University of Antananarivo

About: University of Antananarivo is a education organization based out in Antananarivo, Madagascar. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Lemur. The organization has 1561 authors who have published 1703 publications receiving 30922 citations. The organization is also known as: Tananarive University & Antananarivo University.

A simple, economical protocol for DNA extraction and amplification where there is no lab

Abstract: Genetic analyses are well suited to address many research questions in the study of wild populations, yet species of interest often have distributions that are geographically distant from molecular laboratories, necessitating potentially lengthy transport of biological specimens. Performing basic genetic analyses on site would avoid the project delays and risks of sample quality decline associated with transport, as well as allow original specimens to remain in the country of origin. Further, diagnostic genetic assays performed in the field could provide real-time information allowing for more nimble adjustments to research plans and use of resources. To this end, we developed protocols for reliably performing front-end genetics bench work in the field, without the requirements of electricity or permanent shelter. We validated these protocols on buccal swabs collected during routine capturing of sifaka lemurs (Propithecus verreauxi) at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in Southwest Madagascar and faecal samples collected from captive sifakas (P. coquereli) at the Duke Lemur Center. Our basic protocol pipeline involves a chelating resin based DNA extraction followed by whole genome amplification or polymerase chain reaction using reagents stored at ambient temperature and portable, compact equipment powered by a lightweight solar panel. We achieved a high success rate (>80%) in downstream procedures, demonstrating the promise of such protocols for performing basic genetic analyses in a broad range of field situations.

Relationships between 3D roughness parameters and visuotactile perception of surfaces of maritime pinewood and MDF

Abstract: The objective measurement and subjective estimation of the surface quality by the consumers are important issues for furniture production and marketing. The objective of the present study is to find suitable (objective) roughness parameters that are linked to human sensation. Maritime pinewood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) made from the same species are in focus. The roughness was measured by means of a 3D confocal profilometer and 13 independent 3D roughness parameters were computed. The quality of surfaces was modified through sanding, whereas the grit size of sand papers ranged between P60 and P320. The applied pressure and sanding time were controlled. The subjective estimation of the surface aspects was performed by several individuals through sensorial analysis. Biplots of several roughness parameters versus tactile rank revealed in the case of MDF a significant correlation to arithmetical average roughness Sa and valley material component Sr2. For pinewood, the parameters arithmetical average roughness Sa and texture aspect ratio Str correlated best to tactile rank.

Behaviour and Ecology of Male Aye-Ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in the Kianjavato Classified Forest, South-Eastern Madagascar.

Abstract: Previous studies found that aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) consume a variety of non-invertebrate resources, supporting the hypothesis that aye-ayes are too large-bodied to focus feeding efforts on insects. However, these conclusions were based on introduced populations, with little known about aye-aye behaviour and ecology in its natural habitat. This study investigates activity budgets, diet, and home range/territories of 2 male aye-ayes in the Kianjavato Classified Forest, a disturbed forest in south-eastern Madagascar, from October 2013 to October 2014. We used radiotelemetry and focal-animal sampling methods to collect behavioural data. We recorded GPS coordinates of the focal animal every 20 min, calculating the home range size for each individual. Results showed that male aye-ayes spent most of their time feeding and travelling. Their feeding time primarily focussed on larvae and adult insects from various substrates, and to a lesser extent Canarium spp. seeds. Home range sizes of the 2 males varied between individuals, overlapped greatly, and appeared to be related to the location of females. Our findings indicate that aye-aye behaviours are strongly indicative of insect-centric feeding ecology.