Local Population Groups Research Articles

From Emigrant to Immigrant Society

As the host of complex factors that give rise to forced and voluntary migration change over time, the history of migration in any one country also changes. This paper is concerned with the processes of transition and change in migration patterns in the Republic of Ireland over the past fifteen years, as Ireland has moved from being a country of net emigration to one of net immigration. More specifically this paper considers the manner in which, as immigration acquires a negative label through reactive state policies enabled legislative provisions both migrant and local population groups focus on resource-based tensions. As a result, a complex set of barriers emerges to inhibit the formation (by migrants) of extensive social networks within Irish society and ultimately to restrict general social interaction and integration. This paper considers the manner in which, migrant interaction with the host society becomes more limited and of less relevance to the individual when social interaction takes place in the context of a heightened sense of difference and of barriers between local and migrant groups. As a consequence, the barriers and boundaries between the immigrant and the local population are further reinforced.

Distribution of genetic variation within and among local populations of Arabidopsis thaliana over its species range

A detailed description of local population structure in Arabidopsis thaliana is presented, including an assessment of the genetic relatedness of individuals collected from the same field. A hierarchical sample of four individuals from 37 local populations, including North America, England, Eastern and Western Europe, and Asia, and a selection of ecotypes, were analysed for variation in Adh, ChiA, FAH1, F3H, Rpm1, Rps5, and five microsatellite loci. Twenty-eight of the 37 population samples contained individuals with identical multilocus haplotypes, 12 of which were fixed for a single haplotype. These monomorphic populations were evenly distributed over the species range. Only in North America did we find a single multilocus haplotype shared among different populations, perhaps indicating a continental founder event. Despite the occurrence of local inbreeding, a considerable amount of genetic variation was found segregating within and among local populations. A novel analysis of haplotype differences reveals that genetic differentiation occurs at every geographic scale in A. thaliana, where we find a surprising under-representation of recent migrants between local populations. This leads us to hypothesize that most dispersal between A. thaliana populations is by pollen rather than seed. Based on the structure of A. thaliana populations, it appears that regional groups of local populations may provide the most appropriate genetic material for linkage disequilibrium mapping of adaptive traits.

Diabetes prevalence in England, 2001—estimates from an epidemiological model

To estimate the total prevalence of diabetes mellitus (diagnosed and undiagnosed) at national, regional and local level in England to support health-care planning and delivery. An epidemiological model was constructed by applying age-sex-ethnic-specific reference prevalence rates from epidemiological studies to resident populations (2001 census) of England at national, regional, and local authority/Primary Care Trust levels. Estimated prevalence of total diabetes for all persons in England was 4.41% in 2001, equating to 2 168 000 persons. Type 2 diabetes was estimated to affect 2 002 000 persons (92.3%) and Type 1 diabetes 166 000 persons (7.7%). Diabetes prevalence was estimated to be higher in women (5.17%) than men (3.61%). People from ethnic minority groups had higher crude prevalence than White Europeans (4.29, 5.69, 6.63 and 2.13% among White Europeans, Black African/Caribbeans, South Asians and 'other' groups, respectively). Prevalence increased sharply with age (0.33, 3.37 and 13.92%, respectively, in those aged 0-29, 30-59 and 60+ years). The model allows use of user-defined population denominator estimates to derive numbers and prevalence of people with diabetes for a given local population group, such as at ward or general practice level. Self-reported diabetes prevalence estimates from community surveys underestimate the true burden of diabetes. The model can be used to derive the expected total prevalence of diabetes in health areas that lack reliable data to facilitate the implementation of the National Service Framework for diabetes. It will also allow estimates of future diabetes prevalence to be derived, and can potentially be used for prevalence estimates in all of the UK.

The Value of Collaboration in Eliminating Barriers to Preventive Care and Screening Among Underserved Populations

Collaboration among a community's institutions and its residents can help increase the use of appropriate screening, preventive, and primary care services. To improve the health of the community, institutions must reach out to their colleagues and other stakeholders. They must not only deal with the structure of the healthcare delivery system but also be responsive to the characteristics of the local population groups they are trying to serve. Over the last several years, a group of 25 community-based partnerships across the country have used a multifaceted model to guide their work in making their communities healthier. Through a wide variety of initiatives tailored to local needs, they have not only improved people's health but also provided a series of benefits to the partnering organizations and the community as a whole.

SPOMSIM: software for stochastic patch occupancy models of metapopulation dynamics

Classical metapopulations are groups of local populations living in networks of spatially distinct habitat patches in a balance between local extinctions and recolonizations of empty habitat. Models are needed for understanding and predicting metapopulation dynamics in changing landscapes. One particularly important question is what is the effect of habitat loss to the persistence of a metapopulation. A class of metapopulation models that have been successfully used in practical applications are called stochastic patch occupancy models (SPOMs), which model the presence/absence of the species on habitat patches as a Markov chain. The presence–absence assumption makes the model relatively parameter sparse, facilitates empirical data collection, and enables rigorous parameter estimation. This study reviews theory of SPOMs and describes a computational tool, called SPOMSIM, which allows one to simulate SPOMs and estimate parameters for them. SPOMSIM offers a range of choices for submodels; alternatives are provided for the functional forms of local extinction, the dispersal kernel, computation of connectivity, the colonization function, the implementation of the rescue effect and the implementation of regional stochasticity. SPOMSIM includes also, among other things, a utility based on hierarchical clustering for the analysis of the structure of a patch network, a reserve network optimization algorithm, and a patch system editor which makes it possible to investigate the consequences of changes in landscape structure. Potential uses for SPOMSIM include scientific metapopulation studies, teaching and conservation management.

A model study on variations in larval supply: are populations of the polychaete Owenia fusiformis in the English Channel open or closed?

The polychaete Owenia fusiformis is one of the most ecologically important species in the muddy fine sand sediments in the English Channel where it is distributed in geographically separated populations. A vertically averaged Lagrangian hydrodynamic model integrating tidal residual currents and wind-induced currents was used to drive an advection–diffusion model for investigating the variability of larval transport in order to assess the self-seeding capabilities and the degree of connectivity between local populations. Three different types of environmental forcing (i.e. tidal forcing alone, tidal forcing coupled with either NE winds or SW winds) were applied to 19 distinct populations. Without wind influence, self-seeding is the principal mechanism involved in the renewal of most populations. However, larval retention ranged from under 1% up to 81% in relation to the adult habitat size and the mean velocity of tidal residual currents. Wind forcing had a strong influence on larval dispersal patterns by modifying the origin and densities of settlers as well as the degree of connectivity between populations. As a consequence, larval supply from distant populations generally exceeded local supply and the inter-annual variability of wind forcing induced large year-to-year variations in larval settlement rates. Larval exchanges occurred mainly between neighbouring populations and three groups of interconnected local populations were thereby identified. Within each group, settlement patterns were related to inter-annual variations in the direction and magnitude of larval exchanges.

Allozymic variation of Hynobius kimurae Dunn (Amphibia, Caudata)

An electrophoretic survey was conducted to examine genetic divergence among 21 populations of a lotic-breeding salamander Hynobius kimurae from Honshu, Japan. Genetically H. kimurae proved to be specifically distinct from H. naevius. Hynobius kimurae is divided genetically into two groups of local populations, and the five populations from the eastern area are genetically distinct from the remaining populations of the central and western areas. Less prominent genetic differentiation was revealed between the western and central populations. Separation of the eastern and central-western groups are discussed in relation to the formation of the Japanese mainland.

Radiological Conditions of the Western Kara Sea: assessment of the radiological impact of the dumping of radioactive waste in the Arctic Seas

This report is a product of the International Arctic Seas Assessment Project (IASAP), instituted in 1993 by the IAEA and endorsed by the Consulting Parties of the London Convention. IASAP was set up following the 1992 revelations of radioactive waste dumping in the Kara and Barents Seas by the Former Soviet Union. These were later detailed in Yablokov's famous `White Book'. IASAP was constituted as a Coordinated Research Programme, with additional contacts and consultancies, coordinated with the Norwegian-Russian Expert Group investigating contamination in northern areas. Its objectives were to assess the risks to human health and, at the request of the LD's Contracting Parties, to consider possible remedial actions and their justification. The present report contains only some of the results of the study. An earlier IASAP report provided predictions of release rates from dumped marine reactors (IAEA TECDOC-938, 1997) and two further TECDOCS are in preparation on: `Anthropogenic radionuclides in the Arctic Seas' and `Modelling of the radiological impact ... '. The report opens with a 7-page Executive Summary, providing a condensed and reassuring assessment of the current and future radiological situation and the feasibilty, cost and justification for remediation. It concludes that leakage from dumped wastes has been small, with negligible doses when compared with those from natural sources. Future doses to `typical' local human population groups are predicted to be low. Doses to marine organisms are predicted to be orders of magnitude below levels at which detrimental effects at a population level would be expected. Remediation is not justified on radiological grounds although controls on beach occupancy and the utilisation of marine resources will have to be maintained. The remainder of the report provides more detail on the methodology, assumptions and databases which were used to support the conclusions. It is divided into 8 main chapters with the following content: (1) Introduction; (2) Radiological protection and decision making; (3) The Arctic environment; (4) The radioactive source term; (5) Environmental modelling for radiological impact assessment; (6) Possible remedial action; (7) Analysis of the need for remdial action; (8) Conclusions and recommendations. The bibliography contains 120 references (up to 1997) and there is a list of contributors to the drafting and review. Each chapter is further subdivided to three levels of hierarchy, allowing the reader to navigate quite effectively. Overall the text is easy to follow and there are useful illustrations provided of data sets and technical information. For example, the food web and potential food sources for humans in the Kara Sea are well presented graphically. However, those interested in a more critical examination of some of the data, or some of the modelling assumptions made, will have to consult the primary sources cited in the text. A minor irritation was the presentation of much of the geographic information, such as distributions of radionuclides in seawater, on a rectangular grid, where some form of polar projection would have been more appropriate. The report provides an excellent summary of an important international collaborative project. It is presented in a style which should encourage a wide readership, amongst students, scientists, NGOs and decision makers. It demonstrates, in a logical sequence, how a complex radiological assessment is undertaken, taking into account the environmental setting, the nature of the waste, potential pathways of human exposure and how conclusions and recommendations are arrived at.

Spatially autocorrelated disturbances and patterns in population synchrony

Spatially synchronous population dynamics have been documented in many taxa. The prevailing view is that the most plausible candidates to explain this pattern are extrinsic disturbances (the Moran effect) and dispersal. In most cases disentangling these factors is difficult. Theoretical studies have shown that dispersal between subpopulations is more likely to produce a negative relationship between population synchrony and distance between the patches than perturbations. As analyses of empirical data frequently show this negative relationship between the level of synchrony and distance between populations, this has emphasized the importance of dispersal as a synchronizing agent. However, several weather patterns show spatial autocorrelation, which could potentially produce patterns in population synchrony similar to those caused by dispersal. By using spatially extended versions of several population dynamic models, we show that this is indeed the case. Our results show that, especially when both factors (spatially autocorrelated perturbations and distance–dependent dispersal) act together, there may exist groups of local populations in synchrony together but fluctuating asynchronously with some other groups of local populations. We also show, by analysing 56 long–term population data sets, that patterns of population synchrony similar to those found in our simulations are found in natural populations as well. This finding highlights the subtlety in the interactions of dispersal and noise in organizing spatial patterns in population fluctuations.

International Arctic Seas Assessment Project

The International Atomic Energy Agency responded to the news that the former Soviet Union had dumped radioactive wastes in the shallow waters of the Arctic Seas, by launching the International Arctic Seas Assessment Project in 1993. The project had two objectives: to assess the risks to human health and to the environment associated with the radioactive wastes dumped in the Kara and Barents Seas; and to examine possible remedial actions related to the dumped wastes and to advise on whether they are necessary and justified. The current radiological situation in the Arctic waters was examined to assess whether there is any evidence for releases from the dumped waste. Potential future releases from the dumped wastes were predicted, concentrating on the high-level waste objects containing the major part of the radionuclide inventory of the wastes. Environmental transport of released radionuclides was modelled and the associated radiological impact on humans and the biota was assessed. The feasibility, costs and benefits of possible remedial measures applied to a selected high-level waste object were examined. Releases from identified dumped objects were found to be small and localised to the immediate vicinity of the dumping sites. Projected future annual doses to members of the public in typical local population groups were very small, less than 1 μSv — corresponding to a trivial risk. Projected future doses to a hypothetical group of military personnel patrolling the foreshore of the fjords in which wastes have been dumped were higher, up to 4 mSv/year, which still is of the same order as the average annual natural background dose. Moreover, since any of the proposed remedial actions were estimated to cost several million US$ to implement, remediation was not considered justified on the basis of potentially removing a collective dose of 10 man Sv. Doses calculated to marine fauna were insignificant, orders of magnitude below those at which detrimental effects on fauna populations might be expected to occur. Remediation was thus concluded not to be warranted on radiological grounds.

High performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of pyridoxal-5-phosphate in human plasma: how appropriate are cut-off values for vitamin B6 deficiency?

Application of a HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) method, using cyanide derivatisation, to the determination of plasma pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) concentrations as an indicator of vitamin B6 adequacy. The study was performed at the Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK. Blood samples were taken at the Institute, at Health Centres, or in the volunteer's home. 51 adolescent, 131 adult, 68 non-institutionalized elderly and 44 aged (>73 y) volunteers were recruited from local authority schools, local Health Centres and General Practitioners. The mean PLP recovery was 92.8%. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 2.8% and 5.2% respectively. Mean PLP concentrations for males and females, respectively, were: adolescents (13-14 y), 36.4 and 43.5 nM; adults (20-64 y), 39.2 and 40.0 nM; elderly (68-73 y), 34.8 and 35.3 nM; aged (>73 y), 57.8 and 49.0 nM. Percentages of subjects with PLP concentrations <34.4 nM were over 26% in all population groups. Mean vitamin B6 intakes (microg/g protein intake), as assessed by weighed dietary records, were all above reference nutrient intakes (15 microg/g protein). An HPLC method, using cyanide derivitisation, has been applied to the determination of plasma PLP. Comparisons of results for local population groups with current cut-off values for plasma PLP, show large numbers of volunteers at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency although this is not reflected by vitamin B6 intakes calculated from food tables. The 34.4 nM cut-off value for value for plasma PLP, indicating deficiency, is questioned.

The taxonomy of Fagus in western Eurasia, 1: Fagus sylvatica subsp. orientalis (= F. orientalis)

AbstractInvestigations of leaf and cupule morphology in Fagus sylvatica subsp. orientalis disclose a high phenotypic diversity. Local and regional population groups are connected by different morphological transitional forms. Transitions do not only occur as an ecocline from west to east but also in a mosaic‐like pattern (Transcaucasia). Therefore, we refrain from establishing subspecies or other taxonomic units but describe morphotypes and outline their ranges. The easternmost Iranian populations prove to be the most homogeneous, probably as the result of their geographic isolation. The strong similarities of Iranian populations to southeastern North American beech types (Fagus grandifolia subsp. caroliniana) are discussed.

Changes of a continuous character caused by gene flow. A Monte Carlo study

We introduce a model of a large, sexual, population in which partners for reproduction are chosen randomly, without any bias. This large population is composed of two groups of local populations living in different environments and being in contact. We propose a dynamic equation describing, like the existing one for the allele frequency, the temporal changes of a continuous character due to gene flow, i.e. the transfer of the allels resulting from migration of individuals between the populations, and natural selection. We show that the gene flow can be described by the linear term in the proposed equation and the natural selection by the nonlinear term. Additional killing rule introduces a random factor into our model. We discuss the role of both factors (gene flow and selection) on the structure of the population, i.e. spatial distribution of the considered character and the resulting from it existence of hybrid zones. We use the standard Monte Carlo simulations.

International Arctic Seas Assessment Project (IASAP)

The International Arctic Seas Assessment Project (IASAP) was carried out in 1993-1996 to address concerns over the potential health and environmental impacts of the high level radioactive waste dumping in the shallow waters of the Arctic seas. The aims of the project were to assess the risks to human health and to the environment associated with the radioactive wastes dumped in the Kara and Barents Seas; and examine possible remedial actions related to the dumped wastes and to advise on whether they are necessary and justified. The following results and conclusions were reached from the study: (i) Releases from identified dumped objects are small and localised to the immediate vicinity of the dumping sites. (ii) Projected future doses to members of the public in typical local population groups are very small, less than 1 μSv. Projected future doses to a hypothetical group of military personnel patrolling the foreshore of the fjords in which wastes have been dumped are higher, up to 4000 μSv but still of the same order as the average annual natural background dose. (iii) Doses to marine fauna are insignificant, orders of magnitude below those at which detrimental effects on fauna populations might be expected to occur. (iv) On radiological grounds, remediation is not warranted.

Patient education: History, development, and current directions of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute

With their unique perspectives in the identification, design, promotion, and evaluation of cancer patient education programs and services, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society have the abilities to meet a wide variety of cancer patient education needs. With federal support and connections to national organizations and the comprehensive and clinical cancer center networks, the National Cancer Institute has access to nationwide experts in medical care and the resources to develop, design, and promote quality, state-of-the-art education programs. The American Cancer Society, with its strong volunteer community base, can pull together local expertise and collaborate with local organizations to meet the special needs of local population groups. In addition, the American Cancer Society volunteer committees have the flexibility to individualize programming and resources to answer specific patient/family education problems. As the number of people affected by cancer continues to raise, and as organizations realize the need to maximize their resources with collaborative efforts, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society are challenged to focus their energies on the patient education initiatives that build upon and combine their unique strengths.

Enzyme polymorphism in the Sicilian honeybee

In Sicily we can identify two genetically differentiated groups of local honeybee populations, on the basis of the only two polymorphic loci,Mdh-1 andEst; the western one, whose genetic characteristics are probably those of the native honeybee (Apis mellifera sicula) and the eastern one affected by recent large-scale importation of Italian bees from northern Italy.

Congenital dislocation of the hip: Incidence, and treatment of a local population group

For a period of three months, the incidence of hip abnormality was determined in 450 consecutive deliveries at the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai Hospital newborn nursery. Three children were found to have dislocatable hips, and received treatment with a von Rosen splint. In 60 babies, soft tissue clicks could be elicited but the joints were stable. These babies received no treatment, but were reassessed one and six weeks later. No hip abnormality was detected in any of them at the follow-up examination. A retrospective analysis of the records of the previous 450 newborn babies showed that nine had received treatment with double nappies; von Rosen splints had not been used. At the six-month follow-up examination, one of these nine babies had a dislocated hip. "Double nappies" as a treatment modality is still widely practised in Sydney, though neither the literature nor the results of our retrospective analysis support its efficacy.

The position of women and demographic policy.

This article analyzes the effect of women's social roles on fertility and the possibilities of influencing fertility by means of demographic policies in the USSR. The most important influences on the birth rate are related to the changing social position of women and the functions of the family which have resulted from social, economic, and cultural transformations in the Soviet state since the revolution. The processes of industrialization, urbanization, higher labor productivity, and rising educational and cultural standards have removed the productive functions of the family and have also altered its consumer functions. The upbringing of children is increasingly labor intensive because of the need for more educated, higher quality workers. In 1970, 82% of women of working age were employed; their greater involvement in social production and reduced free time, combined with the prestige and economic and social independence gained from outside work, have encouraged a small family orientation. Comprehensive demographic policies including measures to help women combine work in social production with motherhood are needed to promote 2 or 3 child families. Along with measures aimed at the population as a whole, specific measures are needed that take into account the distinctive life styles and behavior of separate local population groups. A socialist society with a planned economy can utilize diverse methods of encouraging childbirth, including material assistance to families with children and sociopsychological measures to promote larger families.

Computer simulation as a method for evaluating the copper sulfate test for hemoglobin in diverse populations.

The copper sulfate hemoglobin screening method was separately evaluated for three local population groups which do not conform to accepted normal standards of hemoglobin and/or plasma specific gravity (SG). This was carried out by a computer which simulated the distribution of plasma specific gravity and hemoglobin levels in random samples of blood donors. Simulations of 1,000 were carried out for males and for females in each of the three main population groups in Natal (Caucasians, Negroes and Asians). These were compared with a simulation of hypothetical normal subjects whose hemoglobin and plasma SG conformed to accepted standards. Variations in accuracy, relating to differences in plasma specific gravity and in hemoglobin, were demonstrated. Acceptances of donors who should be rejected (Type II errors) were most common in Negroes, but did not occur in the normal group. Type II errors did not occur in males with hemoglobin levels below 12.5 gm/dl or in females under 11.5 gm/dl. Erroneous rejections of prospective donors who, in fact, satisfied the criterion of acceptance (Type I errors) occurred in all groups, but were fewest in the normal group.

Reflections on modern terrorism∗

There has been an historic transition through which Type I terrorism and Type II terrorism are being combined. Type I terrorism consists of acts that attempt to impose terror by individuals or small groups on other individuals and groups, and through them indirectly on their governments. Type II terrorism is the imposition by governments on individuals or on groups of local or foreign populations, e.g., the use of atomic weapons, poison gas, Nazi camps for genocide. The new type of terrorism—Type III—has all the components for success. The article deals with how this new terrorism disrupts personal and historic memory through large‐scale catastrophe organized for that purpose. It is pointed out that this type of terrorism is met with self‐protection on the conscious level and has very little psychic cost on the perpetrators. Type III terrorism results from states disseminating high‐level technology. Target nations will not have open to them the conventional responses and will have to devise new methods. T...