Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cloud seeding project in Yazd Province of Iran using historical regression method (case study: Yazd 1 cloud seeding project, 1999)

In this research, the result of the cloud seeding over Yazd province during three months of February, March and April in 1999 has been evaluated using the historical regression method. Hereupon, the rain-gages in Yazd province as the target stations and the rain-gages of the neighboring provinces as the control stations have been selected. The rainfall averages for the three aforementioned months through 25 years (1973-1997) in all control and target stations have been calculated. In the next step, the correlations between the rainfalls of control and target stations have been estimated about 75%, which indicates a good consistency in order to use the historical regression. Then, through the obtained liner correlation equation between the control and target stations the precipitation amount for February, March and April in 1999, over the target region (Yazd province) was estimated about 27.57 mm, whiles the observed amount was 34.23 mm. In fact the precipitation increasing around 19.5% over Yazd province confirmed the success of this cloud seeding project.
Are Belgian Kestrels Falco tinnunculus migratory: An analysis of ringing recoveries

In this paper we describe the movements of Belgian European Kestrels and try to distinguish between dispersal and migration, based on 1,199 recovery records from birds ringed in Belgium and Luxemburg. Young Kestrels show rapid initial dispersal in all directions (often over more than 500 km). In winter as well as during later breeding seasons less than one third of the nestlings was recovered close to their place of birth. Once settled adult birds seemed to be much more sedentary. Recovery directions did not show any obvious concentration in southwesterly direction, even at distances over 250 km. A higher average dispersal distance during the first summer compared to the breeding season, as well as a decreasing proportion of long distance recoveries towards the breeding season could be explained by some degree of migratory return movements. However, similar effects could be expected if, as suggested by the data, survival might be negatively correlated with recovery distance. The analyses showed that in mo.
The Biology of Menstruation in Homo Sapiens: Total Lifetime Menses, Fecundity, and Nonsynchrony in a Natural-Fertility Population

L'A. presente les premieres donnees de prospective a long-terme sur la menstruation dans une population a fertilite naturelle (sans contraception) : les Dogons du Mali. Il s'interesse a trois questions specifiques. Des menarches a la menopause, combien de menstrues ont les femmes Dogon ? Comment se repartissent les mentrues sur la duree de vie ? Les femmes Dogons synchronisent-elles leurs cycles mentruels ?
The diagnostic value and host relationships of the dependent synusia in the forests of Mount Korobaba, Fiji

Abstract The dependent synusia in 15 forests plots on Mt Korobaba, Fiji proved better predictors of the overall floristic composition of the plots than any of the tree, sapling, shrub, or herb synusiae. The species richness of epiphytes and climbers per tree and sapling varies by host species, by the positions of individuals of species in the structural gradient, and by the size of the individuals of particular species.
Labial tip sensilla of Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Hemiptera: Blissidae): Ultrastructure and behavior

The cuticular sensory receptors that are found on the apex of the labium of hemipterans play an important role in their feeding behavior. In this study we describe the ultrastructure, number, and distribution of sensilla on the labium apex of the chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus leucopterus. Each apical field of sensilla on the labium contains 11 uniporous peg sensilla and one sensillum chaeticum. The uniporous peg sensilla are innervated by 4–5 bipolar neurons that send dendrites in the lumen of each peg. Three neurons are associated with each sensillum chaeticum, two neurons have dendrites in the lumen of the sensillum, and the third dendrite ends in a tubular body at the base of the sensillum. Behavioral tests that involve chemical blockage of the sensory receptors show the importance of the labial sensilla in feeding behavior. Both morphological and behavioral evidence indicate that the labial sensilla have a chemosensitive function.
Effects of some sesquiterpenes on the stored-product insect Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

In order to evaluate the allelochemical activity of some sesquiterpenes isolated from the native plant Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. et Arn.) DC, and some semi synthetic derivatives against Tenebrio molitor L. larvae, we have developed bioassays directed to quantify repellency, larval mortality, and its effects on the development. Although costic aldehyde caused the maximum repellent effect, all the compounds showed a significant effect at some dose or time, indicating behavioral avoidance. The topical application of costic aldehyde produced the largest increase on the duration of the pupal stage. Tessaric acid exhibited the highest toxicity by topical application at the experiment closure. Both eremophilane–1(10),2,11(13)–triene–12–oic, and g -costic acids induced some morphological deformities
Growth, Production, and Mortality of Largemouth Bass during the First Year of Life in Lake Carl Blackwell, Oklahoma

Abstract First-year recruitment, growth, net production, and mortality rates of the 1972 and 1973 year classes of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in 1,400 hectare Lake Carl Blackwell were estimated by mark-recapture methods. Population estimates for the 1972 year class were 0.052/hectare in October 1972 and 0.039/hectare in March 1973. Estimates for the 1973 year class were 134.7/hectare in June 1973, 92.2/hectare in September 1973, and 56.5/hectare in May 1974. Daily instantaneous mortality rates for the 1973 year class were 0.003 between June and September 1973, and 0.002 between September 1973 and mid-May 1974. Mean annual increases in length and weight during the first growing season were 143 mm and 29 g for fish of the 1972 year class and 189 mm and 99 g for the 1973 year class. Estimated standing crops at the end of the first growing season were about 0.002 kg/hectare for the 1972 year class and 7.10 kg/hectare for the 1973 year class. Net production and mortality could not be estimated for .
The preparation of testate amoebae (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) samples from peat

The analysis of testate amoebae (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) in peat is proving to be a useful new quantitat ive technique for assessing hydrological change on peatlands. Preparation experiments were carried out on peat extracted from Coom Rigg Moss, Northumberland, England, in order to assess the impact of different procedures on the concentration and species composition of the faunas. Five replicates of each of six samples were treated by different techniques and the testate amoebae counted together with 200 Lycopodium spores. All preparation procedures suitable for pollen extraction reduce the number of tests recorded by up to 80% and the number of taxa recorded by 60%. KOH digestion did not destroy tests but damaged them, making identification difficult, although it enabled extraction of a higher number of tests. A simple water-based prep aration, with sieving to remove coarse and fine detritus, appears to give the best results and is an improvement on earlier techniques in removing more extraneous material from the samples. Testate amoebae counts from samples prepared for pollen analysis must be viewed with extreme caution and are unrepresentative of the faunal content of the peat in both absolute and relative terms.
Effects of disturbance and altitude on soil seed banks of tropical montane forests

Abstract: Vast areas of tropical forests have been deforested by human activities, resulting in landscapes comprising forest fragments in matrices of deforested habitats. Soil seed banks (SSB) are essential sources for the regeneration of tropical forests after disturbance. In a fragmented montane landscape in the Bolivian Andes, we investigated SSB in three different habitat types that were associated with different degrees of disturbance, i.e. in forest interior, at forest edges and in deforested habitats. Sampling of habitats was replicated at six sites ranging in altitude from 1950 to 2450 m asl. We extracted seeds from dried soil samples by sieving, classified seeds into morphospecies and size classes, and characterized SSB in terms of density, species richness and composition. We tested effects of disturbance (i.e. habitat type) and altitude on SSB characteristics. Overall, small seeds (<1 mm) dominated SSB (81% of sampled seeds). Seed density and species richness were lowest in deforested habitats, especially in large seeds and distant from adjacent forests (≥20 m), while small-seeded species were most numerous near forest margins. Species turnover between habitats was high. Altitude altered the composition of SSB, but had no effects on seed density and species richness. We conclude that the potential of SSB for natural regeneration of deforested habitats is low and decreases with increasing distance from forest remnants and that forest edges may be eventually invaded by small-seeded species from deforested habitats.
Methods and issues regarding detection of deoxynivalenol, Fusarium-damaged kernels, and Fusarium spp. in commercial grain in Canada

The Canadian grain industry uses visual estimation of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) for grading, but this method does not always accurately predict deoxynivalenol (DON) levels in specific lots. The imminent introduction of lower limits for DON in wheat and the increasing trend of producers and grain companies to market wheat directly, with DON limits specified in contracts, are challenging the methods now applied to measure or estimate the DON levels in wheat. Among the detection methods reviewed for the grain trade, image analysis and near infrared spectoscopy are the most attractive because they are nondestructive, simple, and have multiple applications. However, the adoption of these methods may be restricted by capital cost and their limit of detection. Both methods estimate DON indirectly, from other Fusarium parameters, and neither is commercially proven. The problem with near-infrared spectoscopy is that it measures factors associated with the presence of DON, such as kernel hardness and color, which are not exclusive to the presence of DON. Image analysis has the advantage of measuring FDK objectively, but also suffers from the shortcomings of estimating DON indirectly, by FDK. If the new DON limits proposed are adopted, these will be near the limit of detection of the immunomethods commonly employed for measuring DON. Although immunomethods require laboratory facilities, more time, and technical skills and may not account for other Fusarium factors that affect grain quality, they require only a low capital investment, are reasonably priced, and have wide acceptance in the trade. Immunomethods that target the fungus to genus or species can be designed as either qualitative or quantitative, and some DNA-based kits are now commercially available. Quantitative methods provide a better estimate of toxin levels resulting from the growth of Fusarium spp. , and of their effects on grain quality, but the measure remains an approximation that relies on the strength of the relationship between the fungal content and DON level. Ultimately, the methods chosen will be determined by guidelines for DON, here and abroad, the purpose of the testing, and the needs of each sector of the grain industry; more than one method may be appropriate.
The day and night activity pattern of the stoat (Mustela erminea L.)

Etude par piegeage (1976-83) menee en Suisse romande (625 captures). Animaux essentiellement nocturnes en hiver et diurnes en ete. Le changement de rythme nycthemeral s'il se produit simultanement pour les deux sexes en nov. survient plus tot chez les mâles, au printemps. Une activite de deplacement accrue serait a l'origine du rythme plus diurne des juveniles par rapport aux adultes a la fin de l'ete et en automne
Abundance of Overwintering Pupae and the Spring Generation of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Northern New South Wales, Australia: Implications for Pest Management

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and H. punctigera (Wallengren) are major pests of cotton and other field crops in Australia. We measured the abundance, species composition, and survival of overwintering pupal populations under residues of autumn crops over two seasons (1987 and 1988) in the Namoi-Gwydir region, Australia. In 1987, cotton supported the highest densities of pupae with an estimated population of 556 million individuals, while <5 million in total were found under residues of sunflower, sorghum, and grain legumes. In 1988, the population of pupae under cotton (24 million) was only 5% of that in 1987, and more were found under sunflower residues (11 million). Levels of parasitism and other mortality were lower in pupae from under cotton than other crops, and a high proportion of pupae (40-50%) survived to emergence. Virtually all overwintering pupae located in the study area have been H. armigera . The regular spring reappearance of H. punctigera in the Namoi-Gwydir area, and possiblyother eastern Australian cropping areas, must therefore derive largely from immigrants produced elsewhere. For H. armigera , the phenology of adult appearance in traps and emergence from diapause of local overwintering pupae suggest that spring populations consist of moths from local overwintering populations and from immigrant origin. This hypothesis is consistent with patterns of pyrethroid resistance measured in overwintering populations and during the spring of both seasons.
A STUDY OF PHEROMONE TRAP CATCHES IN RELATION TO CODLING MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: OLETHREUTIDAE) DAMAGE

Abstract A sex pheromone trap was studied as a quantitative sampling device in a biological monitoring scheme for codling moth populations in Michigan apple orchards. Factors influencing trap efficiency and the relationship of trap catch to adult moth density and the overall seasonal dynamics of L. pomonella are considered. By correlating seasonal male moth catches to absolute infestation levels at harvest it was possible to indicate the density response of male moth catches in the pheromone trap (Sectar 1). Catch response was non-linear and the trap ceased to be indicative of higher infestation levels when accumulative catch exceeded about 100 moths/trap. Also, accumulative trap catches from the first few weeks of the season (before damage appeared) correlated well with eventual infestation levels indicating possible use of the pheromone trap as a predictive tool. Of the many factors influencing trap catch size the number of moth productive trees serviced by a trap (trap/tree ratio) was shown to be of critical importance.
Diurnal and Seasonal Photosynthesis in Two Asparagus Cultivars with Contrasting Yield

To investigate physiological characters underpinning spear yield in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), diurnal and seasonal changes in photosynthetic parameters were measured under field conditions in two cultivars with contrasting yield. Seasonal patterns in photosynthetic parameters were strongly dependent on cladophyll developmental stage in both cultivars. The greatest photosynthetic rates of 8.94 ± 0.54 μmol m -2 s -1 for the high-yielding cultivar (ASP-69) and 6.50 ± 0.38 μmol m -2 s -1 for the low-yielding cultivar (ASP-03) were observed in fully expanded cladophyll tissue measured in mid-summer (February) when both photon flux density (PFD) and temperature were at a maximum. A significant decline in net photosynthetic rate (A ) was measured in April, when plants experienced colder night temperatures and shorter day lengths. A close correlation between A and stomatal conductance (g s ) (r = 0.84) was observed. Timing of cladophyll initiation and duration did not appear to be significant factors contributing to cultivar difference in photosynthesis. Variation in photosynthetic capacity between the two cultivars was related to significant differences in cladophyll thickness and specific leaf weight (SLW). The results substantiate the conclusion that both metabolic and anatomical factors play significant roles in determining differences in photosynthetic capacity between the two asparagus cultivars studied.
Equações para estimar área foliar de folíolos de Acrocomia aculeta

The aim of this study was to develop an empirical statistical model to estimate leaf surface by a non-destructive method of leaflets in young and mature plants palm macauba. Eight leaflets per leaf, four on each side and two leaves per plant on opposite sides, total 16 leaves were collected from each of five plants per growth stage (juvenile and adult) were collected. Thus obtaining a total of 80 leaflets for each phenological stage. Individually each leaflet had its area (LA), length (L) and width (W) measured. Linear models with and without the intercept, and a potential model were tested using the independent variables W, L and combined (WL). Equations with coefficient of determination less than 0.90, were discarded and the combined use of the WL variable resulted in greater accuracy and better distribution of residuals, by employing the functional relationship y = β 0x β 1 . Thus, the area of leaflets macauba can be estimated by LA = 0.4683WL 1,1104 equation.
Multiple-Locus Allocation of Individuals to Groups as a Function of the Genetic Variation Within and Differences Among Human Populations

Multivariate (multiple-locus) analytic procedures are used to show that the amount of genetic overlap of two or more populations, as measured by the difficulty of correctly allocating individuals, may be formally related to the average genetic distance between pairs of populations. On theoretical grounds, we argue that the probability of correct allocation for individuals should: (1) increase with the number of segregating loci; (2) increase with increasing taxonomic disparity of the populations considered; and (3) decrease with an increase in the number of candidate populations. Genetic data on 5,214 individuals from seven South American Indian tribes are used to evaluate these theoretical predictions. We have analyzed genetic distance and classification with the seven tribes, as well as with seven village clusters within one tribe and seven villages within one cluster. At all three levels of taxonomic organization (tribal, cluster, village), the probability of correct allocation did increase with the number of loci, as predicted. This pattern was consistent with the computed average distances between populations, also as predicted. Some loci were more useful for allocation than others. In general, high-frequency polymorphic markers were the most useful, while tribally restricted (but low-frequency) markers were not helpful. There was consistent evidence that the genetic overlap for tribes was less than that for clusters and that the overlap for clusters was less than that for villages. As a consequence, tribal allocation was more accurate than cluster allocation and cluster allocation was more accurate than village allocation. To place these differences in wider perspective, we computed the genetic distance measure for a set of seven "racial" groups. The predicted overlap for races was substantially less than that for tribes. Finally, we compared our results with those of others, and showed that the differences result from our use of a multiple-locus rather than a single-locus analysis. The two types of results are strictly compatible, however, once this technical gap is bridged. The conclusion is inescapable that some human populations show substantial genetic differences, measured relative to the variation within populations. For populations as similar as nearby villages, genetic overlap is substantial; for populations as different as racial groups, genetic overlap is small.
E. coli K-12 recA::gfp microbial biosensor used for screening of anticancer and antidiabetic pharmacist residues

AbstractThe autofluorescent reporter of Escherichia coli K-12 recA::gfpmut2 strain containing a plasmid-borne transcriptional fusion between DNA-damage genotoxin-inducible recA promoter involved in the SOS regulon response and fast folding GFP (green fluorescent protein) variant reporter gene-gfpmut2, have been used. GFP-based bacterial biosensors allowed for detection of a cytotoxic and genotoxic anticancer drug—a cisplatin and antidiabetic drug—metformin in PBS buffer and surface water. Experimental data indicated that recA::gfpmut2 genetic system was sensitive to applied drugs and the mixture of drugs. RecA promoter was a good bioindicator for cytotoxic and genotoxic effect screening of cisplatin, metformin, and the mixture of both drugs in PBS buffer and surface water. Stronger reactivity of recA::gfpmut2 genetic system in surface water for the mixture of cisplatin (0.001 mg/ml) and metformin (0.3 mg/ml) treated samples and for prolonged incubation (up to 24 h) was obtained. The results showed that E.
Biodiversity of stream invertebrate faunas in a Waikato hill-country catchment in relation to land use

Stream invertebrates were collected from 24 sites surrounded by a mixture of native forest and pasture in the Mangaotama catchment near Hamilton, Waikato, between 1992 and 1999. Sampling methods used included Surber sampling for benthic invertebrates, pump sampling, freeze coring and colonisation baskets for hyporheic invertebrates, and light, sticky and Malaise trapping for winged adults.A total of 188 stream invertebrate taxa were identified during the course of this work, the greatest number reported for any catchment in New Zealand. Of these, 85% were insects comprising largely Trichoptera (68 taxa or 36%), followed by Diptera (40 taxa, 21%) and then Ephemeroptera (23 taxa, 12%). Light-trapping in summer on four occasions coupled with benthic sampling once in summer yielded 81% of total recorded taxa. Streams that drained catchments entirely in pasture or native forest had similar percentages of total invertebrate taxa, and of the Coleoptera, Diptera and Ephemeroptera faunas. However, native forest sites had lower percentages of Mollusca and “other” taxa, and more Trichoptera, Plecoptera and Crustacea taxa than pasture sites. Stream invertebrate distributional patterns in the Mangaotama catchment suggest changes in community composition and loss of some species adapted to forest cover in catchments converted entirely to pasture.
Ultrastructure of sporulation in the Hemiascomycetes Ascoidea corymbosa, A. rubescens, Cephaloascus fragrans, and Saccharomycopsis capsularis

Sporulation in four species belonging to three different families of the Hemiascomycetes is described from serial sections. The results show that in each species the formation of the ascospore wall is initiated at a specialized spindle pole body. Spore delimitation proceeds concurrently with the last nuclear division in the ascus. The findings support the taxonomic position that these species belong to a group that includes the yeasts but that is distinct from the Euascomycetes.