Abstract Caves are habitats characterized by low light or total darkness, whose fauna is largely composed of animals that adapt to dark environments, such as bats and many arthropods. Here, we present the first record of bat carcass colonization by Diptera larvae in a cave in the Neotropics. Twenty-one adult specimens of Microcerella halli (Sarcophagidae), seven males and 14 females, emerged from larvae collected in a carcass of Pteronotus gymnonotus (Mormoopidae) found in a twilight zone, about 15 m from the cave entrance. The mean time between carcass collection and adult emergence was 17.99 ± 0.44 days. As colonization by M. halli only occurs after death, we estimated the mean duration of the pupal stage - by recording daily pupation and emergence data - and attempted a preliminary estimate of the post-mortem interval, which indicated that larviposition occurred at least 24 h before carcass collection. Furthermore, we discussed the fact that M. halli females can find and colonize carcasses in low light environments, reinforcing the forensic potential of the species.

Abstract Cities in northeastern Brazil experience extreme rates of unsolved homicides, a situation that stimulates innovative procedures in the police work, such as forensic entomology. We surveyed necrophagous insects associated with carrion in a city exposed to high rates of homicides in Northeastern Brazil. The experiments were carried out in a rainforest fragment located in Recife, State of Pernambuco. Two pig carcasses were used as models, one in the dry and the other in the rainy season. The collection of adults was performed daily until the complete skeletonization of the carcasses. At least 32 Diptera species from the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Fanniidae, Phoridae, Anthomyiidae, Piophilidae, and Stratiomyidae were registered, some of which have been previously documented on cadavers. A high richness of Diptera species was registered in all stages of decomposition. A strong overlap in the occurrence of most species was observed, which invalidates a defined entomological succession on the carcasses. Two species stood out in terms of abundance: Ophyra chalcogaster (Muscidae) and Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae). The ubiquity of Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Calliphoridae) seems to confirm its preference for forest fragments exposed to low anthropogenic action. Our data contribute to expand the knowledge on the geographical distribution of forensically relevant species in the region and confirm the rapid dissemination of invasive Chrysomya species in forested areas.

Abstract We studied aspects of the reproductive behaviour and development of two species of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of potential forensic importance, Blaesoxipha stallengi (Lahille, 1907) and Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794), which are dominant in assemblages in dry forests in Northeastern Brazil. We described the behavioural acts associated with courtship and mating and estimated the development time (from egg/larva until adult) - of both species. Description of the reproductive behaviour was based on 50 couples of each species whereas 250 larvae were used for the estimation of the developmental time. A total of 55 successful copula were observed for B. stallengi and 142 for S. ruficornis. Pre-copulatory behaviour differed between the species, as S. ruficornis presented a high rate of competition among male specimens. Blaesoxipha stallengi copulated more frequently in the morning and the mean duration of copulation was similar for both species. The species showed different reproductive strategies: S. ruficornis follows the typical strategy in Sarcophagidae and are viviparous (larviparity), but we report here the first documented evidence of ovoviviparity of B. stallengi. Sex ratio of the emerged adults did not differ (p > 0.05) markedly for either species. Total development time in days was similar with 22.9 for B. stallengi and 21.3 for S. ruficornis. The pronounced similarities in the morphology of both species - combined with their similar time of development - may act as confounding factors for forensic entomologists and stress out the need for an accurate taxonomical identification.

Abstract Muscidae (Diptera) comprises one of the most important taxa in medical, veterinary and forensic entomology, especially due to their association with decomposing carcasses and cadavers. Yet, knowledge on their distribution and behaviour is still incipient in several biomes, which is the case of dry tropical forests. This study aimed to evaluate the attractiveness of different organic substrates to species of Muscidae in areas of seasonally dry forests (Caatinga) in Northern Brazil. Sampling was carried out in five Caatinga areas between 2015 and 2017, using suspended traps baited with bovine spleen, fish or human faeces. When all samplings were combined, 3,176 adults of nine species were collected. The assemblages of muscids had higher richness and abundances on bovine spleen, which attracted 66% of all specimens, when compared to the other substrates. Musca domestica was the most abundant species, and it was dominant in assemblages associated with spleen and fish. Assemblages attracted to spleen and fish had higher similarity, differing from those associated with faeces. Differences in food attractiveness are presented for species of medical interest as pathogen vectors (e.g., Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp, 1883)) and of forensic relevance as colonizers of human corpses (e.g., Ophyra aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830)).

O conhecimento sobre assembleias de artrópodos na floresta seca semidecídua brasileira (caatinga) é escasso apesar de sua crescente exposição à degradação devido a atividades humanas como agricultura intensiva e desmatamento. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de curta duração sobre a diversidade de escorpiões em dois tipos de caatinga (hipoxerófila e hiperxerófila) no Estado de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Uma combinação de coleta ativa e armadilhas de queda foi usada para amostrar os escorpiões de solo. Seis espécies pertencentes a duas famílias foram registradas: Bothriurus asper, Bothriurus rochai (Bothriuridae), Tityus stigmurus, Tityus pusillus, Rhopalurus rochai e Ananteris franckei (Buthidae). Não houve diferença significativa na riqueza e abundância de escorpiões nos dois tipos de caatinga. Bothriurus asper foi a espécie mais abundante em ambos os ambientes. Quanto à constância, todas as espécies foram classificadas como acidentais.

Knowledge on arthropod assemblages in the Brazilian semideciduous dry forest (caatinga) is scarce, despite the increasing exposure to degradation due to human activities such as logging and intensive agriculture. We performed a short-term survey on the diversity of scorpions in two types of caatinga (hipoxerophytic and hiperxerophytic) in Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil. A combination of active collection and pitfall traps was used to sample soil scorpions. Six species belonging to two families were registered: Bothriurus asper, Bothriurus rochai (Bothriuridae), Tityus stigmurus, Tityus pusillus, Rhopalurus rochai and Ananteris franckei (Buthidae). There was no significant difference in the richness and the abundance of scorpions in the two types of caatinga. Bothriurus asper was the most abundant species in both environments. Regarding constancy, all species were classified as accidental.

Livros didáticos frequentemente são utilizados como único veículo de conteúdos, marcados pela forma fragmentária de organização. Este trabalho objetivou analisar a inserção do tema "Filogenia" nos livros didáticos, procurando detectar incorreções conceituais que dificultam a compreensão do tema. Fizeram parte da amostra livros didáticos de Ensino Médio, analisados com base em critérios fundamentados pela literatura e documentos oficiais nacionais. Analisamos 13 coleções sob os seguintes critérios: conteúdo teórico; recursos visuais; atividades propostas e recursos para o professor. Oito livros contemplavam o assunto, com profundidade e clareza variáveis. Distorções conceituais comuns incluíram a confusão entre "Taxonomia" e "Sistemática", equivalência entre "evolução" e "progresso" e a concepção de evolução como sequencia linear de modificações em processo direcional. Tais distorções são agravadas pela escassez de atividades para o aluno e recursos para o professor sobre o tema.

Biology textbooks have been frequently used as the only content resource, characterized by a fragmentary organization. This research aimed to analyze the insertion of the topic "Phylogeny" in textbooks, searching for conceptual distortions and approaches that endanger the understanding of the subject. The sample consisted of high school textbooks, whose analysis was based on criteria proposed in the literature and in national official documents. We analyzed 13 collections, using the following criteria: theoretical content; visual resources; and the proposal of activities and resources for teachers and students. Eight books presented the topic with varied levels of depth and clarity. Common conceptual inaccuracies included confusion between "Taxonomy" and "Systematics", equivalence between "evolution" and "progress" and the concept of evolution as a linear sequence of modifications in a directional process. Such distortions are aggravated by the scarcity of activities for students and resources for teachers on the subject.

Esta pesquisa buscou investigar o perfil socioeconômico de licenciandos em Ciências Biológicas, suas motivações para escolher o curso e suas perspectivas quanto ao seu futuro profissional. Observou-se que a maioria dos estudantes trabalha, é proveniente de escola pública, tem baixo hábito de leitura e pretende seguir carreira de pesquisador. A maioria afirma ter escolhido Licenciatura por vocação, embora revele baixíssimo interesse pela pesquisa em ensino de Biologia como área de atuação profissional. Os licenciandos, de modo geral, estão satisfeitos com o curso e acreditam que a formação recebida na universidade contribuirá significativamente para sua empregabilidade.

This research aimed to investigate future Biology teachers' socio-economical profile, their motivations for choosing the program and perspectives regarding their professional future. We noticed that most of the future teachers work, come from public High School, have low reading custom, and intend to follow a Biology researcher career. Most of them declare to have chosen the program based on vocation, although reveal very low interest in Biology Education research as professional carrier. The majority of them is satisfied with the undergraduate program they are taking and believe that their training in the university will help significantly for their employment.

Foi conduzido um levantamento sobre a escorpiofauna de Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco (Brasil), em outubro de 2005. Os métodos incluíram coleta ativa e armadilhas de queda em várias regiões da ilha, sob diferentes graus de alteração antrópica. Foram coletados 44 escorpiões de duas espécies: Isometrus maculatus (DeGeer, 1778), previamente listada para a ilha, e Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1877), registrada pela primeira vez. Trata-se de uma espécie provavelmente introduzida através do tráfego de material do continente, e que oferece risco à população local, devido à gravidade dos acidentes.

A survey of the scorpion fauna of the Island of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco (Brazil), was carried out in October 2005. Methods included active collecting and pitfall traps in several areas of the island under different degrees of human-caused alteration. Forty four scorpions, belonging to two species were collected: Isometrus maculatus (DeGeer, 1778), previously listed for the Island, and Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1877), here recorded for the first time. This species was probably introduced via cargo shipments from the continent and offers risk to the local population due to the gravity of the accidents.

Understanding the different background landscapes in which malaria transmission occurs is fundamental to understanding malaria epidemiology and to designing effective local malaria control programs. Geology, geomorphology, vegetation, climate, land use, and anopheline distribution were used as a basis for an ecological classification of the state of Roraima, Brazil, in the northern Amazon Basin, focused on the natural history of malaria and transmission. We used unsupervised maximum likelihood classification, principal components analysis, and weighted overlay with equal contribution analyses to fine-scale thematic maps that resulted in clustered regions. We used ecological niche modeling techniques to develop a fine-scale picture of malaria vector distributions in the state. Eight ecoregions were identified and malaria-related aspects are discussed based on this classification, including 5 types of dense tropical rain forest and 3 types of savannah. Ecoregions formed by dense tropical rain forest were named as montane (ecoregion I), submontane (II), plateau (III), lowland (IV), and alluvial (V). Ecoregions formed by savannah were divided into steppe (VI, campos de Roraima), savannah (VII, cerrado), and wetland (VIII, campinarana). Such ecoregional mappings are important tools in integrated malaria control programs that aim to identify specific characteristics of malaria transmission, classify transmission risk, and define priority areas and appropriate interventions. For some areas, extension of these approaches to still-finer resolutions will provide an improved picture of malaria transmission patterns.

O professor de Ciências enfrenta uma série de desafios para superar limitações metodológicas e conceituais de formação em seu cotidiano escolar. Este trabalho buscou conhecer as principais dificuldades e metodologias de ensino de Ciências da rede pública municipal do Recife. Através de entrevista com 42 professores de 31 escolas, observamos que eles usam o livro didático como o recurso mais freqüente, diversificam suas estratégias de avaliação, e buscam, na medida do possível, desenvolver atividades extra-classe. Consideram como os assuntos mais difíceis de abordar os temas ligados à Física e Química, e como os assuntos que mais despertam a atenção de seus alunos os temas de Sexualidade e Meio Ambiente. Os professores citam o custo alto dos livros e revistas científicas e a falta de tempo como principais empecilhos para sua atualização pedagógica, e mantém fraca interação com universidades locais. Destaca-se a importância de uma educação continuada como mecanismo de atualização conceitual e metodológica.

Science teachers face several challenges in order to overcome methodological and conceptual limitations in their daily profession. This study aimed at detecting the main difficulties and methodologies of Science teaching in public schools of the city of Recife, Brazil. By interviewing 42 teachers from 31 schools, we observed that they use textbooks as the most frequent resource, diversify their evaluation strategies and, as much as possible, develop outside didactic activities. They consider Chemistry and Physics to be the most difficult subjects, whilst the most interesting topics for the students are those related to Sexuality and Environment. The teachers cite the high cost of scientific books and journals and the lack of time as the main obstacles for their update on pedagogic practices, and have a very weak interaction with local universities. We stress out the importance of continuing education as a tool for overcoming limitations and providing continuing theoretical and technological knowledge.

Los profesores de Ciencias enfrentan una serie de desafíos para superar limitaciones metodológicas y conceptuales de formación en su cotidiano profesional. Este estudio ha intentado conocer las principales dificultades y metodologías de enseñanza de las Ciencias de la red pública de la municipalidad de Recife, Brasil. A través de entrevistas con 42 profesores de 31 escuelas, observamos que ellos utilizan el libro didáctico como el recurso más frecuente, varían sus estrategias de evaluación y intentan, cuando es posible, desarrollar actividades extra clase. Ellos consideran como tópicos más difíciles la Química y la Física, mientras los que más despiertan interés del estudiante son aquellos relacionados al Medio Ambiente y la Sexualidad. Los profesores citan el elevado costo de libros y revistas científicas y la falta de tiempo como los mayores obstáculos para su actualización pedagógica y tienen una mínima interacción con las universidades locales. Destacamos la importancia de una educación permanente como mecanismo de actualización conceptual y metodológica.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial inseticida de extratos aquosos foliares de quatro essências florestais: algaroba (Prosopis juliflora), aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva), leucena (Leucaena leucocephala) e sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia), preparadas em quatro concentrações, 3, 5, 7 e 10%. Foram avaliados três parâmetros em mosca-branca (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): presença de compostos secundários, mortalidade de ovos e ninfas, e alterações na fertilidade do inseto. Determinou-se a presença de tanino nas quatro espécies, e de alcalóides em P. juliflora e M. urundeuva; as saponinas não foram detectadas em nenhuma espécie. Apenas os extratos de P. juliflora e L. leucocephala causaram mortalidade significativa de ovos e ninfas, tendo atingido, em alguns tratamentos, 75% de mortalidade sobre as ninfas. Esses extratos, com o de M. caesalpiniifolia, afetaram a fertilidade do inseto, tendo reduzido a taxa de reprodução, o tempo médio de geração e a taxa intrínseca de crescimento para três gerações de B. tabaci. Os efeitos variam de acordo com a concentração do extrato testado.

The objective of this work was to assess the insecticidal potential of aqueous extracts of four arboreous species: mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), "aroeira" (Myracrodruon urundeuva), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and "sabiá" (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia), under four concentrations, 3, 5, 7 and 10%. Three parameters were evaluated in Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): the presence of secondary compounds, mortality of eggs and nymphs, and alterations in insect's fertility. The presence of tannin was determined in all species, while alkaloids were observed only in P. juliflora and M. urundeuva; saponins were not detected in any species. Only the exctracts of P. juliflora and L. leucocephala caused significant mortality in eggs and nymphs, reaching, in some treatments, 75% mortality. These extracts and the one from M. caesalpiniifolia altered insect's fertility, reducing the reproduction rate, the mean generation time and the intrinsic growth rate for three generations of B. tabaci. The observed effects varied according to the concentration of the extracts tested.

Cotas para acesso ao ensino superior têm sido implementadas sem o merecido debate com os diversos segmentos envolvidos, incluindo os professores e os candidatos à universidade. Nessa pesquisa, procuramos conhecer a percepção de alunos de um pré-vestibular inclusivo sobre a implantação de cotas. A maioria dos estudantes posicionou-se favorável, e prioriza cotas para ex-alunos de escolas públicas em vez de minorias baseadas na raça/cor. Mais da metade dos entrevistados demonstra interesse em se beneficiar das cotas, desde que na categoria de egressos de escola pública. Esses mesmos alunos considerariam injusta a entrada de outro candidato beneficiado por cotas com média inferior à sua, se isso representasse sua exclusão da universidade. Discute-se no artigo a inadequação de um sistema de cotas baseados na cor da pele, um critério reconhecidamente sujeito a falhas e preconceitos. Pretende-se estimular o debate sobre formas alternativas de ampliar o acesso à universidade pública, tais como cursos pré-vestibulares inclusivos que têm aumentado a competitividade de alunos da rede pública.

Quotas for the access to the university have been implemented without a proper debate among the segments involved, including teachers and candidates to a university degree. In this research, we aimed at assessing the perception of students from a socially inclusive pre-university course about quota implementation. Most students were favorable, and considered as priority to benefit former students of public schools, instead of minorities based on color/race. Over half of the students showed interest in being benefited by the quotas, as long as in the category of public school students. The same students would consider the approval of another student benefited by the quotas with a lower score to be unfair, if that meant their exclusion form the university. It is discussed in the article the inadequacy of a quota system based solely on the color of the skin, a criterion widely recognized as subjected to errors and prejudice. We intend to stimulate the debate about alternative ways to increase the access to public universities, such as pre-university courses that have improved the competitiveness of former public school students.

Cuotas para acceso a la enseñanza superior han sido implantadas sin el merecido debate con los segmentos envueltos, incluyendo los profesores y los candidatos a la universidad. En esta investigación, buscamos conocer la percepción de alumnos de un programa pre-universitario inclusivo sobre la implantación de las cuotas. La mayoría de los estudiantes es favorable, y prioriza cuotas para egresos de las escuelas públicas en lugar de minorías basadas en la raza/color. Más de la mitad de los entrevistados tiene interés en beneficiarse de las cuotas, si fueran de la categoría de egresos de escuela pública. Los mismos alumnos considerarían injusto el ingreso de otro candidato beneficiado por cuotas con nota inferior a la suya si eso representara su exclusión de la universidad. Se discute en este artículo la inadecuación de un sistema de cuotas basado en el color de la piel, un criterio reconocidamente pasible de errores y preconceptos. Se pretende estimular el debate sobre formas alternativas de ampliar el acceso a la universidad pública, tales como los cursos pre-universitarios inclusivos que tienen aumentado la competitividad de alumnos de la red pública.

Foi realizada uma investigação sobre a distribuição da fauna flebotomínica em 4 fragmentos da Mata Atlântica na Região Metropolitana do Recife. Consistiu na captura de insetos adultos com auxilio de armadilhas luminosas CDC. 1.173 espécimes distribuídos em 11 espécies de Lutzomyia: Lutzomyia evandroi, Lutzomyia choti, Lutzomyia walkeri, Lutzomyia umbratilis, Lutzomyia brasiliensis, Lutzomyia sordellii, Lutzomyia claustrei, Lutzomyia wellcomei, Lutzomyia fluviatilis, Lutzomyia furcata e Lutzomyia aragaoi.

An investigation was conducted into the distribution of sandfly fauna in 4 fragments of Atlantic forest in the Metropolitan Area of Recife. It consisted of the capture adult insects using CDC light traps. A total of 1,173 specimens were distributed in 11 species of Lutzomyia: Lutzomyia evandroi, Lutzomyia choti, Lutzomyia walkeri, Lutzomyia umbratilis, Lutzomyia brasiliensis, Lutzomyia sordellii, Lutzomyia claustrei, Lutzomyia wellcomei, Lutzomyia fluviatilis, Lutzomyia furcata e Lutzomyia aragaoi.

Embora seja uma das responsabilidades de um laboratório de ensino e pesquisa, a promoção da biossegurança como parte integrante da saúde ocupacional tem recebido limitada atenção em universidades brasileiras. Partindo desta necessidade, o presente trabalho analisou a adoção de procedimentos de proteção individual e coletiva nos sete laboratórios do Departamento de Micologia da UFPE através da aplicação de questionários junto aos responsáveis por cada um dos laboratórios, utilizando os critérios da CTNBio. Foram observadas algumas deficiências nos laboratórios, tais como ausência de extintores de incêndios, de protocolo de acidentes, chuveiros de emergência e limitada disponibilidade de avisos educativos para prevenção de acidentes. Por outro lado, detectou-se a preocupação com a correta armazenagem de produtos químicos e com a instalação elétrica/hidráulica dos laboratórios. Conclui-se que, de modo geral, a biossegurança é respeitada nos laboratórios analisados. Entretanto, é necessária uma maior conscientização dos usuários e uma inserção mais aprofundada do tema biossegurança nos cursos de Ciências Biológicas da UFPE.

Although biosafety is a major responsibility of research and teaching laboratories, its promotion as a component of occupational health has received limited attention in Brazilian universities. Due to this necessity, this study aimed to analyze the procedures for individual and collective protection at the seven laboratories of the Mycology Department at the UFPE, applying questionnaires based on CTNBio criteria to the laboratory coordinators. Some flaws were detected, such as the lack of fire extinguishers, accident protocol register, emergency showers, and scant warning and educational posters for accident prevention in the labs. On the other hand, the correct storage of chemicals and adequate electrical/ hydraulic facilities were observed. The overall biosafety procedures at the laboratories analyzed were adequate. However, a deeper user's awareness and a stronger integration of biosafety as a daily practice in Biology courses at the UFPE are needed.

A crescente discussão sobre a qualidade dos livros didáticos tem provocado sensíveis alterações na produção editorial nos últimos anos. Apesar dos significativos avanços, uma considerável quantidade de professores anda não tem acesso a instrumentos de análise de livros didáticos. Neste contexto, nós propomos uma série de critérios a serem utilizados por professores de ensino fundamental (6a. série) na escolha de seu livro de Ciências, tendo como modelo o conteúdo zoológico. Os seguintes tópicos foram considerados: conteúdo teórico, recursos visuais, atividades práticas e informações complementares. Pretende-se, com este trabalho, contribuir para o debate sobre a necessidade de um maior envolvimento dos professores no processo de escolha do livro.

The growing discussion about the quality of Science textbooks has clearly altered the editorial market in the past few years in Brazil. Despite remarkable improvement, a considerable amount of teachers has not yet had access to means for analyzing Science textbooks. In this context, we propose a series of criteria to be used by the teacher when electing the textbook used at junior high schools, using as a model the zoological content. The following topics were considered: theoretical contents, visual information, practical activities and complementary information. Through this study, ee intend to contribute to the debate about the necessity of a stronger involvement of teachers in the process of book choice.