Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The arctic fox (Alopex lagopus): an opportunistic specialist

Reliable and abundant resources are likely to favour specialization, while unpredictable environmental variation should favour a generalist strategy. The rodent population cycles of northern latitudes can be seen as both predictable and unpredictable, depending on the scale in time and space. The arctic fox Alopex lagopus is an opportunistic carnivore, but paradoxically, it seems to function as a specialist on fluctuating rodent Arvicolinae populations in most inland areas. We have studied the dietary response of arctic foxes in Sweden during 5 years of varying abundance of Norwegian lemming Lemmus lemmus, and how these changes influenced the reproductive success of the foxes. The arctic fox population on mainland Fennoscandia is threatened by extinction and the situation has deteriorated during the 1980s and 1990s because of an absence of lemming peaks. Our results showed that in all years, lemming was the main prey for arctic foxes, with 85% frequency of occurrence in summer faeces (scats). Bird remains (mainly Passeriformes) were present in 34% of the scats, reindeer Rangifer tarandus in 21%, voles and shrews in 4% and hares Lepus timidus in 2% of the scats. The occurrences of lemming, bird and larger mammal (reindeer and hare) remains in the scats varied significantly between years. Temporal variations within summer seasons and dietary differences between sub-areas, indicated that arctic foxes fed opportunistically on the alternative prey types. Den occupancy rates were positively correlated with lemming population densities during the previous winter, indicating a strong numerical response. We conclude that from a functional aspect, the arctic fox in Sweden is a lemming specialist, since lemming is the main prey and their abundance is the best predictor of arctic fox reproductive success. Other prey are used opportunistically in relation to their availability.
Studies on Colombian Cryptogams. X. The genus Everniastrum Hale and related taxa (Lichenes)

The Colombian representatives of the lichen family Parmeliaceae with linear lobes and marginal cilia have been revised. A key is given and morphology, chemistry and distribution are treated of 12 species in three genera: Cetrariastrum Sipm. gen. nov, with C. andense (Karnef.) Sipm. comb. nov., C. dubitans Sipm. spec. nov. and C. equadoriense (Sant.) Sipm. comb. nov., Everniastrum with E. catawbiense (Degel.) Hale, E. cirrhatum (Fr.) Hale, E. columbiense (Zahlbr.) Hale, E. fragile Sipm. spec. nov., E. planum Sipm. spec. nov., E. sorocheilum (Vain.) Hale and E. vexans (Zahlbr.) Hale, and Parmelina cleefii Sipm. spec. nov. and P. swinscowii (Hale) Hale.
Effect of Parental Comb Size and Body Weight on Subsequent Performance in Lyallpur Silver Black Layers

Present study was conducted at Poultry Research Center University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan to investigate the effect of parental comb size and body weight on subsequent productive performance of Lyallpur Silver Black breed. To initiate the project 45 LSB females and 9 males at 29th week of age were divided in to 9 experimental units. Each unit comprising 5 females was allocated to one male using stud mating system, where each female was rotated with male for 24 hours after every 5 days. Daily egg production per bird was recorded to calculate hen house egg production per cent. Egg weight was taken weekly. Egg of each female observed for its quality on monthly basis. Body weight of individual parental male and female was taken fortnightly. Weekly chick weight was recorded till maturity. At the age of 16th week, all the available pullets were confined in individual battery cages for the determination of age at first egg. Sire had Average 49.24±14.32cm comb size and 1478.21gm±184.91 body weight but dam had 12.79±5.04 cm comb size and 1089±106gm body weight at 29th week of age. The results thus obtained revealed the non-significant effect of body weight and comb size of sire on fertility (80.65±20.24), age at first lay (175.59±23.60), weight at first lay (1295.37±100.94), day old chick weight (29.19±2.59), 6th week chick weight (232.80±67.07), 11th week chick weight (712.64±156.52), dead germ, dead in shell and hatchability (74.79±23.24) individually where as comb size of sire had significant (P<0.05) effect on hatchability. Body weight of dam had positive effect on egg weight (P<0.01)(44.9±2.08), egg production (P<0.05) (33.06+1.36) and day old chick weight (P<0.01) but had negative effect on hatchability, fertility, age at first lay, weight at fist lay, albumin quality (haugh unit) (86.32±2.89), egg quality (yolk index) (0.427±0.08), 6th week chick weight, 11th week chick weight, dead germ, dead in shell and mortality. Where as comb size of dam had significant influence
Embryological basis of the virgin birth of Jesus

Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus without a father. A scenario is presented here for this miraculous event. She is a chimera of 46,XX/46,XY type resulting from the fusion of two embryos of different sex types and both ovary and testis develop in Her body. It is well known that in chimera XX cells tend to gather on the left side while XY cells on the right; therefore, an ovary develops at the left side with an oviduct and a testis develops at the right side of the abdominal cavity with no duct. Both gonads are functional and produce oocyte and spermatozoa respectively after puberty. At the time of ovulation, estrogens leads to a negative pressure in the left oviduct and this vacuum effect helps oocyte and sperms to be picked-up into the tube, taking both types of gametes to the fertilization site in the left oviduct. Because of the higher temperature of the oocyte at the left ovary, fertilization occurs with a Y-bearing sperm to give rise to a XY male embryo which becomes miraculously Jesus.
Tax Revenue Generation by Nigerian States-An Empirical Study of Self-Assessment and Tax-Collection Contracting Systems in Kwara State

Taxation as a source of revenue is very important to both the government and taxpayers. Self-assessment system requires taxpayers to compute tax liabilities and file tax returns themselves. Prior to 2011, tax collection was contracted to tax consultants and despite availability of taxable sources, states still rely heavily on federal government revenue allocation. This study investigates the effects of self-assessment tax system and tax professionals’ services on revenue generation by state governments in Nigeria. The study was a survey and data were generated through the administration of questionnaires to 80 members of staff of Kwara State Board of Internal Revenue. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for analysis in the study. The analysis reveals that self-assessment system has a significant positive impact on revenue generation, while tax professionals’ services did not have positive impact on revenue generation. It was recommended that the government should improve on the implementation of the self-assessment system and embark on adequate taxpayer education and public enlightenment on tax-related matters.
Identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional Sudanese fermented camel's milk (Gariss)

�From 12 samples of gariss, a Sudanese traditionally fermented camel' s milk, 24 lactic acid bacteria were isolated and phenotypically characterized by biochemical tests and their ability to ferment different carbohydrates. Analysis of the observed data resulted in classifying the isolates into 11 groups, each group containing one or more isolates, 2 major groups were identified, the larger one composed of 7 isolates recognized as Lactobacillus plantarum (66.6% of the gariss isolates) and the second was composed of 6 isolates recognized as Lactococcus raffinolactis (33.3% of the gariss isolates). The remained minor groups were classified as Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus divergens, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactococcus alimentarium, Lactobacillus sp. The genetic relationships of the isolates were determined by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the results demonstrated a distinction comparative genetic clusters and their pattern was greatly related to the clustering obtained with the API 38 CHL group identification.
Determination of copper, iron, nickel, and sulphur by X-ray fluorescence in lichens from the Mackenzie Valley, Northwest Territories, and the Sudbury District, Ontario

X-ray fluorescence was adapted to the analysis of 22 terricolous lichen species from 14 sites in the Mackenzie Valley, Northwest Territories, and 7 species from the Sudbury District of Northern Ontario. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) proved to be faster and exhibited better sensitivity and reproducibility than conventional analytical techniques; also, the samples were not destroyed in the analysis. Procedural details of the XRF method are given. The levels of copper, iron, nickel, and sulphur in Arctic lichens were similar to those found in lichens growing on the periphery of the Sudbury pollution zone but very much lower than in specimens nearer the nickel smelter. A linear relationship between concentration and the reciprocal of the distance from the Copper Cliff smelter was confirmed for the occurrence of these four elements in samples collected along a 60-mi NNW transect.
The structure and reproduction of Dasya haitiana sp. nov. (Dasyaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Caribbean Sea

Abstract A new species of Dasya is described from Haiti (western part of Hispaniola Island) in the Caribbean Sea. The position of successive procarps and the presence of monosiphonous adventitious filaments in Dasya haitiana place this new taxon close to the D. baillouviana group. It is distinguished from other Caribbean species by the continuing indeterminate growth of the fertile polysiphonous axes once the carpogonia have been fertilized, by the unique formation of adventitious branches, and by its subdichotomous branching pattern.
Crablet of Mangrove Crab, Scylla olivacea Rearing at the Different Salinity Regimes

High canibalisms in crablet of mangrove crab, S. olivacea stage was resulted lower juvenile crab production. The objectives of the research is to know the efectiveness of crablet rearing at the different salinity regimes in floating plastic glass individually to minimize canibalism. Research was conducted at mud crab hatcheri Marana Station of RICA Maros. Day-7 crablet produced from a hatchery, and then reared individually in plastic glass provided with small holes in glass to enter water inside the glass. Crablet were stocked inside of the plastic glass individually, then it sets in a floating cage constructed with bamboo fenced, where a piece of styrofoam as they float in surface water in the aquarium. Nine aquariums each size 29×60×34.5 cm randomly was filled 30 L saline water with different salinity regimes, i. e. (A) 5 ppt, (B) 10 ppt, (C) 20 ppt, (D) 30 ppt. Each treatment in the three replications. Monitoring was conducted on growth increment (total weight and carapace width) and survival rate of crablet during one month rearing. Water quality monitored on dissolved oxygen, water temperature and alkalinity. Result of the research was showing that the highest growth increment of crablet was obtained in A treatment (0.74 ± 0.13 g) and significantly different (P 0.05) with B (0.57 ± 0.10 g) and C treatment (0.61 ± 0.15 g). The carapace width was significantly different (P<0.05) between A and B, A and D, B and C, B and D, C and D. The highest of survival rate (100%) was obtained in C treatment and significant different (P 0.05) with B and D treatment.
Ontogeny, structure and functional morphology of some spiny Ctenopyge species (Trilobita) from the upper Cambrian of Västergötland, Sweden

ABSTRACT This paper completes the description of intact and three-dimensional Ctenopyge species from the upper Cambrian Peltura minor Zone in Västergötland, central Sweden. All these species are present together, on the same bedding planes. The most abundant species, Ctenopyge (Eoctenopyge) angusta Westergård, 1922 has previously been described, and an almost complete ontogeny worked out. C. (Ctenopyge) gracilis Henningsmoen, 1957 is a small trilobite with nine thoracic segments and very long, thin curving and subparallel thoracic spines; the genal spines partially encircle the body. Two axial spines at the rear are of considerable length. When reconstructed in side view, the posterior thoracic spines rise upwards as an inclined fan, but when relaxed the tips of all the thoracic and axial spines come to lie in the same plane as the horizontal genal spines. An almost complete ontogeny is described for this species, and individuals show an evident spinosity from an early stage, but the body size at which thoracic segments are liberated is highly variable. C. (Ctenopyge) ahlbergi n. sp. is a larger, robust and broad species distinguished by long, stout genal spines, ten thoracic segments, and a very spiny body with the first three to four spines expanded into lateral flanges. A degree 6 meraspis shows these flanges already developing. C. (Ctenopyge) rushtoni n. sp has likewise ten thoracic segments, and has stout, broad-based and tapering spines. Incomplete meraspides 6 and 7 are known for this species. In both C. (Ctenopyge) ahlbergi and C. (Ctenopyge) rushtoni there are also two axial spines at the rear, and the extended body would have had a similar rising tail fan to that of C. (Ctenopyge) gracilis. C. (Mesoctenopyge) tumida is also present as a single large adult and several smaller holaspides. In this species the first thoracic segment is confirmed as bearing a pair of long curving spines, somewhat smaller than the encircling genal spines. The remaining thoracic spines are straight and sharp, and evidently longer in young holaspides. There is a single long axial spine on the last segment. No adult pygidium has been found. Some comments on the diversity of the fauna as a whole and the range of functional types are appended.
Characterising alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides; Amaranthaceae) invasion at a northern New Zealand lake

Exotic plant invasions are a key threat to New Zealand biodiversity. Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides; Amaranthaceae) is an invasive, herbaceous weed native to South America. Little is known about its dynamics in natural ecosystems in its introduced range, despite known agricultural impacts. We quantified alligator weed infestation at Lake Rotokawau, Northland, and investigated alligator weed's relationship with other vegetation, both native and exotic, over a year (Nov. 2005 to Sep. 2006). We also examined the relationship between native vegetation and 'other' exotic vegetation at the site. Alligator weed, at its peak in spring, covered over 20% of the surveyed lake margin. Plant community composition of plots without alligator weed differed significantly from invaded plots even when alligator weed itself was removed from the analysis. Uninvaded plots were characterised by low beta-diversity and predominantly terrestrial plant species, with Phormium tenax contributing 41% of within-group similarity. In contrast, invaded plots had higher beta-diversity and were characterised by a variety of emergent sedges and herbs. Alligator weed cover was negatively related to cover of natives but not cover of 'other' exotics. Alligator weed cover was not related to species richness of natives or 'other' exotics. 'Other' exotic species were positively related to native cover and richness, likely due to shared responses to favourable environmental conditions.
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT CARBON AND NITROGEN SOURCES ON INSOLUBLE INORGANIC PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZATION BY BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Phosphate solublization activity of Bacillus subtilis in different carbon and nitrogen sources with insoluble form of phosphate sourceslike tricalcium phosphate and rock phosphate were studied. TCP solubilization with different carbon sources irrespective of incubation period can be related in the following order: glucose, fructose, arabinose, mannose, sucrose, lactose, and sorbitol. The pH drifted from neutral to acidic with all carbon sources in presence of TCP. All the sugars with rock phosphate did not have any marked influence on phosphate solubilization activity. Regarding TCP and RP solubilization with different nitrogen sources ma ximum solubilization was recorded in the presence of ammonium sulphate.Bacillussubtilisshowed maximum PS with glucose and ammonium sulphate. RP solubilization in liquid medium was very slow.
Intraspecific variations in Indian isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana infecting wheat based on morphological, pathogenic and molecular characters.

High variability in 103 isolates of wheat pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana, collected from different geographical zones of India, was observed based on their morphological characters, pathogenicity and DNA fingerprinting. Based on their colony characteristics the isolates were categorized into five groups. The frequency of the dull white/greenish black colony type was maximum (38.83%), while both black, suppressed type and white fluffy type colonies showed minimum frequency (11.65%) in the population studied. A total of 40 isolates from five identified groups were further studied for growth rate, sporulation, pathogenic and molecular variability. Colony diameter after seven days of incubation ranged from 20.3 mm (BS-95) to 63 mm (BS-63). Highest spore production was observed in BS-69 (10x107 /colony) and lowest in BS-95 (1.0x107 / colony). Isolate BS-48 remained non sporulative even after15 days of incubation. Although all the isolates were pathogenic but their pathogenicity on susceptible genotype, Agra local varied. Isolate BS-49 showed average disease index (ADI) value of 4.5 while isolate BS-75 exhibited highest ADI of 63.4. Based on the disease response on differential hosts, five pathotypes were identified. Pathotype 1 constituted maximum isolates and was least virulent while pathotype 5 isolates were highly virulent as they produced S/HS response on most of the differential hosts. No correlation between groups identified based on colony characteristics and pathogenicity was observed. RAPD analysis of isolates of these 40 isolates showed 100% polymorphism. The amplified DNA band ranged between 200 bp to 3.5 Kb. The dendrogram generated based on polymorphic data revealed a considerable amount of diversity among the isolates, grouping them in ten clusters. Primer OPB 18 specifically amplified a DNA band of 260bp in isolate BS-53 collected from Malan (HP), which could be used as a specific marker to identify strain differences.
Control of Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in South Africa with Special Emphasis on Using Entomopathogenic Nematodes

In the Western Cape province of South Africa, codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is the most important lepidopteran pest of apples and pears. Currently an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is followed. However, chemical control still plays an important role in the control of this pest. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae have been successfully utilized as biological control agents in classical, conservation, and augmentative insect pest management programmes. In this review different biological control options for control of codling moth are considered, with special emphasis on research being done on the biological control of codling moth using EPNs. To integrate nematodes into an IPM system, it is important to conduct research under local environmental conditions for a specific crop. Application of EPNs against codling moth will target the diapausing larval overwintering population above-ground. Especially for commercial application, the unique environmental conditions in the various production areas need to be assessed to allow for the effective use of various EPN species. Orchard application, onto trees poses its own unique challenges with regard to the inundative application of EPNs. Research on the use of EPNs to control codling moth and obstacles encountered in the success of codling moth control are discussed.
Carbon dioxide exchange dynamics over a mature switchgrass stand

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has gained importance as feedstock for bioenergy over the last decades due to its high productivity for up to 20 years, low input requirements, and potential for carbon sequestration. However, data on the dynamics of CO2 exchange of mature switchgrass stands (>5 years) are limited. The objective of this study was to determine net ecosystem exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (Re), and gross primary production (GPP) for a commercially managed switchgrass field in its sixth (2012) and seventh (2013) year in southern Ontario, Canada, using the eddy covariance method. Average NEE flux over two growing seasons (emergence to harvest) was −10.4 μmol m−2 s−1 and reached a maximum uptake of −42.4 μmol m−2 s−1. Total annual NEE was −380 ± 25 and −430 ± 30 g C m−2 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. GPP reached −1354 ± 23 g C m−2 in 2012 and −1430 ± 50g C m−2 in 2013. Annual Re in 2012 was 974 ± 20 g C m−2 and 1000 ± 35 g C m−2 in 2013. GPP during the dry year of 2012 was significantly lower than that during the normal year of 2013, but yield was significantly higher in 2012 with 1090 g m−2, compared to 790 g m−2 in 2013. If considering the carbon removed at harvest, the net ecosystem carbon balance came to 106 ± 45 g C m−2 in 2012, indicating a source of carbon, and to −59 ± 45 g C m−2 in 2013, indicating a sink of carbon. Our results confirm that switchgrass can switch between being a sink and a source of carbon on an annual basis. More studies are needed which investigate this interannual variability of the carbon budget of mature switchgrass stands.
Coflow Scheduling with Performance Guarantees for Data Center Applications

Data-parallel applications run on cluster of servers in a datacenter and their communication triggers correlated resource demand on multiple links that can be abstracted as coflow. They often desire predictable network performance, which can be passed to network via coflow abstraction for application-aware network scheduling. In this paper, we propose a heuristic and an optimization algorithm for predictable network performance such that they guarantee coflows completion within their deadlines. The algorithms also ensure high network utilization, i.e., it’s work-conserving, and avoids starvation of coflows. We evaluate both algorithms via trace-driven simulation and show that they admit 1.1× more coflows than the Varys scheme while meeting their deadlines.
Investigations into Endoparasites of Small Mammals in the Environs of Lake Drūkšiai

This paper on the long-term (1981–1990) investigations into endoparasites of small mammals in the habitats around the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP), adjacent to Lake Drūksiai, is compiled from scientific contributions made by T. Arnastauskienė, J. Kazlauskas and L. Balciauskas. In total, more than 2,500 individuals belonging to 11 Rodentia species and three Insectivora species were examined. The study of the first period (1981–1984) focused on the parasitological situation before the beginning of the INPP operation. Thirty six species of intestinal coccidia and 31 helminth species were identified. Further studies (1986.1988), covered the impact of the increased anthropogenic pressure on the endoparasite fauna. There were 18 coccidian and 25 helminth species diagnosed. Changes in the composition of host species caused changes in parasite fauna. As polydominant communities of mouse-like rodents turned to monodominant, the diversity of parasite species decreased, parasite species specific to the domina.