SUMMARY: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are part of the functional balance of various systems, they can generate cellular damage by oxidative stress associated with disease processes such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. Some studies report that copper induces damage to the endothelium, which could be associated with cardiovascular pathologies. This study was an experimental comparative, prospective, longitudinal, and controlled clinical trial in a murine animal model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were included, the distribution of the groups was time-depending chronic exposition to copper, and a control group. Results show gradual alterations in the groups treated with copper: areas with loss of the endothelium, signs of disorganization of smooth muscle fibers in the tunica media, as well as areas with the fragmentation of the elastic sheets. A significant statistical difference was observed in the active- Caspase-3 analysis expression in the aortic endothelium and endothelium of the capillaries and arterioles of the lung between the control group vs 300 ppm of copper. Expression of eNOS was detected in the endothelium of the aorta and vessels of the lung. Our study shows histological changes in the walls of the great vessels of intoxicated rats with copper, and the increment of inflammatory cells in the alveoli of the study model, mainly at a high dose of copper exposition. These results will be useful to understand more about the mediators involved in the effect of copper over endothelium and cardiovascular diseases in chronic intoxication in humans.

RESUMEN: Las Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno (ROS) son parte del equilibrio funcional de varios sistemas, pueden generar daño celular por estrés oxidativo asociado a procesos patológicos como aterosclerosis, enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes y envejecimiento. Algunos estudios informan que el cobre induce daños en el endotelio, lo que podría estar asociado a patologías cardiovasculares. Este estudio fue un ensayo clínico experimental comparativo, prospectivo, longitudinal y controlado en un modelo animal murino. Se incluyeron veinticuatro ratas Wistar macho, la distribución de los grupos fue la exposición crónica al cobre en función del tiempo y un grupo de control. Los resultados muestran alteraciones graduales en los grupos tratados con cobre: áreas con pérdida del endotelio, signos de desorganización de las fibras musculares lisas en la túnica media, así como áreas con la fragmentación de las láminas elásticas. Se observó una diferencia estadística significativa en la expresión del análisis de caspasa-3 activa en el endotelio aórtico y el endotelio de los capilares y arteriolas del pulmón entre el grupo de control frente a 300 ppm de cobre. Se detectó expresión de eNOS en el endotelio de la aorta y los vasos del pulmón. Nuestro estudio muestra cambios histológicos en las paredes de los grandes vasos de ratas intoxicadas con cobre, y el incremento de células inflamatorias en los alvéolos del modelo de estudio, principalmente a una alta dosis de exposición de cobre. Estos resultados serán útiles para comprender más sobre los mediadores involucrados en el efecto del cobre sobre el endotelio y las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la intoxicación crónica en humanos.

ABSTRACT Electromagnetic sensors are widely used to monitor soil water content (θ); however, site-specific calibrations are necessary for accurate measurements. This study compares regression models used for calibration of soil moisture sensors and investigates the relation between soil attributes and the adjusted parameters of the specific calibration equations. Undisturbed soil samples were collected in the A and B horizons of two Ultisols and two Inceptisols from the Mantiqueira Range in Southeastern Brazil. After saturation, the Theta Probe ML2X was used to obtain the soil dielectric constant (ε). Several readings were made, ranging from saturation to oven-dry. After each reading, the samples were weighted to calculate θ (m3 m–3). Fourteen regression models (linear, linearized, and nonlinear) were adjusted to the calibration data and checked for their residue distribution. Only the exponential model with three parameters met the regression assumptions regarding residue distribution. The stepwise regression was used to obtain multiple linear equations to estimate the adjusted parameters of the calibration model from soil attributes, with silt and clay contents providing the best relations. Both the specific and the general calibrations performed well, with RMSE values of 0.02 and 0.03 m3 m–3, respectively. Manufacturer calibration and equations from the literature were much less accurate, reinforcing the need to develop specific calibrations.

ABSTRACT Hydro-sedimentological models might be useful tools for investigating the effectiveness of soil and water conservation practices. However, evaluating the usefulness of such models requires that predictions are tested against observational data and that uncertainty from model parameterization is addressed. Here we aimed to evaluate the capacity of the SWAT model to simulate monthly streamflow and sediment load in the Posses creek catchment (12 km2), Southeast Brazil. The SUFI-2 algorithm from SWAT-CUP was applied for calibration, testing, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis. The model was calibrated and initially tested using discharge and sediment load data, which were measured at the catchment outlet. Additionally, we used soil loss measurements from erosion plots within the catchment as independent data for model evaluation. Average monthly streamflow simulations obtained satisfactory results, with Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) values of 0.75 and 0.51 for the calibration and testing periods, respectively. Sediment load simulations also displayed satisfactory results for calibration (NSE = 0.65) and testing (NSE = 0.52). However, the comparison with independent plot data revealed that SWAT severely overestimated hillslope erosion rates and compensated it with high sediment channel deposition. Moreover, the model was not sensitive to the parameters used for calculating hillslope sediment yields. Therefore, it should be used with caution for evaluating the interactions between land use, soil erosion, and sediment delivery. We found that the commonly used outlet-based approach for model calibration and testing can lead to internal misrepresentations, and models can reproduce the right answer for the wrong reasons.

ABSTRACT Seasonal variation of temperature could place physiological constraints on the distribution and performance of tropical forest plants, associated with light and water availability. A simple way to assess the relationship between temperature and plant physiology is through the characterization of leaf traits. The main aim of this study was to evaluate, through foliar parameters, the responses of plants to inherent seasonality. A 0.09 ha plot was installed near the flux tower and albedo sensors at Montane Ombrophilous Dense Forest (MODF) - Santa Virgínia Nucleus. At the peak of the dry and wet seasons, the electron transport rate (ETR) and photosynthetic pigments were measured. The results indicated that in MODF, cold and light availability are the main factors that could be influencing the physiology of species, demonstrated by high ETR in the wet season (197.4 µmol e-m-2s-1) compared to the dry season (87.4 µmol e-m-2s-1). Photosynthetic pigments varied between seasons, we observed higher chlorophyll b content (p<0.05), and lower content of carotenoids and xanthophylls (p<0.01) and Chl a/b (p<0.01) in the dry season. The low temperatures and irradiance influenced metabolic activity.

Resumo O desenvolvimento tem a energia como ponto nevrálgico. Ao privilegiar a matriz hídrica, o Brasil assume a construção de usinas hidrelétricas no âmbito de projetos de grande escala (PGEs). As adjetivações sustentável ou endógeno oferecidas ao termo desenvolvimento acompanham esses projetos, que não precisam ser tomados como promotores do desenvolvimento ou impactantes ambientais em si mesmos. Este trabalho elenca elementos que devem ser considerados na análise da promoção do desenvolvimento a partir de PGEs, distinguindo conceitos como crescimento econômico e desenvolvimento humano, assinalando o paradoxo endógeno e exógeno do desenvolvimento e, por fim, enfatizando o conceito de inovação territorial, com base em elementos políticos como densidade institucional, democracia, capital social e empoderamento das comunidades. Empiricamente, a discussão se localiza na bacia hidrográfica do Uruguai, Sul do Brasil, onde, desde a década de 1960, decidiu-se pela exploração sistemática da hidroeletricidade. Como tese central, o artigo defende que, ignorada a conjunção entre os conceitos de natureza teórica e as realidades empíricas das principais hidrelétricas da região, o desenvolvimento dos projetos de grande escala representa um eufemismo que suplanta territórios e desintegra localidades em nome de lucros desterritorializados que deixam sequelas territoriais.

Abstract In development, energy may be considered as a neuralgic point. By giving priority to the water matrix, Brazil has undertaken the construction of hydroelectric plants, which implies large-scale projects (LSPs). The adjectivization of the term development - sustainable, endogenous - accompanies these projects, which in themselves, do not need to be considered as promotors of development or environmental impacts. This article lists the elements that should be considered when analyzing the promotion of development through large-scale projects, distinguishing concepts such as economic growth and human development, pointing out the endogenous and exogenous paradox of development as well as the concept of territorial innovation based in political elements such as institutional density, democracy, social capital and empowerment within communities. The discussion is empirically located in the Uruguay Basin, Southern Brazil, where since the 1960s it has been decided to systematically explore hydroelectricity. As a central thesis, the present article argues that, ignoring the conjunction between the concepts of theoretical nature and the empirical realities of major hydroelectric dams in the region, the development of large-scale projects represents a euphemism that supplants territories and causes the disintegration of locations in the name of profitable deterritorialization, thereby causing territorial sequelae.

ABSTRACT The Jaguarí River Basin forms the main water supply sources for the São Paulo Metropolitan Region and other cities in the state. Since the kinetic energy of rainfall is the driving force of water erosion, the main cause of land and water degradation, we tested the hypothesis of correlation between the erosive potential of rainfall (erosivity) and geographical coordinates and altitude for the purpose of predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall erosivity index (EI30) in the basin. An equation was used to estimate the (EI30) in accordance with the average monthly and total annual rainfall at rainfall stations with data available for the study area. In the regression kriging technique, the deterministic part was modeled using multiple linear regression between the dependent variable (EI30) and environmental predictor variables: latitude, longitude, and altitude. From the result of equations and the maps generated, a direct correlation between erosivity and altitude could be observed. Erosivity has a markedly seasonal behavior in accordance with the rainy season from October to March. This season concentrates 86 % of the estimated EI30 values, with monthly maximum values of up to 2,342 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 month-1 between December and January, and minimum of 34 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 month-1 in August. The highest values were found in the Mantiqueira Range region (annual average of up to 12,000 MJ mm ha-1 h-1), a region that should be prioritized in soil and water conservation efforts. From this validation, good precision and accuracy of the model was observed for the long period of the annual average, which is the main factor used in soil loss prediction models.

Abstract The Brazilian electrical sector, with a predominant hydric matrix, generates social and environmental impacts, among which stands out the compulsory displacement of local populations. The de-territorialization and re-territorialization caused by hydroelectric plants produce a process characterized by “multiterritorialization” of conflict. This paper discusses this conflict, which involves consortiums of construction companies and the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), as a contesting movement. The objective is to analyze to what extent resettlements produced by the construction of hydroelectric dams and organized by MAB potentiate actions against future constructions. Combining qualitative research with quantitative data, we present the case of the Uruguay basin, in order to demonstrate that, although they represent empowerment points, the potential of resettlements must be relativized from the standpoint of a broader social process.

Resumen El sector eléctrico brasileño, de matriz predominantemente hídrica, produce impactos socioambientales, de entre los cuales destaca el desplazamiento forzoso de las poblaciones locales. La desterritorialización y re-territorialización provocada por las hidroeléctricas producen un proceso social de “multiterritorialización” del conflicto. Este trabajo discute este conflicto, que involucra a consorcios de empresas constructoras y al Movimiento de Afectados por Represas (MAB), como cuestionador de estas obras. El objetivo es analizar en qué medida los reasentamientos organizados por el MAB, con origen en la construcción de una central hidroeléctrica, potencian las acciones del movimiento contra las futuras construcciones. Con una mezcla de investigación cualitativa y datos cuantitativos, presentamos el caso de la cuenca del río Uruguay, para demostrar que, aunque representen puntos de empoderamiento, el potencial de los reasentamientos necesita ser relativizado desde el punto de vista de un proceso social más amplio.

RESUMO Trabalhos envolvendo levantamentos florístico-fitossociológicos são cada vez mais frequentes e são uma ferramenta importante para acessar a biodiversidade, estágio de sucessão e acúmulo de biomassa e carbono, norteando estratégias de conservação e manejo. Esses estudos são particularmente importantes para a Mata Atlântica, considerada um hotspot em função da biodiversidade, endemismo e impactos. O Estado de São Paulo perdeu mais de 80% de sua floresta original e, atualmente, existem somente fragmentos isolados, com diferentes estágios de sucessão e histórico de uso. O objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar a vegetação, a estrutura e a biomassa de um componente arbóreo localizado em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar. Foram amostrados indivíduos com DAP ≥ 4,8 cm em 1 ha, totalizando 1.704 indivíduos pertencentes a 38 famílias botânicas e 143 espécies. A maior riqueza de espécies foi encontrada nas famílias Myrtaceae e Lauraceae e a maior abundância e Valor de Importância (VI) em Arecaceae e Euphorbiaceae. O índice de Shannon (H’) foi de 3,7 nats.ind.-1 e a equabilidade de Pielou (J) 0,7, indicando que a comunidade da área é bastante diversa, contudo a distribuição dos indivíduos pelas espécies não é homogênea. A biomassa aérea foi de 166,3 Mg.ha-1, semelhante ao encontrado em outros estudos. A composição da floresta, biomassa e o histórico de exploração da área demonstraram que a fisionomia estudada apresenta-se em estádio secundário médio de regeneração avançando para uma condição mais tardia.

ABSTRAT Projects involving floristic-phytosociological surveys are becoming increasingly frequent and is a very important tool to access the biodiversity, status of succession, biomass and carbon storage, guiding conservation and management strategies. These studies are particularly important in Atlantic Forest, which is considered a hotspot in terms of biodiversity, endemism and impacts. São Paulo State lost more than 80% of original forest and, nowadays, remains only isolated patches with a variety stage of succession and history of use. The aim of this study was to characterize the structure, composition and biomass of the woody plant community in a Montane Ombrophilous Dense Forest, Serra do Mar State Park. All trees with DBH ≥ 4.8 cm were sampled in 1 ha plot area, totaling 1,704 individuals belonging to 38 botanical families and 143 species. The highest species richness was found in the Myrtaceae and Lauraceae families, and the greatest value of abundance and Importance (IV) was observed in the Arecaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The Shannon index (H’) was 3.7 nats.ind.-1 and the Pielou’s evenness index (J) 0.7, characterizing a very diverse community with heterogeneous distribution of individuals by species. The aboveground biomass was 166.3 Mg.ha-1, similar to others studies in Atlantic forests. The forest composition, biomass and the history of land use indicate a middle secondary stage of regeneration, but evolving to a more mature condition.

Resumo A energia elétrica está na base do estilo de vida da sociedade contemporânea, cuja fonte principal no Brasil, é a hidrelétrica, que exige a construção de grandes obras de infraestrutura. Estes projetos impulsionam processos sociais e políticos contraditórios. Nestes processos, vislumbramos o conflito entre as Sociedades de Propósitos Específicos (SPE), proponentes das hidrelétricas, e o Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens (MAB), representante de partes das populações locais deslocadas compulsoriamente em decorrência dessas obras. Tendo como locus a bacia do Uruguai, no sul do Brasil, este artigo discute o conflito através de uma "malha de análise" composta por hidrelétricas e reassentamentos. Desse modo, procuramos compreender a frequência e as motivações dos atingidos para participarem politicamente de mobilizações contra hidrelétricas posteriores ao seu remanejamento. Para tanto, utilizamos uma metodologia que articula instrumentos qualitativos e quantitativos baseados em pesquisa empírica. O estudo nos permite compreender que o principal motivador para a participação dos atingidos em mobilizações posteriores ao seu reassentamento é a solidariedade humana.

Abstract Electrical energy is the basis of the lifestyle of contemporary society, whose main source in Brazil, is the dam, requiring the construction of major infrastructure projects. These projects drive contradictory social and political processes. In these processes, we glimpse the conflict between the Specific Purpose Entities (SPE), proponents of hydropower, and the Touched, representative parts of local populations forcibly displaced as a result of these works Movement of Affected by Dams. Having locus as the basin of Uruguay, southern Brazil, this article discusses the conflict through a "loop analysis" consists of hydropower and resettlement. We sought to understand the frequency and the motivations of those affected to participate politically in later demonstrations against their relocation hydropower. Therefore, we use a methodology that links qualitative and quantitative tools based on empirical research. The study enables us to understand that the primary motivator for participation of those affected in later for their resettlement mobilizations is human solidarity.

Resumen La energía eléctrica es la base de la forma de vida de la sociedad contemporánea, cuya principal fuente en Brasil, es la hidroeléctrica, lo que requiere la construcción de grandes proyectos de infraestructura. Estos proyectos impulsan procesos sociales y políticos contradictorios. En estos procesos , se vislumbra el conflicto entre las Entidades de Propósito Específico (SPE), los defensores de la energía hidroeléctrica, y los representantes de las poblaciones locales desplazadas el Movimiento por las Represas (MAB ) . Tomando el locus del trabajo, la cuenca del rio Pelotas - Uruguay, Sur del Brasil, este artículo aborda el conflicto a través de un "análisis de bucle " consiste en hidroeléctricas y reasentamiento. Hemos tratado de comprender la frecuencia y las motivaciones de las personas afectadas para participar políticamente en las manifestaciones posteriores en contra a nuevos hidroeléctricas. Por lo tanto, utilizamos una metodología que vincule herramientas cualitativas y cuantitativas sobre la base de la investigación empírica. El estudio nos permite entender que el principal motivador para la participación de los afectados en adelante para su reasentamiento es movilizaciones de solidaridad humana.

No Brasil, a geração de energia é proveniente sobretudo de fonte hidrelétrica, exigindo a construção de obras de infraestrutura que impulsionam um processo social contraditório. Nesse processo, vislumbramos o conflito entre as Sociedades de Propósito Específico (SPEs), proponentes das hidrelétricas, e o Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens (MAB), representante de segmentos das populações locais deslocadas compulsoriamente. Tendo como locusa bacia do Uruguai, no Sul do Brasil, este artigo discute esse conflito no quadro formado por hidrelétricas e reassentamentos. Procuramos compreender a frequência e as motivações da comunidade atingida em participar politicamente de mobilizações contra hidrelétricas após já ter sido remanejada. Para tanto, utilizamos uma metodologia que articula instrumentos qualitativos e quantitativos baseados em pesquisa empírica.

In Brazil, power generation is mainly provided by hydroelectric sources, requiring the construction of infrastructure works that propel a contradictory social process. In this process, one observes the conflict between the Specific Purpose Entities (SPEs), the proponents of hydroelectric power plants, and the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), which represents the local populations compulsorily dislocated. Focusing the basin of the Uruguay River, in southern Brazil, this article discusses such conflict through a frame of analysis involving the hydroelectric plants and the resettlements. In so doing, it seeks to understand the frequency and the motivations of the affected populations, after their relocation, to participate politically in mobilizations against hydroelectric power plants. The analysis uses use a methodology that articulates qualitative and quantitative instruments based on empirical research.

Au Brésil, la production d’électricité provient essentiellement de sources hydroélectriques. Cela exige la construction d’infrastructures qui stimulent un processus social contradictoire. Dans ce processus, nous entrevoyons le conflit entre les Société à Finalité Spécifique (SPEs), les promoteurs des hydroélectriques, et le Mouvement des Affectées par les Barrages (MAB), qui représente les populations locales déplacées de façon obligatoire. Ayant pour exemple le bassin du fleuve Uruguay, dans le Sud du Brésil, cet article aborde ce conflit dans un cadre d’usines hydroélectriques et de réinstallation de populations. Nous tentons ainsi de comprendre la fréquence et les motivations de la communauté affectée de participer politiquement à des manifestations contre les usines hydroélectriques postérieurement à leur déplacement et réinstallation. Nous utilisons, pour cela, une méthode qui articule des instruments qualitatifs et quantitatifs fondés sur la recherche empirique.

Objective. To correct the misclassification and improve the quality of information on maternal mortality in Mexico. Materials and methods. Using clinical records and verbal autopsies, we studied all deaths certified as maternal deaths as well as a selection of deaths of women of childbearing age whose causes were considered as suspected of hiding a maternal death, all of which occurred during 2011 within Mexico. Results. The deliberate search of maternal deaths and reclassification allowed the rescue of just over 100 deaths that were not originally registered or coded as maternal and confirmed or corrected the causes of death recorded on death certificates as confirmed maternal deaths. This procedure also allowed the reclassification of 297 maternal deaths of women in the groundwork of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Conclusions. International Search and Reclassification of Maternal Deaths is a very useful procedure for improving the classification of cases that were not classified as maternal deaths and the effect was greater with the coding of indirect obstetric deaths.

Objetivo. Corregir la mala clasificación y mejorar la calidad de la información sobre la mortalidad materna en México. Material y métodos. A través de los registros clínicos y autopsias verbales, se estudiaron todas las defunciones certificadas como maternas y una selección de defunciones de mujeres en edad fértil, cuyas causas fueron consideradas como sospechosas de encubrir una muerte materna; todas ocurridas durante 2011 en México. Resultados. La búsqueda intencionada y reclasificación de muertes maternas permitió rescatar más de 100 muertes que no habían sido registradas ni codificadas inicialmente como maternas y se ratificaron o rectificaron las causas anotadas en los certificados de defunción. Este procedimiento también permitió reclasificar como muertes maternas 297 defunciones de la base preliminar del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. Conclusiones. La Búsqueda Intencionada y Reclasificación de Muertes Maternas es un procedimiento muy útil para mejorar la calidad de la información sobre la mortalidad materna.

Objective. To correct the misclassification and improve the quality of information on maternal mortality in Mexico. Materials and methods. Using clinical records and verbal autopsies, we studied all deaths certified as maternal deaths as well as a selection of deaths of women of childbearing age whose causes were considered as suspected of hiding a maternal death, all of which occurred during 2011 within Mexico. Results. The deliberate search of maternal deaths and reclassification allowed the rescue of just over 100 deaths that were not originally registered or coded as maternal and confirmed or corrected the causes of death recorded on death certificates as confirmed maternal deaths. This procedure also allowed the reclassification of 297 maternal deaths of women in the groundwork of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Conclusions. International Search and Reclassification of Maternal Deaths is a very useful procedure for improving the classification of cases that were not classified as maternal deaths and the effect was greater with the coding of indirect obstetric deaths.

Objetivo. Corregir la mala clasificación y mejorar la calidad de la información sobre la mortalidad materna en México. Material y métodos. A través de los registros clínicos y autopsias verbales, se estudiaron todas las defunciones certificadas como maternas y una selección de defunciones de mujeres en edad fértil, cuyas causas fueron consideradas como sospechosas de encubrir una muerte materna; todas ocurridas durante 2011 en México. Resultados. La búsqueda intencionada y reclasificación de muertes maternas permitió rescatar más de 100 muertes que no habían sido registradas ni codificadas inicialmente como maternas y se ratificaron o rectificaron las causas anotadas en los certificados de defunción. Este procedimiento también permitió reclasificar como muertes maternas 297 defunciones de la base preliminar del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. Conclusiones. La Búsqueda Intencionada y Reclasificación de Muertes Maternas es un procedimiento muy útil para mejorar la calidad de la información sobre la mortalidad materna.

O processo de instalação de uma usina hidrelétrica de energia (uhe) envolve a apropriação de um espaço em que coexistem territorialidades e temporalidades distintas, especialmente os consórcios de empresas públicas e privadas proponentes dessas obras e as populações locais. Baseado no caso da uhe Foz do Chapecó, no sul do Brasil, esse artigo analisa essa relação conflitiva buscando compreender as estratégias de controle do espaço-tempo utilizadas pelos empreendedores a fim de hegemonizar as populações locais para a instalação da hidrelétrica.

The process of Installing a Hydroelectric Plant (uhe) involves the appropriation of a space in which distinct territorialities and temporalities exist, especially between the consortia of public and private companies proposing construction of these works and the local populations. Based on the case of the Foz do Chapecó Plant in the south of Brazil, this article analyses this conflictual relation, seeking to comprehend the strategies for controlling space-time used by the construction forms to dominate the local populations and install the hydroelectric dam.

Propôs-se, neste trabalho, estimar dados de albedo à superfície terrestre usando-se o sensor Thematic Mapper (TM) do satélite LANDSAT 5 e compará-lo com dados de duas estações agrometeorológicas localizadas em região de Cerrado e a outra em cultivo da cana-de-açúcar. A região de estudo está localizada no município de Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, SP, Brasil. Para a realização do estudo obtiveram-se seis imagens orbitais do satélite Landsat 5 sensores TM, na órbita 220 e ponto 75, nas datas de 22/02, 11/04, 29/05, 01/08, 17/08 e 21/11, todas do ano de 2005, a que correspondem os dias juliano de 53, 101, 149, 213, 229 e 325, respectivamente. As correções geométricas para as imagens foram realizadas e geradas as cartas de albedo. O algoritmo SEBAL estimou satisfatoriamente os valores de albedo de superfícies sobre áreas de cerrado e de cana-de-açúcar, na região de Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, SP, consistentes com observações realizadas do albedo à superfície.

This study aimed to estimate albedo data from the land surface sensor using the images of Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite LANDSAT 5 and to compare it with data from two agrometeorological stations located in the region of Cerrado, and another in sugar cane cultivation. The study area is located in the municipality of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro - SP, Brazil. To carry out the study six orbital images were obtained from the satellite Landsat 5 TM sensors in the orbit 220 and in the section 75, for the dates of 22/02, 11/04, 29/05, 01/08, 17/08 and 21/11 (all in the year of 2005) which correspond to the days 53, 101, 149, 213, 229 and 325, respectively. The geometric correction for images was performed and the letters of albedo were generated. The algorithm SEBAL estimated, satisfactorily, the values of albedo on the surface areas of Cerrado and sugar cane in the region of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro - SP, consistent with observations made of the surface albedo.

O domínio do Cerrado compreende uma área contínua nos estados centrais do Brasil e áreas disjuntas em outros estados, incluindo São Paulo. Essa vegetação ocupava originalmente 21% do território brasileiro, restando atualmente apenas 21,6% de sua extensão original. A área recoberta por essa vegetação em São Paulo cobria 14% de sua área total e seus remanescentes recobrem menos de 1% da ocorrência original dessa vegetação. Estudos recentes indicam que o valor da produtividade líquida no Cerrado Pé-de-Gigante (SP) constitui um pequeno dreno de carbono e indicou que a sazonalidade foi o fator determinante do valor observado. Os estudos dos fluxos de carbono em ecossistemas terrestres são raramente acompanhados de abordagens ecofisiológicas de modo a explorar a relação funcional das espécies que compõem o ecossistema e os valores líquidos obtidos para o mesmo. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar estruturalmente a vegetação presente na área de maior influência da torre de fluxo instalada no Cerrado Pé-de-Gigante, visando possibilitar estudos relacionados à quantificação em longo prazo da dinâmica dos fluxos de água, energia e CO2 na vegetação de Cerrado. Para isso foram levantadas 20 parcelas (10 x 10 m) em 0,2 ha de Cerrado, e amostraram-se todas as plantas com perímetro ao nível do solo >6 cm (exceto lianas e árvores mortas). A distribuição das classes de diâmetro e estrutura vertical, assim como os parâmetros fitossociológicos foram analisados. Encontramos 1451 indivíduos, distribuídos em 85 espécies, 52 gêneros e 31 famílias. A densidade absoluta e área basal foram de 7255 ind. ha-1 e de 7,9 m².ha-1, respectivamente. A família Leguminosae apresentou o maior número de espécies (13). O Índice de diversidade de Shannon (H') foi 3,27 nats.ind-1. A distribuição em classes de diâmetro mostrou uma curva de "J" invertido, estando a maioria dos indivíduos na primeira classe. Concluímos que a área deve ser classificada como Cerrado denso, devido principalmente à dominância pela espécie arbórea Anadenanthera falcata, cuja ocorrência no estado foi relatada apenas em locais com solos ricos em saturação de bases na região das Cuestas Basálticas, devido também à maior área basal dos indivíduos, comparando com outros fragmentos de Cerrado. Além da espécie citada, Myrcia lingua e Xylopia aromatica, apresentaram os maiores IVI (Valor de importância).

The Cerrado vegetation covers the Brazilian central areas (core area) which include extensive and continuous areas in the central States and some marginal areas in other States, including São Paulo, accounting originally for 21% of Brazilian territory. Nowadays, the remnants are 21,6% of its original coverage. About of 14% of the São Paulo State territory was originally covered with Cerrado vegetation, and today remnants account for less than 1% of the original distribution. Recent studies indicate that the net productivity in the Pé-de-Gigante Cerrado constitutes a small carbon sink, with seasonality playing a major role. The carbon flux studies in terrestrial ecosystems have rarely been accompanied by ecophysiological studies in order to explore the functional relationships among species, ecosystem and the values achieved. Therefore, our objectives were to characterize the vegetation structure in the meteorological and flux tower footprint. The flux tower allows studies related to long term measurements and dynamics of water, solar energy and CO2 fluxes in Cerrado vegetation. Plots (10 x 10 m) were established in 0.2 ha area of Cerrado and all vascular plants with stem perimeter at ground level >6 cm (except vines and dead individuals) were sampled. The distribution of diameter classes and vertical structure, as well as the phytosociological parameters were analyzed. We recorded 1,451 individuals, distributed in 85 species belonging to 31 different families. The absolute density and the basal area were 7,255 ind.ha-1 and 7.9 m².ha-1, respectively. Leguminosae showed the highest number of species (13). The Shannon's Index was 3.27. The distribution of diameter classes showed a curve in inverted "J", most of the individuals being in the initial classes. We concluded that the area must be classified as dense Cerrado, mainly due to Anadenanthera falcata dominance, which occurrence in São Paulo State was reported only in rich soil sites in Cuestas Basaltic regions and also due to major basal area of these individuals, comparing with other Cerrado vegetation sites. A. falcata, Myrcia lingua and Xylopia aromatica showed the highest IVI (Importance value index).