State Of Roraima Research Articles

ACIDENTES DE TRÂNSITO

Os Acidentes de Trânsito (AT) matam no Brasil cerca de 47 mil pessoas em 2018, segundo a ONU, é a segunda maior causa de morte no Brasil, e atualmente o país ocupa o quinto lugar no ranking dos países com maiores índices de morte no trânsito, de acordo com a OMS, atrás apenas da Índia, China, EUA e Rússia. O gasto nacional com vítimas de AT custeada pelo SUS alcançou um montante de 56 bilhões de reais (ONSV,2014). No estado de Roraima, os AT tornaram-se um grave problema de saúde porque cerca de 90% das internações hospitalares nos leitos são ocupados por vítimas de AT. O objetivo da pesquisa foi apontar quais os tipos de impactos os AT causam nos setores de saúde e trânsito de Roraima. A metodologia quanto a abordagem foi do tipo quali-quatitativa com enfoque descritivo, isto é justificável porque aplicou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados a pesquisa documental e de campo (questionário e consulta em arquivos públicos). O estudo revelou que na saúde os AT provocam a superlotação dos leitos, excesso no consumo de medicamento, comprometimento e sobrecarregamento de profissionais de saúde, ocorrência de óbitos e uma legião de sequelados, tendo a maioria pessoas do sexo masculino e jovens na faixa etária de 20 a 39 anos. Quanto na área de trânsito constatou-se que o mau comportamento dos condutores (imperícia, imprudência e negligência), e o desrespeito às leis de trânsito foram as causas principais do AT.

Shelters fields:

The article uses the photographic image as a resource and one of the byproducts of the in loco ongoing research in the state of Roraima, northern Brazil. Investigates the impact of the intense migrational Venezuelan fluxus, specially in the border-city of Pacaraima and in the city of Boa Vista, the state’s capital, considering the life specially of the women in the humanitarian shelters of the Operação Acolhida. The investigation uses a ethnographic and visual narrative. The photo shoot exposed in this article comprehends the time period from May 2018 till October 2018.

Borders and Crossings:

This essay is a way to approach the migration process of Venezuelans to Brazil, through occasional visuals perceived by transiting on avenues and streets in the city of Boa Vista, capital of the state of Roraima. The objective is to organize in an array of images the meanings behind the borders and symbolic crossings about this phenomenon, comprehending the human displacements as dynamic, interactive and changeable processes, that do tell about others and, at the same time, about us. The frame of this constructive narrative is made in the visual inscription of Venezuelan immigrants in the city and the diverse fragments of this tense coexistence, by indicating situations of vulnerability of those who seek refuge in Brazil and the important hybrid and cultural appropriations in what nowadays presents itself as one of the most expressive migration phenomenon in the country.

ANÁLISE CONJUNTURAL DO ABATE DE BOVINOS EM RORAIMA DE 2008 A 2013

Objetivou-se realizar uma análise do abate de bovinos em Roraima de 2008 a 2013, devido a necessidade de informações sobre esse setor no estado. O estudo foi conduzido em Boa Vista, no mês de abril de 2014, a partir de dados de bovinos abatidos em um matadouro frigorífico sob inspeção estadual e de preços praticados por uma cooperativa de carnes. Os dados foram processados em planilhas do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2010 e submetidos a análise descritiva. Do período avaliado, foram abatidos 328.872 bovinos (n= 231.587 machos; n= 97.285 fêmeas) procedentes, principalmente, dos municípios de Mucajaí (29,22%), Cantá (19,02%), Iracema (12,37%) e Alto Alegre (11,19%). Durante os anos de 2008 a 2010, o percentual de fêmeas manteve-se estável, com aumentos mensais a partir de 2011. O abate total resultou na produção de 75.137,810 toneladas (t) de carcaça quente (n= 57.636,231 (t) machos; n= 17.501,579 (t) fêmeas). Foram condenadas 89 carcaças, sendo tuberculose (52%), lesões supuradas e abcessos (34%), carnes repugnantes (11%), além de morte no curral (2%) e brucelose (1%) as principais causas. Quase a metade (49,44%) destas foram em carcaças inteiras, seguido aos quartos traseiros (30,34%) e dianteiros (15,73%), e a meias carcaças (4,49%), resultando perda de 12.525 kg que gerariam remunerações próximas a 50.000 reais. Os animais abatidos pertenciam, principalmente, de municípios próximo à capital Boa Vista, produzindo ao todo mais de 75 mil toneladas de carcaça, e as maiores perdas em condenações foram, principalmente, por tuberculose e lesões em carcaças inteiras e em quartos traseiros. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Produção animal, Carne bovina, Carcaças, Patologias, Perdas econômicas.

Does antennal sensilla pattern of different populations of Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) reveal phenotypic variability?

BackgroundIn Brazil, Triatoma maculata is only found in the State of Roraima and is a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. It occurs in wild, peridomestic and domestic habitats, with an urban infestation in Boa Vista, the capital of this Brazilian state. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological variability of the T. maculata antennal phenotype in three populations of Roraima State, using the antennal sensilla pattern analyzed under optical microscopy.MethodsThe number and distribution of four antennal sensilla types (bristles, thin and thick walled trichoidea, and basiconic) of three Brazilian populations of T. maculata from Roraima State were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsThe antenna of T. maculata presented the four types of sensilla. According to the density and distribution of the antennal sensilla characteristics, the multivariate analyses showed that the laboratory population is morphologically structured. Urban specimens showed a pronounced phenotypic variability. The main differences were observed in the pedicel segment, and between males and females.ConclusionsWe determined the antennal phenotype in three Roraima populations of T. maculata. These results support the idea that the patterns of antennal sensilla are sensitive markers for distinct populations in the Triatominae. The infestations of T. maculata in different habitats reinforces the ability of this vector to become adapted to a variety of environments, which, could have eco-epidemiological implications for the T. cruzi transmission that are still not well understood.

On the genus Berosus Leach (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) in the State of Roraima, Brazil: description of three new species and new records.

As a contribution to knowledge of the aquatic beetles of the Neotropical Region, the genus Berosus Leach is recorded for the first time from Roraima State in northern Brazil. Three new species are described and illustrated: Berosus illuviosus sp. n., B. parvus sp. n., and B. andreazzei sp. n. In addition, we present a checklist of the Berosus species collected in 26 ponds in the savanna area of the State of Roraima, with 12 new species records for the state, five of which are also new country records for Brazil.

The long life of SAMBA connection in Columbia: A paleomagnetic study of the 1535 Ma Mucajaí Complex, northern Amazonian Craton, Brazil

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the paleomagnetic data of the Amazonian Craton, with important geodynamic and paleogeographic implications for the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Columbia supercontinent (a.k.a., Nuna, Hudsoland). Despite recent increase of paleomagnetic data for several other cratons in Columbia, its longevity and the geodynamic processes that resulted in its formation are not well known. A paleomagnetic study was performed on rocks from the ∼1535 Ma AMG (Anorthosite-Mangerite-Rapakivi Granite) Mucajaí Complex located in the Roraima State (Brazil), in the northern portion of the Amazonian Craton, the Guiana Shield. Thermal and AF treatments revealed northwestern/southeastern directions with upward/downward inclinations for samples from twelve sites. This characteristic remanent magnetization is mainly carried by Ti-poor magnetite and in a lesser amount by hematite. Site mean directions were combined with previous results obtained for three other sites from the Mucajaí Complex, producing the dual polarity mean direction: Dm = 132.2°; Im = 35.4° (N = 15; α95 = 12.7°; k = 10.0) and a paleomagnetic pole located at 0.1°E, 38.2°S (A95 = 12.6°; K = 10.2). The Mucajaí pole favours the SAMBA (South AMerica-BAltica) link in a configuration formed by Amazonia and Baltica in Columbia. Also, there is geological and paleomagnetic evidence that the juxtaposition of Baltica and Laurentia at 1.76–1.26 Ga forms the core of Columbia. The present paleomagnetic data predict a long life 1.78–1.43 Ga SAMBA connection forming part of the core of the supercontinent.

Floristic composition in ecotone forests in northern Brazilian Amazonia: preliminary data.

BackgroundEcotone has been defined as “a multi-dimensional environmentally stochastic interaction zone between ecological systems with characteristics defined in space and time, and by the strength of the interaction” (Hufkens et al. 2009). This is a known concept to define transitional zones between two or more ecological communities, ecosystems or biotic regions. Ecotone forests, dispersed in northern Brazilian Amazonia, are natural formations which have been largely affected by anthropogenic impacts, such as deforestation and fire. Maracá Ecological Station, State of Roraima, Brazil, is a protected area with extensive representations of ecotone forests in this region of the Amazonia. Forest inventories and floristic surveys are important as they extend our knowledge (1) of forest structure and tree species composition and (2) of tree and palm species ecology in this region of the Amazonia. Both improve our ability to predict changes in plant diversity, considering the future scenarios of climate change in comparison with previous surveys performed in Maracá.New informationWe present a forest inventory carried out in 129 plots (10 m x 50 m; 6.45 ha in total) dispersed in a grid (5 km x 5 km) located in a forest zone ecotone in the eastern part of Maracá Ecological Station. All stems (tree + palm) with diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm were recorded, identified and measured. A total of 3040 stems were recorded (tree = 2815; palm = 225), corresponding to 42 botanic families and 140 identified species. Seven families and 20 genera contained unidentified taxa (12.2%). Sapotaceae (735 stems; 10 species), Leguminosae (409; 24) and Rubiaceae (289; 12) were the most abundant families. Peltogyne gracilipes Ducke (Leguminosae), Pradosia surinamensis (Eyma) T.D.Penn. (Sapotaceae) and Ecclinusa guianensis Eyma (Sapotaceae) were the species with the highest importance value index (~ 25%). The dominance (m2 ha-1) of these species corresponds to > 36% of the total value observed in the forest inventory. Our dataset provides complementary floristic and structure information on tree and palm in Maracá, improving our knowledge of this Amazonian ecotone forest.

Byrsonima delicatula (Malpighiaceae), a new species from northern Brazil

Byrsonima delicatula, a new species of Malpighiaceae endemic to Roraima State, northern Brazil, is described and illustrated. Byrsonima delicatula is most similar to B. intermedia, from which it is distinguished by leaf blade and ovary pubescence, and stipule, bract, and bracteole length.

Genetic Diversity and Molecular Epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Roraima State, Brazil.

National border areas are special places for the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). These regions concentrate vulnerable populations and constant population movements. Understanding the dynamics of the transmission of MTB is fundamental to propose control measures and to monitor drug resistance. We conducted a population-based prospective study of tuberculosis (TB) to evaluate molecular characteristics of MTB isolates circulating in Roraima, a state on the border of Venezuela and Guyana. Eighty isolates were genotyped by IS6110-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), spoligotyping, and 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of repeats tandem (MIRU-VNTR). Drug susceptibility tests were performed by using the proportion method and GeneXpert® MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Isolates showing a phenotypic resistance profile were submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Spoligotyping showed 40 distinct patterns with a high prevalence of Latin-American and Mediterranean (LAM), Haarlem (H), and the "ill-defined" T clades. Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit -VNTR and IS6110-RFLP showed clustering rates of 21.3% and 30%, respectively. Drug resistance was detected in 11 (15.1%) isolates, and all were found to have primary resistance; among these, six (8.2%) isolates were streptomycin mono-resistant, four (5.4%) isoniazid mono-resistant, and one (1.3%) multidrug resistant. This is the first study on the molecular epidemiology and drug resistance profile of MTB from Roraima. Herein, we describe high diversity of genetic profiles circulating in this region that may be driven by the introduction of new strain types because of large population flow in this region. In summary, our results showed that analyses of these circulating strains can contribute to a better understanding of TB epidemiology in the northern Brazilian border and be useful to establish public health policies on TB prevention.

Reconstructing the Dissemination Dynamics of the Major HIV-1 Subtype B Non-Pandemic Lineage Circulating in Brazil

Non-pandemic variants of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) subtype B accounts for a significant fraction of HIV infections in several Caribbean islands, Northeastern South American countries and the Northern Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonas. In this paper, we used a comprehensive dataset of HIV-1 subtype B pol sequences sampled in Amazonas and Roraima between 2007 and 2017 to reconstruct the phylogeographic and demographic dynamics of the major HIV-1 subtype B non-pandemic Brazilian lineage, designated as BCAR-BR-I. Our analyses revealed that its origin could be traced to one of many viral introductions from French Guiana and Guyana into Northern Brazil, which probably occurred in the state of Amazonas around the late 1970s. The BCAR-BR-I clade was rapidly disseminated from Amazonas to Roraima, and the epidemic grew exponentially in these Northern Brazilian states during the 1980s and 1990s, coinciding with a period of economic and fast population growth in the region. The spreading rate of the BCAR-BR-I clade, however, seems to have slowed down since the early 2000s, despite the continued expansion of the HIV-1 epidemic in this region in the last decade.

A IMAGEM DE MULHER CONSTRUÍDA PELO DISCURSO POLÍTICO

Este artigo tem como objetivo principal a análise verbivocovisual do vídeo que propõe uma homenagem ao Dia Internacional da Mulher do ano de 2017, publicado no site da Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de Roraima (ALE/RR) elaborado pelo programa “Abrindo Caminhos”. Baseando no processo da construção linguística do discurso em que a voz social reflete e refrata, de acordo com as concepções de Bakhtin, o vídeo irá tratar de um “suposto” comportamento masculino para lidar com o universo feminino por meio da construção de uma imagem de mulher propagada pelo discurso político. Cada esfera social possui textos diferentes e distintos destinados apropriadamente à atividade de comunicação humana, desse modo a linguagem não configura uma realidade tal como ela é, porque sua representação é concretizada por meio da construção ideológica e discursiva dos fatos sociais. Assim, ao considerar que a apresentação desse vídeo seria aparentemente direcionada ao público infantil, com uma musicalidade alegre e descontraída, este enunciado torna-se ainda mais perigoso, pois induz a pensar na ingenuidade, no mundo da imaginação, no entanto, elementos como cores, imagens e símbolos, presentes no vídeo, transmitem veladamente a mensagem de que tratar bem uma mulher é considerado como uma atitude heroica, reforçando o estereótipo do sexo feminino como frágil.

Phenological study of sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) in dystrophic yellow latosol under the savanna conditions of Roraima

Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) is a commercially significant fruit species due to its nutritional qualities. The state of Roraima has excellent soil and climatic conditions for the cultivation of the species. However, no studies on the phenological behavior of this plant have been reported in the literature. In this context, the objective of this work was to investigate the vegetative and reproductive phenological behavior of sugar apple under the savanna conditions of the state of Roraima. The experiment was carried out in four seasons of the year (2014/2014 and 2015/2015 rainy season and 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 Summer). Production pruning was carried out in February 2014 (2014.1 cycle), September 2014 (2014.2 cycle), February 2015 (2015.1 cycle) and September 2015 (2015.2 cycle). Forty plants were monitored during the experiment and evaluated every three days for the following variables: beginning date of bud swelling; duration of flowering; and fruit harvest time. From the observed data, the periods (days) between each phenological stage were calculated: pruning/bud swelling; pruning/beginning of flowering; bud swelling/anthesis; pruning/anthesis; anthesis/beginning of fruit harvest; duration of fruit harvest, and crop cycle (production pruning/harvest). The duration of the cycle, from the production pruning to the harvest varied according to the productive period, recording 146 days for the 2014.1 cycle and 127 days for the 2014.2 cycle, which proves that the phenological behavior of the species is influenced by climatic conditions.

Climatic Benefits From the 2006–2017 Avoided Deforestation in Amazonian Brazil

Over three-fourths of Brazil’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originate from land-use/cover change (LUCC). Alarming rates of forest loss in the Amazon region gained international attention in the past, but deforestation declined substantially since 2004 (although the rate has trended upwards since 2012). This result conforms to the GHG emission reduction targets set by the National Climate Change Plan, originally divided into three phases: 2006–2009; 2010–2013; and 2014–2017. According to the plan, emission reductions are measured against a deforestation baseline, initially corresponding to the average forest loss observed from 1996 to 2005 (reference period). We used an artificial neural network (ANN) model to spatialize the plan’s original three-phase baseline and compare (i) the simulated carbon emissions from the baseline scenario to (ii) the emissions from observed deforestation during 2006–2017. Baseline spatialization was performed at the state level and informed by the 2000–2004 deforestation patterns in each state, resulting in nine state-specific calibrated ANNs. Simulated (baseline) and observed deforestation were compared to five biomass-density maps in order to estimate Brazil’s GHG emission reductions. Our results indicate that forest loss during the study period was 62,321 km2 lower than the baseline and associated with 1.5±0.4 Pg of avoided CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Virtually all emission reductions (93%) occurred in the states of Mato Grosso (74%) and Rondonia (19%). In contrast, Roraima, Amazonas, and Amapa states increased GHG emissions by 44.8, 36.7, and 14.7 Tg CO2, respectively. Lastly, we discuss the issue of attribution of deforestation reductions for results-based payments (REDD+) and the emission reduction certificates issued by the Amazon Fund.

Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agroforestry, Conventional Plantations and Native Forests in Roraima State, Northern Brazil

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important components of the soil microbiota in terrestrial ecosystems, under the influence of various factors such as soil use and management, and can be adapted to a structure and diversity of fungal communities. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the influence of different systems of land use and management on AMF diversity in the Roraima State, Brazil. We collected soil samples in agroforestry, conventional soybean planting, conventional corn and native forest. After 150 days of incubation in a greenhouse, we extracted the spores in order to evaluate AMF, volume and to determine taxonomic identification. We found 16 species of AMF and the genus Acaulospora was the most frequent, followed by Glomus. Soil under agroforestry system had the highest species richness and the native forest, the lowest. On the other hand, soybean and corn areas presented greater density values than agroforestry system and native forest. In the agroforestry system, SOM attributes, Al3+ and H + Al had influence in AMF species richness. Thus, agroforestry constitute sustainable alternative influencing AMF communities in these ecosystems.

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Dasmeusa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from Central Amazon

A new species of the genus Dasmeusa Melichar, 1926 is described and illustrated from specimens collected in the State of Amazonas, Northern Brazil. Dasmeusa imperialis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the five known species of the genus, as well as from those of closely related genera, by the following combination of features: dorsum yellow with orange, preapical transverse irregular stripe on forewing; male pygofer moderately produced posteriorly, with posterior margin broadly rounded; style without preapical lobe, narrow and truncate apically; aedeagus with robust apical process directed ventrally, ventral margin of this process dentate; paraphyses with pair of dorsal dentiform projections on stalk, rami slender and directed posterodorsally; posterior margin of female sternite VII with small quadrate lobe; first ovipositor valvula with dentiform apex; second ovipositor valvula with apical third directed ventrally. This paper includes the first detailed description and illustrations of the female terminalia of a Dasmeusa species. In addition, the known geographic distribution of the genus is presented; D. pauperata (Fabricius, 1803) is newly recorded from the Brazilian states of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará, Sergipe, and Bahia; the records from the last two states are interesting because they are from areas of Atlantic Forest. Previously, the genus was known only from the Amazon Forest.

Venezuelan Migration and the Border Health Crisis in Colombia and Brazil

Executive Summary Venezuela’s economic crisis has triggered mass migration; more than 3.4 million Venezuelans have fled to other countries in the region and beyond. An assessment mission to Cúcuta, in the Colombian border state of North Santander, was undertaken from July 26 to August 1, 2018, and to Bôa Vista and Pacaraima, in the state of Roraima, Brazil, between August 24 and 28, 2018. Interviews were conducted with key informants, including health providers and organizations engaged in the humanitarian response. Secondary analysis of gray literature and data shared by key informants was also undertaken. Surveillance data demonstrate increases in infectious diseases, as well as adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes, among Venezuelans in North Santander and Roraima. Summary of Findings for North Santander Reportable public health surveillance events among Venezuelans increased from 182 in 2015 to 865 in the first half of 2018. In 2018, the most common reported events included gender-based and intrafamiliar violence (17 percent), malaria (15 percent), and acute malnutrition in children <5 years (9 percent). There were 14 measles cases reported between January and June 2018 (compared to none in the previous years), the majority associated with migration from Venezuela. Thirty-six cases of maternal morbidity and two cases of maternal mortality among Venezuelans were observed in the first half of 2018 (compared to three cases of maternal morbidity and no maternal deaths in 2015). Low-birth-weight Venezuelan births rose from three in 2015 to 34 in 2017. Between January 2017 and June 2018, emergency medical attention was provided to 19,108 Venezuelans in government health facilities. Summary of Findings for Roraima In 2018, there were 355 cases of measles in Roraima (compared to none in previous years) — all cases had the genotype lineage originating in the 2017 Venezuelan measles outbreak. Children younger than one year old (812.1/100,000) had the highest measles incident rate in Roraima, followed by children 1–4 years old (245.7/100,000). Malaria cases among Venezuelans increased 3.5-fold from 2015 to 2018 (1,260 vs. 4,402 cases). As of August 2018, 171 HIV-infected Venezuelans were receiving HIV care at the Coronel Motta Clinic in Bôa Vista, Roraima. In 2018, 1,603 Venezuelan women gave birth at the Hospital Materno-Infantil in Bôa Vista, and by mid-2018, 10,040 Venezuelans had received outpatient care and 666 had been hospitalized at the Hospital General Roraima. In Colombia, primary healthcare is not available to Venezuelans, and provision of emergency care is perceived as unsustainable given current funding mechanisms. In Brazil, primary care is available to Venezuelans, but the healthcare system is under severe strain to meet the increased demand for care and is facing unprecedented shortages in medications and supplies. There is an urgent need to expand the humanitarian health response in Colombia and Brazil, both to ensure health among Venezuelans and to protect public health in border areas.

Geographical Distribution of Schizotetranychus hindustanicus and Associated Mites in Roraima, Brazil

The Hindustan citrus mite, Schizotetranychus hindustanicus Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a quarantine pest present in the state of Roraima, Brazil. This mite, which was described in India in 1924, was reported in 2002 in Venezuela and spread to Roraima, where it was reported in 2008, and to Colombia, where it was reported in 2010. Its possible spread to other regions of Brazil is a threat to Brazilian citriculture. This study reports the current distribution of S. hindustanicus and potential predators of this pest and other mites associated with citrus in Roraima. A survey was conducted in August and September 2015 in the 15 municipalities of the state. In each municipality, orchards and citrus plants in backyards and public areas along highways and in urban areas were sampled. Samples of leaves and fruits were collected to identify the mite and its natural enemies. Schizotetranychus hindustanicus was found in all 15 municipalities in the state of Roraima. In total, 308 associated mites were found, with S. hindustanicus being the most abundant phytophagous mite, followed by Brevipalpus yothersi Baker. Amblyseius aerialis (Muma) was the most abundant predator, followed by Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark and Muma and Euseius concordis (Chant). The broad dispersal of S. hindustanicus in Roraima increases the risks of this pest reaching the main citrus-producing regions in Brazil.

Edaphic Factors and Flooding Periodicity Determining Forest Types in a Topographic Gradient in the Northern Brazilian Amazonia

The Brazilian Amazonia is a region covered by an extensive mosaic of tropical forests conditioned by different topographical and hydro-edaphic features. Although studies relating environmental determinants of structure and floristic composition are systematically evolving in the region, there is no doubt that there are still information gaps due to the lack of research in peripheric areas of the Amazonia. The seasonally flooded areas of the state of Roraima situated on rio Branco-rio Negro basin, northern Brazilian Amazonia, still are deprived of such information. In this way, this work had as objective determine the physical and soil chemical attributes, and the flooding periodicity that characterize different forest types dispersed in a topographic gradient located in an area on the north of rio Branco-rio Negro basin. Soil samples (0-60 cm) were collected along a 2.7 km transect (31.1-64.8 m a.s.l.) crossing three different forest types: (i) mosaic between treed and forested shade-loving (La+Ld), (ii) area of ecological tension between forested shade-loving and open ombrophilous forest (LO) and (iii) open ombrophilous forest (Ab+As). The results indicated different soil classes and flooding periodicity for each forest type observed: Entisols Fluvents (La+Ld, 3-4 months flooded), Entisols Quartzipsamments (LO, 1-2 months) and Yellow Ultisols (Ab+As, no flooding). All analyzed soils were defined as nutrient-poor areas, especially those located on low altitude, characterized for higher hydrological restrictions (seasonal flooding) aggregating forest types of lower structural patterns (e.g. La+Ld). Soils on low altitude were also characterized as those with the highest percentage of fine sand and silt, while soil free of seasonal flooding (Yellow Ultisols) presented the highest levels of clay and coarse sand, always associated with the ombrophilous forests (higher structural patterns). These results improve our understanding of the environmental factors conditioning different forest types in this peripheral region of Amazonia, suggesting that ecosystems with higher hydro-edaphic restrictions are a strong indicator of forest types with lower structural patterns.

Indigenous homicide in Brazil: geospatial mapping and secondary data analysis (2010 to 2014).

This study aimed to describe a panorama of Indigenous homicide in Brazil, analysing the main characteristics and territorial distribution between 2010 and 2014. Demographic study of Indigenous population data obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and Indigenous homicide data (2010-2014) from the Ministry of Health. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, victims' characteristics, type of homicides and geographical distribution, which were then plotted on maps using ArcGIS. Findings revealed: 1) a national estimated average of Indigenous homicide rate of 22.5 per 100,000 Indigenous inhabitants per year; 2) a map showing where homicides were registered and the mean homicide rates for Brazilian regions and states, with highest rates in Roraima and Mato Grosso do Sul; 3) the main homicide method were sharp or penetrating objects; 4) Indigenous male homicide rate was 2.4 times higher than female, but Indigenous female rate was more than double that of non-Indigenous; 5) high homicide rates of Indigenous children (under 1-year-old) in areas of the states of Roraima and Amazonas. We advise careful consideration of Indigenous cultural beliefs to avoid errors of judgement, reflecting how Indigenous populations are at risk of homicide in some areas.