Global sensitivity analysis in environmental water quality modelling: Where do we stand?

Global sensitivity analysis (GSA) is a valuable tool to support the use of mathematical models for environmental systems. During the last years the water quality modelling field has embraced the use of GSA. Environmental water quality modellers have tried to transfer the knowledge and experience acquired in other disciplines. The main objective of this paper is to provide an informed problem statement of the issues surrounding GSA applications in the environmental water quality modelling field. Specifically, this paper aims at identifying, for each GSA method, the potential use, the critical issues to be solved and the limits identified in a comprehensive literature review. The paper shows that the GSA methods are not mostly applied by using the numerical settings as suggested in the literature for other application fields. However, some authors have emphasized that the modeller must take care in employing such \u201cdefault\u201d numerical settings because,for complex water quality models, different GSA methods have been shown to provide different results depending on the settings. Quantitative convergence analysis has been identified as a key element for GSA quality control that merits further investigations for GSA application in the environmental water quality modelling field

Suivi du Gecko Phelsuma serraticauda (Squamata : Gekkonidae) dans la région Atsinanana, dans l’est de Madagascar

Cette étude a été effectuée sur le Gecko Phelsuma serraticaudadurant les mois d’octobre et décembre 2008 dans 57 sites dans l’est et nord - est de Madagascar. Elle a pour objectifs de déterminer l’aire de distribution dans l’est de Madagascar et l’utilisation d’habitat de cette espèce pour sa conservation et son utilisation durable. La plupart des observations des individus sur les plantes sont sur le cocotier Cocos nucifera (84,3 % ) et le fruit de pain Artocarpus altilis (4,9 % ), avec 8,3 % sur le mur d’une maison en bois. Le nombre de P. serraticauda varie entre un et cinq par biotope avec une moyenne de 2,6 ± 0,2 pour l’ensemble des plantes et de 1,7 ± 0,4 pour les maisons. Parmi les 29 pieds de cocotier, 34 % sont occupés chacun par un seul individu mâle ou femelle, 14 % par deux femelles, 10 % par deux mâles, 10 % par un mâle et une femelle, et 10 % par deux mâles et une femelle. Le nombre moyen de mâle a été 1,06 ± 0,20 et 1,00 ± 0,15 pour la femelle. Sur les quatre maisons visitées, trois sont occupées chacune par une femelle et la dernière par trois mâles et deux femelles. Le nombre moyen de mâles a été 0,75 ± 0,75 et de 1,25 ± 0,25 pour les femelles. Phelsuma serraticauda est rarement trouvé sur des eucalyptus, Artocarpus heterophylllus et autres palmiers. Cette espèce n’est pas recensée dans la forêt humide de basse altitude d’Analalava, à la périphérie de la forêt littorale d’Antetezana et dans la plantation de Ravenala madagascariensis. L’analyse des matières fécales a montré que l’espèce se nourrit principalement d’araignées, coléoptères, hyménoptères, hémiptères et de leurs larves. Elle est sympatrique avec P. lineata et P. quadriocellata. La collecte de P. serraticauda dans la nature est allouée avec une autorisation légale et suivant le quota fixé par la CITES. Des cas de collecte illicite qui constitue une menace pour l’espèce de P. serraticauda, sont notés pendant cette étude. Compte tenu de l’état actuel des populations de P. serraticauda et de l’absence de mesures de conservation, un système de monitoring et un site de conservation pour cette espèce devraient être mis en place de toute urgence. Cette étude est la première réalisée sur cette espèce dans son état sauvage pour mieux comprendre ses besoins en termes d’habitat et les mesures de conservation à long terme de l’espèce.ABSTRACTThe diurnal gecko Phelsuma serraticauda has a restricted range in eastern and northeastern Madagascar. A study was undertaken in 57 sites mostly in Ivoloina and its surroundings areas in October (phase 1) and December (phase 2) 2008. The main objectives were to elucidate the distribution area in the east of Madagascar and to determine the habitat use of P. serraticauda to help ensure its conservation and sustainable use. Most of the observations on plants were from coconut tree Cocos nucifera (84.3 % ) and breadfruit Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae, 4.9 % ), with 8.3 % from houses. The number of P. serraticauda per biotope varied between one and five with means of 2.6 ± 0.2 for all plants and 1.7 ± 0.4 for the houses. Among the 29 coconut trees, 34 % were each occupied by one male or female, 14 % by two females, 10 % by two males, 10 % by one male and one female, 10 % by two males and one female. The mean number of male of P. serraticauda on the coconut trees was 1.06 ± 0.20 and 1.00 ± 0.15 for female. Among the four analysed houses, three were occupied by one female and one by three males and two females. The mean number of male P. serraticauda on the houses was 0.75 ± 0.75 and 1.25 ± 0.25 for female. Phelsuma serraticauda was also found infrequently on Eucalyptus sp., Artocarpus heterophyllus, and other palm trees such as Dypsis sp. This species of gecko was not recorded in the humid forest of Analalava, in the edge of the Antetezana littoral forest, and in the vast plantation of Ravenala madagascariensis situated in the surrounding-areas of Ivoloina. Results from faecal analysis showed that P. serraticauda prey mostly on spiders, coleopterans and hymenopterans, hemipterans and their larvae. Phelsuma serraticauda was found sympatrically with P. lineata and P. quadriocellata. The collection of this species in the wild is allowed with legal authorization and with respect to the quotas fixed by CITES. We have noted cases of illegal collection of P. serraticauda during this study. The trade constitutes a threat for this gecko. Its populations are fragmented and are also threatened by habitat loss. Bearing in mind the lack of current conservation measures and the present state of the populations of P. serraticauda, a monitoring system and a conservation site for this species should be urgently established. This study is the first on this species in the wild and constitutes the beginning of many studies needed to better understand its habitat requirements and to ensure the long term survival of the species

Microstructural and magnetic characterization of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles

International audienc

Protocol, rationale and design of PEOPLE (Post ExpOsure Prophylaxis for LEprosy in the Comoros and Madagascar): A cluster randomized trial on effectiveness of different modalities of implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis of leprosy contacts

Background: Leprosy is an ancient infectious disease with a global annual incidence that has plateaued above 200,000 new cases since over a decade. New strategies are required to overcome this stalemate. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a single dose of Rifampicin (SDR) has conditionally been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), based on a randomized-controlled-Trial in Bangladesh. More evidence is required. The Post ExpOsure Prophylaxis for Leprosy (PEOPLE) trial will assess effectiveness of different modalities of PEP on the Comoros and Madagascar. Methods: PEOPLE is a cluster-randomized trial with villages selected on previous leprosy-incidence and randomly allocated to four arms. Four annual door-To-door surveys will be performed in all arms. All consenting permanent residents will be screened for leprosy. Leprosy patients will be treated according to international guidelines and eligible contacts will be provided with SDR-PEP. Arm-1 is the comparator in which no PEP will be provided. In arms 2, 3 and 4, SDR-PEP will be provided at double the regular dose (20 mg/kg) to eligible contacts aged two years and above. In arm 2 all household-members of incident leprosy patients are eligible. In arm 3 not only household-members but also neighbourhood contacts living within 100-m of an incident case are eligible. In arm 4 such neighbourhood contacts are only eligible if they test positive to anti-PGL-I, a serological marker. Incidence rate ratios calculated between the comparator arm 1 and each of the intervention arms will constitute the primary outcome. Discussion: Different trials on PEP have yielded varying results. The pivotal COLEP trial in Bangladesh showed a 57% reduction in incidence over a two-year period post-intervention without any rebound in the following years. A study in a high-incidence setting in Indonesia showed no effect of PEP provided to close contacts but a major effect of PEP provided as a blanket measure to an entire island population. High background incidence could be the reason of the lack of effect of PEP provided to individual contacts. The PEOPLE trial will assess effectiveness of PEP in a high incidence setting and will compare three different approaches, to identify who benefits most from PEP. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.Gov. NCT03662022. Initial Protocol Version 1.2, 27-Aug-2018

Microhabitat preference of the critically endangered golden mantella frog in Madagascar

The golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) is a critically endangered (CR) frog, endemic to the eastern rainforests of Madagascar. Although the species is very popular in the pet trade and widely bred in captivity, its specific habitat requirements in the wild are poorly understood. Ten forested sites in the Moramanga district of Madagascar were surveyed for microhabitat and environmental variables, and the presence or absence of golden mantellas in quadrats positioned along transects in the vicinity of breeding sites. Mixed models were used to determine which variables best explained microhabitat use by golden mantellas. Sites where golden mantellas were found tended to have surface temperatures of 2023 ˚C, UVI units at about 2.9, about 30 % canopy cover, and around 30 % herbaceous cover. Within sites, golden mantellas preferred microhabitats that had 70 % leaf litter coverage and relatively low numbers of tree roots. This information can be used to improve the identification and management of habitats in the wild, as well as to refine captive husbandry need

Wildlife supply chains in Madagascar from local collection to global export

International trade in wildlife is a complex multi-billion dollar industry. To supply it, many animals are extracted from the wild, sourced from biodiversity-rich, developing countries. Whilst the trade has far-reaching implications for wildlife protection, there is limited information regarding the socio-economic implications in supply countries. Consequently, a better understanding of the costs and benefits of wildlife supply chains, for both livelihoods and conservation, is required to enhance wildlife trade management and inform its regulation. Using Madagascar as a case study, we used value chain analysis to explore the operation of legal wildlife trade on a national scale; we estimate the number of actors involved, the scale, value and profit distribution along the chain, and explore management options. We find that the supply of wildlife provided economic benefits to a number of actors, from local collectors, to intermediaries, exporters and national authorities. CITES-listed reptiles and amphibians comprised a substantial proportion of the quantity and value of live animal exports with a total minimum export value of 230,795USD per year. Sales prices of reptiles and amphibians increased over 100-fold between local collectors and exporters, with exporters capturing ~92% of final export price (or 57% when their costs are deducted). However, exporters shouldered the largest costs and financial risks. Local collectors obtained ~1.4% of the final sales price, and opportunities for poverty alleviation and incentives for sustainable management from the trade appear to be limited. Promoting collective management of species harvests at the local level may enhance conservation and livelihood benefits. However, this approach requires consideration of property rights and land-tenure systems. The complex and informal nature of some wildlife supply chains make the design and implementation of policy instruments aimed at enhancing conservation and livelihoods challenging. Nevertheless, value chain analysis provides a mechanism by which management actions can be more precisely targeted

Population genomics of mycobacterium ieprae reveals a new genotype in Madagascar and the Comoros

Human settlement of Madagascar traces back to the beginning of the first millennium with the arrival of Austronesians from Southeast Asia, followed by migrations from Africa and the Middle East. Remains of these different cultural, genetic, and linguistic legacies are still present in Madagascar and other islands of the Indian Ocean. The close relationship between human migration and the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, a well-documented phenomenon, is particularly evident for the causative agent of leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and molecular dating to characterize the genetic background and retrace the origin of the M. leprae strains circulating in Madagascar (n = 30) and the Comoros (n = 3), two islands where leprosy is still considered a public health problem and monitored as part of a drug resistance surveillance program. Most M. leprae strains (97%) from Madagascar and Comoros belonged to a new genotype as part of branch 1, closely related to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) type 1D, named 1D-Malagasy. Other strains belonged to the genotype 1A (3%). We sequenced 39 strains from nine other countries, which, together with previously published genomes, amounted to 242 genomes that were used for molecular dating. Specific SNP markers for the new 1D-Malagasy genotype were used to screen samples from 11 countries and revealed this genotype to be restricted to Madagascar, with the sole exception being a strain from Malawi. The overall analysis thus ruled out a possible introduction of leprosy by the Austronesian settlers and suggests a later origin from East Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia.Immunogenetics and cellular immunology of bacterial infectious disease

Simulation énergétique des trajectoires d'électrons rapides à travers la matière

A novel simulation for the transfer function of high energy electrons with initial energy $E_0$ ($\rm 5~keV \leq E_0 \leq 15~keV$) based in an energy analysis of each stage of the diffusion, is presented for CEMS (Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy). The numerical results are in good agreement with ICEMS (Integral Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy) experimental data and with the results of previous simulations.Une nouvelle simulation de la fonction de transfert des électrons d'énergie initiale $E_0$ ($\rm 5~keV \leq E_0 \leq 15~keV$) basée sur une analyse énergétique de chaque étape de la diffusion est proposée pour le CEMS (Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy). Les résultats numériques obtenus, sont en bon accord avec les expériences obtenues en ICEMS (Integral Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy) et avec les résultats des simulations précédentes

Suivi du Gecko <i>Phelsuma serraticauda</i> (Squamata : Gekkonidae) dans la région Atsinanana, dans l’est de Madagascar

Cette &#233;tude a &#233;t&#233; effectu&#233;e sur le Gecko Phelsuma serraticaudadurant les mois d&#8217;octobre et d&#233;cembre 2008 dans 57 sites dans l&#8217;est et nord - est de Madagascar. Elle a pour objectifs de d&#233;terminer l&#8217;aire de distribution dans l&#8217;est de Madagascar et l&#8217;utilisation d&#8217;habitat de cette esp&#232;ce pour sa conservation et son utilisation durable. La plupart des observations des individus sur les plantes sont sur le cocotier Cocos nucifera (84,3 % ) et le fruit de pain Artocarpus altilis (4,9 % ), avec 8,3 % sur le mur d&#8217;une maison en bois. Le nombre de P. serraticauda varie entre un et cinq par biotope avec une moyenne de 2,6 &#177; 0,2 pour l&#8217;ensemble des plantes et de 1,7 &#177; 0,4 pour les maisons. Parmi les 29 pieds de cocotier, 34 % sont occup&#233;s chacun par un seul individu m&#226;le ou femelle, 14 % par deux femelles, 10 % par deux m&#226;les, 10 % par un m&#226;le et une femelle, et 10 % par deux m&#226;les et une femelle. Le nombre moyen de m&#226;le a &#233;t&#233; 1,06 &#177; 0,20 et 1,00 &#177; 0,15 pour la femelle. Sur les quatre maisons visit&#233;es, trois sont occup&#233;es chacune par une femelle et la derni&#232;re par trois m&#226;les et deux femelles. Le nombre moyen de m&#226;les a &#233;t&#233; 0,75 &#177; 0,75 et de 1,25 &#177; 0,25 pour les femelles. Phelsuma serraticauda est rarement trouv&#233; sur des eucalyptus, Artocarpus heterophylllus et autres palmiers. Cette esp&#232;ce n&#8217;est pas recens&#233;e dans la for&#234;t humide de basse altitude d&#8217;Analalava, &#224; la p&#233;riph&#233;rie de la for&#234;t littorale d&#8217;Antetezana et dans la plantation de Ravenala madagascariensis. L&#8217;analyse des mati&#232;res f&#233;cales a montr&#233; que l&#8217;esp&#232;ce se nourrit principalement d&#8217;araign&#233;es, col&#233;opt&#232;res, hym&#233;nopt&#232;res, h&#233;mipt&#232;res et de leurs larves. Elle est sympatrique avec P. lineata et P. quadriocellata. La collecte de P. serraticauda dans la nature est allou&#233;e avec une autorisation l&#233;gale et suivant le quota fix&#233; par la CITES. Des cas de collecte illicite qui constitue une menace pour l&#8217;esp&#232;ce de P. serraticauda, sont not&#233;s pendant cette &#233;tude. Compte tenu de l&#8217;&#233;tat actuel des populations de P. serraticauda et de l&#8217;absence de mesures de conservation, un syst&#232;me de monitoring et un site de conservation pour cette esp&#232;ce devraient &#234;tre mis en place de toute urgence. Cette &#233;tude est la premi&#232;re r&#233;alis&#233;e sur cette esp&#232;ce dans son &#233;tat sauvage pour mieux comprendre ses besoins en termes d&#8217;habitat et les mesures de conservation &#224; long terme de l&#8217;esp&#232;ce.ABSTRACTThe diurnal gecko Phelsuma serraticauda has a restricted range in eastern and northeastern Madagascar. A study was undertaken in 57 sites mostly in Ivoloina and its surroundings areas in October (phase 1) and December (phase 2) 2008. The main objectives were to elucidate the distribution area in the east of Madagascar and to determine the habitat use of P. serraticauda to help ensure its conservation and sustainable use. Most of the observations on plants were from coconut tree Cocos nucifera (84.3 % ) and breadfruit Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae, 4.9 % ), with 8.3 % from houses. The number of P. serraticauda per biotope varied between one and five with means of 2.6 &#177; 0.2 for all plants and 1.7 &#177; 0.4 for the houses. Among the 29 coconut trees, 34 % were each occupied by one male or female, 14 % by two females, 10 % by two males, 10 % by one male and one female, 10 % by two males and one female. The mean number of male of P. serraticauda on the coconut trees was 1.06 &#177; 0.20 and 1.00 &#177; 0.15 for female. Among the four analysed houses, three were occupied by one female and one by three males and two females. The mean number of male P. serraticauda on the houses was 0.75 &#177; 0.75 and 1.25 &#177; 0.25 for female. Phelsuma serraticauda was also found infrequently on Eucalyptus sp., Artocarpus heterophyllus, and other palm trees such as Dypsis sp. This species of gecko was not recorded in the humid forest of Analalava, in the edge of the Antetezana littoral forest, and in the vast plantation of Ravenala madagascariensis situated in the surrounding-areas of Ivoloina. Results from faecal analysis showed that P. serraticauda prey mostly on spiders, coleopterans and hymenopterans, hemipterans and their larvae. Phelsuma serraticauda was found sympatrically with P. lineata and P. quadriocellata. The collection of this species in the wild is allowed with legal authorization and with respect to the quotas fixed by CITES. We have noted cases of illegal collection of P. serraticauda during this study. The trade constitutes a threat for this gecko. Its populations are fragmented and are also threatened by habitat loss. Bearing in mind the lack of current conservation measures and the present state of the populations of P. serraticauda, a monitoring system and a conservation site for this species should be urgently established. This study is the first on this species in the wild and constitutes the beginning of many studies needed to better understand its habitat requirements and to ensure the long term survival of the species

Tuning Physical Properties of NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4@SiO2 Nanoferrites by Thermal Treatment

International audienceThe comparison between NiFe2O4 (co-precipitation) and NiFe2O4@SiO2 (co-precipitation and microemulsion) ferrite nanoparticles in their as-received and annealed form is presented. The structural characterization revealed the gradual crystallization of as-received samples induced by thermal treatment. The existence of cubic inverse spinel ferrite structure with tetrahedral and octahedral iron occupancy is confirmed in all samples by the comprehensive study. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the typical spinel structure and other Fe-based states, whereas the presence of nonstoichiometric hematite is detected in the annealed NiFe2O4 sample. In the case of nanoparticles embedded into the silica matrix, the crystallization of initially amorphous silica is revealed in structural and microstructural characterization. As shown by FTIR, the applied thermal treatment reduces the water molecules and hydroxyl units compared to the initial material. The separation of the rhombohedral hematite alpha-Fe2O3 phase in the NiFe2O4 ferrite evidenced during the annealing process is demonstrated in structural and magnetic studies. The analysis of saturation magnetization pointed to the spin canting phenomenon in the surface layer with a slight change of the so-called dead layer upon heating. The room temperature superparamagnetic state (SPM) is modified in the NiFe2O4 sample across annealing as an effect of ferrite crystallization and grain growth as well as hematite separation. For as-received NiFe2O4, with temperature decrease, the blocking process preceded by the freezing process is observed. The silica shell is recognized as the sustaining cover for the SPM state. The electronic structure studies confirmed the complex nature of the Fe-based states