Silver film is commonly used to examine the structure and composition of molecules due to its surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. A simple method for preparing SERS silver films is proposed in this paper by electrodeposition in an amide-based liquid mixture (urea-acetamide-LiBr). The electrochemical behavior of silver in urea-acetamide-LiBr mixture was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. It was found that the nucleation mechanism of silver shifts to instantaneous nucleation under diffusion control with increasing overpotential and temperature. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations confirmed that the obtained deposits are pure silver. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the morphology of the silver deposits depends on the deposition potential and temperature. Rhodamine 6G was used as probe molecules for SERS experiments, showing that these new active substrates have high sensitivity to SERS response with high enhancement factors, of approximately 107, and enable Raman scattering even for diluted solutions. surfaceenhanced surface enhanced (SERS effect amidebased amide based ureaacetamideLiBr. ureaacetamideLiBr urea acetamide LiBr . (urea-acetamide-LiBr) CV (CV chronoamperometry temperature EDS (EDS Xray X ray XRD (XRD SEM (SEM G experiments factors 107 solutions (urea-acetamide-LiBr 10 1

Abstract: The approach to the urban development plan by Brazilian architect Lucio Costa for the Alagados neighborhood (1972) emphasizes the dimension of social housing in its urban planning, highlighting the incorporations carried out in response to the revisions of the modern movement. The study contextualizes revisionist approaches in urban plans, focusing on housing clusters in superblocks and their relationship with public facilities, bringing out the organicist paradigm, aiming for flexibility in urban planning. An approach is taken that includes a specific architectural historiography and design theory, reviewing Lucio Costa's proposal through the analysis of documents, plans, and works. Given the disagreement between social housing policy based on utopian ideals and real estate interests, Lucio Costa's superblock proposal presents its adaptable morphology, concluding that the implementation of Lucio Costa's proposal could possibly have provided substantial positive results to Alagados.

Resumen: El enfoque del plan de desarrollo urbano del arquitecto brasileño Lucio Costa para el vecindario de Alagados (1972) enfatiza la dimensión de la vivienda social en su planificación urbana, destacando las incorporaciones llevadas a cabo en respuesta a las revisiones del movimiento moderno. El estudio contextualiza los enfoques revisionistas en los planes urbanos, centrándose en los grupos de viviendas en los superbloques y su relación con las instalaciones públicas, lo que resalta el paradigma orgánico, con el objetivo de flexibilidad en la planificación urbana. Se adopta un enfoque que incluye una teoría de historiografía y diseño arquitectónica específica, revisando la propuesta de Lucio Costa a través del análisis de documentos, planes y trabajos. Dado el desacuerdo entre la política de vivienda social basada en ideales utópicos e intereses inmobiliarios, la propuesta de superbloque de Lucio Costa presenta su morfología adaptable, concluyendo que posiblemente la implementación de la propuesta de Lucio Costa podría haber proporcionado resultados positivos sustanciales a los Alagados.

Abstract: The unplanned and fragmented urban development of cities has caused them to be responsible for most of the planet's unsustainable development. Urban sustainability emerges as a response to this imbalance. Throughout its history, Guayaquil has shown unplanned urban growth that has continuously degraded its natural resources, such as forests and estuaries. The present research aims to evaluate the level of sustainability resulting from such change at the neighborhood level in Guayaquil. The study analyzes urban indicators of six representative neighbourhoods of the city regarding socioeconomic and historical factors. Thus, indicators were analyzed with respect to form, diversity, mobility, and environmental quality. The methodology includes an analysis for selecting variables, a study of the neighbourhoods' morphology using geo-portal map and information gathering through field studies and data processing. The results allow inferring the variables' influence on the sustainability level of each analyzed neighbourhood and how density, diversity and environmental quality play a vital role in developing greater sustainability at the neighbourhood and city levels.

Resumen: El desarrollo urbano no planificado y fragmentado de las ciudades ha ocasionado que estas sean responsables de la mayor parte del desarrollo no sustentable del planeta. La sostenibilidad urbana surge como medida de respuesta ante esta descompensación. La ciudad de Guayaquil presenta a lo largo de su historia un crecimiento urbano no planificado que continuamente ha degradado sus recursos naturales, como bosques y esteros. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar el nivel de sostenibilidad resultante de tal crecimiento a nivel barrial en Guayaquil. El estudio analiza indicadores urbanos de seis barrios representativos de la ciudad en cuanto a factores socioeconómicos e históricos. Se analizaron indicadores con respecto a la forma, diversidad, movilidad y calidad ambiental. La metodología utilizada recoge un análisis para la selección de variables, estudio de la morfología de los barrios realizada por medio de mapas de geo portales, relevamiento de información a través de estudio de campo y procesamiento de datos. Los resultados permiten inferir la influencia de las variables en el nivel de sostenibilidad de cada uno de los barrios analizados y como la densidad, la diversidad y calidad ambiental desempeñan un papel primordial en el desarrollo de una mayor sostenibilidad a nivel barrial y de ciudad.

BACKGROUND. Although leprosy, a neglected tropical disease, has been eliminated (<1 case per 10 000 population) in South Africa (SA) since 1926, according to the World Health Organization, new cases continue to be reported. The management of leprosy poses several challenges, including patient adherence, education and insufficient training of healthcare practitioners. OBJECTIVES. To describe the biographical profile, clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in patients with leprosy in KwaZulu-Natal Province. METHODS. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the clinical data of leprosy patients in SA from 2002 to 2022. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, cutaneous and neurological manifestations of leprosy, complications, treatment and adverse reactions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. RESULTS. The study analysed the clinical data of 194 leprosy patients from 2002 to 2022. The majority of patients were male and middle aged, with a disproportionate representation of black South Africans. Regarding socioeconomic status, 80% were unemployed and 40% were social grant recipients. Most cases were clustered in urban centres and diagnosed at secondary care facilities, with 15% being HIV positive. The majority of patients (90%) were classified as having multibacillary leprosy. Common symptoms included upper respiratory tract involvement, hair loss and painful nerves, with the face and limbs being most frequently affected. Cutaneous morphology predominantly included plaques and hypopigmented patches, while neurological signs included ulnar nerve tenderness, muscle weakness and sensory deficits. Debilitating neurological complications were found in one-fifth of patients. Despite initiation of multidrug therapy in most patients, a significant proportion (27.3%) did not complete the full course of treatment, and treatment reactions were noted in 33.5% of patients. CONCLUSION. These findings emphasise the urgent need for enhanced patient and healthcare worker education, particularly in primary healthcare settings, to improve adherence to treatment, advocate for prophylactic measures and prevent new cases. Achieving leprosy-free status in SA requires the collaboration of many role-players to address these challenges and improve healthcare practices.

Abstract Schyzocotyle acheilognathi is a fish tapeworm native to Asia but has been reported as an alien species on practically all other continents. Its invasive potential is due to its low host specificity and high adaptability to different environments, and its spread to new areas can result in economic and ecological impacts. Studies reporting this species in South America are still scarce, indicating the need to monitor its dispersion to new areas. Herein, tapeworms found in guppies, Poecilia reticulata, from an urban stream located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in April 2021 were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization. As a result, 5/13 (38.5%) of the P. reticulata specimens evaluated were infected with intestinal tapeworms. It was verified a mean intensity of infection of 7.8 (1-25) and a mean abundance of infection of 3 (0-25). The morphology of the cestodes obtained was compatible with that of S. acheilognathi. Moreover, genetic analysis based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (Cox-1) revealed 97.89-99.77% similarity to isolates of this species from different localities. The possibility that S. acheilognathi is expanding to new regions of South America is discussed. continents environments impacts scarce Herein guppies Horizonte Gerais Brazil 202 characterization 513 5 13 5/1 38.5% 385 38 (38.5% P 78 7 8 7. 125 25 (1-25 025. 025 0 . (0-25) S Moreover Cox1 Cox (Cox-1 97.8999.77% 97899977 97.89 99.77% 97 89 99 77 97.89-99.77 localities discussed 20 51 5/ 38.5 (38.5 12 2 (1-2 02 (0-25 (Cox- 8999 97.8999.77 9789997 9789 97.8 9977 99.77 9 97.89-99.7 38. (38. (1- (0-2 (Cox 899 97.8999.7 978999 978 97. 997 99.7 97.89-99. (38 (1 (0- 97.8999. 97899 99. 97.89-99 (3 ( (0 97.8999 97.89-9 97.899 97.89-

Resumo Schyzocotyle acheilognathi é um cestoide de peixes nativos da Ásia, mas tem sido reportado como uma espécie exótica em praticamente todos os demais continentes. Seu potencial invasor ocorre devido à sua baixa especificidade por hospedeiros, assim como alta adaptabilidade a distintos ambientes. Sua dispersão para novas áreas pode resultar em impactos econômicos e ecológicos. Estudos que relatam essa espécie na América do Sul ainda são escassos, o que indica a necessidade de monitorar sua dispersão para novas áreas. Neste trabalho, cestoides encontrados em lebistes, Poecilia reticulata, de um córrego urbano, localizado em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, em abril de 2021, foram submetidos à caracterização morfológica e molecular. Como resultado, 5/13 (38,5%) dos espécimes de P. reticulata avaliados estavam infectados com cestoides intestinais. Verificou-se uma intensidade média de infecção de 7,8 (1-25) e uma abundância média de infecção de 3 (0-25). A morfologia dos cestoides obtidos foi compatível com a de S. acheilognathi. Além disso, a análise genética, baseada no gene citocromo c oxidase subunidade 1 (Cox-1), revelou 97,89-99,77% de similaridade com isolados dessa espécie provenientes de diferentes localidades. Dessa forma, discute-se a possibilidade de S. acheilognathi estar se expandindo para novas regiões da América do Sul. Ásia continentes hospedeiros ambientes ecológicos escassos trabalho lebistes urbano Horizonte Gerais Brasil 2021 molecular resultado 513 5 13 5/1 38,5% 385 38 (38,5% P intestinais Verificouse Verificou 78 7 8 7, 125 25 (1-25 025. 025 0 . (0-25) S disso genética Cox1, Cox1 Cox , (Cox-1) 97,8999,77% 97899977 97,89 99,77% 97 89 99 77 97,89-99,77 localidades forma discutese discute 202 51 5/ 38,5 (38,5 12 2 (1-2 02 (0-25 (Cox-1 8999 97,8999,77 9789997 9789 97,8 9977 99,77 9 97,89-99,7 20 38, (38, (1- (0-2 (Cox- 899 97,8999,7 978999 978 97, 997 99,7 97,89-99, (38 (1 (0- (Cox 97,8999, 97899 99, 97,89-99 (3 ( (0 97,8999 97,89-9 97,899 97,89-

Resumen Se evalúa la influencia del microclima del entorno físico en el comportamiento termo-energético residencial. Se consideran tres entornos próximos dentro del Gran Corrientes: urbano densificado, suburbano desmontado, y suburbano con monte nativo. Se registran, mediante sensores externos, los datos de Temperatura y Humedad Relativa durante el período estival más caluroso del 2022. Se simula, para estos tres entornos, el comportamiento termo-energético de una vivienda mediante EnergyPlus, manteniendo inalterables: su morfología/orientación, tecnología constructiva, factor de uso y sistema de climatización. Los resultados demuestran mayor consumo energético con mayor porcentaje de disconfort higro-térmico residencial en un entorno urbano densificado, seguido por el suburbano desmontado, revelando mejores condiciones en el entorno con monte nativo. Se evidencia el efecto mitigador de la vegetación sobre el microclima del entorno físico, que repercute positivamente en el comportamiento termo-energético de la vivienda. Se señala la necesidad de conservar el monte en el diseño de nuevas urbanizaciones.

Abstract The influence of the microclimate of the physical environment on residential thermo-energetic performance is evaluated. Three nearby environments are considered in Grran Corrientes: densified urban, cleared suburban, and suburban with native forest. Temperature and Relative Humidity data are recorded by external sensors during the hottest 2022 summer period. For these three environments, the thermo-energetic performance of a house is simulated by EnergyPlus, keeping unchanged: its morphology/orientation, construction technology, use factor and air conditioning system. The results show a higher energy consumption with a higher percentage of residential hygro-thermal discomfort in a densified urban environment, followed by the cleared suburban, revealing better conditions in the presence of native vegetation. The mitigating effect of the vegetation on the microclimate of the physical environment is evident, which has a positive impact on the thermo-energetic performance of the house. The need to conserve the native forest in the design of new developments is pointed out.

Resumo Avalia-se a influência do microclima do ambiente físico no comportamento termo-energético residencial. Três ambientes próximos são considerados dentro do Gran Corrientes: urbano adensado, suburbano desmatado e suburbano com floresta nativa. Os dados de Temperatura e Umidade Relativa são registrados através de sensores externos durante o período mais quente do verão de 2022. O comportamento termo-energético de uma casa é simulado para esses três ambientes usando o EnergyPlus, mantendo inalterados: a sua morfologia/orientação, tecnologia construtiva, fator de uso e sistema de ar condicionado. Os resultados demostram maior consumo de energia com maior percentual de desconforto higrotérmico residencial em ambiente urbano adensado, seguido do suburbano desmatado, revelando melhores condições no ambiente com floresta nativa. Evidencia-se o efeito atenuante da vegetação no microclima do ambiente físico, o que tem um impacto positivo no comportamento termo-energético da moradia. Aponta-se a necessidade de conservação da floresta no desenho de novas urbanizações.

Abstract: Aim To explore the short-term effects of rainfall events on the biomass, density, and richness of the phytoplankton community during dry and rainy periods, as well as on the selection and response of Morphology-Based Functional Groups (MBFG). Methods The phytoplankton community and abiotic environmental variables were sampled over a short period in a subtropical urban lake during the dry and rainy seasons (2018-2019). Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were generated to analyze the relationship between phytoplankton biovolume, density, and richness with abiotic variables. The predictability of phytoplankton functional groups was assessed using Redundancy Analysis (RDA). Results There was an increase in the density and biovolume of the phytoplankton community during the rainy period. Species richness decreased with increased rainfall. The lake exhibited a high dominance of Cyanobacteria (MBFG VIII), mainly represented by Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Aguilera in both periods studied. Conclusions We found evidence supporting the hypothesis that rainfall events increase the density and biovolume of phytoplankton. Morphology-based functional groups served as efficient indicators of the lake's environmental conditions. Abstract shortterm term biomass MorphologyBased Morphology Based MBFG. MBFG . (MBFG) 20182019. 20182019 2018 2019 (2018-2019) GLMs (GLMs RDA. RDA (RDA) VIII, VIII , VIII) Woloszynska (Woloszynska studied Morphologybased based lakes s conditions 2018201 201 (2018-2019 (RDA 201820 20 (2018-201 20182 2 (2018-20 (2018-2 (2018- (2018 (201 (20 (2 (

Resumo: Objetivo Explorar os efeitos a curto prazo de eventos de chuva na biomassa, densidade e riqueza da comunidade fitoplanctônica durante os períodos seco e chuvoso, bem como na seleção e resposta de Grupos Funcionais Baseados na Morfologia (MBFG). Métodos A comunidade fitoplanctônica e as variáveis ambientais abióticas foram amostradas em um curto período em um lago urbano subtropical durante as estações seca e chuvosa (2018-2019). Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLMs) foram gerados para analisar a relação entre o biovolume, a densidade e a riqueza do fitoplâncton com as variáveis abióticas. A previsibilidade dos grupos funcionais de fitoplâncton foi avaliada usando Análise de Redundância (RDA). Resultados Houve um aumento da densidade e do biovolume da comunidade fitoplanctônica no período chuvoso. A riqueza de espécies diminuiu com o aumento da pluviosidade. O lago exibiu uma alta dominância de Cyanobacteria (MBFG VIII), principalmente representadas por Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Aguilera nos dois períodos estudados. Conclusões Encontramos evidências que sustentam a hipótese de que eventos de chuva aumentam a densidade e o biovolume do fitoplâncton. Os grupos funcionais baseados na morfologia serviram como indicadores eficientes das condições ambientais do lago. Resumo biomassa chuvoso MBFG. MBFG . (MBFG) 20182019. 20182019 2018 2019 (2018-2019) GLMs (GLMs RDA. RDA (RDA) pluviosidade VIII, VIII , VIII) Woloszynska (Woloszynska estudados 2018201 201 (2018-2019 (RDA 201820 20 (2018-201 20182 2 (2018-20 (2018-2 (2018- (2018 (201 (20 (2 (

Abstract Sapajus nigritus (Primates: Cebidae) is endemic of the Atlantic Forest, occurring from the Southeastern and Southern regions of Brazil to Northeastern Argentina. This species plays a role in two ecosystem services: seed dispersal through endozoochory and insect population control in agricultural plantations and forest environments. Fruits and invertebrates represent approximately 90% of their diet, and there is a large number of insects in the diet of S. nigritus in urban and conserved areas. However, it is known that insect diversity decreases in anthropized environments. Our objective was to identify the insects present in the fecal samples of S. nigritus from five Conservation Units in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. We aim to estimate the percentage of each taxon of insects found in feces either, hypothesizing that there are a greater variety of insect species in the diet of S. nigritus that inhabit preserved forested areas. A fecal screening was conducted using a light microscopy and the insects were identified based on their external morphology. Insect fragments were found in eight out of ten fecal samples of S. nigritus, revealing that they belonged to insects from five orders: Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Coleoptera and Blattodea, suggesting a good conservation status of the sampling areas. Primates (Primates Cebidae Forest Argentina services environments 90 S areas However state either morphology orders Hymenoptera Hemiptera Orthoptera Blattodea 9

Resumo A segregação socioespacial é um processo que vem constituindo o espaço urbano, particularmente em contextos periféricos e de desigualdades socioeconômicas onde a restrição do contato aprofunda condições de uma urbanização desigual. Neste trabalho analisamos evidências empíricas quantitativas associadas a reflexões teórico-críticas sobre o processo de urbanização contemporânea adotando os conceitos de fragmentação e segregação para analisar 125 cidades brasileiras de porte médio, entre os anos 1985 e 2020, nas quais em 60% dos casos a expansão se deu em velocidades superiores ao crescimento populacional. Detalhamos estudo em Pelotas/RS e Blumenau/SC, às quais aplicamos índices espaciais locais de segregação (dissimilaridade e isolamento) buscando analisar a associação entre morfologia da expansão e indicadores locais de segregação. Para ambas as cidades observamos que os distintos padrões morfológicos de expansão ocorrem com certa estabilidade nos índices globais de dissimilaridade, cujas áreas de expansão urbana combinam e justapõem situações locais de isolamento socioeconômico para os extremos grupos de alta e baixa renda. Os resultados sugerem que a expansão urbana tem sido estruturada pela segregação socioespacial, cujos processos encontram na morfologia urbana interna mecanismos para garantir a separação e a restrição no contato entre grupos sociais distintos. urbano desigual teóricocríticas teórico críticas 12 médio 198 2020 60 populacional PelotasRS Pelotas RS BlumenauSC Blumenau SC Blumenau/SC dissimilaridade renda 1 19 202 6 20 2

Abstract Socio-spatial segregation is a process that has been constituted urban space, particularly in contexts of socioeconomic inequalities in which the restriction of contact deepens the condition of unequal urbanization. In this work we analyze quantitative empirical evidence associated with theoretical-critical reflections on the contemporary urbanization process, adopting the concepts of fragmentation and segregation to analyze 125 medium-sized Brazilian urban concentrations, between 1985 and 2020, in which in 60% of cases the expansion took place at a faster rate than population growth. We detail a study in Pelotas/RS and Blumenau/SC, to which we applied local spatial indices of segregation (dissimilarity and isolation) examining correlations with the morphology of the expansion areas (infill, edge and leapfrog). For both cities, we observed that the different morphological patterns of expansion occur with a certain stability in the global dissimilarity indices, whose areas of urban expansion combine and juxtapose local situations of socioeconomic isolation for the extreme groups of high and low income. The results suggest that urban expansion has been structured by fragmentation and segregation, contributing to hiding socio-spatial conflicts in peripheral urbanization through the separation and restriction of contacts between different social groups. Sociospatial Socio space theoreticalcritical theoretical critical 12 mediumsized medium sized concentrations 198 2020 60 growth PelotasRS Pelotas RS BlumenauSC Blumenau SC Blumenau/SC infill, infill (infill leapfrog. leapfrog . leapfrog) cities income sociospatial socio 1 19 202 6 20 2

Abstract Zoogenetic resources, particularly the diversity of production-oriented domestic animal breeds, represent the primary biological capital for livestock development and are crucial for food security and sustainable rural development. The extinction of these resources implies the loss of varieties adapted to the local ecosystem. Preserving local breeds for the future enables a resilient response to unforeseen events, such as climate change. In Ecuador, there is a lack of a clear overview regarding their characterization. This study aims to elucidate the current status of the characterization of these resources by compiling and analyzing existing research. The results reveal a greater emphasis on phenotypic characterization studies than on genetic studies, with the latter exhibiting a technological dependence on foreign universities. Concerning national institutions, universities in major urban centers are notably absent from research related to this subject. Regarding the species under investigation, bovines and pigs account for more than half of the research efforts.

Resumen Los recursos zoogenéticos, en especial la diversidad de razas de animales domésticos de producción, son el principal capital biológico para el desarrollo ganadero y son vitales para la seguridad alimentaria y el desarrollo rural sostenible. La extinción de estos implica la pérdida de variedades adaptables al ecosistema local. Conservar razas locales para el futuro permitirá la respuesta a eventos imprevistos, como el cambio climático. En el Ecuador no hay un panorama claro sobre su caracterización. Este estudio pretende aclarar el estado actual de la caracterización de estos recursos, recopilando y analizando las investigaciones al respecto. Los resultados muestran un mayor desarrollo de los estudios sobre caracterización fenotípica que sobre la genética, en esta última se muestra una dependencia tecnológica de universidades extranjeras. En cuanto a las Instituciones nacionales, las universidades de grandes centros urbanos están ausentes en el trabajo relacionado a este tema. Sobre las especies estudiadas, los bovinos y los porcinos ocupan más de la mitad de las investigaciones.

Abstract The description of the structure and the knowledge of the physical and structural damages of urban trees are essential for their maintenance and conservation as well for urban planning and public safety. The objective of this analysis was to characterize the tree structure, the physical damage of the trees and the obstruction of the buildings that influence the green areas of the Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas y Forestales de la Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (Graduate School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences of the Autonomous University of Chihuahua) in the City of Delicias, state of Chihuahua. Indexes of richness (D Mg ) and diversity of species (H' and D) were determined and the horizontal structure was evaluated through the Importance Value Index (IVI). The morphology, the current state of the trees and the physical and structural damage present through direct observation were also analyzed. 48 species were identified, 21 were native and 27 were introduced, exhibiting a richness of 7.05 (D Mg ) and a diversity of 3.09 (H'). A density of 209 N ha-1 and a dominance of 2 318.67 m2 ha-1 were obtained. According to the IVI, the most important species were: Pinus halepensis, Thuja occidentalis, Fraxinus uhdei, Ligustrum lucidum, Sapindus drummondii, Platanus occidentalis and Morus alba, representing 48.61 % of the total. 89.25 % of the trees have a desirable morphological structure, 92.92 % have a vigorous crown and most of them are without damage, where the main deterioration sign turned out to be mainly associated with the loss of bark pieces.

Resumen La descripción de la estructura y el conocimiento de los daños físicos y estructurales del arbolado urbano son fundamentales para su mantenimiento y conservación, así como para la planificación urbana y la seguridad pública. El objetivo de este análisis fue caracterizar la estructura arbórea, los daños físicos del arbolado y la obstrucción de las edificaciones que influyen en las áreas verdes de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas y Forestales de la Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua en la Ciudad de Delicias, Chihuahua. Se determinaron índices de riqueza (D Mg ) y diversidad de especies (H' y D) y se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI). También se analizó la estructura morfológica, el estado actual del arbolado y los daños físicos y estructurales presentes mediante observación directa. Se identificaron 48 especies, 21 nativas y 27 introducidas, con una riqueza de 7.05 (D Mg ) y una diversidad de 3.09 (H’). Se registró una densidad de 209 N ha-1 y una dominancia de 2 318.67 m2 ha-1. De acuerdo con el IVI, las especies más importantes fueron: Pinus halepensis, Thuja occidentalis, Fraxinus uhdei, Ligustrum lucidum, Sapindus drummondii, Platanus occidentalis y Morus alba que representaron 48.61 % del total. Una alta proporción de los árboles (89.25 %) tiene una estructura morfológica aérea deseable, y 92.92 % portan una copa vigorosa que prácticamente no tiene daños. El principal signo de deterioro está asociado a la pérdida de fragmentos de corteza.

Resumen Introducción: La contaminación por microplásticos es un problema global en los ecosistemas marinos, con impacto sobre microorganismos y ecosistemas en varios niveles espaciales. Las playas arenosas son ambientes de deposición donde se tiende a acumular gran cantidad de microplásticos. La co-ocurrencia de meiofauna intersticial y microplásticos en granos de arena plantea la pregunta de que si la acumulación de microplásticos en sedimentos afecta la abundancia y composición de comunidades de meiofauna. Objetivo: Probar la hipótesis de que microplásticos afectan la meiofauna de playas arenosas urbanas. Métodos: Estudiamos las tres principales playas arenosas urbanas de Santa Marta, Colombia: El Rodadero, Bahía Santa Marta y Taganga. Estas son similares en morfología y presiones externas, y difieren de las otras playas de la región. En abril 2019 recolectamos 81 muestras de arena, distribuidas de manera equidistante en la zona intermareal (nivel intermareal superior, medio y bajo). Aplicamos modelos lineales generalizados de abundancia, y pruebas permutacionales multivariantes a la composición de comunidades. Resultados: Identificamos 17 grupos taxonómicos de meiofauna, y partículas de microplástico (principalmente fibras de 45-500 micras) distribuidos equitativamente a lo largo de las playas y niveles intermareales. Hubo más meiofauna en el nivel intermareal medio, y en sedimentos de grano mediano y fino. A niveles intermareales más bajos, sitios con más microplásticos tuvieron menos meiofauna. La abundancia de los microplásticos explicó el 39 % de la variación en comunidades de meiofauna a niveles intermareales bajos. Conclusión: La acumulación de microplásticos podría tener un impacto negativo sobre las comunidades de meiofauna intersticial. Esto no es de sorprender: si los microplásticos ocupan el mismo volumen físico que estos animales, estos podrían presuntamente modificar la estructura de sedimentos y la composición del agua intersticial.

Abstract Introduction: Pollution by microplastics is a global problem in marine environments, which impacts microorganisms and ecosystems at several spatial levels. Sandy beaches are depositional environments where microplastics tend to accumulate in large quantities. The co-occurrence of interstitial meiofauna and microplastics in sand grains raises the question on whether the accumulation of microplastics in the sediments affects the abundance and composition of the meiofaunal communities. Objective: To test the hypothesis that microplastics affect the meiofauna of urban sandy beaches. Methods: We studied the three main urban sandy beaches of Santa Marta, Colombia: El Rodadero, Santa Marta Bay, and Taganga. All are similar in morphology and external pressures, and differ from other beaches in the region. In April 2019 we collected 81 sand samples, equally distributed in the intertidal zone (upper, mid, and lower intertidal levels). We applied generalized linear models to abundance, and multivariate permutational tests to community composition. Results: We identified 17 taxonomic groups of meiofauna, and microplastic particles (mainly 45-500 micron fibres) evenly distributed across beaches and intertidal levels. There was more meiofauna at the mid intertidal level, and in fine and medium grain sediment. At the lower intertidal level, sites with more microplastics had less meiofauna. Abundance of microplastics explained 39 % of the variation in meiofaunal community composition at lower intertidal levels. Conclusions: The accumulation of microplastics might have a negative impact on these meiofaunal interstitial communities. This is not surprising: if microplastics occupy the same physical space as these animals, they might presumably modify the structure of sediments and the composition of interstitial water.

ABSTRACT Platanus × acerifolia is used as an urban shade tree in many cities throughout Argen- tina. In late autumn and winter of 2023, leaves and fruits of P. × acerifolia showing typical symptoms of a powdery mildew were collected along the main streets of Tucumán, Argentina. Its morphology and comparison with published descriptions allowed us to identify the fungus as the asexual morph of Erysiphe platani. The specimens were heavily hyperparasitized by Ampelomyces quisqualis, a mycoparasitic ascomycete, used as a natural biological control of the development of powdery mildew species. This work reports the natural occurrence of Ampelomyces in urban environments in Argentina. The disease symptoms and morphological characteristics of the powdery mildew anamorph and the mycoparasite are described and illustrated.

RESUMEN Platanus × acerifolia es usado como un árbol urbano de sombra a lo largo de Argen- tina. A finales del otoño e invierno del 2023, las hojas y frutos de P. × acerifolia que mostraban los típicos síntomas de un mildiú pulverulento, se recolectaron en las principales calles de Tucumán, Argentina. Basados en su morfología y comparando con descripciones disponibles, el hongo fue identificado como la forma asexual de Erysiphe platani. Los especímenes estaban fuertemente hiperparasitados por Ampe- lomyces quisqualis, un ascomicete micoparásito usado como controlador biológico natural del desarrollo de especies de mildiú pulverulento. Este trabajo reporta la ocurrencia natural de Ampelomyces en ambientes urbanos de Argentina. Se descri- ben e ilustran los síntomas de la enfermedad y las características morfológicas del anamorfo y el micoparásito.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The scientific problem starts from a vision of sustainability in developing countries and is summarized in how architectural design may contribute to improve the indoor thermal environment and to reduce energy in the Cuban climate. Objective: to demonstrate that it is posible to reduce the temperature in the inner spaces and so the energetic comsumption due to the use of artificial air conditioning in buildings through a specific architectural design, suitable for the weather, the urban context and the orientation. Methods: It has been structured in three units responding to specific objectives, which reflects the evolution of research techniques and methods, software and measurement equipment, at a lab and natural scales, as well as calibration and validation of simulation with respect to monitoring. Results: The proposed theoretical and methodological base focuses on sustainability of the built environment from the point of view of the developing countries, taking the Cuban case as a reference; they are proposed variables, parameters an indicators to evaluate the influence of urban morphology on the passive and active uses of sun and wind; it is characterized the urban context according to projected shadow; it is demonstrated the need to update the Cuban Standard; it is proposed a procedure for the qualitative evaluation of design solutions in a warm and humid climate, and simulation and monitoring results are calibrated and validated. Conclusions: In order to move towards sustainability in developing countries, it is necessary to satisfy basic needs. Cuban society has demonstrated to be highly resilient, but it should pay more attention to the influence of architectural and urban design on indoor thermal environment and energy consumption.

RESUMEN Introducción: El problema científico parte de una visión de la sustentabilidad en los países en desarrollo y se resume en ¿cómo el diseño arquitectónico puede contribuir a mejorar el ambiente térmico interior y reducir el consumo energético en las condiciones del clima de Cuba? Objetivo: demostrar que es posible reducir la temperatura en los espacios interiores y el consumo energético por climatización artificial en los edificios mediante un diseño arquitectónico específico, adecuado al clima, al contexto urbano y a la orientación. Métodos: Se ha estructurado en 3 unidades que responden a objetivos específicos y reflejan la evolución de los métodos y técnicas de investigación, el uso de software y equipos de medición a escala de laboratorio y natural, así como la calibración y validación de las simulaciones en relación con el monitoreo. Resultados: La base teórico-metodológica propuesta enfoca la sustentabilidad del medio construido desde el punto de vista de los países en desarrollo, tomando el caso cubano como referente; se proponen variables, parámetros e indicadores para evaluar la influencia de la morfología urbana en los usos pasivos y activos del sol y el viento; se caracteriza el contexto urbano según las sombras arrojadas; se demuestra la necesidad de actualizar la NC-2020; se propone un procedimiento para evaluar cualitativamente las soluciones de diseño en clima cálido-húmedo, y se calibran y validan los resultados de la simulación y el monitoreo. En conclusiones para avanzar hacia la sustentabilidad en los países en desarrollo es necesario satisfacer las necesidades básicas. La sociedad cubana ha demostrado ser altamente resiliente, pero debe brindar más atención a la influencia del diseño arquitectónico y urbano en el ambiente térmico interior y el consumo de energía.

Resumo Objetivo da Investigação: A elevada densidade construtiva, entendida muitas vezes como prejudicial ao alcance da qualidade ambiental urbana, pode corresponder a diferentes composições morfológicas de conjuntos edificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma avaliação do desempenho climático de tecidos urbanos determinados por diferentes densidades construtivas e padrões morfológicos, a partir da correlação com parâmetros urbanísticos tradicionais e avançados. Metodologia: Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados foram: a) simulação computacional para análise preditiva de desempenho climático de cenários hipotéticos através do modelo ENVI-met; b) análise estatística para verificação do grau de correlação entre as variáveis ambientais e as variáveis de morfologia urbana. Foram analisados os dados de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e velocidade dos ventos de cenários e de tecidos urbanos presentes, atualmente, na cidade de Arapiraca-AL, localizada no semiárido do nordeste brasileiro. Resultados: Foi verificada a correlação negativa entre o comportamento da temperatura máxima do ar (variável dependente) e os parâmetros urbanísticos avançados como porosidade da malha e o índice de densidade arbórea (variáveis independentes), através de coeficiente de correlação com valores absolutos acima de 0,7. Originalidade/Valor: O estudo permitiu constatar a influência dos padrões morfológicos no desempenho climático de tecidos urbanos. Os resultados indicam que parâmetros urbanísticos avançados podem ser explorados para otimizar o aproveitamento de estratégias bioclimáticas no ambiente urbano.

Abstract Research Purpose: High urban density, often considered as harmful for the urban climate, may correspond to different morphologies of urban structures. The objective of this study is a predictive evaluation of the climatic performance of urban fabrics, presenting different densities and morphological patterns, based on the correlation of traditional and advanced urban planning parameters. Methodology: The methodological procedures were: a) computer simulation for predictive analysis of climate performance of hypothetical scenarios using ENVI-met model; b) statistical analysis to verify the degree of correlation between environmental and urban morphology variables. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed of the hypothetical scenarios and of spatial typologies were analysed in the urban site of Arapiraca-AL located in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Findings: A negative correlation was observed between the behavior of the maximum air temperature (dependent variable) and the advanced urban planning parameters of the mesh porosity and the arboreal density index (independent variables), through correlation coefficient with absolute values above 0,7. Originality/Value: Correlation analysis indicated the influence of morphological patterns on the climatic performance of urban fabrics. The results demonstrate that advanced urban parameters can be investigated to optimize the use of bioclimatic strategies in the urban environment.