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

Realistic analytic model for the prompt and high-latitude emission in GRBs

‘The definitive version is available at www3.interscience.wiley.com '. Copyright Royal Astronomical Society. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.15355.xMost gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) observed by the Swift satellite show an early steep decay phase (SDP) in their X-ray light curve, which is usually a smooth continuation of the prompt gamma-ray emission, strongly suggesting that it is its tail. However, the mechanism behind it is still not clear. The most popular model for this SDP is high-latitude emission (HLE), in which after the prompt emission from a (quasi-) spherical shell stops photons from increasingly large angles relative to the line of sight still reach the observer, with a smaller Doppler factor. This results in a simple relation between the temporal and spectral indexes, α= 2 +β where Fν∝t−αν−β . While HLE is expected in many models for the prompt GRB emission, such as the popular internal shocks model, there are models in which it is not expected, such as sporadic magnetic reconnection events. Therefore, testing whether the SDP is consistent with HLE can help distinguish between different prompt emission models. In order to adequately address this question in a careful quantitative manner we develop a realistic self-consistent model for the prompt emission and its HLE tail, which can be used for combined temporal and spectral fits to GRB data that would provide strict tests for the HLE model. We model the prompt emission as the sum of its individual pulses with their HLE tails, where each pulse arises from an ultrarelativistic uniform thin spherical shell that emits isotropically in its own rest frame over a finite range of radii. Analytic expressions for the observed flux density are obtained for the internal shock case with a Band function emission spectrum. We find that the observed instantaneous spectrum is also a Band function. Our model naturally produces, at least qualitatively, the observed spectral softening and steepening of the flux decay as the peak photon energy sweeps across the observed energy range. The observed flux during the SDP is initially dominated by the tail of the last pulse, but the tails of one or more earlier pulses can become dominant later on. A simple criterion is given for the dominant pulse at late times. The relation α= 2 +β holds also as β and α change in time. Modelling several overlapping pulses as a single wider pulse would overpredict the emission tail.Peer reviewe

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

Educação profissional e PROEJA: processos de adesão e resistência à implantação de uma experiência Vocational and adult education: adherence and resistance to the implementation of a program

O artigo discute os processos de adesão e resistência docentes na implantação de um curso do PROEJA - Programa Nacional de Integração da Educação Profissional com a Educação Básica na Modalidade de EJA - em uma escola agrícola federal. Foi um estudo qualitativo, com análise de documentos e de entrevistas com docentes e coordenadores que acompanharam o processo de criação do curso. Os docentes manifestam diferentes formas de adesão e resistência ao programa, manifestações que se expressam em distintos posicionamentos com relação ao Curso e sua organização pedagógica, à prática pedagógica, ao projeto político-pedagógico e ao dia a dia das aulas. As resistências ao programa deixam lacunas na formação dos alunos, como indicado nos depoimentos dos professores. Todavia, percebe-se que a resistência ao Programa, por parte de alguns, foi diminuindo à medida que se envolveram com o curso, mas trata-se de um processo lento, contínuo e vulnerável a ações externas.<br>This article discusses teachers' adherence and/or resistance to the implementation of a vocational education program named 'PROEJA', addressed to young and adult students, in a Federal Agricultural School. Qualitative methodology research was used with documental analysis and interviews with teachers and staff engaged in the program. Teachers manifest several ways of adherence and resistance to the program, expressing their different positions regarding the course and its pedagogic organization and practices, political-pedagogic project, and daily class experience. According to the interviewees, resistance to the program may promote a gap in the students' education. However, resistance has decreased in some cases, as teachers get involved in the course; but it is a slow process, vulnerable to external influences