Zika virus （ZIKV） is a previously-neglected, but newly-emerging zoonotic pathogen that has swept most of the western hemisphere. The unexpected attention aroused worldwide lies in the explosive spread of ZIKV to Bra...Zika virus （ZIKV） is a previously-neglected, but newly-emerging zoonotic pathogen that has swept most of the western hemisphere. The unexpected attention aroused worldwide lies in the explosive spread of ZIKV to Brazil and USA in 2015 and its rare correlation to micro- cephaly in newborns, raising a serious challenge to public health. We show the origin and fast dissemination of these epidemic ZIKA isolates. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all the newly-emerging ZIKV isolates belong to the Asian-American Lineage. Structural analyses of the ZIKV E surface protein suggested that it might adopt a similar entry mechanism to that of other Flavi-viruses like Dengue Virus and West Nile Virus.展开更多
Landscape characterization gives an overall information on the status of Land Use and Land Cover （LULC）, changes in its composition and the impact of natural and human influences operating at different spatial and t...Landscape characterization gives an overall information on the status of Land Use and Land Cover （LULC）, changes in its composition and the impact of natural and human influences operating at different spatial and temporal scales. This information can be used to monitor changes in natural forest resources and protected areas, delineate potential conservation areas and can serve in effective management of ecologically fragile landscapes. In the present study, geo-spatial tools were used to characterize the landscape of Sariska National Park and its surroundings. Satellite data was used to prepare LULC maps for 1989 and 2000, change detection analysis and computation of landscape metrics. Climatic data, field records and modeling tools were used to map the potential spread of two invasive species, Prosopis juliflora and Adhatoda vasica. The results show that the forest area increased from 1989 to 2000, indicating better management practices. Landscape metrics （PAFRAC, PLADJ and AI） also support this argument. Improvements in the degraded forest can further enhance this effect. The entire reserve however is suitable for the invasion of P. juliflora and A. vasiea but is more pronounced in Boswellia serrata and Anogeissus pendula - Acacia catechu （open） forests. A detailed landscape characterization map can help forest managers to make important policy decisions concerning issues such as invasive species.展开更多
Invasive exotic （alien） species have not been taken into enough consideration concerning the European Water Framework Directive （WFD） and other European directives until recently. The Dutch ministry responsible fo...Invasive exotic （alien） species have not been taken into enough consideration concerning the European Water Framework Directive （WFD） and other European directives until recently. The Dutch ministry responsible for water management is looking for ways to establish the impacts that invasive alien species may have on specified water types. This paper concentrates on the vulnerability of such water types to the introduction of exotic species. This new approach focusses on the system where the alien species are introduced into rather than only on the alien species themselves. We propose an equation that combines threats to and in water types with effects of particular species （observed or prognosticated）. Numerical values used in the formula have been found by scoring a number of properties in different water types and species, which are specified in questionnaires. The results of the calculations are given as relative vulnerability scores （scale 1-10）. By testing as many as 8 water types and 13 species, we demonstrate that this method is flexible and easy to use for water managers. Our results can be translated into classes of vulner- ability, which are represented on geographical maps with colour codes to indicate different degrees of vulnerability in the different water bodies. This readily corresponds to the way countries are required to report to the European Union in the context of the WFD. The method can also be generalized using functional groups of （exotic） species instead of particular species展开更多
文摘Zika virus （ZIKV） is a previously-neglected, but newly-emerging zoonotic pathogen that has swept most of the western hemisphere. The unexpected attention aroused worldwide lies in the explosive spread of ZIKV to Brazil and USA in 2015 and its rare correlation to micro- cephaly in newborns, raising a serious challenge to public health. We show the origin and fast dissemination of these epidemic ZIKA isolates. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all the newly-emerging ZIKV isolates belong to the Asian-American Lineage. Structural analyses of the ZIKV E surface protein suggested that it might adopt a similar entry mechanism to that of other Flavi-viruses like Dengue Virus and West Nile Virus.
基金Supported by the Masters Research Programme-TERI University, New Delhi
文摘Landscape characterization gives an overall information on the status of Land Use and Land Cover （LULC）, changes in its composition and the impact of natural and human influences operating at different spatial and temporal scales. This information can be used to monitor changes in natural forest resources and protected areas, delineate potential conservation areas and can serve in effective management of ecologically fragile landscapes. In the present study, geo-spatial tools were used to characterize the landscape of Sariska National Park and its surroundings. Satellite data was used to prepare LULC maps for 1989 and 2000, change detection analysis and computation of landscape metrics. Climatic data, field records and modeling tools were used to map the potential spread of two invasive species, Prosopis juliflora and Adhatoda vasica. The results show that the forest area increased from 1989 to 2000, indicating better management practices. Landscape metrics （PAFRAC, PLADJ and AI） also support this argument. Improvements in the degraded forest can further enhance this effect. The entire reserve however is suitable for the invasion of P. juliflora and A. vasiea but is more pronounced in Boswellia serrata and Anogeissus pendula - Acacia catechu （open） forests. A detailed landscape characterization map can help forest managers to make important policy decisions concerning issues such as invasive species.
文摘Invasive exotic （alien） species have not been taken into enough consideration concerning the European Water Framework Directive （WFD） and other European directives until recently. The Dutch ministry responsible for water management is looking for ways to establish the impacts that invasive alien species may have on specified water types. This paper concentrates on the vulnerability of such water types to the introduction of exotic species. This new approach focusses on the system where the alien species are introduced into rather than only on the alien species themselves. We propose an equation that combines threats to and in water types with effects of particular species （observed or prognosticated）. Numerical values used in the formula have been found by scoring a number of properties in different water types and species, which are specified in questionnaires. The results of the calculations are given as relative vulnerability scores （scale 1-10）. By testing as many as 8 water types and 13 species, we demonstrate that this method is flexible and easy to use for water managers. Our results can be translated into classes of vulner- ability, which are represented on geographical maps with colour codes to indicate different degrees of vulnerability in the different water bodies. This readily corresponds to the way countries are required to report to the European Union in the context of the WFD. The method can also be generalized using functional groups of （exotic） species instead of particular species
