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Krsulovic FAM, Moulton TP, Lima M, Jaksic F. Epidemic malaria dynamics in Ethiopia: the role of self-limiting, poverty, HIV, climate change and human population growth. Malar J 2022; 21:135. [PMID: 35477448 PMCID: PMC9044619 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the last two decades, researchers have suggested that the changes of malaria cases in African highlands were driven by climate change. Recently, a study claimed that the malaria cases (Plasmodium falciparum) in Oromia (Ethiopia) were related to minimum temperature. Critics highlighted that other variables could be involved in the dynamics of the malaria. The literature mentions that beyond climate change, trends in malaria cases could be involved with HIV, human population size, poverty, investments in health control programmes, among others. Methods Population ecologists have developed a simple framework, which helps to explore the contributions of endogenous (density-dependent) and exogenous processes on population dynamics. Both processes may operate to determine the dynamic behaviour of a particular population through time. Briefly, density-dependent (endogenous process) occurs when the per capita population growth rate (R) is determined by the previous population size. An exogenous process occurs when some variable affects another but is not affected by the changes it causes. This study explores the dynamics of malaria cases (Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax) in Oromia region in Ethiopia and explores the interaction between minimum temperature, HIV, poverty, human population size and social instability. Results The results support that malaria dynamics showed signs of a negative endogenous process between R and malaria infectious class, and a weak evidence to support the climate change hypothesis. Conclusion Poverty, HIV, population size could interact to force malaria models parameters explaining the dynamics malaria observed at Ethiopia from 1985 to 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Augusto Maurin Krsulovic
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile.
| | - Timothy Peter Moulton
- Departamento de Ecologia, Faculdade de Ciéncias Biológicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Mauricio Lima
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabian Jaksic
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile
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Machado-Silva F, Neres-Lima V, Oliveira AF, Moulton TP. Forest cover controls the nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes of rivers. Sci Total Environ 2022; 817:152784. [PMID: 34995604 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Deforestation affects the ecological integrity of rivers and streams, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide. However, few studies have strictly analyzed the effect of the functional responses of tropical streams to changes in forest cover since deforested basins are usually also influenced by confounding anthropogenic inputs. Here we address tropical streams and test whether the stable isotopic ratios of nitrogen (N, δ15N) and carbon (C, δ13C) and the ratio of C:N of ecosystem components vary along a forest cover gradient. We also assess the ecological integrity of streams by in situ measurements using physical features commonly used in stream quality assessments. The results showed that the δ15N of most aquatic components, δ13C of particulate matter and omnivorous fish, and C:N of particulate matter and algae vary significantly with forest cover, indicating the role of terrestrial vegetation in regulating stream biogeochemistry. The dual stable isotope analysis satisfactorily indicated the changes in terrestrial-aquatic connections regarding both N and C cycles, thus showing the role of algae and particulate matter in influencing stream fauna through food web transfers. Our results support the use of stable isotopes to monitor watershed deforestation and highlight the need for reassessment of the effects of anthropogenic inputs on δ15N increase in globally distributed inland waters since the loss of forest is a significant cause in itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Machado-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Program in Geosciences - Environmental Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, 24020-141 Niteroi, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius Neres-Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departmento de Ecologia, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Timothy Peter Moulton
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departmento de Ecologia, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Carlos‐Júnior LA, Spencer M, Neves DM, Moulton TP, Pires DDO, e Castro CB, Ventura CRR, Ferreira CEL, Serejo CS, Oigman‐Pszczol S, Casares FA, Mantelatto MC, Creed JC. Rarity and beta diversity assessment as tools for guiding conservation strategies in marine tropical subtidal communities. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lélis A. Carlos‐Júnior
- Departamento de Ecologia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Matthew Spencer
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Danilo Mesquita Neves
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona Tucson Arizona
- Department of BotanyFederal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | - Timothy Peter Moulton
- Departamento de Ecologia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda Araújo Casares
- Departamento de Ecologia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Instituto Brasileiro de Biodiversidade Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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Silva-Junior EF, Silva-Araújo M, Moulton TP. Distribution and abundance of freshwater decapods in an Atlantic rainforest catchment with a dammed future. BRAZ J BIOL 2017; 77:820-829. [PMID: 28300940 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.01916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in physical characteristics along the course of a river influence habitat availability which reflects in species distribution. Knowledge of ecology and diversity of lotic species is important for evaluating how river ecosystems will respond to environmental impacts. Freshwater decapods are a group of high ecological and economic importance, but the knowledge about factors influencing their distribution is scarce in Brazil. We performed a survey of decapods to describe their abundance and distribution as well as to study their relationships with stream physical variables and especially their association with different substrates types. We studied 23 sites located in 15 tributaries of Guapiaçú River, RJ, where we collected decapods in different substrates types and measured a set of physical variables. We found five decapods species, including amphidromous and non-amphidromous shrimps and crabs. Decapods were strongly associated with leaf-litter substrates and their abundance was related to a multivariate axis describing longitudinal changes in stream characteristics. We concluded that decapods occurring in the Guapiaçú catchment inhabit mainly small streams with preserved riparian forests where they find shelter and potential prey of invertebrates. The ongoing project to build a dam on the Guapiaçú River will have negative consequences to migrating shrimps and we strongly recommend that mitigating actions, such the construction of structures to allow the passage of migrating fauna, should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Silva-Junior
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Rios e Córregos, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Maracanã, CEP 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - M Silva-Araújo
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Rios e Córregos, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Maracanã, CEP 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T P Moulton
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Rios e Córregos, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Maracanã, CEP 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Mello JHF, Moulton TP, Raíces DSL, Bergallo HG. About rats and jackfruit trees: modeling the carrying capacity of a Brazilian Atlantic Forest spiny-rat Trinomys dimidiatus (Günther, 1877) - Rodentia, Echimyidae - population with varying jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) abundances. BRAZ J BIOL 2015; 75:208-15. [PMID: 25945639 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.11613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We carried out a six-year study aimed at evaluating if and how a Brazilian Atlantic Forest small mammal community responded to the presence of the invasive exotic species Artocarpus heterophyllus, the jackfruit tree. In the surroundings of Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, RJ, 18 grids were established, 10 where the jackfruit tree was present and eight were it was absent. Previous results indicated that the composition and abundance of this small mammal community were altered by the presence and density of A. heterophyllus. One observed effect was the increased population size of the spiny-rat Trinomys dimidiatus within the grids where the jackfruit trees were present. Therefore we decided to create a mathematical model for this species, based on the Verhulst-Pearl logistic equation. Our objectives were i) to calculate the carrying capacity K based on real data of the involved species and the environment; ii) propose and evaluate a mathematical model to estimate the population size of T. dimidiatus based on the monthly seed production of jackfruit tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus and iii) determinate the minimum jackfruit tree seed production to maintain at least two T. dimidiatus individuals in one study grid. Our results indicated that the predicted values by the model for the carrying capacity K were significantly correlated with real data. The best fit was found considering 20~35% energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels. Within the scope of assumed premises, our model showed itself to be an adequate simulator for Trinomys dimidiatus populations where the invasive jackfruit tree is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H F Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T P Moulton
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - D S L Raíces
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - H G Bergallo
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Carlos-Júnior LA, Barbosa NPU, Moulton TP, Creed JC. Ecological Niche Model used to examine the distribution of an invasive, non-indigenous coral. Mar Environ Res 2015; 103:115-124. [PMID: 25465286 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
All organisms have a set of ecological conditions (or niche) which they depend on to survive and establish in a given habitat. The ecological niche of a species limits its geographical distribution. In the particular case of non-indigenous species (NIS), the ecological requirements of the species impose boundaries on the potential distribution of the organism in the new receptor regions. This is a theoretical assumption implicit when Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) are used to assess the potential distribution of NIS. This assumption has been questioned, given that in some cases niche shift may occur during the process of invasion. We used ENMs to investigate whether the model fit with data from the native range of the coral Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829 successfully predicts its invasion in the Atlantic. We also identified which factors best explain the distribution of this NIS. The broad native distributional range of T. coccinea predicted the invaded sites well, especially along the Brazilian coast, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The occurrence of T. coccinea was positively related to calcite levels and negatively to eutrophy, but was rather unaffected to other variables that often limit other marine organisms, suggesting that this NIS has wide ecological limits, a trait typical of invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Carlos-Júnior
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Ecologia, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-013, Brazil; Coral-Sol Research, Technological Development and Innovation Network, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - N P U Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270901, Brazil
| | - T P Moulton
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Ecologia, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-013, Brazil; Coral-Sol Research, Technological Development and Innovation Network, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - J C Creed
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Ecologia, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-013, Brazil; Coral-Sol Research, Technological Development and Innovation Network, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Souza ML, Moulton TP, Silveira RML, Krsulović FAM, Brito EF. Responses of Chironomidae (Diptera; Insecta) to the exclusion of shrimps and Ephemeroptera in a coastal forest stream, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2007; 67:47-51. [PMID: 17505749 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842007000100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2004] [Accepted: 02/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In a benthic community on a continuous flat granite substrate in a third-order coastal forest stream, the dominant chironomid (Cricotopus) increased in number when shrimps (Macrobrachium olfersi and Potimirim glabra) and baetid ephemeropterans were excluded by electricity. The response appeared to be mediated by an increase in periphyton and sediments, rather than a reduction of direct predation or interference. Chironomids, periphyton and sediments decreased significantly compared to the control when shrimps only were excluded. Baetid ephemeropteran appeared to be the most important determinants of periphyton and sediment mass; the density of chironomids appeared to follow the quantity of periphyton and sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Souza
- Departamento de Ecologia, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Moulton TP. Why the world is green, the waters are blue and foodwebs in small streams in the atlantic rainforest are predominantly driven by microalgae? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.4257/oeco.2006.1001.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Moulton TP, Magalhães SAP. Responses of leaf processing to impacts in streams in Atlantic rain forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil--a test of the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship? BRAZ J BIOL 2003; 63:87-95. [PMID: 12914419 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842003000100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has been intensely debated and researched in recent times. It is generally agreed that there is redundancy of species in ecosystems such that loss of species does not necessarily result in change in the functioning of the ecosystem in which they occur. However the state of our knowledge does not allow prediction of sensitivity or specificity of this relationship for any particular ecosystem. A widely-held opinion is that ecosystem functioning is relatively stable to environmental impact, whereas biodiversity is more sensitive. We tested this in streams of the Atlantic forest using leaf decomposition as an aspect of ecosystem functioning and measuring the diversity of the associated fauna. In lightly impacted streams of the urban park Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, RJ, leaf processing rate of a hard-leaf species, Myrcia rostrata (Myrtaceae) was more than 50% slower than in "intact" streams at the biological reserve of Ilha Grande, RJ. Taxon diversity of fauna of the leaves was not significantly lower in the impacted than the intact streams. We construe this as preliminary evidence contrary to the notion that ecosystem functioning is less sensitive than biodiversity to impacts in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Moulton
- Departamento de Ecologia, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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