Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A survey for the small hive beetle in Egypt

Adel R. Hassan and Peter Neumann . Plant Protection Dept. Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, Minia, Egypt. Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Research Station ALP, CH-3033 Bern, Switzerland. Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa. Eastern Bee Research Institute of Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
The Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction on the Relationship Between Electronic Banking Service Quality and Customer Purchase Intention: Evidence From the Qatar Banking Sector

This study investigates the relationship between the dimensions of electronic (E)-banking service quality and customer purchasing intentions with the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Data were collected from employees and customers, working in different banks of Qatar through a validated closed-ended questionnaire from a sample of 235. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were implied to the obtained data to test the study hypothesis, and the report provided accurate results as per our expectations. The results of the study indicate that reliability, efficiency, responsiveness, communication, security, and privacy have a significant and positive impact on customer purchasing intentions. Customer purchasing intentions are significantly increased when the customers are satisfied with E-banking service quality. The mediating role of customer satisfaction was established for E-banking service quality and customer purchase intentions. Customer satisfaction tested as a mediator has shown a partial impact on the relationship between information technology (IT), E-banking service quality, and customer purchasing intentions. This study has significantly contributed to the area of research primarily within the domain of behavioral finance. The study also provides significant implications for academicians and practitioners.
Phenotypical, Sanitary and Ampelometric Variability within the Population of cv. Plavac Mali (Vitis vinifera L.)

Summary One hundred and sixty individual vines representative of the entire growing region for cv. Plavac Mali (Middle and Southern Dalmatia) were ampelographically analyzed in situ during a period of four years. High phenotypical variability was determined in: the maturity period (35.6% “early maturity” vs. 11.9% “late maturity”), colouring (>50% of vines had bunches that were not coloured completely) and density of bunches, and degree of fi rmness of fl esh and size of the berries. In a sample of 36 vines harvested in 2005 high variability was determined in: parameters of fertility, sugar content (range 66139°Oe), and the size parameters of bunches. Th e samples were tested for the presence of four viruses by ELISA test (Grapevine Fanleaf Virus (GFLV), Arabis Mosaic Virus (ArMV), Grapevine Leafroll associated Virus 1 and 3 (GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3). 91% of all analyzed samples tested positive for GLRaV-3, while an infection with the ArMV (6%) was the least common. Only 5% of genotypes resulted as negative in virus testing. Th e results of the research point to a signifi cant degree of intra cultivar genetical variability and the necessity of further individual clonal selection.
Mapping of duplicate genes in soybean

Appressed pubescence genes in soybean cause hairs on the upper surface of leaves to lie flat, while pubescence remains erect elsewhere on the plant. For decades this trait was believed to be controlled in soybean by duplicated single genes, Pa1 and Pa2. However, reports in the literature conflicted as to which phenotype was dominant or recessive. Two populations were developed, each approximately 100 individuals, and each segregating for one of the appressed pubescence genes. A combination of SSRs (simple sequence repeats) and RFLPs (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) were used in each of these populations to map the independent genes. Two-point analysis weakly linked Pa1 and Pa2 to separate linkage groups. Lack of strong linkage suggested the trait may not be controlled by single genes. When QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis was performed, one major locus and several minor loci were detected in each population. We report the mapping of the genes controlling appressed pubescence in soybean an.
On-Line Monitoring of Milk Electrical Conductivity by Fuzzy Logic Technology to Characterise Health Status in Dairy Goats

Intramammary infection affects the quality and quantity of dairy goat milk. Health status (HS) and milk quality can be monitored by electrical conductivity (EC). The aim of the study was to determine the detection potential of EC when measured on-line on a daily basis and compared with readings from previous milkings. Milk yields (MYs) were investigated with the same approach. To evaluate these relative traits, a multivariate model based on fuzzy logic technology – which provided interesting results in cows – was used. Two foremilk samples from 8 healthy Saanen goats were measured daily over the course of six months. Bacteriological tests and somatic cells counts were used to define the HS. On-line EC measurements for each gland and MYs were also considered. Predicted deviations of EC and MY were calculated using a moving-average model and entered in the fuzzy logic model. The reported accuracy has a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 69%. Conclusions show that fuzzy logic is an interesting approach for dairy goats, since it offered better accuracy than other methods previously published. Nevertheless, specificity was lower than in dairy cows, probably due to the lack of a significant decrease of MY in diseased glands. Still, results show that the detection of the HS characteristics with EC is improved, when measured on-line, daily and compared with the readings from previous milkings.
Drought resistance in spring wheat cultivars. II.* Effects on plant water relations

We studied cultivar and drought effects on the water relations of a large set of cultivars of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), durum wheat (T, turgidum), triticale (X Tritosecale Wittmack) and barley (Hordeum vulgave L.), grown in field plots in north-western Mexico in the presence and absence of simulated late drought. Leaf water potential (Y) and osmotic potential (x), and leaf permeability (LP) to viscous air flow were measured between 1000 and 1600 hours on many dates; leaf turgor potential (p) was calculated. Drought caused associated reductions in Y, x and LP. Cultivar effects on these variables were usually significant on given dates, and reasonably consistent between dates and drought intensities in the case of Y, but less so for x and LP. There were consistent positive phenotypic correlations between Y" and LP, and Y and anthesis date, and a negative correlation between Y and stature in the absence of drought. Thc. relationship of LP to Y for different cultivars differed significantly: in particular, tall bread wheats had lower LP than dwarf cultivars at high values of Y, whereas at low Yi they had higher LP than the dwarf cultivars. There was general osmotic adjustment, and a tendency for the relationship of p to Y to vary between cultivars. Irrespective of statistical significance, the effects of cultivar were generally small relative to those of drought intensity.
Revision of the three-striped dasyures, genus Myoictis (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), of New Guinea, with description of a new species

The history of the discovery and naming of specimens now referred to Myoictis is presented. A study of virtually all known specimens of Myoictis deposited in Museum collections was undertaken to clarify the number of species in this genus of endemic New Guinean dasyurid marsupials. Based on a number of morphological features four species are now recognised, namely M. melas, M. wallacei, M. wavicus n.stat. and Myoictis leucura n.sp. The form of the tail readily distinguishes the four species. The distribution of each species has been mapped and no overlap found in their ranges as presently known. Field observations are recounted. Data for all specimens examined is appended to facilitate future studies. WOOLLEY, P.A. , 2005. Revision of the three-striped dasyures, genus Myoictis (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), of New Guinea, with description of a new species. Records of the Australian Museum 57(3): 321-340.
Optoacoustic image reconstruction: the full inverse problem with variable bases

Optoacoustic imaging was for a long time concerned with the reconstruction of energy density or optical properties. In this work, we present the full inverse problem with respect to optical absorption and diffusion as well as speed of sound and mass density. The inverse problem is solved by an iterative gradient-based optimization procedure. Since the ill-conditioning increases with the number of sought parameters, we propose two approaches to improve the conditioning. The first approach is based on the reduction of the size of the basis for the parameter spaces, that evolves according to the particular characteristics of the solution, while maintaining the flexibility of element-wise parameter selection. The second approach is a material identification technique that incorporates prior knowledge of expected material types and uses the acoustical gradients to identify materials uniquely. We present numerical studies to illustrate the properties and functional principle of the proposed methods. Significant convergence speed-ups are gained by the two approaches countering ill-conditioning. Additionally, we show results for the reconstruction of a mouse brain from in vivo measurements.
Xylanase production by Aspergillus versicolor

The xylanolytic system of Aspergillus versicolor is controlled by induction and carbon catabolite repression. Carboxymethylcellulose and wheat bran were the best inducers of xylanolytic activity. When the fungus was grown for 5 days on VOGEL's liquid medium with wheat bran, the optimal pH and temperature for xylanase production were 6.5 and 30 °C, respectively. Optimal conditions for the xylanolytic activity assay were at pH 6.0 and 55 °C. The half‐life at 60 °C of the crude enzyme was 6.5 and 21 minutes, in the absence or presence of substrate, respectively.
What constrains the distribution of orchid populations

Summary The distribution and abundance of orchid populations depend on a suite of biological and ecological factors, including seed production and dispersal, availability of mycorrhizal fungi and appropriate environmental conditions, with the weighting of these factors depending on the spatial scale considered. Disentangling the factors determining successful orchid establishment represents a major challenge, involving seed germination experiments, molecular techniques and assessment of environmental conditions. Identification of fungi from large-scale surveys of mycorrhizal associations in a range of orchid species has shown that mycorrhizal fungi may be widespread and occur in varied habitats. Further, a meta-analysis of seed introduction experiments revealed similar seed germination in occupied and unoccupied habitat patches. Orchid rarity was also unrelated to mycorrhizal specificity. Nonetheless, seed germination within sites appears to depend on both biotic and abiotic conditions. In the few cases that have been examined, coexisting orchids have distinct mycorrhizal communities and show strong spatial segregation, suggesting that mycorrhizal fungi are important drivers of niche partitioning and contribute to orchid coexistence. A broader investigation of orchid mycorrhizal fungus distribution in the soil, coupled with fungus and recruitment mapping, is needed to translate fungal abundance to orchid population dynamics and may lead to better orchid conservation.
Estimating Abundance and Survival in the Endangered Point Arena Mountain Beaver Using Noninvasive Genetic Methods

Abstract The Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra) is federally listed as an endangered subspecies that is restricted to a small geographic range in coastal Mendocino County, California. Management of this imperiled taxon requires accurate information on its demography and vital rates. We developed noninvasive survey methods, using hair snares to sample DNA and to estimate abundance and survival at two sites, Kinney Beach and Alder Creek, within Manchester State Park. We extracted DNA and genotyped 371 hair samples resulting in the identification of a total of 54 individuals during annual sampling from 2006–2009. Estimated population numbers were small, ranging from 9–18 individuals at Kinney Beach and 14–18 individuals at Alder Creek. Neither location demonstrated a trend in abundance over the 4-year sample period. There was weak support (evidence ratio 2.15) for higher apparent survival probabilities at Alder Creek (0.75) than Kinney Beach (0.59) and no support for time or site effects on recruitment. Recruitment ranged from 0.25 to 0.46 and was highest during the same interval (2007–2008) at both locations. The time series of estimates from 2006–2009 does not suggest that abundance at either study site is declining; while reassuring, concern still remains due to low total numbers at this, one of the few protected sites for this endangered subspecies.
Antioxidant Properties of Indigenous Raw and Fermented Salad Plants

This study evaluates the antioxidant potential of selected plant species by assessing three parameters: antioxidant inhibition of hydrogen peroxide induced hemolysis, free radical scavenging activity and presence of superoxide dismutase activity. Protection against hemolysis was assessed by the rabbit erythrocyte hemolysis assay while free radical scavenging activity was estimated spectophotometrically using 2,2–diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil as the scavenger. Superoxide dismutase was assessed by measuring the inhibition by superoxide dismutase on the reaction of xanthine oxide generated superoxide radical with a tetrazolium salt. The best protection against hydrogen peroxide induced hemolysis was by extracts of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaves. Hempedu bumi (Andrographis paniculata), garlic (Allium sativum) and turmeric (Curcuma domestica) also showed significant anti-hemolytic effect. Good free radical scavenging activity was shown by raw and fermented bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), hempedu bumi (Andrographis paniculata) and ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus). Ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus), lemon grass, hempedu bumi and turmeric showed significant superoxide dismutase activity. The antioxidant potential of Andrographis paniculata was good as evident by the three parameters assayed. However, neem (Azadirachta indica) has limited antioxidant potential. Plants with good antioxidant capabilities include lemon grass and garlic.
Progeny test results on Hereford bulls weight-recorded on the farm

Regressions of progeny growth rate and slaughter age on bull weight for age (400-day) record were estimated from data on 63 Hereford bulls. The bulls had been weight-recorded by the Meat and Livestock Commission and subsequently progeny-tested by the Milk Marketing Board on 1300 crossbred British Friesian steers. Interpretation of the regressions led to estimates of 16 to 35% (± 9 to 17%) for the ‘effective’ heritability of400-day weight. These are lower than the average in the literature and may indicate that farm records with natural rearing of bulls are less reliable than tests with uniform rearing and feeding conditions.
Genes for multicopper proteins and laccase activity: common features in plant-associated Fusarium isolates

Eight Fusarium isolates from diverse plant habitats produced laccase activities when cultured on low-carbon medium. Three sequences with high homology to laccase genes were detected in the genome of Fusarium proliferatum, NRRL 31071, an opportunistic pathogen of wheat (Triticum spp.). The sequences aligned with laccase genes from Ascomycetes, whereas genes from other fungal taxonomic groups and from plants grouped separately. Sequences for related multicopper oxidases with ascorbate oxidase activity were also separated discretely. A fourth sequence from NRRL 31071 had highest homology to genes for multicopper proteins associated with ferrooxidase activities in yeasts. Each of the four sequences had high homology to sequences within the genome of a ligninolytic F. proliferatum from forest soil. RFLP analysis of the genomes of three other F. proliferatum isolates and a phylogenetically closely related isolate, Fusarium fujikuroi, showed that fragments hybridizing with the four multicopper oxidase genes were.
STUDIES IN FOREST PATHOLOGY: XXIV. POLYPORUS TOMENTOSUS FR. AS A MAJOR FACTOR IN STAND-OPENING DISEASE OF WHITE SPRUCE

Stand-opening disease in Saskatchewan spruce forests is characterized by the occurrence of patches, often of an acre or more, of declining and dead trees. Polyporus tomentosus Fr. is a major cause of the disease, which develops slowly, with 20 to 30 years elapsing between initiation of attack and death of the trees. Extensive root decay develops before the above-ground symptoms become apparent. Inoculation experiments have shown that P. tomentosus grows about 1.5 in. per year, and that the fungus is parasitic on white spruce.Polyporus tomentosus may enter healthy roots at a point of contact with infected roots; no evidence was found that it entered through root tips or directly from the soil. The fungus remains viable in infected roots for at least 16 years. The disease is commonly associated with injury caused by root-tunnelling weevils in the genus Hylobius. Host vigor did not appear to influence infection or disease development. In culture, the optimum temperature for P. tomentosus was 20 °C and the op.
EVALUATION OF THE EXISTING WATER PRODUCTIVITY IN THE LOWER BARI DOAB CANAL (LBDC) COMMAND - A CASE STUDY

A study was conducted in the command area of the Lower Bari Doab Canal to evaluate the existing water productivity situation. Primary information was collected through a specially designed questionnaire from two secondary irrigation canals –Jandraka, located at the head reach of the doab (the area between two rivers) and 15-L, located at its tail. Six watercourses of Jandraka and seven of 15-L were selected for the study. At each watercourse, six farmers were interviewed, two each from the head, middle and tail. At Jandraka, the average yields for wheat, rice, sugarcane and spring maize were found to be 2,884, 2,606, 49,912 and 6,443 kg/ha, respectively, whereas the average water productivities were 0.73, 0.08, 2.01 and 0.54 kg/m 3 , respectively. At 15L, the average yield for wheat, cotton, sugarcane and spring maize were found to be 3,096, 2,056, 49,400 and 8,854 kg/ha, respectively, whereas the water productivities were 0.65, 0.33, 1.08 and 0.80 kg/m 3 , respectively. Except for spring maize, the gap between the average yield and the potential yield at both distributaries was more than 50%, whereas the gap between the average and potential water productivity was more than 70%. Hence, there is a vast scope to increase the crops yield and the water productivity by adopting proper management of water and non-water inputs.
Population geography

This is the second of three reports that discuss the major avenues of progress in the alleviation of population geography’s poor reputation. Last year’s report examined the route of policy-relevant work (Nash, 1994), next year’s will focus on the need for improved communication; this year, the importance of sound scholarship will be examined. That progress is sorely needed cannot be denied. Bodman’s (1992: 108-9) study of leading geographers shows there are no population geographers in the top ranks of geographers as defined by citation; the highest ranked are W.A. V. Clark (25th) and W. Zelinsky (45th) the latter, a scholar who until recently had migrated from our subdiscipline (Zelinsky, 1971; 1993: 213; Zelinsky and Kosinski, 1991: 303). None of the six geographers asked by Lingua franca to note ’the most provocative new books published in their field in the last year or so’ were population geographers, nor were any of the books they nominated written by population geographers (Kaminer, 1993: 14). The view from outside the discipline is as bleak: McNicoll’s (1992: 15) review of population studies only mentions one population geographer. Migration, arguably our strongest suit, fares no better. Massey et al. (1993) refer only to one geographer and one geography journal. An analysis of Castles and Miller’s recent volume, The age of migration, or Layton-Henry’s The politics of immigration yields a similarly pitiful harvest. Indeed, at least one regional commentator has argued that population geography has had no influence whatsoever on
Analysis of Volatile Components in Essential Oil of Upland Wasabi and Their Inhibitory Effects on Platelet Aggregation

Inhibition of platelet aggregation was found in the essential oils extracted from the various parts of upland wasabi (Wasabia japonica forma terrestris Hisauti). The antiplatelet activity increased in the order of leaves, rhizomes, petioles, and roots. To examine the inhibitory principles in upland wasabi oil, components in each part of the essential oil were identified and measured. Most of the volatile components in upland wasabi oils were ω-alkenyl isothiocyanates and ω-methylthioalkyl isothiocyanates, allyl isothiocyanate being the main component in every oil. Essential oils from roots and petioles contained rather large amounts of ω-methylthioalkyl isothiocyanates. Although every authentic isothiocyanate inhibited platelet aggregation, ω-methylthioalkyl isothiocyanates were more inhibitory, which explained the stronger inhibitory effects of essential oils from roots and petioles on platelet aggregation.
INFLUENCE OF SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE AND METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF ROSEMARY ON OXIDATION AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF WHEAT GERM OIL

Both supercritical CO2 and methanolic extracts from the leaves of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) harvested from three different locations of Turkey at four different times of the year were added at a concentration of 100 mg/kg to wheat germ oil. Wheat germ oil samples were stored in an incubator for 10 days at 50C in order to promote oxidation and for the efficacy of the extracts for stabilization purposes to be examined. Degree of oxidation was determined by peroxide and p-anisidine values, which were performed every 2 days. Extracts from Mersin and Canakkale regions performed better results. Additionally, June and September harvests had lower peroxide values. According to the descriptive sensory analysis, both locations and extraction methods were found to effect flavor. Some flavor attributes, such as wheatlike/starchy, fishy and rubbery/metallic changed during storage regardless of locations and extraction methods. Supercritical CO2 extracts performed better results in terms of both oxidation and sensory properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS From the perspective of the food industry, wheat germ oil stabilized with a natural antioxidant such as rosemary can be marketed as a functional product that can create a niche. Rosemary extracts containing higher amounts of rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid should be preferred in order to provide a better shelf life of an edible oil such as wheat germ oil.