The dominant Anopheles vectors of human malaria in the Asia-Pacific region: occurrence data, distribution maps and bionomic précis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The final article in a series of three publications examining the global distribution of 41 dominant vector species (DVS) of malaria is presented here. The first publication examined the DVS from the Americas, with the second covering those species present in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Here we discuss the 19 DVS of the Asian-Pacific region. This region experiences a high diversity of vector species, many occurring sympatrically, which, combined with the occurrence of a high number of species complexes and suspected species complexes, and behavioural plasticity of many of these major vectors, adds a level of entomological complexity not comparable elsewhere globally. To try and untangle the intricacy of the vectors of this region and to increase the effectiveness of vector control interventions, an understanding of the contemporary distribution of each species, combined with a synthesis of the current knowledge of their behaviour and ecology is needed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Expert opinion (EO) range maps, created with the most up-to-date expert knowledge of each DVS distribution, were combined with a contemporary database of occurrence data and a suite of open access, environmental and climatic variables. Using the Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) modelling method, distribution maps of each DVS were produced. The occurrence data were abstracted from the formal, published literature, plus other relevant sources, resulting in the collation of DVS occurrence at 10116 locations across 31 countries, of which 8853 were successfully geo-referenced and 7430 were resolved to spatial areas that could be included in the BRT model. A detailed summary of the information on the bionomics of each species and species complex is also presented.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This article concludes a project aimed to establish the contemporary global distribution of the DVS of malaria. The three articles produced are intended as a detailed reference for scientists continuing research into the aspects of taxonomy, biology and ecology relevant to species-specific vector control. This research is particularly relevant to help unravel the complicated taxonomic status, ecology and epidemiology of the vectors of the Asia-Pacific region. All the occurrence data, predictive maps and EO-shape files generated during the production of these publications will be made available in the public domain. We hope that this will encourage data sharing to improve future iterations of the distribution maps.</p

Analysis of soil radon data in earthquake precursory studies

Soil radon data were recorded at two selected sites along Mat fault in Mizoram (India), which lies in the highest seismic zone in India. The study was carried out during July 2011 to May 2013 using LR-115 Type II films. Precursory changes in radon concentration were observed prior to some earthquakes that occurred around the measuring sites. Positive correlation was found between the measured radon data and the seismic activity in the region. Statistical analysis of the radon data together with the meteorological parameters was done using Multiple Regression Method. Results obtained show that the method employed was useful for removing the effect of meteorological parameters and to identify radon maxima possibly caused by seismic activity.</p

Photographs of <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp.

<div><p><b>nov</b>. Scale bar in every figure is 20 mm.</p> <p>A. <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp. nov., holotype, vertical burrow consisting of cylindrical segments with uniform dimensions, lower part shows variation in segment direction. (Registration No. Ich/D/46).</p> <p>B. <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp. nov., <i>Paratype</i>, vertical burrow with uniform segments. Upper and lower parts are poorly preserved. </p> <p>C. <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp. nov., <i>Paratype</i>, close-up of <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0077839#pone-0077839-g002" target="_blank">Figure 2B</a> shows equi-dimensional segments with horizontal shallow interspaces. <i>Note</i>: Upper and lower parts of the burrow are broken. </p> <p>D. <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp. nov., <i>Paratype</i>, steeply inclined burrow shows variable dimension of the cylindical segments and interspaces are inclined towards the left side. </p> <p>E. <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp. nov., <i>Paratype</i>, steeply inclined burrow shows variable dimension of the segments and interspaces are inclined towards the left side.</p> <p>F. <i>Funalichnus bhubani</i> isp. nov., <i>Paratype</i>, steeply inclined and gently bend showing more irregular forms of segments. Interspaces are inclined towards the right side (Registration No. Ich/D/47). </p> <p>G. Cross section of <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0077839#pone-0077839-g002" target="_blank">Figure 2F</a> showing circular outline. </p></div