scholarly journals Contrasted hybridization patterns between two local populations of European wildcats in France

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beugin Marie-Pauline ◽  
Salvador Olivier ◽  
Leblanc Guillaume ◽  
Queney Guillaume ◽  
Natoli Eugenia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Fragmented Habitat ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Northeastern France

ABSTRACTThe European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is threatened across the totality of its area of distribution by hybridization with the domestic cat F.s. catus. The underlying ecological processes promoting hybridization, remain largely unknown. In France, wildcats are mainly present in the North-East but signs of their presence in the Pyrenees have been recently provided. However, no studies have been carried out in the French Pyrenees to assess the genetic status of wildcats. We have compared a local population of wildcats living in a continuous habitat in the French Pyrenees and a local population of wildcats living in a fragmented habitat in Northeastern France to evaluate how habitat fragmentation influence the population structure of European wildcats. Close kin were not found in the same geographic location contrary to what was observed for females in the Northeastern wildcat population. Furthermore, there was no evidence of hybridization in the Pyrenean wildcats and only one domestic cat raised suspicions while hybridization was categorically detected in northeastern France. The two wildcat populations were significantly differentiated (Fst = 0.08) and the genetic diversity of the Pyrenean wildcats was lower than that of other wildcat populations in France and in Europe. Taken together, these results suggest that habitat fragmentation, and in particular the absence of agricultural fields, may play an important role in lowering the probability of hybridization by reducing the likelihood of contact with domestic cats. Moreover, our results suggest that the French Pyrenean wildcat populations is isolated and may be threatened by a lack of genetic diversity.

scholarly journals Rainfall Recovery in North-East Arid Zone of Nigeria: Comparative Analysis of Drought and Post Drought Decades

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abubakar Jajere ◽  
Adam Modu Abbas ◽  
Ali Abdu
Keyword(s):  
Arid Zone ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Rainfall Characteristics ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Sahel Rainfall ◽  
Mean Trend

This study used annual rainfall records from three stations within the North East Arid Zone of Nigeria for the period (1957-2017) to measure the extent of the rainfall recovery by comparing the drought decades and post drought decades rainfall patterns. Monthly rainfall records from Potiskum, Maiduguri and Nguru Stations were used. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed in analysing the data. The findings of the study revealed a significant year-to-year variability in rainfall characteristics around 61 years (1957-2017) averages. The variability was large in 1970s up till 1990s, and lower in 1960s and from 2000 to 2018. Decreasing trend in annual rainfall amount was observed during the study period while a stability in onset and cessation dates were observed. The differences between 1957-1986 and 1987-2017 climatic season were found to be statistically insignificant. The study concluded that the reported rainfall recovery from drought is statistically insignificant and the observed long term mean trend revealed a decreasing trend. Therefore, the theory of Sahel rainfall recovery can be better termed as a ‘’break of the series of drought or decline in frequency and magnitude of occurrence of drought’’ The research recommended the continuations with the drought adaptation and mitigation strategies adopted by local population, decisions makers and organizations following the series Sahelian droughts of 1970s and 1980s.

A New Act East Approach: Revisiting INDO-ASEAN Relations via Northeast Window

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina Hassan Khaki
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Location ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Land Bridge ◽  
Border States ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
East Region ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Look

The idea envisaged under the Look East Policy was to interact and build relationships with our immediate strategic neighbourhood in the east, namely Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. It was believed that trade with the neighbouring countries would resurrect the economies of the border-states in the region, bringing peace and stability. The objective of the policy predominantly focuses on the regional economic integration with renewed emphasis on the development of the North East Region of India. Most recently, development of the North Eastern Region has been the need of the hour and the Look East Policy for the advancement of the Region is Initiating a number of substantive endeavours. One among the several geostrategic imperatives that necessitate the development of North East Region is the border it shares with Myanmar. It was perceived if ASEAN was gateway to wider Asia Pacific Region, Myanmar was a land bridge to ASEAN and North East Region the gateway to Myanmar. In spite of being at a congenial geographic location to grasp the benefits from Indo-ASEAN cooperation the North East Region is cited as one of the remote landlocked regions of vibrant Indian Economy that has miserably failed to taste the fruits of development. This paper discusses how Look East Policy is fundamentally induced to diminish India’s internal development disparity by promoting the significance of the North east as gateway to east; to critically analyse the reasons for major disconnect between Look East Policy’s vision and ground realities so far as north east is concerned and to devise possible policy solutions for greater engagement and development of the region so that it will not remain just a corridor.

scholarly journals A GIS-BASED DRASTIC MODEL: THE BOUMAIZA PLAIN (NORTH-EAST ALGERIA)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-53
Author(s):  
Attoui Badra ◽  
Sayad Lamine ◽  
Benrabah Samia ◽  
Daoud Rabia
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Index Method ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Numerical Rating ◽  
Soil Media ◽  
Hydrogeological System

The plain of Boumaiza is located in the north east of Algeria in the wilaya of Skikda. This region is characterized by agricultural activity and is subject to a mediterranean climate. This agricultural development is liable to contaminate the groundwater heavily loaded by the local population for its drinking water needs. In order to highlight the state of vulnerability to groundwater pollution of the captive aquifer, which is composed of sands and gravels and pebbles, it is based on a marly substratum, GIS-based DRASTIC Index method has been applied in the aquifer of Boumaiza Plain. This method is presented in the form of numerical rating systems based on consideration of the different factors influencing the hydrogeological system, where a note and a weight are affected and varying with each parameter used. This method is based in the parameters like depth to the groundwater, net recharge, Aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity. The results show that the study area is characterized by a low and medium vulnerability to pollution.

scholarly journals Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Orobanche foetida Populations From Tunisia Using RADseq

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Boukteb ◽  
Shota Sakaguchi ◽  
Yasunori Ichihashi ◽  
Mohamed Kharrat ◽  
Atsushi J. Nagano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Faba Bean ◽  
Isolation By Distance ◽  
Distance Effect ◽  
Wild Plant ◽  
Clustering Methods ◽  
North West ◽  
North East ◽  
The North

Orobanche foetida Poiret is a holoparasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and totally depending on its host for its growth. Orobanche foetida parasitizes host plant roots and extract nutrient and water via a haustorium. Although O. foetida distributes in the Mediterranean region as a wild plant parasite, it parasitizes faba bean causing serious damages which may reach 90% yield losses in Tunisia. Analysis of genetic diversity of the parasite is important to better understand its evolution and spread, remained largely unknown. In this work, we present the first study on genetic diversity and population structure using the robust technique Restriction-site-Associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) for Orobanche spp. We collected 244 samples of O. foetida from 18 faba bean fields in the north of Tunisia including 17 populations from the north-west and one population form the north-east. To overcome the difficulty of SNP discovery in O. foetida genome as a non-model and tetraploid plant, we utilized three different informatics pipelines, namely UNEAK, pyRAD and Stacks. This study showed that genetic differentiation occurred in the Tunisian O. foetida emphasizing the isolation by distance effect. However, no strong population clustering was detected in this work basing on the three data sets and clustering methods used. The present study shed the light on the current distribution and the genetic variation situation of the fetid broomrape in Tunisia, highlighting the importance of understanding the evolution of this parasite and its genetic background. This will aid in developing efficient strategies to control this parasite and its expansion in Tunisia and worldwide.

scholarly journals Conception of a macroseismic catalogue for Catalonia (Spain)

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Susagna ◽  
X. Goula ◽  
A. Roca
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Location ◽  
Seismic Hazard Assessment ◽  
Data Bank ◽  
Historical Research ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Focal Parameters ◽  
Bank System ◽  
Instrumental Records ◽  
Macroseismic Information

Since 1989 the Servei Geològic de Catalunya has been collecting macroseismic information of the North East of Spain and the South of France to create a comprehensive and reliable Catalogue which would be of use in seismic hazard assessment. Existing compilations have been submitted to a critical analysis and comparison, bearing in mind the resu1ts of recent historical research. For the seismicity of the present century macroseismic information is being studied by analyzing the original questionnaires. For each earthquake the felt intensities are stored on a data bank system. Due to the geographic location of the area under scrutiny, near the French border, collaboration with French agencies has been necessary to achieve joint information for Pyrenean earthquakes. Ancient instrumental records taken in two observatories (FBR and EBR) working since the beginning of this century have helped to determine focal parameters.

Effects of slash-and-burn fallow periods on landscape structure

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Paul Metzger
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Fallow Period ◽  
Slash And Burn ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Secondary Vegetation

Slash-and-burn is a widespread agricultural system practised by more than 250 million people in tropical regions. It is sustainable when fallow periods allow for the restoration of organic matter and nutrient losses that occur during the cropping phase. However, fallow periods have been reduced in most slash-and-burn systems as population density has increased. The consequent landscape structure modification occurring throughout this process can affect several ecological processes. As a first step in understanding these modifications, the present study aimed to test the effects of fallow period reduction on landscape structure by examining a total of 34 lots of 25–250 ha each in the north-east of the Brazilian Amazon. Sixteen lots with long fallow periods (about 10 years) were compared with 18 lots where fallow periods were reduced to c. four years. The reduction in fallow period created a more homogeneous landscape, largely dominated by agricultural and young secondary vegetation. The main mechanism leading to this homogenization was a more intensive use of initial secondary vegetation for agriculture. On average, the percentage of land used more intensively for agriculture was four times higher in short fallow period areas than in long-period areas. The increase in agricultural area is related to both an increase in the number of agricultural fields and also to an increase in the area of these fields. The proportions of forest and old secondary vegetation in the landscape were reduced as a consequence of a reduction in patch size, without significant fragmentation or patch losses. These structural changes appeared to be more usual in large properties belonging to several families. Further studies are needed to understand the consequences of these modifications for landscape functioning, but it is possible to speculate, based on previous studies, that these structural changes can lead to a reduction in the speed of regeneration processes.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates belonging to katG gyrA group 2 are associated with clustered cases of tuberculosis in Italian patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Dolzani ◽  
M. Rosato ◽  
B. Sartori ◽  
E. Banfi ◽  
C. Lagatolla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Rflp Analysis ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Fifty-one consecutive isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, collected during a 2-year period in the north-east of Italy, were subjected to IS6110-RFLP analysis to detect the presence of clusters and assigned to one of the three genotypic groups delineated by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes katG and gyrA. All the isolates collected from the local population belonged to group 2 or 3, while group 1 isolates were found only in specimens collected from African immigrants. Clustered cases of tuberculosis, which are likely to be related to recently transmitted infection, were found to be significantly associated with katG gyrA group 2. In the local situation, strains belonging to this group may therefore present a higher risk of transmission.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity, gene flow and hybridization in fan-shaped sponges (Phakellia spp.) in the North-East Atlantic deep sea

2021 ◽  
pp. 103685
Author(s):  
Sergi Taboada ◽  
Pilar Ríos ◽  
Alex Mitchell ◽  
Alex Cranston ◽  
Kathrin Busch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Deep Sea ◽  
East Atlantic ◽  
North East ◽  
The North

Characterizing the taxonomic status of Sphingonotus caerulans in the upper Rhine Valley of Alsace (France) (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oedipodinae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-519
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Vacher ◽  
Roberto D'Agostino ◽  
Sylvain Ursenbacher
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Actual Distribution ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Northeastern France ◽  
Southern Half ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Rhine Valley ◽  
Upper Rhine

Sphingonotus is a genus of grasshoppers that contains species groups with several closely related species, among which Sphingonotus caerulans and an unnamed Sphingonotus that are found in continental France. The exact distribution of both species is still under investigation, but it is believed that S. caerulans might be restricted to the northern part of the country, and that Sphingonotus sp. occurs in the southern half and might reach the north east. We explored the genetic identity of Sphingonotus grasshoppers in the upper Rhine Valley of Alsace (northeastern France) using combined fragments of mtDNA ND5 and cytb genes included with other available samples in ML and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses. The results indicate that the five specimens sampled within this region belong to S. caerulans. The actual distribution of Sphingonotus sp. in France remains to be investigated with wider sampling, especially to get a better knowledge on its northern limit.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document