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

Measuring the Quality of the Lakeside Tourist Destinations: Case Study of Lake Palić and Lake Srebrno (Serbia)

The purpose of this study is to determine the dimensions of the lakeside tourist destinations quality through the cases of Lake Palić and Lake Srebrno (Serbia), by interviewing daily visitors and tourists and to determine which dimensions of quality have a crucial impact on the overall satisfaction of daily visitors and tourists. Various models have been developed to measure quality. In this paper, the quality is measured by the model that is appropriate for lakeside tourist destinations, developed by Ryan, Huimin, and Chon (2010). Five dimensions of quality were identified and named as: additional tourist infrastructure, lake water quality, natural environment, hospitality and cleanness of the place. The results showed that the measured quality model largely predicts overall satisfaction of daily visitors and tourists on the destination. The dimension lake water quality has the most effects on the overall satisfaction. Further research could use this research by adding some other quality dimensions into consideration (e.g. quality of service, situational conditions, destination management) in examining the effect of destination’s quality on satisfaction of daily visitors and tourists. The research is important to managers of lakeside tourist destinations who tend to have highly satisfied guests and who work on promotion and improvement of destination quality

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