Diversity, host specialization, and geographic structure of filarial nematodes infecting Malagasy bats

We investigated filarial infection in Malagasy bats to gain insights into the diversity of these parasites and explore the factors shaping their distribution. Samples were obtained from 947 individual bats collected from 52 sites on Madagascar and representing 31 of the 44 species currently recognized on the island. Samples were screened for the presence of micro-and macro-parasites through both molecular and morphological approaches. Phylogenetic analyses showed that filarial diversity in Malagasy bats formed three main groups, the most common represented by Litomosa spp. infecting Miniopterus spp. (Miniopteridae); a second group infecting Pipistrellus cf. hesperidus (Vespertilionidae) embedded within the Litomosoides cluster, which is recognized herein for the first time from Madagascar; and a third group composed of lineages with no clear genetic relationship to both previously described filarial nematodes and found in M. griveaudi, Myotis goudoti, Neoromicia matroka (Vespertilionidae), Otomops madagascariensis (Molossidae), and Paratriaenops furculus (Hipposideridae). We further analyzed the infection rates and distribution pattern of Litomosa spp., which was the most diverse and prevalent filarial taxon in our sample. Filarial infection was disproportionally more common in males than females in Miniopterus spp., which might be explained by some aspect of roosting behavior of these cave-dwelling bats. We also found marked geographic structure in the three Litomosa clades, mainly linked to bioclimatic conditions rather than host-parasite associations. While this study demonstrates distinct patterns of filarial nematode infection in Malagasy bats and highlights potential drivers of associated geographic distributions, future work should focus on their alpha taxonomy and characterize arthropod vectors

Developments in hydrology of mountainous areas

This report is simultaneously the annual report n°4 of the AMHY Group of FRIEND, and this of the UNESCO IHP IV project n° H-5-6 named "Hydrology of mountaineous areas". It deals with several aspects of regional hydrology in mountains (AMHY and H-5-6), in mediterranean regions (AMHY) and in Carpathes (H-5-6). It represents also the proceedings of the Stara Lesna (Slovaquia) meeting in 1994." / Ce document est à la fois le rapport annuel n°4 du Groupe AMHY de FRIEND et le compte-rendu d'un petit projet de l'Unesco dit "Hydrologie de montagne" (projet numéroté H-5-6 dans le PHI IV). Il traite de divers aspects de l'hydrologie régionale en zone alpine et méditerranéenne (partie AMHY), et des spécificités de l'hydrologie des Carpathes (partie H-5-6). Il rend compte des travaux réalisés dans le Groupe AMHY durant l'année 1994-95, et des communications présentées à la réunion annuelle 1994 de Stara Lesna (Slovaquie)

Criação dos sistemas municipais de ensino Establishment of city teaching systems

A criação dos sistemas municipais de ensino tornou-se possível a partir da nova Constituição e da nova Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional. A legislação previa, também, como opção do município criar seu próprio sistema ou compor com o Estado um sistema único ou, ainda, manter-se integrado ao sistema estadual. O presente texto trata da criação do sistema de ensino em nove municípios de Minas Gerais. Por meio de análise documental, questionários e entrevistas foi possível observar que a criação dos sistemas municipais de ensino significa uma opção do município para assumir sua autonomia e abre possibilidade de maior participação social nas decisões de política local. Um estudo sobre essa realidade precisa levar em conta o pacto federativo, as desigualdades regionais e as relações internacionais. O Brasil precisa consolidar o seu sistema e ao mesmo tempo sofre pressões para descentralizar, flexibilizar e expandir a escolarização privada. Têm sido questões permanentes: a questão federativa, as disputas ante a descentralização, a autonomia e a distribuição de competências e responsabilidades entre os entes federativos.<br>The promulgation of the new Constitution and of the new "Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional" (Brazilian Education Basic Tenets Law) allowed the establishment of City Teaching Systems. The legislation also provided that local councils could either create their own system, make up one system with the Federal Government or keep integrated to their State teaching system. The present study explores the establishment of teaching systems in nine cities in the State of Minas Gerais. Together with questionnaires and interviews, the analyses of documents show that the establishment of city teaching systems represented an option for local councils to assume autonomy and opened up possibilities for a greater social participation in the local political decisions. A study on this reality needs to take into consideration the federative pact, the regional inequalities, and the international relations. Brazil needs to consolidate its system but, at the same time, it is under pressure to decentralize, flexibilize and expand private schooling. Permanent issues are: the federative issue, the disputes for decentralization, autonomy, and the distribution of skills and responsibilities among the States