Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the importance of geographic replication and representativeness when estimating demographic rates, using a coastal species as a case study

Demographic rates are rarely estimated over an entire species range, limiting empirical tests of ecological patterns and theories, and raising questions about the representativeness of studies that use data from a small part of a range. The uncertainty that results from using demographic rates from just a few sites is especially pervasive in population projections, which are critical for a wide range of questions in ecology and conservation. We developed a simple simulation to quantify how this lack of geographic representativeness can affect inferences about the global mean and variance of growth rates, which has implications for the robust design of a wide range of population studies. Using a coastal songbird, saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), as a case study, we first estimated survival, fecundity, and population growth rates at 21 sites distributed across much of their breeding range. We then subsampled this large, representative dataset according to five sampling scenarios in order to simulate a variety of geographic biases in study design. We found spatial variation in demographic rates, but no large systematic patterns. Estimating the global mean and variance of growth rates using subsets of the data suggested that at least 10-15 sites were required for reasonably unbiased estimates, highlighting how relying on demographic data from just a few sites can lead to biased results when extrapolating across a species range. Sampling at the full 21 sites, however, offered diminishing returns, raising the possibility that for some species accepting some geographical bias in sampling can still allow for robust range-wide inferences. The sub-sampling approach presented here, while conceptually simple, could be used with both new and existing data to encourage efficiency in the design of long-term or large-scale ecological studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Nematodos parásitos asociados con tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum Cav.) en la sierra del Ecuador

espanolSe realizo un estudio nematologico en cuatro plantaciones de tomate de arbol (Solanum betaceum Cav.), situadas en los valles altos del Ecuador. El proposito de este estudio fue el de demostrar la incidencia de nematodos parasitos de estos cultivos. Un total de 64 muestras de suelo y 34 de raices fueron procesados y analizados por duplicado en los que se encontraron al menos 12 generos de nematodos distribuidos en poblaciones diferentes. Diferencias en conductividad de los suelos fueron significativas, mientras que las del pH no lo fueron. El genero mas frecuente fue Meloidogyne spp. con un promedio de 363,5 por 100 g de suelo y 290,4 por 10 g de raices en las 64 muestras de suelo y 34 de raices colectadas en cuatro diferentes localidades. Pratylenchus spp. fue la segunda poblacion mas frecuente con un promedio de 146,3 y 97,4 individuos por 100 g de suelo y 10 g de raices, respectivamente. La presencia del genero Hoplolaimus spp. en 33 de 64 muestras de suelo (52%) constituye un importante hallazgo de este genero asociado con los cultivos de tomate en Ecuador. Alrededor de la mitad de la poblacion total de nematodos encontrados en el suelo y raices de este cultivo fueron del genero saprofitico (un promedio de 530 y 518 individuos, respectivamente). EnglishA nematological survey was conducted in four tree tomato plantations (Solanum betaceum Cav.), located in the Ecuadorian highlands. The purpose was to study the occurrence of parasitic nematodes associated with this crop. A total of 64 soil and 34 root samples were processed and analyzed in duplicate, in which nematodes from at least 12 genera in different population arrangements were found. Differences in soil conductivity measurements were significant, whereas pH was not. The most frequent genus was Meloidogyne spp. , with a mean average of 363,5 nematodes per 100 g of soil sample, and 290,4 for 10 g of roots among the 64 and 34 soil and root samples collected at all four locations. Pratylenchus spp. Followed, with a mean average of 146,3 and 97,4 per 100 g of soil and for 10 g of root samples, respectively. The occasional appearance of the nematode genus Hoplolaimus in 33 of the 64 soil samples (52%) is a significant finding, since it is the first report of this genus associated with tree tomato crops in Ecuador. Around half of the total nematode population found in soil as well as in root samples (with a mean average of 530 and 518, respectively) were from the saprophytic genera.
Comparative Histology and Histometry of the Renal Capsule in Dromedary She Camel (Camelus dromedarius), Cow (Bos indicus) and Ewe (Ovis aires)

Kidneys from adult she camels, cows and ewes (eight from each) were investigated using histologic and histometric techniques to study the renal capsule. The capsule in the kidney of the three species was made up of two layers, outer and inner. The outer layer of the renal capsule was composed mainly of dense collagenous fibres arranged in wavy bundles. The outer layer was the thicker in she camel (396 μm) as compared to cow (39 μm) and ewe (36 μm). The outer layer represented about 82% of the total thickness of the capsule in she camel and cow whereas it was only 37% in ewe. The inner layer in the three species was mainly formed of smooth muscle fibers, and fine collagen and reticular fibres. The reticular fibres in the inner layer of the renal capsule were markedly extensive in ewe and cow compared to she camel. Smooth muscle fibres formed a distinct thick layer in ewe and a thin one in cow; however, in her camel they were randomly distributed. No elastic fibres were present in all capsules studied. The inner layer was observed to be thick in ewe as it constituted about 63% (61.2 μm) of the total thickness of the capsule compared to only 18% in both cow (8.4 μm) and she camel (84.3 μm). The study revealed that the renal capsule was thickest in she camel (480.4 μm) compared to ewe (97.5 μm) and cow (47.3 μm). It is concluded that the renal capsules of she camel, cow and ewe showed remarkable variation in thickness as well as the amount of the histological components. It is suggested that such variation might influence the function of the renal capsule.
Study of genetic divergence for earliness and yield attributing traits in tropical cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L)

An experiment conducted during session 2015-2016 at two different season to study the genetic diversity among the different lines taken. All the genotypes were divided into four different clusters. Cluster I was the largest and cluster III and IV were the smallest cluster classified. The highest inter cluster distance (580.42) was observed in between cluster I and cluster IV followed by cluster I and III (438.36), cluster I and II (180.79) and cluster II and cluster IV (185.76). In the present investigation, cluster IV contains genotype with early curd initiation (73.25 days) and curd maturity (84.75 days). The cluster with highest net curd weight was found to be in cluster IV (304.08 g), while the lowest curd weight was in cluster I (212.38 g). It is may be concluded that crossing between genotypes of cluster IV and I are likely to be exploited for high heterosis for net curd weight, marketable curd weight in cauliflower.
Development of Asian parasitoids in larvae Of Drosophila Suzukii feeding on blueberry and artificial diet

In just a few years, the Asian fly Drosophila suzukii has invaded several continents and has become a very serious pest of many fruit crops worldwide. Current control methods rely on chemical insecticides or expensive and labour‐intensive cultural practices. Classical biological control through the introduction of Asian parasitoids that have co‐evolved with the pest may provide a sustainable solution on condition that they are sufficiently specific to avoid non‐target effects on local biodiversity. Here, we present the first study on the development of three larval parasitoids from China and Japan, the Braconidae Asobara japonica and the Figitidae Leptopilina japonica and Ganaspis sp. , on D. suzukii. The Asian parasitoids were compared with Leptopilina heterotoma, a common parasitoid of several Drosophilidae worldwide. The three Asian species were successfully reared on D. suzukii larvae in both, blueberry and artificial diet, in contrast to L. heterotoma whose eggs and larvae were encapsulated by the host larvae. All parasitoids were able to oviposit one day after emergence. Asobara japonica laid as many eggs in larvae feeding in blueberry as in artificial diet, whereas L. heterotoma oviposited more in larvae on the artificial diet and the Asian Figitidae oviposited more in larvae feeding on blueberry. Ganaspis sp. laid very few eggs in larvae in the artificial diet, suggesting that it may be specialized in Drosophila species living in fresh fruits. These data will be used for the development of a host range testing to assess the suitability of Asian parasitoids as biological control agents in invaded regions.
On a Spatiotemporal Population Dynamics Model to Track Density and Average Mass: Application to Brown Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) in Gulf of Mexico

Structured population models have been used to model density of individuals over time and other factors such as age, mass, developmental stage and space. Mass is a particularly useful measure of condition of a population. For example, large individuals tend to reproduce more offspring and survive better than smaller ones. Traditional models of mass as a continuous structure parameter do not introduce a separate partial differential equation (PDE) for mass; rather they model the population as being subdivided into classes parameterized by mass and then number density is written as a function of spatial location, time and mass. Our approach to modeling mass dependent population dynamics introduces mass as a dependent variable. In particular, we developed a new PDE for mass where mass is a function of spatial location and time. We constructed a spatiotemporal population dynamics model to track density and average mass of the population at location x and time t and the model will be called as density and mass model. Our model provides an insight into the identification of key processes (reproduction, growth, mortality) controlling populations over various space and time. We developed a finite difference scheme for the numerical solution to the system of PDEs arising from our modeling effort. Then the model is applied to brown shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico to understand their spatiotemporal dynamics of density and mass. To derive a density and mass model, we start with conservation laws for biomass and number density. Then, we define average mass and derive the system of coupled parabolic and hyperbolic PDEs for spatial movement of individuals in a population. Then, birth, growth and death processes are added to derive the final system of PDEs to include spatial movements, birth, growth and death of individuals. Then, we impose
An Infertile Triploid Population of Polystichum squarrosum from Himachal Pradesh

Triploid cytotypes of Polystichum squarrosum have been found from India. All accessions shared the same cytological status of 2n=123, the first ever record against the earlier reported diploid (2n=82) and tetraploid (2n=164) cytotypes from India. Individuals depicted highly abnormal meiotic behavior characterized by presence of univalents beside bivalents, unoriented chromosomes at metaphase I (MI), laggards, chromatin bridges at anaphase and telophase. Cytomixis at tetrad showing nuclear fusion between sporads is another noticeable phenomenon in this species. Triads, polyads and micronuclei at tetrad stage consequently lead to low spore fertility and formation of heterogenous spores. B-chromosomes were found in few cells in one of the accessions.
IMPACT OF NANO-ZINC OXIDE SUPPLEMENTATION ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF EWES AND OFFSPRING

ABSTRACTThis study conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc element, either in Large particles (LP-Zn) or Nano particles (NP-Zn)] forms, as a feed supplement in rations of Ossimi ewes on feed intake, digestibility, feeding value, milk yield and offspring performance. Fifteen ewes used before lambing. They averaged 39.37±0.64 kg live body weight and aged 3-4 years. Animal allotted randomly into three similar groups (5 animals each) to receive one of the experimental diets. The control ration (CR) consisted of concentrate feed mixture (CFM), Berseem hegazi hay (BHH) and rice straw (RS). The two tested groups fed the same control ration supplemented either with 10 mg large size particles of zinc (LP-Zn) or 5 mg nano particles of zinc (NP-Zn) per kg CFM, G2 and G3 respectively.Results indicated that digestibility of most nutrients (DM, OM, CF and NFE) were significantly the highest with NP-Zn ration in comparison with other treatments. Similar trends observed with TDN and DCP values among treatments. Percentage of body weight changes during experimental period increased (P<0.05) by 4.96 and 12.54 % for ewes treated by LP-Zn and NP-Zn, respectively. In addition, the feed intake calculated as DMI, TDN and DCP were significantly higher with NP-Zn ration than other ones. Actual daily milk yield (ADMY) and 6% fat corrected milk yield (FCMY) were higher for both tested rations (LP-Zn & NP-Zn) than control, with superiority of NP-Zn ration. Data indicated that supplementation of diet with NP-Zn affected positively (P<0.01) the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, prolactin, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxin (T4) concentrations at 15, 45 and 75 days post-lambing in comparison to control group for ewes and their lambs. Also, concentration of immunoglobulin (IgG) in serum samples of ewes and their lambs recorded the highest values with NP-Zn group. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin and glucose values in NP-Zn group recorded the highest values, followed by LP-Zn group, while control group had the lowest, either for ewes or suckling lambs. Serum AST, ALT and urea measurements were within the normal range for healthy sheep.It conclude that small amount of zinc in nano size, could replace zinc in normal size without any side effects on animal performance. In addition, zinc supplementation could improve nutrients digestibility, feed conversion, milk production and some related serum biochemical indicators.
Denture acrylic biofilms : microbial composition, interactions and infection

Denture-associated stomatitis (DS), a frequent infection in denture-wearers (up to 60%), presents as areas of palatal inflammation and is normally associated with denture biofilms containing Candida albicans. However, the contribution of co-existing bacteria in these biofilms to the infection remains unclear. As current DS management strategies are primarily directed towards Candida, research demonstrating the impact of specific bacteria upon infection prognosis is important to improve treatment regimes. This research evaluated the in vitro impact of bacteria on Candida virulence, and compared bacterial microbiomes at specific oral sites in DS and non-DS patients to determine associations with infection. In vitro biofilm studies assessed expression of C. albicans virulence factors (morphological transformation, adhesins, hydrolytic enzymes) and their impact on pathogenesis in an infection model. In clinical studies, microbiological samples were obtained from the tongue, palate and denture-fitting surface of 19 denture-wearing patients (DS n=8, non-DS n=11). The presence of Candida was ascertained by PCR. Bacterial DNA was extracted and subjected to next generation sequencing using bacterial 16S rRNA gene targets, and differences in the bacterial microbiomes determined. Certain bacterial species in acrylic biofilms significantly (P<0.05) increased the expression of C. albicans virulence factors, and subsequently, enhanced tissue damage in model systems. Candida was detected in clinical samples of 14 patients (DS n=6, non-DS n=8). Metataxonomic analyses revealed differences in relative abundance of bacterial species, but no significant differences in the bacterial microbiomes of the denture-fitting surface and palate between DS and non-DS patients. Importantly, a significant (P=0.007) increase in the number of bacterial species was evident for the tongue microbiome of non-DS patients. The in vitro modulating capacity of bacteria toward Candida virulence, and the observed species-level differences in bacteria between DS and non-DS patients highlight the need for consideration of the bacterial composition of oral biofilms in the pathogenesis of DS. 1
Association mapping for photosynthesis and yield traits under two moisture conditions and their drought indices in winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using SSR markers

Net photosynthesis rate and drought resistance in wheat need to be improved to enhance overall wheat productivity. Association mapping was used to explore the potential QTLs associated with net photosynthesis rate (Pn), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), biomass plant (BMPP) and grain yield plant (GYPP) under two water conditions and their drought indices, i.e. stress tolerance index (STI) and stress susceptibility index (SSI) in wheat using 269 whole-genome SSR markers in 59 winter wheat genotypes. Large numbers of marker-trait associations (MTAs) were detected for photosynthesis and yield related traits under both water conditions and related drought tolerance indices in both seasons. However, the number of significant associations reduced greatly when Bonferroni correction (FPDR) test was applied. Single marker, i.e. Xpsp3123-7D was associated with multiple traits across moisture conditions as well as growth seasons. Xgwm182-5D was stably associated with TKW under water-stressed conditions and with GYPP under well-watered conditions, respectively in both seasons. Xcfd33-6D was consistently linked with BMPP in both seasons under well-watered condition. A Total of 28 associations for the drought tolerance indices of those phenotypic traits qualified FPDR test. Of these, Xpsp3123-7D was consistently associated with the two drought indices of the traits in two seasons. The markers Xwmc707-4A and Xgwm182-5D were stably associated with stress susceptibility index (STI) of BMPP and stress tolerance index (STI) of TKW, respectively across two seasons. These putative QTLs, especially Xpsp312-7D can be the key targets to improve photosynthetic efficiency and yield potential of bread wheat in rainfed ecosystem.
Characterization and functional analysis of clpB gene from Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae RS‐1

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) has been reported to be highly associated with various cellular activities in strain RS-1 of Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae (Aaa), the pathogen of bacterial brown stripe of rice. However, the role of the clpB gene that presents in the T6SS gene cluster in Aaa pathogenicity has not been clarified. The aim of the current study was to characterize the function of clpB and to investigate its contribution to bacterial pathogenesis using insertional deletion mutation and complementation approaches. The results indicated that mutation of clpB significantly affected bacterial growth, virulence, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, biofilm formation and expression of 13 other T6SS genes of Aaa RS-1. The reduction of virulence may be also partially due to the change in EPS composition, which was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Furthermore, analysis of protein homology modelling showed that the structure of ClpB is different from those of the other T6SS components. In addition, structural difference was observed between ClpB and Type IV pili (TFP) as well as Type IV pilus biogenesis proteins (PilP), whose functions are similar to ClpB. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the clpB gene plays a key role in Aaa bacterial virulence.
DICOMA ANOMALA SOND.: A REVIEW OF ITS BOTANY, ETHNOMEDICINE, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY

Dicoma anomala is used as herbal medicine to treat and manage fever, coughs, colds, sore throats, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, intestinal worms, and sexually transmitted infections in tropical Africa. The aim of this study was to summarize the research that has been done on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of D. anomala in tropical Africa. The literature search for information on ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of D. anomala was undertaken using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, BioMed Central, PubMed, and Springer link. Other relevant literature sources included books, book chapters, websites, theses, conference papers, and other scientific publications. This study showed that D. anomala is used as herbal medicine in 57.1% of the countries in tropical Africa where it is indigenous. The species is used to treat 66 and five human and animal diseases, respectively. Several classes of secondary metabolites including acetylenic compounds, diterpene, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, sesquiterpenes, tannins and triterpenes have been isolated from D. anomala. Different aqueous and organic extracts of D. anomala exhibited anthelmintic, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and hepatoprotective activities. The documented information on the botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of D. anomala provide baseline data required for further ethnopharmacological studies on the species.
EFFECT OF BIOSTIMULANTS ON CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE PARAMETERS OF BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) UNDER DROUGHT STRESS AND REWATERING

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of biostimulants amino acids and amino acids + Ascophyllum nodosum filtrate on two broccoli cultivars ‘Agassi’ and ‘Tiburon’ and their response to soil drought. The plants were watered with Ascophyllum nodosum filtrate before planting and sprayed with amino acids after planting three times. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were performed before, during and after stress. They showed a considerable difference in cultivars’ response to stress, with ‘Agassi’ being more sensitive. Application of biostimulants enhanced the tolerance to drought stress. Maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII was unchanged, whereas the quantum yield of electron transport and photochemical fluorescence quenching values increased and the non-photochemical fluorescence quenching decreased. Moreover, the apparent photosynthetic electron transport rate rose. Chlorophyll content index was affected by the cultivar and application of biostimulants.
The influence of soil feedback and plant traits on competition between an invasive plant and co-occurring native and exotic species

THE INFLUENCE OF SOIL FEEDBACK AND PLANT TRAITS ON COMPETITION BETWEEN AN INVASIVE PLANT AND CO-OCCURRING NATIVE AND EXOTIC SPECIES Gary Tin-Kei Poon Advisor: University of Guelph, 2011 Professor H. Maherali The mechanisms that allow invasive species to flourish in novel habitats are poorly understood. A. petiolata (Alliaria petiolata) is an invader of North American forest edge and understory communities. A. petiolata’s success may result from high competitive ability due to its suppression of mycorrhizal fungi used by other species. In a greenhouse experiment, I grew 27 target species in the presence and absence of A.petiolata in soil with and without a history of A. petiolata. I found that soil with a history of A. petiolata had depleted plant available nitrogen and reduced mycorrhizal fungal colonization of target species. A. petiolata competition suppressed the growth of target species less in soils with than without A. petiolata history. Furthermore, I found that tall plants with finer roots more effectively suppressed the growth of A. petiolata. My results suggest that soil feedback effects do not improve A. petiolata’s competitive ability and are unlikely to contribute to A. petiolata invasion.