 a 2017 de 18 postos pluviométricos distribuídos pelo alto, médio e baixo curso do rio Ribeira de Iguape foram analisados utilizando a metodologia Box-Plot para a identificação de anos-padrão mensais. Observou-se um excedente hídrico nas precipitações durante anos de influência de ENOS, enquanto em anos de influência dos fenômenos La Niña (LA) verificou-se uma maior variabilidade nas precipitações pluviais. Em muitos anos de ENOS, os excedentes ocorreram principalmente na primavera (outubro, novembro e dezembro) e no final do verão (janeiro, fevereiro e março). Na fase de LA, as secas foram mais evidentes na primavera (setembro e outubro) e nos meses de fevereiro e março. Conclui-se que o fenômeno na região apresenta variabilidade mensal e não segue um padrão constante e espacialmente regular. Portanto, é necessário analisar e compreender outros fenômenos atmosféricos, como as frentes frias, o Modo Anular Sul (MAS), o Dipolo do Atlântico Sul, e o EN Canônico/Modoki, entre outros, que podem influenciar as dinâmicas das precipitações pluviais na região.

Water vapor transport in cases of South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ)

This case study analyzes water vapor flux that is vertically integrated into the atmosphere in episodes of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ). The scope of this study is two cases that occurred between January and February 2018. We use the ERA-Interim reanalysis data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to build the maps of vertically integrated water vapor flux and its divergence. We use two 5º by 5º sub-areas, centralized over Belo Horizonte and São Paulo, as control for water vapor balance. The results point to the existence of water vapor transport from the Amazon region to Southeastern Brazil in association to the SACZ. Convergence areas of vertically integrated water vapor flux predominate along the Northwest-Southeast line. The two cases over the Belo Horizonte area presented an average of water vapor balance of -1.8 and -12.9 mm/day. The average at the São Paulo area was -3.6 and 2.0 mm/day. The negative values indicate that precipitation exceeded evapotranspiration, that is, the area served as a water vapor sink.

Science Stand

This article presents the theoretical and methodological aspects of the activist science and technology education practices of a Brazilian outreach initiative known as Science Stand. This learn-by-doing program is designed to connect science and technology to current global socio-ecological issues – such as animal rights, gender (in)equality, and climate change – through interactive activities created and performed by university students in public spaces located in marginalized communities in the Greater São Paulo Area (Brazil). In addition, we introduce several testimonies from project volunteers that support our argument concerning the role of science activism in advocating gender equity in science, fostering hope in the possibility of socio-ecological change, and promoting the democratization of science through widespread knowledge dissemination.

Análise sobre a constituição de uma rede de Saúde Mental em uma cidade de grande porte

This article set out to reflect on the setting up of psychosocial care networks based on the trajectory of a city in the greater São Paulo area. With that objective in mind, an exploratory study of the Unified Health System (SUS) and Mental Health in São Paulo between 1980 and 2013 was conducted. Official documents and articles, dissertations, theses and books concerning the implementation of the SUS in the city of São Paulo, with an emphasis on the mental health network, were analyzed. Open interviews with actors who lived through this moment in history were also conducted. In this manner, it was possible to highlight six important landmarks in this trajectory: the asylum-care model; the 1980s - advances and setbacks; 1989 to 1992 - the comprehensive care model for mental health; 1993 to 2000 - political setbacks and resistance; the 'Qualis II' Project; the municipalization of healthcare. Based on the analytical literature, the importance of historical events to understand the political proposals and the consolidation of public policies related to the SUS in São Paulo was revealed.

Synergetic Aerosol Layer Observation After the 2015 Calbuco Volcanic Eruption Event

On 22 April 2015, the Calbuco volcano in Chile (Lat: 41.33 ∘ S, Long: 72.62 ∘ W) erupted after 43 years of inactivity followed by a great amount of aerosol injection into the atmosphere. The pyroclastic material dispersed into the atmosphere posed a potential threat to aviation traffic and air quality over affected a large area. The plumes and debris spread from its location to Patagonian and Pampean regions, reaching the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and neighboring countries, such as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, driven by the westerly winds at these latitudes. The presence of volcanic aerosol layers could be identified promptly at the proximities of Calbuco and afterwards by remote sensing using satellites and lidars in the path of the dispersed aerosols. The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board of AQUA/TERRA satellites and Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) on board of Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite were the space platforms used to track the injected layers and a multi-channel lidar system from Latin America Lidar Network (LALINET) SPU Lidar station in South America allowed us to get the spatial and temporal distribution of Calbuco ashes after its occurrence. The SPU lidar stations co-located Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sunphotometers to help in the optical characterization. Here, we present the volcanic layer transported over São Paulo area and the detection of aerosol plume between 18 and 20 km. The path traveled by the volcanic aerosol to reach the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP) was tracked by CALIPSO and the aerosol optical and geometrical properties were retrieved at some points to monitor the plume evolution. Total attenuated backscatter profile at 532 nm obtained by CALIPSO revealed the height range extension of the aerosol plume between 18 and 20 km and are in agreement with SPU lidar range corrected signal at 532 nm. The daily evolution of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at 532 and 355 nm, retrieved from AERONET sunphotometer, showed a substantial increasing on 27 April, the day of the volcanic plume detection at Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP), achieving values of 0 . 33 ± 0 . 16 and 0 . 22 ± 0 . 09 at 355 and 532 nm, respectively. AERONET aerosol size distribution was dominated by fine mode aerosol over coarse mode, especially on 27 and 28 April. The space and time coincident aerosol extinction profiles from SPU lidar station and OMPS LP from the Calbuco eruption conducted on 27 April agreed on the double layer structure. The main objective of this study was the application of the transmittance method, using the Platt formalism, to calculate the optical and physical properties of volcanic plume, i.e., aerosol bottom and top altitude, the aerosol optical depth and lidar ratio. The aerosol plume was detected between 18 and 19.3 km, with AOD value of 0.159 at 532 nm and Ånsgtröm exponent of 0 . 61 ± 0 . 58 . The lidar ratio retrieved was 76 ± 27 sr and 63 ± 21 sr at 532 and 355 nm, respectively. Considering the values of these parameters, the Calbuco volcanic aerosol layers could be classified as sulfates with some ash type.

Screening for vitamin D deficiency in a tropical area: results of a sun exposure questionnaire

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is pandemic while resources available to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) are limited. The present study aimed to verify whether sun exposure measured by a structured questionnaire could predict serum 25OHD concentrations in healthy Caucasian individuals living in a tropical area.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in subjects living in the greater São Paulo area, Brazil. Two groups of 50 young (20 to 40 years old) and 50 older (60 to 80 years old) subjects (N = 200) answered a structured questionnaire on sun exposure and had blood samples drawn for serum 25OHD concentration measurement during both summer and winter. Anthropometric data were also recorded. Correlation between the questionnaire variables (duration of sun exposure, amount of exposed skin, total sun exposure score - TSES and other data) and serum 25OHD concentration was evaluated.ResultsMean serum 25OHD concentration was 17.60 ± 7.3 ng/mL with no difference between age groups (p = 0.293). TSES weakly correlated with serum 25OHD levels (r = 0.264; p < 0.001). Separate analyzes by age groups demonstrated that TSES correlated significantly with serum 25OHD concentration only in the older subjects during summer (r = 0.322; p = 0.023). Using linear regression analyses, TSES and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with serum 25OHD levels. On the other hand, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for TSES showed no significance as a screening tool for vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.172).ConclusionSun exposure questionnaire associated with BMI correlates with serum 25OHD concentration with very low accuracy. The use of the questionnaire does not discriminate between vitamin D sufficient and deficient individuals.

Dog and cat population dynamics in an urban area: evaluation of a birth control strategy

ABSTRACT: For canine and feline population management in an urban area, a set of well-developed strategies is required to prevent overpopulation, the abandonment of animals, and zoonosis. An understanding of the dynamics of these populations and a characterization of these populations are necessary for action planning. The proposed strategies should be monitored and evaluated so that canine and feline population management programs are properly implemented. Population management programs can be improved through evidence based adaptive management. The objective of this study was to characterize the canine and feline populations and their dynamics in an urban area and to evaluate the impact of a birth control program. Three cross-sectional census surveys and a birth control program were conducted in a neighborhood of São Paulo area with 4,275 households. The two first surveys were performed in 2005 and 2006, prior to implementation of the birth control program, and were used to characterize the canine and feline populations. The third survey was performed in 2008, eighteen months after the birth control strategy had been established. The canine population decreased from 2006 to 2008, after birth control. The mean age for the canine population was 3.36 years; 65% of the dogs were younger than 3 years of age. The mean life expectancy at birth was 3.9 years for male dogs and 5.9 years for female dogs. The mean age for the feline population was 1.66 years; 74% of the cats were 1 year of age or less. The canine and feline populations had a high mortality rate for juveniles younger than 1 year of age. There was an 8% and an 18% decrease in canine and feline birth rates, respectively, after spay or neuter intervention. There was a high animal population turnover, which was more pronounced in the feline population.

Affluence and objective environmental conditions: Evidence of differences in environmental concern in metropolitan Brazil.

In an age of climate change, researchers need to form a deepened understanding of the determinants of environmental concern, particularly in countries of emerging economies. This paper provides a region-specific investigation of the impact of socio-economic status (SES) and objective environmental conditions on environmental concern in urban Brazil. We make use of data that were collected from personal interviews of individuals living in the metropolitan areas of Baixada Santista and Campinas, in the larger São Paulo area. Results from multilevel regression models indicate that wealthier households are more environmentally concerned, as suggested by affluence and post-materialist hypotheses. However, we also observe that increasing environmental concern correlates with a decline in objective environmental conditions. Interactions between objective environmental conditions and SES reveal some intriguing relationships: Among poorer individuals, a decline in environmental conditions increases environmental concern as suggested by the objective problems hypothesis, while for the wealthy, a decline in environmental conditions is associated with lower levels of environmental concern.

Luxury values and experience as drivers for consumers to recommend and pay more

The study aims to analyse how individual and social luxury values affect the customers' attitude, behavioural control and subjective norms and how these variables and past experience influence the intentions to recommend and pay more for luxury clothing in the Brazilian market. Respondents were surveyed in the São Paulo area of Brazil through a panel sample and using an online survey during April and May 2012. The findings suggest that individual values influence intentions positively. Social values have a positive influence on subjective norms and a negative influence on behavioural control. Past experience does not influence intentions significantly. Extend the theory of planned behaviour introducing luxury values as external variables and past experience as a direct antecedent of intentions to pay more and to recommend the luxury brand.

Pharmacodynamic evaluation of commonly prescribed oral antibiotics against respiratory bacterial pathogens

BackgroundUpper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) account for a substantial portion of outpatient antibiotic utilization. However, the pharmacodynamic activity of commonly used oral antibiotic regimens has not been studied against clinically relevant pathogens. The objective of this study was to assess the probability of achieving the requisite pharmacodynamic exposure for oral antibacterial regimens commonly prescribed for RTIs in adults against bacterial isolates frequently involved in these processes (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catharralis).MethodsUsing a 5000-subject Monte Carlo simulation, the cumulative fractions of response (CFR), (i.e., probabilities of achieving requisite pharmacodynamic targets) for the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotic regimens, as determined by a structured survey of medical prescription patterns, were assessed against local respiratory bacterial isolates from adults in São Paulo collected during the same time period. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 230 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae (103), Haemophilus influenzae (98), and Moraxella catharralis (29) from a previous local surveillance were used.ResultsThe most commonly prescribed antibiotic regimens were azithromycin 500 mg QD, amoxicillin 500 mg TID, and levofloxacin 500 mg QD, accounting for 58% of the prescriptions. Varied doses of these agents, plus gatifloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, moxifloxacin, and cefaclor made up the remaining regimens. Utilizing aggressive pharmacodynamic exposure targets, the only regimens to achieve greater than 90% CFR against all three pathogens were amoxicillin/amoxicillin-clavulanate 500 mg TID (> 91%), gatifloxacin 400 mg QD (100%), and moxifloxacin 400 mg QD (100%). Considering S. pneumoniae isolates alone, azithromycin 1000 mg QD also achieved greater than 90% CFR (91.3%).ConclusionsThe only regimens to achieve high CFR against all three pathogen populations in both scenarios were gatifloxacin 400 mg QD, moxifloxacin 400 mg QD, and amoxicillin-clavulanate 500 mg TID. These data suggest the need for reconsideration of empiric antibiotic regimen selection among adult patients with RTIs in the São Paulo area. Additionally, this type of study could be used to optimize prescribing patterns in specific regions in light of emerging resistance.

Aferição dos equipamentos de laser de baixa intensidade

Despite the increase in the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), there is still a lack of consensus in the literature regarding how often the equipment must be calibrated. To evaluate the real average power of LLLT devices in the Greater São Paulo area. For the evaluation, a LaserCheck power meter designed to calibrate continuous equipment was used. The power meter was programmed with data related to the laser's wavelength to gauge the real average power being emitted. The LLLT devices were evaluated in two ways: first with the device cooled down and then with the device warmed up for 10 minutes. For each condition, three tests were performed. The laser probe was aligned with the power meter, which provided the real average power being emitted by the LLLT device. All of the data and information related to the laser application were collected with the use of a questionnaire filled in by the supervising therapists. The 60 devices evaluated showed deficit in real average power in the cooled-down and warmed-up condition. The statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the real average power measured in relation to the manufacturer's average power. On average, the most common dose in the clinics was 4 J/cm², and the most desired effects were healing and anti-inflammatory effects. According to the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), 1 to 4 J of final energy are necessary to achieve these effects, however only one device was able to reach the recommended therapeutic window. The LLLT devices showed a deficit in real average power that emphasized a lack of order in the application of this tool. The present study also showed the need for periodical calibration of LLLT equipment and a better technical knowledge of the therapists involved.

Market Power on the Colonial Frontier? Evidence from São Paulo 1800–1840

ABSTRACTEconomists often assume that agricultural markets in history were competitive, and all producers received the same price. In contrast, most agricultural historians deem prices to differ among agents, according to their social status and «power». This paper tests these opposite views with a database of some 12,500 transactions for the São Paulo area in Brazil in the first decades of the 19th century. Prices received by farmers were positively related to total sales, a proxy for the size of the estate, and also to the share on the relevant market, which measures the market power. These results are consistent with the anecdotal evidence about the growing importance of large slave estates which, however, did not wipe out small household farms.

Amphisbaenians, municipality of São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

We provide a checklist, distribution map, and key to the amphisbaenians of the municipality of São Paulo. Seven species in three genera were recorded. Between August 2003 and June 2007, 104 individuals in two genera and five species were received at the Laboratório de Herpetologia of the Instituto Butantan: Amphisbaena alba, A. dubia, A. mertensi, A. trachura, and Leposternon microcephalum. Records for two additional species, Amphisbaena hogei and Cercolophia roberti, were recovered at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo. Two widely distributed species, Amphisbaena dubia and Leposternon microcephalum, present different distribution patterns, probably reflecting the distribution of open and forested areas in the studied region, close to contact areas between the Atlantic Forest and adjacent open formations. Most amphisbaenians seem to endure habitat modifications in urbanized areas, but some species as A. hogei and C. roberti are no longer recorded in the São Paulo area.

Trace element contents in serum of healthy elderly population of metropolitan São Paulo area in Brazil

In this study, the elements Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, Rb, Se and Zn were determined in serum of a healthy elderly population residing in the São Paulo Metropolitan area, using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Comparison studies indicated that only Se concentration was significantly lower in the elderly group aged 75–91 years than those obtained for the group aged 60–74 years. Between genders, males presented lower Br concentrations and, the females lower Fe. Mean concentrations obtained for most elements were within the values reported in the literature.

The Tropical Forest and Fire Emissions Experiment: overview and airborne fire emission factor measurements

Abstract. The Tropical Forest and Fire Emissions Experiment (TROFFEE) used laboratory measurements followed by airborne and ground based field campaigns during the 2004 Amazon dry season to quantify the emissions from pristine tropical forest and several plantations as well as the emissions, fuel consumption, and fire ecology of tropical deforestation fires. The airborne campaign used an Embraer 110B aircraft outfitted with whole air sampling in canisters, mass-calibrated nephelometry, ozone by UV absorbance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton-transfer mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to measure PM10, O3, CO2, CO, NO, NO2, HONO, HCN, NH3, OCS, DMS, CH4, and up to 48 non-methane organic compounds (NMOC). The Brazilian smoke/haze layers extended to 2–3 km altitude, which is much lower than the 5–6 km observed at the same latitude, time of year, and local time in Africa in 2000. Emission factors (EF) were computed for the 19 tropical deforestation fires sampled and they largely compare well to previous work. However, the TROFFEE EF are mostly based on a much larger number of samples than previously available and they also include results for significant emissions not previously reported such as: nitrous acid, acrylonitrile, pyrrole, methylvinylketone, methacrolein, crotonaldehyde, methylethylketone, methylpropanal, "acetol plus methylacetate," furaldehydes, dimethylsulfide, and C1-C4 alkyl nitrates. Thus, we recommend these EF for all tropical deforestation fires. The NMOC emissions were ~80% reactive, oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOC). Our EF for PM10 (17.8±4 g/kg) is ~25% higher than previously reported for tropical forest fires and may reflect a trend towards, and sampling of, larger fires than in earlier studies. A large fraction of the total burning for 2004 likely occurred during a two-week period of very low humidity. The combined output of these fires created a massive "mega-plume" &gt;500 km across that we sampled on 8 September. The mega-plume contained high PM10 and 10–50 ppbv of many reactive species such as O3, NH3, NO2, CH3OH, and organic acids. This is an intense and globally important chemical processing environment that is still poorly understood. The mega-plume or "white ocean" of smoke covered a large area in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay for about one month. The smoke was transported &gt;2000 km to the southeast while remaining concentrated enough to cause a 3–4-fold increase in aerosol loading in the São Paulo area for several days.

LPG – PIPELINE RUPTURE AT CASTELLO BRANCO HIGHWAY, BARUERI, STATE OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL. A FOCUS ON RESPONSE MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper in to summarize the emergency control phase, the community evacuation plan and subsequent plan for restoration and cleanup of the area. The Castello Branco Highway is located near the municipality of Barueri and connects the city of São Paulo to the country-side. On June 2001, during a four day public holiday, the citizens of Barueri reported on a large spill of LPG to the PETROBRAS Oil &amp; Gas Terminal. The liquefied gas was spilling from a pipeline after being damaged by a pile driver during civil works being conducted alongside the road. Initial spill response activities by PETROBRAS Civil and Defense consisted of relocating the local population and stopping the road traffic. The Emergency Response Plan was implemented immediately and the local populace removed from the hot zone to a safe location, in accordance with the Plan. Less than 1 hour after the incident, the water-sampling and inflammability program was initiated and various emergency groups from PETROBRAS Refineries in the São Paulo area were called to control the incident. The specific behavior of LPG in open streams and confined rain water drainage systems showed that in this kind of emergency, special ventilation equipment combined with tactical and technical knowledge enabled the successful handling of this incident. The LPG leak was effectively controlled within 24 hours. The coordination and teamwork between the emergency PETROBRAS Group, the Civil Defense Community, Public Fire Fighters and the government, municipal and private contingency organizations, combined with the environmental agency were critical to avoid the ignition of LPG and preserve lives.

Les rejetés de la modernisation

The rejects of modernization In Brazil unlike France two very split labour markets co-exist, the formal and the informal. On the formal labour market in Brazil, union rights prevail, and wage-earners are protected unlike in the informal labour market where none of this exists. Raising industry to an international level pushed many wage-earners out of the formal sector during the 1980s. Did they find jobs elsewhere? If so, in which branches of the economy? To provide answers, two files are crossed, their data having been made longitudinal. Dismissed workers’ trajectories from 1989 till 1995 in two branches and two regions are analysed: the automobile industry in the São Paulo area and the petrochemical industry in the São Salvador (Bahia) area. These career trajectories shed light on how modernization has affected quite different labour markets; it also brings to the foreground the concept of a systemic restructuring of the labour market. — Special issue: Latin America.

The Political Dimensionsv of Women's Participation in Brazil's Base Christian Communities (CEBs)

Abstract Using data obtained over a nine-year period from the metropolitan São Paulo area, this paper examines the contribution of Brazilian Catholic base Christian communities (comunidades eclesiais de baseCEBs) to enhanced intra-group political activation and awareness among women members. The study shows that through their various activities, the CEBs over time have offered women opportunities for empowerment within the context of their own groups. Nevertheless, initial differences observed between women and men in terms of enhanced political awareness and the propensity to internal activism do, however, appear to persist over time. This finding, which suggests a somewhat circumscribed contribution of the CEBs to women's empowerment at the group level, is subsequently explained not only in terms of possible constraints to women's involvement in the more political dimensions of group life, but also with reference to the different ways women and men, respectively, may perceive of their CEB-related roles and responsibilities.

Do women's attitudes towards abortion and contraceptive methods influence their option for sterilization?

This paper analyzes the attitudes of low-income women towards abortion and contraception. A survey was conducted in 1992 with a total of 3,149 childbearing-age women living on the outskirts of the Greater Metropolitan São Paulo Area. The study focuses on a sub-sample of 583 women. Attitudes of sterilized and non-sterilized women are compared. Women, especially those sterilized, found the most important attribute of a contraceptive method to be its effectiveness. Women currently taking the pill were less likely than those sterilized to agree that sterilization was the best method because of its effectiveness. Sterilized women were less likely than non-sterilized women to trust the pill. Sterilized women were more likely than non-sterilized to have reported adverse effects from the pill. Most women found abortion unacceptable except in the case of risk to the woman's life. Women using more effective methods showed stronger negative attitudes towards abortion. The tendency to be sterilized while still young was associated with more negative attitudes towards abortion. Family planning activities in basic health care services should include individual counseling for contraceptive use.

Distribution of serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from invasive infections over a 16-year period in the greater São Paulo area, Brazil

Capsular types of pneumococci from normally sterile body sites of 1,622 patients in Brazil were analyzed. Of 1,477 isolates from cerebrospinal fluid, 76.1% were of types represented in the currently available pneumococcal vaccine. The importance of age, time, and place in determining the optimal formulation of pneumococcal vaccine is considered.