State Of Roraima Research Articles

Camu-Camu Flour Processed in Conventional Oven and Solar Dryer: Quality Product and Accessible Low Technology Products as an Opportunity to Family Agriculture

The culture of camu-camu fruit is one of the most promising in the Amazon region; with proper industrialization the fruit could contribute to local food security, which raises excellent opportunities to further elaborate products with higher aggregate value to introduce to population living in natural producing areas. The aim of this research was to carry out a comparison of the agro-industrial and nutritional quality of fruit flour prototypes and residues from the processing of camu-camu dehydrated in a conventional electric oven and an alternative solar dryer, verifying the possibility of obtaining a standardized flour product with the techniques used. The camu-camu fruits was harvested in March of 2018 at Morena Lake, Boa Vista municipality, Roraima State, Brazil and, processed into flour at Embrapa Laboratories. Furthermore, an analysis of moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, color and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and B contents of the flour, were carried out and evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme, evaluating three raw materials by two drying methods. The data was statistically validated using an analysis of variance, when there was statistical difference, the means of agroindustrial and elemental characteristics were compared by the T (0.05) and Tukey (0.05) tests. The main quality differences in the interaction between raw materials and drying methods are in moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, color and P, K and Ca contents. In general, the macro and microelement contents of the camu-camu flour dehydrated in a hot air oven with forced ventilation, and in a low-cost convection solar dehydrator presented the following order N > K > P > Ca > S > Mg > Mn > Fe > B > Zn > Cu. The evaluated camu-camu flours are presented as alternatives for the integral use of the fruit and processing residues, having satisfactory qualities, with the possibility of being used in agro-industrial products.

Analysis of the Community Structure of Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) in Roraima Fluvial Systems, Amazon – Brazil

The State of Roraima (Amazon - Brazil) is considered well-preserved from an environmental point of view, sheltering a great variety of rivers and forest and “cerrado” streams, with white (muddy), black and clear waters. From the identification of the planktonic community of diatoms, ecological indices and statistical analyzes were applied in order to determine the degree of abundance and species richness among the different ecosystems in the region. Qualitative and quantitative samples of phytoplankton were obtained during periods of low water (December to March), as well as measurements and analyzes of limnological parameters: water temperature (ºC), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg/L), oxygen saturation (%), transparency (m), total dissolved ions Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Cl-, total P and N (mg/L) and Chlorophyll-a (µg/L). A total of 172 plankton samples from 43 sampling points (20 in rivers and 23 in streams) were carried out. The low water period was characterized by slightly acidic to neutral pH, with low transparency and variations in conductivity and concentration of the ionic composition. The results indicated similarity in diatom composition between rivers and streams, with little heterogeneity in “cerrado” streams. Considering climate oscillation and spatial distribution, the PCA highlighted the parameters conductivity, dissolved ions, total P and chlorophyll-a as preponderant to explain the behavior observed in the distribution of communities. For three components, the cumulative explanation was 68.6%. The ecological indices of richness and diversity indicated high similarity between rivers and streams, with good stability, homogeneity and ecological diversity for bacillariophytic diatoms. There were, however, some areas that, depending on the type of water and ionic concentration, showed some divergence in the composition of the diatom community. As environmental indicators, the diatoms showed that the water quality in the region is well-preserved, without eutrophication signals.

Barriers and facilitators to confronting HIV/aids and syphilis experienced by Venezuelan women living in BrazilFactores facilitadores y barreras que tienen las mujeres venezolanas residentes en Brasil respecto de la infección por el VIH/sida y la sífilis

To describe the perception of Venezuelan women regarding access to health care, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV/aids and syphilis in Brazil. This is a descriptive, exploratory study employing a qualitative approach, performed from February to May 2021 in the municipalities of Manaus, state of Amazonas, and Boa Vista, state of Roraima. The interviews with participants were fully transcribed, with identification of themes based on content analysis. Forty women were interviewed (20 in Manaus and 20 in Boa Vista). Following transcription and translation of the accounts, two analytical categories were identified: barriers to healthcare access, with four subcategories - language, cost, adverse drug reactions, and COVID-19 pandemic; and facilitators of healthcare access, again with four subcategories - Unified Health System (SUS), National Policy of Comprehensive Women's Health, National Social Assistance Policy, and relationship between healthcare professionals and SUS users. The results showed the need to design strategies to mitigate the difficulties faced by migrant women from Venezuela living in Brazil regarding the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/aids and syphilis, going beyond the healthcare support guaranteed by law.

Sociodemographic evaluation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the state of roraima, extreme north of Brazil: A descriptive study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Consequently, the need for observational research, which aims at a quantitative/descriptive approach based on documentary and field research with the intention of analyzing the prevalence and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil, especially in the state of Roraima, which are scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the state, as well as other epidemiological aspects such as the profile of patients. That said, 150 participants were obtained, of which women represented 92,0%. The most patients were between 50-59 (34.7%) and 60-69 (29.3%) years old, and also most declared themselves to be brown (82,0%). It was demonstrated that 65.3% of the patients were not born in the state, and 79.3% live in the urban area. In addition, the declared mean education level was complete high school (38%), and 63.3% of patients as well are unemployed. As for family income, 45.4% is between 1 and 3 minimum wages. Evidently, it is possible to relate advanced age, low income and lack of higher education with the prevalence of RA, as factors such as lack of knowledge reduce the haste with which the patient seeks health services, and low income also makes it impossible to pay for health privately, which offers faster services. Therefore, resident rheumatologists and civil servants in the city state claim that the number of patients with RA can reach up to twice the number of respondents, so the need for multicenter studies with large samples of patients over the years is evident.

Protoptilinae (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae) from Roraima state, northern Brazil: A new species of Itauara Müller 1888 and new distributional records for species of Protoptila Banks 1904

A new species of caddisfly, Itauara marcellina sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Roraima state in northern Brazil. This new species is characterized by features of the male genitalia. The dorsolateral processes of tergum X, in dorsal view, are horn-like and the phallicata has a medial pair of membranous, rounded, lateral flanges projecting posteroventrad. Protoptila ctenacantha Flint 1974 is recorded for the first time from Brazil. Protoptila condylifera Flint 1971, Protoptila flexispina Flint 1971, Protoptila simplex Flint 1971, and Protoptila trispicata Flint 1971 are recorded for the first time from Roraima state, Brazil.

Extending the geographic range of the ensign wasp Decevania reticulata Kawada, 2007 (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae): first record in Brazil and some notes about distribution

We extend the geographic range of the ensign wasp Decevania reticulata Kawada, 2007 from Amazon rainforest and “lavrado” in Roraima and Amazon states, Brazil. Additionally, we illustrate the species and add some comments about its distribution.

Creagrura Townes, 1971 and Ptilobaptus Townes, 1971 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Brazilian Amazon: new records and comments about morphological variation

Creagrura nigripes Townes, 1971 is recorded for the first time for the Brazilian Amazon, in the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará and Roraima. Ptilobaptus cinctus Townes, 1971 is registered for the first time in Brazil. Additionally, diagnosis, digital images, distribution maps, as well as comments on intraspecific morphological variations in the species are provided.

A new species with high sexual dimorphism of Xenelmis Hinton (Coleoptera: Elmidae) from Mount Roraima National Park, Brazil

ABSTRACT Xenelmis is one of the 51 Neotropical genera of the aquatic beetle family Elmidae and is currently represented by 15 species distributed throughout the Neotropics. This genus of tiny beetles is especially well represented in South America, where all but one species can be found, and Brazil has the greatest richness, with ten species recorded so far. Here we describe and illustrate Xenelmis tuchaua sp. nov., a new Elmidae species with remarkable sexual dimorphism and unique diagnostic characteristics. The new species was found in an Amazonian stream located in Mount Roraima National Park, Roraima state, Brazil. We provide an updated species list for Xenelmis with comments on the occurrence of sexual dimorphism in the genus.

Vulnerability of Venezuelan immigrants living in Boa Vista, Roraima.

To identify the social and health vulnerabilities of Venezuelan immigrants living in Boa Vista, Roraima. Mixed methods research, with concomitant transformative strategy. In the quantitative phase, analysis of management documents for the state of Roraima and the capital Boa Vista were carried out. In the qualitative, open interviews with 16 Venezuelan immigrants, 14 nursing professionals and 8 public managers and a focus group with 12 nursing professionals. The webQDA software was used to organize the data and the content and discourse analyzes were based on Bardin and on dialectic-hermeneutics, according to Minayo. The main vulnerabilities identified were the absence of public policies for immigrants, the fragility of links with health services and language differences. The vulnerabilities of Venezuelan immigrants are linked to their ways of living and working. Health institutions and organizations are not fully qualified to serve them. Specific policies are needed for this social group and to qualify institutions and health professionals to implement these policies.

First record of plant macrofossil from the Boa Vista Formation, Takutu Basin, Roraima State, Brazil

Clayey intraclasts containing leaves preserved as impressions and compressions were collected from the Takutu River channel in the State of Roraima, Brazil. In the present study, 23 leaf fragments are described (morphologically and anatomically) and their taxonomic identity is proposed. These fossiliferous intraclasts were suggested in previous studies as coming from the Boa Vista Formation (Upper Pleistocene–Holocene). With the aim of finding new evidence to support this correlation, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Laser induced-breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis were performed, comparing the fossiliferous sample with two outcrops from the Boa Vista Formation. The results evidenced the chemical and mineralogical similarity between the fossiliferous intraclasts and both outcrops, suggesting their correlation with the Boa Vista Formation. Taxonomically, the specimens were recognized as fossil representatives of Dilleniaceae Salisb., Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth (Malpighiaceae), Zanthoxylum L. (Rutaceae), and other six morphotypes. These taxa represent typical elements of the savanna (lavrados) of Roraima. The anatomical-cutillary characters of the mummified leaves indicate the dominance of xeromorphic plants, similar to the predominant woody species in the “lavrado” today, thus suggesting the same climatic-environmental conditions. Keywords: fossil leaves, leaf architecture, cuticular anatomy, angiosperm, Cenozoic.

Gênero, Raça, Desigualdades Sociais e Território como Fatores Relacionados a Homicídios de Crianças Brasileiras: Uma Análise Ecológica de 2014 a 2018

The article aims to analyze the homicides of Brazilian children aged 0 to 14 years from 2014 to 2018. The methodology included an ecological time series study, in which child murders were analyzed according to the following variables: region, state, age, sex, race/color, place of death, causes of death, human development index (HDI) and Gini coefficient. Data analysis was performed using SPSS® and QGIS software. As a result, we point out that the proportional homicide rate among children aged 0 to 14 in Brazil is 2.07 homicides per100,000 children, with higher rates in the North region (3.02/100,000), in the state of Roraima (19.34 /100,000) and Indigenous race/ethnicity (15.68/100,000). Regarding the causes of homicide, the most prevalent was the shooting of firearms (58.84%). The results also show that the male homicide rate, in addition to its correlations with the rate by state, showed a very strong association with age with 86% for the age group from 10 to 14 years (p<0.001; rs=0.928). It also showed a strong correlation with mixed race/color, 80% (p<0.001; rs=0.893), and a moderate correlation of 43% with the Gini index (p<0.001; rs=0.658). Conclusion: Male gender, mixed race, states in the North, Northeast and Central­West regions and higher values in the Gini index appear as factors of association with higher child homicide rates in Brazil, confirming the country's inequality issues as greater risks to life.

Inequities between migrants and non-migrants with TB: Surveillance evidence from the Brazilian border State of Roraima

IntroductionUntil 2014, there was already a significant burden of TB in Roraima, with this State being among the most affected ones in Brazil. Since 2015, though, there has been a progressive increase in cases of TB in the state of Roraima, with a notorious concentration of cases in Venezuelan migrants. Active international migration in border territories should be seen as a warning signal about the need to strengthen health surveillance and One Health actions that encompass all components involved in the risk of active transmission of diseases as tuberculosis in these scenarios. ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze and compare migrants and non-migrants notified with TB in the State of Roraima in Brazil and identify inequities in terms of diagnosis, access to treatment and outcome of the disease. Study designQuantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study of all confirmed cases of TB notified in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) between 2009 and 2019. MethodsData were described through counts, frequencies, prevalence ratios and 95% confidence interval. We used Poisson regression with robust variance to adjust for confounders. Results2111 cases of TB were reported in Roraima between 2009 and 2019 and in this study (mean age 38.2 ± 18.5 years). Cases were more frequently males, brownish race, indigenous people, with high school level education. 10.9% (n = 181) of TB cases were migrants, mainly from Venezuela (72.9%). Migrants with TB were more prone to be homeless (PR = 3.7). A higher number of cases of readmission after treatment dropout (3.3%) and AIDS diseases (11.2%) was observed among migrants compared to non-migrants. The proportion of DR-TB was higher among migrants. The percent of cure of TB was lower among migrants and the prevalence of abandonment of treatment, transfers and deaths by other causes was higher compared to non-migrants. ConclusionsThe results of the study have shown considerable differences in the epidemiological profile of TB between migrants and non-migrants living in the State of Roraima, with a tendency for poorer outcomes in the first ones as well as more concentration of vulnerabilities. These results stress out existing inequities between migrants and non-migrants with TB disease and raise questions on the health care network capacity to address these.

Indigenous struggles to overturn present-day discrimination and achieve differentiated rights in Roraima, Brazil

Abstract This article examines affirmations of differentiated Indigenous rights that are present in national and international legislation in the State of Roraima, Brazil, through significant efforts by Indigenous political movements, including activities by Indigenous lawyers. By creating internal mechanisms for solving conflicts, such activists contribute significantly to realising rights present in the Federal Constitution (1988) and the Indian Statute (Law 6.001/1973), and in international legislation such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169 (1989). These mechanisms include the setting up, by the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR) and local Indigenous leader councils, of written customary laws (regimentos internos) as an alternative for solving conflicts to avoid sending people to violent and overcrowded prisons. The efforts of Indigenous organisations, activists, and lawyers also seek to overturn a commonplace notion of equality before the law, which fails to consider existing inequalities.

Occurrence of the mite Acanthonyssus proechimys (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) on a spiny rat in Brazil

ABSTRACT Macronyssid mites are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates. We slide-mounted and re-examined mite material collected in a 1987-1989 expedition to Maracá Ecological Station, Roraima State, Brazil. The specimens were identified as Acanthonyssus proechimys Yunker and Saunders (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae), which were collected parasitizing a South American spiny rat, Proechimys sp. This represents the first record of Acanthonyssus in Brazil.

Diversity of edaphic predatory mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in the Amazon region

The Amazon region has been reported to hold some of the highest levels of biodiversity of the planet. However, little is known about the edaphic mesostigmatic mites of this region. Worldwide, the Mesostigmata constitute the most abundant order of edaphic predatory mites. Given their potential importance, knowledge about their diversity is considered desirable to allow the determination of species for use as biological control agents. Hence, an exploratory study has been conducted in parts of the Brazilian Amazon to evaluate the diversity of those mites in areas of natural vegetation as well as in areas of subsistence crops and livestock production for local use. The objective of this presentation is to report the results of the evaluation of soil-litter samples collected in January 2022 in Rorainópolis, state of Roraima, in areas of natural vegetation, cassava, pasture and an açaí (Euterpe oleracea) cultivation, taking 16 samples of each area. A total of 540 Mesostigmata (Gamasina cohort) mites was collected, of which 339 were adult females representing 40 morphospecies (eleven new to science), distributed in 24 genera (two new to science) grouped into 13 families. The highest abundance was found in the cassava cultivation, where 142 adult females, representing the highest number of genera (13) and species (18). Pasture had the lowest abundance (51 specimens), representing the lowest number of genera (9) and species (11). Laelapidae and Rhodacaridae were the most abundant families, each representing about 32% of the identified females, followed by Ascidae with 9%. Considering all areas together, Multidentorhodacarus squamosus (Rhodacaridae) was the most abundant species, being dominant in areas of cassava cultivation (53 specimens) and natural vegetation (31 specimens). A new species of Gaeolaelaps (Laelapidae) (13 individuals) and a new species of Neogamasellevans (Ologamasidae) (19 individuals) were dominant in the pasture and açaí cultivation, respectively. 

Gold miners augment malaria transmission in indigenous territories of Roraima state, Brazil

BackgroundEndemic malaria is present in all 15 municipalities of Roraima state, Brazilian Amazonia. Knowledge of epidemiological data of specific populations can guide health policies to formulate effective strategies for integrated control of health-disease care. This study aims to ascertain when, where and who fell ill with malaria in Roraima state from 2010 to 2020.MethodsThis descriptive study was based on statistical secondary surveillance data through the analysis of relationships underlying numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths using the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, Mortality Information System and Hospitalization Information System.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2020, there were 138,504 autochthonous cases, 26,158 Venezuelan imported cases, 3765 hospitalizations, and 77 deaths from malaria reported in Roraima. Annual parasitic incidence and the number of hospitalizations showed impressive changes over the period, but without significantly correlating with number of deaths. The proportion of Plasmodium falciparum infections had significant shifts throughout this study. Malaria prevalence in indigenous and mining areas has been increasing since 2014.ConclusionThe presence of miners in indigenous areas is a reality that has been contributing to the increase of malaria cases in Roraima. The need to implement health policies that also meet this contingent is reinforced.

Two new species of Simothraulopsis Demoulin, 1966 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Roraima State, northern Brazil

Two new species of Simothraulopsis (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) are described and illustrated, based on recent collections and specimens deposited in the Zoological Collection of Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR), northern Brazil. Simothraulopsis pacaraima sp. nov. differs from others species by the telopenis being spine-like, short (less than the half of total length of penis lobes) and slightly directed laterally, and the penis lobes with a medial knob between them. Simothraulopsis rainori sp. nov. differs from others species by the telopenis being spine-like, mid-sized (less than the half of total length of penis lobes) and ventrally directed with the apex bent outward, and the penis lobes fused in their basal 1/3, with a well-marked sclerotized region; each lobe is laterally swollen and protruding.

Debilitating mobilities: the logic of governance in Brazil’s military-humanitarian response

The recent political and economic crisis in Venezuela has given rise to an increase in Venezuelan migrants and refugees to Brazil. Situated in the northern state of Roraima, bordering Venezuela, this research explores the military-humanitarian response coordinated by the Brazilian government. Investigating the underpinning logic of such a humanitarian approach highlights the ways in which vulnerable mobile groups are offered support, while at the same time, are tightly governed for the protection of state security. I argue that Brazil’s military-humanitarian approach to mobility governance reflects a logic of debility that works to control migrants. This logic emerges through subtle forms of violence and consequently reinforces migrant vulnerabilities, keeping them in a cyclical loop of exclusion. This paper addresses the militarisation of the response across the urban streetscape of the city of Boa Vista, including humanitarian spaces of care, to investigate processes of securitisation and hygienisation. By doing so, this paper contributes to timely discussions on military-humanitarianism and draws attention to South-South mobilities and the salient geographies of Brazil and Latin America more broadly.

Sediment Dynamics In Lacustrine Environments — Northern Amazon

Lakes are features found in Brazil’s northern region, commonly formed in sandy-clay layers of the Plio-Pleistocene, in a setting of the extensive flat surface, and under a high precipitation rate. Our goal in this work is to understand the sediment transport dynamic and its relation to the hydrological behavior of the regional lacustrine system. Two lakes were selected, Lago do Italiano (LIT) and Lago do Bicho (LB), situated in the municipality of Bonfim in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The lakes differ in hydrological regime, depth, and vegetation. The methodology involved bibliographical and remote sensor data and field surveys followed by laboratory processing. The results revealed that the lakes are composed of sandy materials, with layers what reach 95% of sand. The grains is medium to fine texture, with morphology angular (0 a 50%) and subangular (18% a 43%) grains, disposed at different depths. The grains’ morphology suggests that their sediment provider source is near and, at the same time, indicates a low energy environment. Concerning the mineralogical attributes, the sediments are of a quartzose nature, which permits their correlation with the arenites of the Boa Vista Formation, a sub-cropping unit. The sediment input is controlled by the seasonal oscillation of the groundwater level and inundation pulses that reach the fluviolacustrine plain of the Tacutu River in which the lakes are inserted.

Morphology and architectural analysis of Copaifera pubiflora seedlings (Detarioideae, Leguminosae)

AbstractCopaifera L. is a woody legume genus with 42 species that produce valuable terpenoid oleoresins used in medicine and industrial activities. Copaifera belongs to the Detarieae (Detarioideae) and is part of a clade together with five other genera. We describe the seedling morphology of Copaifera pubiflora Benth. based on plant architectural analysis to shed light on its post‐seminal shoot development. Seeds of this species were collected from a wild population in Roraima State, Brazil. Seedlings of C. pubiflora have preformed shoots with determinate and rhythmic growth. Each growth unit has two reduced leaf scales that correspond to a pair of prophylls followed by two or three scale‐like stipules and one distal eophyll. Besides, C. pubiflora has a monochasial sympodial branching with delayed branches. Current evidence indicates that most Copaifera species, including C. pubiflora, have phanerocotylar, epigeal, reserve seedlings with a cataphyll‐free epicotyl and scale‐like structures on the first internode after the epicotyledonary axis. Based on the available data, a comprehensive view of Copaifera seedlings from both the Old and New Worlds is also presented.