Forest structure studies may be carried out through the diametric distribution of individuals within a population, which is defined by characterizing the number of trees per unit area and diameter class intervals. The De Liocourt's q quotient can be used to assess the relationship between recruitment and mortality in forest communities because when a constant ratio occurs between the classes, it represents that the recruitment rate is similar to the mortality rate and the distribution can be considered as regular or balanced. This study aims to analyze the diametric structure of the arboreal component of a seasonal deciduous forest fragment located in the Peixe River Valley, Midwest of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The sampled individuals were distributed in diameter classes with an amplitude of 5 cm, in which the center of the first class presented a value of 6.5 cm. Subsequently, the observed and estimated diametric distribution curves were constructed for the overall sampling and for species with the highest importance value (IV) and with different ecological attributes. The study area presented a deficit of trees in the overall and per species diameter classes when compared to a balanced forest. The De Liocourt's q quotient can be used to assess the diametric structure of deciduous forest fragments.
All everyday activities take place in space, and it is upon this that all information and knowledge revolve. The latter are the key elements in the organization of territories. Their creation, use, and distribution should therefore occur in a balanced way throughout the whole territory in order to allow all individuals to participate in an egalitarian society, in which the flow of knowledge can take precedence over the flow of interests.
Objective: To evaluate the association of a combined measure of availability and use of facilities from the food environment and overweight (including obesity) among schoolchildren, while taking into account the physical activity and social-assistance environments. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years living in a southern Brazilian city (n = 2026). Multilevel analyses were performed with overweight as outcome and the food environment as main exposure. Models were adjusted for the physical activity and social-assistance environments, as well as individual and other residential neighborhood characteristics. Results: Greater availability of restaurants around the home was associated with higher odds of overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.06-1.85). Stronger associations were found for schoolchildren reporting to use restaurants (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.15-1.90). This association remained significant after adjusting for the presence of other food retailers. Schoolchildren who had social-assistance facilities around their homes, but reported not to use them, showed consistently higher odds of being overweight (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.01-1.78) as compared to schoolchildren who had these facilities near home and used them. The physical activity environment was not associated with the outcome. Conclusions: Availability and use of the food and social-assistance environments were significantly associated with overweight (including obesity) among the schoolchildren. Future research should consider the use of environmental facilities in combination to their geographical availability. Our results highlight the need for policies that limit the access to obesogenic food outlets by children and adolescents.
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