Publications
Digital Twin-Assisted Urban Resilience: A Data-Driven Framework for Sustainable Regeneration in Paranoá, Brasilia
A data-driven framework leveraging Digital Twin Modeling (DTM) demonstrates potential for enhancing urban resilience and sustainable regeneration, particularly in informal settlements of the Global South. The Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM), developed by Politecnico di Milano, provides a systematic approach to transform DTM into an active tool for real-time analysis, scenario simulation, and design optimization. Focusing on Paranoá, Brasilia, this study integrates advanced spatial mapping with key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Green Space Diversity, Ecosystem Service Proximity, and Green Space Continuity to address developmental and environmental challenges. By utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform on 30 m by 30 m sampling grids, the research offers a systemic and practical approach for multi-dimensional digitalization of urban structure and performance, supporting adaptive and data-based planning processes.
Diet and seed dispersal of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Brasilia National Park
Bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) play a crucial role as seed dispersers for the endangered Cerrado biome, significantly contributing to its conservation. Research in Brasília National Park revealed that these primates primarily consume fruits, with their diet comprising 33 plant species from 21 families, including 20% anthropic food. Seeds passed through their digestive system and deposited with feces exhibited enhanced germination rates compared to other treatments, highlighting the importance of primate-mediated seed dispersal. Additionally, they disperse medium- and large-sized seeds that smaller frugivores may overlook, underscoring their vital ecological function in maintaining biodiversity within this threatened ecosystem.
Electrochromic Glazing and Evaluation of Visual and Non-Visual Effects of Daylight: Simulation Studies for Brasilia – Brazil
Electrochromic glazing offers a promising solution for balancing circadian lighting and glare reduction, particularly in highly glazed buildings in hot climates. A study simulating conditions in Brasília, Brazil, found that electrochromic glazing achieved a better balance between visual comfort (vertical illuminance ≤ 1,500 lux) and non-visual requirements (melanopic daylight illuminance ≥ 250 lux) for 33.33% of hours facing north, compared to just 9.17% with clear glass. While clear glass performed better in terms of melanopic daylight efficacy ratio, electrochromic glazing provided more stable and comfortable lighting conditions across seasons. The research used Climate Studio and ALFA simulations over a full year and four key days (solstices and equinoxes) to evaluate these effects, highlighting the potential for electrochromic technology to improve visual and non-visual daylight performance in tropical urban environments like Brasília.
Influence of the Exposure Degree on the Degradation of Facades of Buildings in Brasília—Brazil
Facades of buildings in Brasília, Brazil, exhibit significantly shorter estimated service lives (ESL) when exposed to high levels of driving rain and solar radiation. Research indicates that facades with high exposure degrade at a rate leading to an ESL of approximately 26 years, compared to 35 years for those with low exposure. The study employed the Degradation Measurement Method (DMM) and General Degradation Factor (FGD) to quantify degradation, revealing that North-oriented facades are particularly vulnerable due to intense climatic conditions. These findings underscore the critical impact of exposure degree on facade durability, providing actionable insights for architectural design and conservation efforts in similar climates.
Opinion of Residents about the Freight Transport and Its Influence on the Quality of Life: An Analysis for Brasília (Brazil)
Urban freight transport (UFT) significantly impacts residents' quality of life, with negative effects from externalities such as congestion and pollution outweighing the positive influence of urban infrastructure. A study analyzing data from a web-based survey in Brasília, Brazil, found that public and private management have a stronger influence on UFT externalities compared to urban infrastructure. To improve citizens' quality of life, prioritizing road capacity, proper loading and unloading practices, and supervision is recommended. The research used Structural Equation Modelling with Partial Least Squares to assess the relationship between urban infrastructure, UFT externalities, and residents' quality of life.
A Dinâmica Geográfica do Setor Supermercadista em Brasília (DF)
Research reveals Brasília's significance as a global consumption hub, with its supermarket sector demonstrating marked heterogeneity and adaptive commercial strategies. The study identifies the presence of major international retail chains in the city, highlighting how their selective territorial use correlates with socio-spatial inequalities across administrative regions. By analyzing multi-scale performance—including capital origin, location strategies, and establishment profiles—using quantitative and qualitative data from Associação de Supermercados de Brasília (ASBRA), the research underscores the city's role in Brazil's retail landscape outside the southeastern region. This approach sheds light on how supermarket chains tailor their operations to local income patterns, offering insights into urban commercial dynamics in a globalized economy.
Degradação de fachadas revestidas em argamassas nos edifícios de Brasília, Brasil
Research on the degradation of plaster facades in Brasília, Brazil, reveals that cracks are the most severe form of damage, particularly affecting the top zones and continuous wall sections. Facades oriented towards the north and south experience the highest levels of degradation. The study analyzed 90 facade samples from buildings aged between 20 and 60 years using the Degradation Measurement Method, focusing on indicators such as solar orientation and facade zones. These findings provide valuable insights for estimating building lifespan and developing more durable materials.
Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil
A concerning prevalence of microplastics (MPs) was detected in 100% of tap water samples collected from residential and commercial areas in Brasília, Brazil. The study, conducted between 2020 and 2021, analyzed 32 samples using fluorescence microscopy, revealing an average of 97 ± 55 particles per 500 mL in the South Wing area and 219 ± 158 particles per 500 mL in the North Wing area. MPs ranged from 6 to 50 microns in size, highlighting a significant contamination level that raises public health concerns, particularly as tap water is not the sole source of MP exposure for humans.
Urban seismic monitoring in Brasília, Brazil
A novel analysis of seismic data from Brasília, Brazil, reveals that cultural noise—typically observed in high-frequency bands—can also manifest in low-frequency bands when high-frequency signals are attenuated. This discovery expands the understanding of urban seismology by demonstrating its potential for monitoring societal activities and events, such as sporting events, political protests, and periods of seismic silence like the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine or a nationwide trucker strike. The study utilized seismic records from a local station to track noise patterns during these episodes, highlighting the utility of ambient noise monitoring in connecting seismology with urban dynamics.
‘Brasilia Is Blood on a Tennis Court’
Literature can serve as a powerful tool for architectural criticism, offering deeper insights into the built environment's sensory and affective dimensions. This study introduces Julia Kristeva's 'semiotic' framework to challenge traditional phenomenological approaches, using Clarice Lispector's experimental writing on Brasília as a case study. By focusing on metaphor, it demonstrates how literary language can disrupt fixed interpretations, bridging gaps between perception, affection, and architectural experience. The research highlights the potential of literature to critically rethink the relationship between the body and architectural structures, providing an innovative lens for spatial analysis.
Inclusão e exclusão em Brasília
A long-standing research group's work on Brasília reveals the city as a unique urban landscape characterized by fragmentation, low densities, territorial dispersion, and stark socio-spatial stratification. These attributes, deeply influenced by its history and the researchers' disciplinary backgrounds, highlight how Brasília's peculiarities shape its urban morphology. The study underscores the importance of contextual factors in urban studies, offering insights into the complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within this planned capital city.
Social vulnerabilities of female waste pickers in Brasília, Brazil
Female waste pickers in Brasília, Brazil, face significant social vulnerabilities that exacerbate their exposure to health risks. A study of 1,025 waste pickers at Estrutural’s dumpsite revealed that 67% were women, most of whom lived without partners (73.7%), had three to four children (47.8%), and earned lower monthly incomes (62.6%). These findings highlight the disproportionate burden faced by female waste pickers, who are more likely to experience adverse health effects due to occupational hazards while also managing greater family responsibilities. The research employed a quantitative cross-sectional epidemiological approach with semi-structured data to identify gender disparities in this vulnerable population. Such insights underscore the need for targeted interventions to address both occupational and social challenges affecting female waste pickers globally.
Two childhoods, two neighborhoods, and one city: utopias and dystopias in Brasilia
Children's experiences in Brasilia's neighborhoods reveal that perceptions of utopia and dystopia are not binary but amalgamated, shaped by personal meanings and relationships with place. The study used urban sensory ethnography, combining narrated walks, georeferenced filming, and analyses of two children's narratives in contrasting neighborhoods—the model superblock and Vila do Boa—to explore these dynamics. Findings challenge the oppositional framework of Brasilia’s Pilot Plan, showing that children integrate utopian and dystopian elements fluidly, reflecting their lived realities.
A Reforma da Saúde de Brasília, Brasil
Between 2015 and 2018, Brasília's Health Sector Reform achieved significant advancements in healthcare management by strengthening primary care, reorganizing secondary care, establishing a regulatory health complex, and implementing regionalization and decentralization strategies. The reform also introduced systematic contracting mechanisms and a new management model for the city's main public hospital. This comprehensive approach aimed to improve healthcare efficiency and accessibility while addressing the needs of Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its modernist urban planning.
The Evolution of Urban Spatial Structure in Brasília: Focusing on the Role of Urban Development Policies
Brasília's urban spatial evolution, shaped by Lucio Costa's vision and subsequent development policies, reveals a shift from polycentric to strategically coordinated growth. This study identifies that social and political drivers have increasingly influenced the city's spatial organization, replacing earlier dispersed satellite city models. By analyzing three key aspects—planning intentions, territorial governance, and external conditions—the research underscores the need for a more adaptive and coordinated metropolitan development framework in Brasília. This approach could enhance interrelations within the city and improve governance processes, offering insights applicable to other planned urban landscapes.
Typological analysis of slidequakes emitted from landslides: experiments on an expander body pile and Sobradinho landslide (Brasilia, Brazil)
Researchers have identified distinct microseismic signals, or 'slidequakes,' emitted from landslides under natural and controlled conditions. The study compared slidequakes from the Sobradinho landslide in Brasília, Brazil, triggered by rainfall, with those generated during a pullout test of an expander body (EB) pile in tropical soil. Using mini-arrays of seismometers, the team analyzed signal characteristics, revealing short-duration microseismic events in the EB pile test and more varied signals at Sobradinho, possibly linked to river bedload energy during heavy rains. The findings offer new insights into the pre-collapse dynamics of unstable clayey slopes, though the ambiguity around source mechanisms highlights the need for longer data campaigns.
Women’s perspective in pedestrian mobility planning: the case of Brasília
A study on women's pedestrian mobility in Brasília, Brazil, reveals that the exclusive presence of men in public spaces significantly influences women's walking behavior, making them feel insecure and limiting their autonomy. This finding underscores systemic gender oppression in urban environments, regardless of cultural or social differences. The research, based on a qualitative analysis of responses from 233 women across 18 administrative regions, highlights the need for urban planners to integrate gender perspectives into infrastructure and transportation planning. It draws from a broader database developed by Adriana Souza, emphasizing the intersection of mobility, culture, and gender dynamics in planned cities like Brasília.
Life cycle carbon emissions inventory of brick masonry and light steel framing houses in Brasilia: proposal of design guidelines for low-carbon social housing
Brick masonry houses in Brasília emit significantly less carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq) over their lifecycle compared to light steel framing houses, with the operational phase contributing 50–70% of total emissions. This study highlights that construction accounts for 20–30%, maintenance 11–20%, and end-of-life phases negligible emissions (<1%). The findings underscore the importance of considering varying CO₂eq emission factors from Brazil's electrical grid when assessing operational phase impacts, as well as the influence of occupancy schedules (full vs. part-time). Based on these insights, design guidelines for low-carbon social housing were proposed to mitigate environmental footprints in urban development.
Seeing Like a State
James C. Scott's analysis reveals that large-scale authoritarian planning schemes, such as those seen in Brasilia and other global contexts, often fail due to their disregard for complex local interdependencies and practical knowledge. These plans, driven by high-modernist ideologies and state power, impose schematic visions that disrupt rather than improve human conditions. The study identifies four common conditions leading to these disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, overconfidence in scientific progress, authoritarian interventions, and weak civil resistance. By contrasting formal epistemic knowledge with local practical knowledge, Scott argues for a more inclusive approach to development that respects the values and objections of affected communities.
Spectral Analysis of the Recorded Ambient Vibration at a Mass Movement in Brasilia
A spectral analysis of ambient vibrations at a mass movement site in Brasília, Brazil, reveals strong correlations between noise frequency content and man-induced emissions, particularly from nearby carbonate mining. The study utilized Power Spectral Density (PSD) to characterize noise sources, employing 10 short-period seismometers with a natural frequency response of 2 Hz, recorded at a sampling rate of 250 samples per second. Preliminary findings suggest that while human activities significantly influence vibration patterns, future research will focus on natural factors such as rainfall-induced saturation and seismic activity to better understand their role in altering mechanical properties and landslide dynamics.
Dinâmicas de expansão do arranjo urbano-regional Brasília-Anápolis-Goiânia
The urban-regional arrangement of Brasília-Anápolis-Goiânia exhibits dynamic expansion patterns driven by the imobiliary sector, heavily influenced by agribusiness revenue. This study reveals that while wealth generated in surrounding areas fuels urban valorization, it does not alleviate existing inequalities, instead exacerbating spatial fragmentation and discontinuity. The research employs a socio-spatial analysis to explore these dynamics, focusing on the distinct expansion models of Goiânia and Anápolis. It highlights how this arrangement reflects contemporary metropolization processes, characterized by dense yet discontinuous urban morphologies that sustain geographical expansion while perpetuating social disparities.
Environmental Benefits from CO2 Reduction Due to Modal Replacement: A Light Rail Vehicle Case Study in Brasilia City
Replacing urban buses with Light Rail Vehicles (VLTs) in Brasília significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, offering substantial environmental benefits. A case study along Via W-3 South demonstrated measurable reductions in atmospheric CO₂, converted into carbon credits to quantify economic value. The research applied the Theory of Externalities and a Top-Down method to assess direct emissions, revealing the positive impact of modal shifts on urban sustainability.
Riscos de incêndios florestais no parque nacional de Brasília. Brasil
A significant portion of the Parque Nacional de Brasília, covering 83% of its area, is at high to very high risk of forest fires, with 3% facing extreme risk. This finding stems from a study that developed a fire risk model using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), incorporating variables such as land use, terrain slope, slope orientation, and road networks. The methodology was validated against recorded fire hotspots in 2010 and successfully replicated in other areas within the Cerrado biome, providing a strategic framework for fire combat planning.
Spatial impacts of the creation of Brasília: A natural experiment
A massive development initiative, such as the creation of Brasília and its associated highway network, had only limited population impacts and zero per capita income effects on Brazil's spatial structure outside of Brasília itself. Using a unique 'spatial-difference-in-differences' approach, the study examined data spanning 70 years (1939–2008) to test whether Brasília's inauguration in 1960 changed the country's urban population distribution and per capita GDP. The research controlled for various macroeconomic conditions, city-specific factors, convergence forces, industrial structure changes, and agglomeration impacts from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. While the western coastal and interior regions saw a statistically significant increase in their share of Brazil's urban population (from 4.8% in 1959 to 9.0% in 2008), no evidence of per capita income effects related to proximity to Brasília was found, indicating that even large-scale development projects may have limited broader economic impacts.
Brasilia, vers un développement urbain partagé
Brasília's urban development, shaped by mid-20th-century modernist state policies, presents a paradox: while designed to function as a high-quality tertiary city for federal institutions and the modern elite, it also reflects persistent social inequalities. The study reveals that despite efforts to protect its planned structure from spontaneous urban sprawl, Brasília's growth has led to conurbation with surrounding areas, reinforcing poverty, environmental degradation, and social exclusion. This research analyzes the mechanisms, actors, and outcomes of this dual urbanization process, questioning whether a new modernist public action could foster more equitable access to urban resources in the metropolitan region.
Determinantes do Comportamento Ambiental em Brasília
Environmental consciousness in Brasília is strongly linked to higher education levels and the perception of personal effectiveness in environmental actions, even when these actions are small or isolated. This finding emerges from a study that analyzed socio-demographic and psychographic factors influencing environmental behavior among residents. Researchers used logistic regression on questionnaire data to identify key determinants, providing insights for environmental marketing strategies. The results suggest that while education plays a significant role, the belief in one's ability to make a difference—regardless of scale—is a critical driver of pro-environmental behavior.
Estimativa da degradação de fachadas com revestimento cerâmico: estudo de caso de edifícios de Brasília
A study of 90 ceramic-clad facades in Brasília revealed that damage, particularly tile detachment, is most severe on north- and west-facing walls, especially those over 10 years old. The research developed a systematic methodology to inspect, map, and quantify pathological manifestations, identifying continuous walls as the most affected regions. By analyzing buildings aged 5–48 years, the study established damage intensity indices linked to solar orientation and age, providing critical insights for assessing facade degradation in ceramic-reinforced structures.
Making Space in Brasilia: Cultural Texts from 2009 to 2014
Brasília’s identity is not static but shaped by dynamic cultural negotiations. This study reveals how music, music videos, creative non-fiction, and poetry from 2009 to 2014—by artists like Nicolas Behr, Ellen Oléria, Viela 17, Sexy Fi, and Augusto Rodrigues—reflect the city’s evolving spatial meanings and resident subjectivities. Drawing on Lefebvre’s and Massey’s theories of social space, the research demonstrates that Brasília’s significance emerges from ongoing cultural interactions rather than fixed geographic boundaries.
Tracing and tracking wastewater-derived substances in freshwater lakes and reservoirs: Anthropogenic gadolinium and geogenic REEs in Lake Paranoá, Brasilia
A significant increase in anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd) in Lake Paranoá, Brasilia, between 2012 and 2013, was detected, serving as a tracer for wastewater-derived substances such as pharmaceuticals. This finding highlights the potential of rare earth element (REE) geochemistry as an inexpensive method to monitor water quality, particularly for reservoirs like Lake Paranoá, which may serve as future drinking water sources. The study analyzed total and dissolved REE and uranium concentrations during dry and wet seasons, revealing distinct M-type lanthanide tetrad effects and large positive Gd anomalies, with the latter likely originating from wastewater treatment plant effluents due to the use of Gd-based contrast agents in medical imaging. Additional inputs, such as aeolian or fluvial sources, may contribute to the observed Ce anomaly.
A Method Using GIS Integrated Voronoi Diagrams for Commuter Rail Station Identification: A Case Study from Brasilia (Brazil)
Researchers developed a GIS-based method using Voronoi diagrams to identify optimal commuter rail station locations, applied in Brasília's Metropolitan Area. The approach integrates point density representing high-activity zones and trip-generating rate weights, resulting in a 'T' Trunk-Feeder framework that enhances multi-modal transportation planning. This model, spanning 69 km with an estimated total travel time of 62 minutes, includes 17 stations strategically linked to metro, LRT, and bus systems, prioritizing integration based on activity density. The study demonstrates how spatial analysis can optimize transit networks for efficient urban mobility.
Challenges for integrated water resources governance in Brasilia metropolitan area
Ineffective participatory governance in Brasília's water management stems from mismatched national regulations and local political dynamics, hindering sustainable partnerships. The study analyzed 13 interviews and local documents to reveal how institutional frameworks and electoral power disrupt collaborative efforts. It highlights the need for policy planning that transcends traditional state-society divides, offering insights into mechanisms that obstruct progress. This analysis underscores the potential pitfalls of local governance while providing practical guidance for governments and civil society.
First Record of Rhynchotermes nasutissimus (Silvestri) (Isoptera: Syntermitinae) Associated with Rat Carrion in Brasília, Brazil
Researchers documented the first instance of Rhynchotermes nasutissimus, a Neotropical leaf litter-feeding termite, associating with rat carrion in an urban area of Brasília, Brazil. This unusual behavior was observed during March 2012, at the end of the wet season, when ten soldiers and 36 workers were found within the dry remains of a rat exposed for one week. The discovery suggests a potential nutritional deficit driving this atypical foraging strategy. The study highlights an unexpected ecological interaction in urban environments, contributing to our understanding of termite behavior under specific conditions.
Mudanças florísticas e estruturais no cerrado sensu stricto ao longo de 27 anos (1985-2012) na Fazenda Água Limpa, Brasília, DF
A 27-year study of the strict cerrado vegetation at Fazenda Água Limpa, Brasília, reveals that periodic fires maintain floristic and structural stability rather than disrupting plant communities. Despite four fire events during the study period (1985–2012), no significant changes in species richness or diversity were observed, suggesting fire acts as a stabilizing force for this ecosystem. However, prolonged fire suppression could lead to substantial shifts in flora and structure, indicating the delicate balance between disturbance and conservation in cerrado environments. The research employed continuous inventories across 19 permanent plots (1,000 m² each), providing long-term data on tree community dynamics.
Parametric Modeling of Urban Landscape: Decoding the Brasilia of Lucio Costa from Modernism to Present Days
A novel parametric modeling approach enables the visualization and analysis of urban volume envelopes, offering a tool to decode modernist urban design principles while addressing contemporary land-use challenges. This methodology, applied to Brasilia's Pilot-Plan—a UNESCO-protected modernist masterpiece—uses City Engine software to simulate maximum authorized construction volumes based on planning legislation. It shifts from rigid authorial design to a dynamic framework that captures collective values and supports adaptive decision-making in urban transformation. The technique is scalable, providing a reusable model for other heritage sites facing urban pressure and cultural preservation needs.
Socio-economic indicators and predisposing factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren at Brasília, Brazil: a cross-sectional, population-based study
A significant prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) was found among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Brasília, Brazil, with rates notably higher in private schools (23.40%) compared to public schools (14.63%). The study, conducted as a cross-sectional, population-based survey involving 1,118 participants, identified increased overjet and inadequate lip coverage as key predisposing factors for TDIs. Contrary to expectations, sex, parental income, and educational level were not associated with the occurrence of dental trauma. This research highlights the importance of oral health interventions targeting children with specific physical characteristics, particularly those with prominent front teeth or insufficient lip coverage.
The Brasília Experiment: Road Access and the Spatial Pattern of Long-Term Local Development in Brazil
Road expansion in Brazil, from the 1960s to the 2000s, significantly shaped economic growth and spatial development. The study reveals a dual impact: while roads concentrated economic activity and population around major southern centers, they also spurred the emergence of secondary economic hubs in the less developed North. Roads accounted for half of per capita GDP growth, reducing spatial inequality. To address endogeneity in infrastructure location, researchers used Brasília's creation as a 'natural experiment,' leveraging its unique historical context to isolate the effects of road access on development patterns.
The Glocalization Process of Shin Buddhism in Brasilia
Shin Buddhism in Brasília undergoes a glocalization process, blending external cultural influences with local practices to create unique religious expressions. This study highlights how clergy-driven innovation, particularly the integration of meditation, adapts Shin Buddhist practices to meet local demands for self-cultivation. The research combines historical and sociological analysis to examine the temple’s contemporary role in Brasília, demonstrating how cultural interaction fosters novel religious forms.
Validación de modelos constitutivos avanzados de comportamiento mecánico para la arcilla estructurada de Brasilia
Advanced constitutive models that account for soil structure and cementation show varying degrees of accuracy when simulating the mechanical behavior of Brasilia's clay, with Hypoplasticity combined with a structure law emerging as the most effective approach. This study validated three models—Cam Clay with structure, Subloading Cam Clay, and Hypoplasticity with structure—using triaxial tests and numerical simulations on undisturbed clay samples from Brasilia. While all models improved upon classical approaches by incorporating structural variables, Hypoplasticity demonstrated superior performance in capturing the material's mechanical response. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate constitutive models for accurate geotechnical analysis, particularly in structured and cemented soils.
Design of the Brasilia TV Tower
The Brasilia TV Tower, designed by Lucio Costa, exemplifies innovative architectural and engineering integration. This study delves into the structural and aesthetic foundations of the tower, revealing how its concrete base and metal framework were harmoniously merged to achieve both functional and symbolic goals. The research, part of a broader dissertation on Costa's work, employs a detailed analysis of architectural bases and project aspects, offering insights into the interplay between form and structure in modernist design. The findings underscore the tower's significance as a landmark of Brasilia, showcasing its enduring influence on urban planning and architecture.
Ecological aspects of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the gallery forest of Brasilia National Park, Brazil, with an emphasis on potential vectors of yellow fever
A comprehensive study of mosquito populations in Brasília National Park's gallery forest revealed no flavivirus infections among 2,677 culicid specimens analyzed, despite identifying 29 species with distinct vertical and seasonal distributions. The research, conducted from September 2010 to August 2011, found that ground-level mosquito populations surged during the rainy season, with Limatus durhamii uniquely favoring the canopy. Potential yellow fever vectors like Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Aedes scapularis showed low abundance in the dry season, underscoring the need for continued entomological monitoring to mitigate yellow fever transmission risks in vulnerable areas of Brazil's Federal District.
Restoration of the cathedral of Brasilia: challenges and conflicts of restoration of modern architecture
The conservation of modern architecture, exemplified by the Cathedral of Brasília, presents unique challenges due to its innovative use of materials, technologies, and infrastructure systems. Unlike traditional structures, modernist designs like Brasília's cathedral lack established conservation frameworks, necessitating novel approaches to preservation. This study highlights the complexities involved in restoring such landmarks, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies that balance authenticity with contemporary conservation practices.
A Travessia na Faixa de Pedestre em Brasília (DF/ Brasil): Exemplo de uma Intervenção Cultural
A significant cultural shift in pedestrian crossing behavior occurred in Brasília, Brazil, following a coordinated campaign involving key social agencies and the University of Brasília (UnB). Since 1997, nearly all drivers have respected pedestrian crosswalks, a change attributed to sustained advocacy efforts. The study reconstructs this intervention through document analysis and interviews, focusing on behavioral contingencies that drove the shift. Using concepts like macrocontingency and metacontingency, researchers interpret how structured social interactions can reshape public behavior at scale. This case exemplifies how targeted cultural interventions—supported by institutional collaboration—can achieve lasting societal change.
Dinâmica do componente arbóreo de uma mata de galeria inundável (Brasília, Distrito Federal) em um período de oito anos
A study tracking the tree component of a floodplain forest in Brasília, Brazil, over eight years revealed high but balanced dynamics: annual mortality rates reached 4.25%, while recruitment was equally robust at 3.67%. Despite these changes, species diversity remained stable (H' = 2.84–3.02 nats/ind), suggesting resilience in community structure even under anthropogenic pressures. Researchers analyzed 40 plots (0.8 ha) twice (2000 and 2008), recording shifts from 50 to 59 species, yet no significant decline in diversity. The findings underscore the need for long-term studies to inform conservation strategies for these ecologically critical but threatened ecosystems.
Natural reforestation of abandoned eucalypt plantations in the Brasilia National Forest
A long-term equilibrium between eucalypt and native Cerrado species is predicted to emerge after 50 years of natural reforestation in abandoned eucalypt plantations within the Brasilia National Forest, with eucalypts dominating. Field observations indicate that eucalypt species pose no significant threat to adjacent undisturbed Cerrado areas, likely due to the inhibitory effects of native grasses on the dispersal and germination of eucalypt seeds. This conclusion was reached through a discrete event simulation model based on census data from both plantation and native Cerrado areas.
Trophic structure of a fish community in Bananal stream subbasin in Brasília National Park, Cerrado biome (Brazilian Savanna), DF
A study on the Bananal stream subbasin in Brasília National Park, Cerrado biome (Brazilian Savanna), revealed that around 69% of the fish diet consisted of allochthonous resources, highlighting the critical role of riparian vegetation in supporting aquatic fauna. Despite seasonal climate variations, no significant influence on fish diet was observed, likely due to the stabilizing effect of riparian vegetation acting as a transition area. The research analyzed stomach contents of 13 fish species across four samples (two per season) and identified four feeding guilds: detritivores, omnivores, invertivores, and piscivores. This study underscores the importance of undisturbed areas for understanding fish biology and guiding conservation policies, particularly in managing aquatic resources and restoring damaged ecosystems.
Athos Bulcão and the Architecture of Brasilia
Athos Bulcão's integration of art into the architecture of Brasília exemplifies a groundbreaking fusion of modernist design and fine arts, establishing a unique visual identity for the city. His works, characterized by their aesthetic appeal and vibrant colors, represent a significant cultural legacy that reflects the successful collaboration between architecture and artistic expression in Brazil. This essay highlights Bulcão's career, his partnership with key figures, and the enduring impact of his contributions on Brasília's urban landscape.
Autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
A retrospective analysis confirms that visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. The study identified 21 autochthonous human cases between 2005 and 2009, predominantly affecting children (12/21) and residents of the Sobradinho region (16/21). Key findings included the presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies and positive Leishmania serology in dogs across 19 neighborhoods where human cases occurred. The typical clinical presentation—fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia—was observed in 67% of cases, with three fatalities reported. Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi was isolated from one human and twelve canine cases, reinforcing the disease's autochthonous nature.
Brasilia. Monumentality Issues
Brasília, designed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer, exemplifies monumental architecture as both a symbol of national identity and a physical manifestation of Brazil's historical aspirations. The city's design, rooted in the 'March to the West' vision championed by José Bonifácio and later embraced by President Juscelino Kubitschek, integrates volumetric simplicity, scale, and shape to stand out contextually while embodying the nation's past, present, and future ambitions. Niemeyer's Palácio da Alvorada (1956) serves as a case study in how monumental features—unusual size, form, and richness—can elevate architecture beyond functionality into cultural significance.
Conflitos entre macacos-prego e visitantes no Parque Nacional de Brasília: possíveis soluções
A significant increase in conflicts between capuchin monkeys and visitors at the swimming pools of Brasília National Park (PNB) has been linked to food brought by tourists, which attracts the monkeys. Research conducted on-site reveals that these interactions often lead to aggressive behavior from the monkeys, posing risks to visitors' safety and health. The study proposes practical solutions for park management to mitigate these conflicts, including better waste management, visitor education, and environmental enrichment strategies for the monkeys. These recommendations aim to reduce human-monkey interactions while preserving the ecological balance of the park.
Energy Efficiency Code in Brazil: Experiences in the First Public Building Labeled in Brasilia
A pioneering energy efficiency code for commercial, public, and service buildings was introduced in Brazil in 2009, marking the first labeled building in Brasilia. This study reveals that prescriptive criteria and energy performance simulations yielded consistent results, though it also highlighted the need for enhanced simulation capabilities to address cases where prescriptive methods fall short. The research, conducted by the Laboratory of Environmental Comfort and Energy Efficiency (LACAM) at the University of Brasília, underscores the importance of rapid implementation and expertise development to facilitate the widespread adoption of energy efficiency standards in Brazil.
The Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia
A groundbreaking architectural analysis reveals the Itamaraty Palace, a masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer in Brasilia, through its intricate spatial organization and innovative design. The study highlights the palace's terrace, or 'varanda,' as its defining feature, showcasing Niemeyer's ability to blend constructive complexity with spatial correlations. By dissecting the building's design, the research underscores its significance within the broader context of modernist architecture in Brazil. This approach combines architectural theory with practical analysis, offering insights into Niemeyer's method and its enduring influence on global design.
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