Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rates of sulfate reduction and thiosulfate consumption in a marine microbial mat

The sulfur cycle in a microbial mat was studied by determining viable counts of sulfate-reducing bacteria, chemolithoautotrophic sulfur bacteria and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. All three functional groups of sulfur bacteria revealed a maximum population density in the uppermost 5 mm of the mat: 1.1 × 108 cells of sulfate reducers cm−3 sediment, 2.0 × 109 cells of chemolithoautotrophs cm−3 sediment, and 4.0 × 107 cells of anoxygenic phototrophs cm−3 sediment. Bacterial dynamics were studied by sulfate reduction rate measurements, both under anoxic conditions (dark incubation) and oxic conditions (incubation in the light), and determination of the vertical distribution of the potential rate of thiosulfate consumption under oxic conditions. Sulfate reduction rates in the top 5 mm of the sediment were 566 nmol cm−3 d−1 in the absence of oxygen, and 123 nmol cm−3 d−1 in the presence of oxygen. In the latter case, the maximum rate was found in the 5–10-mm depth horizon (361 nmol cm−3 d−1). Biological consumption of amended thiosulfate was rapid and decreased with depth, while in the presence of molybdate, thiosulfate consumption decreased to 10–30% of the original rate.
Seasonal fluctuations in population size and habitat segregation of Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, North West province, South Africa

Seasonal fluctuations in population size reflect breeding patterns and movements of birds, but distinguishing residents from itinerant birds is difficult with partially migratory species such as Kittlitz's Plover. We determined changes in the size of Kittlitz's Plover populations in two microhabitats (Goose Point and Sandy Beach) at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, North West province, South Africa, where we ringed waders between February 2008 and May 2010. Using a Bayesian model, we estimated the population of this species at these two sites from capture–recapture data gathered in eight 3- to 12-day collection periods. The estimated adult population at Goose Point peaked at 161 in October 2009, but decreased to about 40 in March 2009 and March 2010. The immature population peaked at 119 in January–February 2010. This, along with observations of nests and chicks, suggests that residents bred at Goose Point from September to March. The estimated number of adults at Sandy Beach increased from 48 in March 2010 to 380 in April 2010. Adults captured there in April 2010 formed feeding flocks and were heavier than the resident birds at Goose Point. These results suggest that Barberspan Bird Sanctuary supports resident and itinerant populations that are partially segregated in different microhabitats.
Comparative Study on Body Composition of Two Chinese Carps, Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Fish is influencing almost every niche of human life. It is considered as one of the most important animals, on account of its widespread role economically, nutritionally and as a medicinal tool. Intensive research about different aspects of fish has been under its way all around the globe. The current study was conducted on two fish species Cyprinus carpio and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix available to consumer in fish market and hotels at Timergara, District Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. This study was designed to evaluate the body composition of these two widely consumed Chinese carps. For common carp water content, protein (Dry), protein (Wet), Fat (Dry), Fat (Wet), Organic content (Dry), Organic content (Wet), Ash (Dry) and Ash (Wet) ranged (in percentages) from 65.09-67.1, 65.9-66.8, 24.7-25.4, 18.9-19.3, 7.69-8.45, 85.6-86.7, 28.97-29.56, 8.98-9.99 and 3.1-3.89 respectively, while for silver carp these constituents ranged from 74.87-76.8, 64.5-68.7, 24.89-26.5, 18.89-20.1, 7.89-8.9, 86.7-89.4, 27.6-29.7, 12.38-13.86 and 4.52-4.97 respectively. Results showed that these fish are having high nutritive values. The present study also revealed that there is a significant difference (P<0.05) between body composition of the studied fish species. Moreover, variations also exist between the specimens of the same species for all the constituents.
Prevalencia del protozoario Perkinsus sp. en un cultivo de ostión japonés Crassostrea gigas en Sinaloa, México

Crassostrea gigas is a bivalve mollusk of great commercial importance. In northwest Mexico its production is affected by mortalities whose infectious origin has not been clearly determined. This study determined the prevalence and intensity of infection with Perkinsus sp. in a culture of C. gigas in 2011-2012. The culture was performed in a long-line system with densities of 28 and 42 oysters/tray. A sample size of 30 oysters per month was determined. Diagnosis of Perkinsus sp. was done according to the protocols of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) for Fluid Thioglycolate Medium and PCR. Both methods were able to determine the prevalence of Perkinsus sp. , which ranged between 3.3 and 40%. The infection intensity was low (levels 1-2) according to the Mackin scale. Cumulative mortality in densities between 28 and 24 oysters per trey was 4 and 6% respectively. The highest mortality of oysters and the highest prevalence of Perkinsus sp. occurred in September (2.7 and 16.6%) and October (1.5 and 23.3%), respectively, when the temperature was high. In conclusion, Perkinsus sp. was detected in a C. gigas culture in the Estero La Pitahaya, with moderate prevalence, low infection and increased presence in the warmest months of the culture cycle.
Growth regulators reduce leaf yellowing in Easter lily caused by close spacing and root rot

The development of greenhouse leaf yellowing in Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) was significantly reduced by the application of growth regulator solutions containing gibberellins 4 and 7 (GA 4+7 ) or benzyladenine (BA). Solutions containing BA alone significantly reduced leaf yellowing on plants caused by close spacing but were less effective than GA 4+7 . Application of BA alone, however, was not effective against root rotinduced leaf yellowing. When plants were treated with GA 4+7 or BA + GA 4+7 around the visible bud stage, nearly all of the leaves remained green until the end of the growing season. These growth regulators, however, increased the final height of the plants by 8-10 cm. The developmental rate and size of the flower buds, as well as the length of the pedicels were not affected by the growth regulator treatments. Thus application of these growth regulators greatly improved the quality of the leaves without compromising the quality and timing of the flowers. Chemical name used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purine-6-amine (benzyladenine, BA).
Ribosomal protein gene sequences reveal a geographical differentiation between CSPWD phytoplasmas in Ghana.

In Ghana, coconut lethal yellowing phytoplasma locally called Cape Saint Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) is the most damaging coconut disease. Two different foci of the disease can be distinguished: the first one covering the coast of the Western and Central Regions, and the second covering the coast of the Volta region. To test the hypothesis of a genetic differentiation between the CSPWD phytoplasma from the two foci, the partial ribosomal operon 16S, and two ribosomal protein genes (rplV and rpsC) of 14 strains were sequenced. The ribosomal protein gene sequences allowed the differentiation of the strains originating from the two different foci by a unique SNP, confirming a genetic differentiation.
Influence of phylogeny, migration and type of diet on the presence of intestinal parasites in the faeces of European passerine birds (Passeriformes)

Migratory and non-migratory passerine birds can carry several pathogens, including parasites, which may cause significant diseases in birds, other animal species and humans. Parasites have been shown to negatively impact many populations of wildlife, and this may become more significant with global temperature changes. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in faecal samples of European passerines. Intestinal parasites identified were statistically associated with passerines phylogenetic classification, migratory habits (migratory, non-migratory) and the type of diet (omnivorous, insectivorous and granivorous). A total of 385 passerines of 42 species were captured and their droppings collected. The prevalence of parasites in faecal samples of passerines was 15.6%. Intestinal parasites were identified in 50/309 (16.2%) migratory passerines and 10/76 (13.2%) non-migratory passerines using the faecal flotation method. Coccidia were most often identified parasites; they were more likely to be present in an omnivorous bird species (p = 0.02). Syngamus spp. was more likely to be detected in omnivorous passerines (p = 0.04). Tits (p = 0.01) and finches (p = 0.006) were less likely to have intestinal parasites present in their faecal samples than passerines classified in other phylogenetic clades. Tits (p = 0.02) and finches (p = 0.008) were also less likely to have coccidia present in their faecal samples. Phylogeny was associated with the presence of parasites in faecal samples of passerines (p = 0.03). The prevalence of parasites, however, was not associated with the migration habit of passerines, but to the type of diet (p = 0.04). Our analysis suggests that the diversity of feeding sources of omnivore passerines exposes them to infection with intestinal parasites to a greater extent than granivore or insectivore passerines.
Dental eruption schedules of wild and captive baboons

Dental eruption schedules previously used to age wild baboons have in the past derived from studies of captive animals housed under standard conditions and fed standard laboratory diets. This paper reports for the first time eruption schedules derived from wild baboons, the yellow baboons (Papio hamadryas cynocephalus) of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania, and compares these schedules with those of other baboon subspecies inhabiting both similar and dissimilar environments. Eighteen males and twelve females from the Viramba groups, ranging in age from 21 to 103 months, were trapped, and dental impressions and notes were made of the state of eruption of each tooth. Eruption of all teeth were delayed at Mikumi relative to the baboon standards derived from the captive animals at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas. Teeth of the canine‐premolar 3 complex and third molars were most delayed, erupting up to a year and a half later than their counterparts from captive animals. Comparison with data on hamadryas baboons from Erer‐Gota in Ethiopia revealed that both the hamadryas and yellow subspecies of baboons, with different genetic backgrounds and living under markedly different environmental conditions, followed the same schedule. This constancy of developmental schedules suggests that these Mikumi data may reasonably be used as standards for other wild baboon populations and that acceleration of dental maturation, as well us maturation of other somatic systems in captivity, is another manifestation of the short‐term adaptive plasticity of the baboon species as a whole.
Replacing Soybean Oil in the Finisher Phase with Different Levels of Dry Protected Plant Fat and Two Forms of Feed and their Effect on Performance, Carcass Quality and Blood Parameters of Broilers

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of dry fat (dried palm oil) as an energy source and two feed forms (mash and pelleted)used in the finisher stage on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and blood serum metabolites of broiler chickens. A total of 450 straight-run Lohmann broiler chicks reared in an open-sided house and fed corn-soybean meal based diet with SBM oil as a source of energy from 1-28d of age. On d 28 birds were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments of 3 different levels of dry fat (2, 4 and 6%) and 2 forms of feed in 3 x 2 factorial arrangements. Each treatment has 3 replicates with 25 birds each (75/treatment). Experiment lasted for 42d. Processing yields and cut-ups were determined on d 42 in addition to meat quality traits and serum lipid levels. The different% of dietary fat did not improve growth performance with the interaction of fat level and feed form. But it was highly significant (P<0.05) with pelleted feed. Also significant higher difference (P<0.05) was shown in heart% with 2% fat and gizzard% between mash and pelleted feed (1.44 vs. 1.19) and with 2% fat mash feed. Breast% had a higher significant result (P<0.05) in mash feed. Abdominal fat% at 4% fat was significantly lower than 2 and 6%. Different significance were shown in meat analysis such as DM, fat and ash% with the different levels of fat and forms of feed. No significant differences were shown in blood parameters such as LDL, HDL, Cholesterol and Triglycerides.
Evaluation of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot of barnyardgrass grown in rice fields

Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa spp.) is considered one of the world worst weeds. Fungal pathogens can be exploited as biological agents for the management of agricultural weeds. In this research, Alternaria alternata was isolated from Echinochloa spp. and studied as a biocontrol agent against this weed in paddy fields. Pathogenicity test of isolates was done in desiccators, and revealed the pathogenicity of this fungus and its ability to cause leaf blight on Echinochloa spp. Inoculation was done using a spore suspension consisting of 10 5 spore/ml distilled water and 1% Tween-20 at the 2-3 leaf stage. Also, seeds germination inhibition test was done. The results indicated that A. alternata was able to infect Echinochloa spp. in a higher rate compared with rice cultivar. Moreover, the results showed that seed germination of Echinochloa spp. was significantly affected by A. alternata in comparison with controls. Cluster analysis using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method gave two groups. The different isolates of A. alternata showed different reactions in seeds germination test and pathogenicity test. Hence, A. alternata can be considered as a probable bioherbicide for the control of Echinochloa spp. at early stages of growth of weed.
Sparse Logistic Regression: Comparison of Regularization and Bayesian Implementations

In knowledge-based systems, besides obtaining good output prediction accuracy, it is crucial to understand the subset of input variables that have most influence on the output, with the goal of gaining deeper insight into the underlying process. These requirements call for logistic model estimation techniques that provide a sparse solution, i.e., where coefficients associated with non-important variables are set to zero. In this work we compare the performance of two methods: the first one is based on the well known Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) which involves regularization with an ℓ 1 norm; the second one is the Relevance Vector Machine (RVM) which is based on a Bayesian implementation of the linear logistic model. The two methods are extensively compared in this paper, on real and simulated datasets. Results show that, in general, the two approaches are comparable in terms of prediction performance. RVM outperforms the LASSO both in term of structure recovery (estimation of the correct non-zero model coefficients) and prediction accuracy when the dimensionality of the data tends to increase. However, LASSO shows comparable performance to RVM when the dimensionality of the data is much higher than number of samples that is p > > n .
Water retention in hollow fibres nonwoven mat

Samples of water-logged needle-punched mats of hollow and solid polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) fibres and their blends are centrifuged and the amount of water retained was measured to evaluate the relative water retention in hollow and solid fibres. Different weight fractions of hollow fibres, nominally 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, were used and the effects of weight fraction of hollow fibres on the water retentions were determined. Theoretical analysis is presented to show that the ratio of water retention in hollow fibre to that of solid cylindrical fibres with equal linear density is proportional to , and for equal outside radius, it is proportional to , where k is the ratio of inside radius to outside radius of tubular fibres. With the increase of hollow fibres-weight fractions in the blends, water retention values increase according to the simple rule of mixtures.
Provannid and provannid-like gastropods from the Late Cretaceous cold seeps of Hokkaido (Japan) and the fossil record of the Provannidae (Gastropoda: Abyssochrysoidea)

A fauna of provannid and provannid-like shells is described from Upper Cretaceous seep carbonates in Hokkaido, Japan. We describe two new provannid species, Provanna tappuensis sp. nov. and Desbruyeresia kanajirisawensis sp. nov., with preserved protoconchs of unquestionable provannid type with decollate apex. This material confirms the occurrence of Provannidae as early as the Middle Cenomanian. We also describe Hokkaidoconcha gen. nov. and a new family Hokkaidoconchidae fam. nov., with two named species, H. hikidai sp. nov. and H. tanabei sp. nov. Hokkaidoconchidae are possibly related to the Provannidae, judging from a similar, but not decollate larval shell, although the juvenile teleoconch whorls differ in being of a general cerithimorph appearance and the details of the aperture are unknown. Furthermore, we review the published fossil record of Provannidae and Abyssochrysidae, and we consider that in those older than the Eocene, there is no evidence preserved that unequivocally supports a position there. The Jurassic Acanthostrophia acanthica from Italy seems to be the oldest known record of Abyssochrysidae, and the most reliable occurrence of the family, older than from the Miocene. Other fossil, pre-Miocene species that have been classified in the Abyssochryssidae are provisionally referred to Hokkaidoconchidae. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 154, 421–436.
Antioxidant Capacity of Manilkara zapota L. Leaves Extracts Evaluated by Four in vitro Methods

The antioxidant capacity of the Manilkara zapota L. leaves extracts, obtained by sequential extraction with different polarities of solvents, was evaluated by four different in vitro methods: DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing capacity assessment assay. The acetone extract showed best DPPH radical scavenging activity; IC50 value 20 µg/ml almost equal to that of standard ascorbic acid IC50 value 11.4 µg/ml. The superoxide anion scavenging activity of acetone extract (IC50 = 140 µg/ml) was better than that of standard gallic acid (IC50 = 185 µg/ml). It showed good reducing capacity assessment. The antioxidant capacity of acetone extract may be due to its high phenolic content. The high antioxidant capacity observed for acetone extract suggested that this plant could be used as an additive in the food industry providing good protection against oxidative damage. However, conformation of its activity in in vivo models should be carried out. The work suggests that there is no universal criteria for presence or absence of antioxidant activity in different plants. It is imperative that one should evaluate more than one antioxidant methods and in more than one solvent in a single plant. (Nature and Science 2010;8(10):260-266). (ISSN: 1545-0740).
Hayfields enhance colony size of the Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica in northern Italy

The widespread decline of farmland birds is a major issue of biological conservation in European countries. The Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica is a flagship species for farmland bird conservation owing to its aesthetic and cultural value and to the sharp decline observed in several populations. Based on a long-term monitoring project of a population in a protected area of Northern Italy, we documented a dramatic decline of 56.6% between 1999 and 2011, corresponding to a decrease of 6.59% each year. We also showed that colonies were on average larger in farms with livestock than those without livestock, and that colony size increased with increasing extent of hayfields within 200 m from the colony in farms without livestock, but not in those with livestock. Hayfield extent at greater distances did not influence population size or trend. Cessation of livestock farming therefore determined a decline in local colonies, but this decline may be buffered by an increase in hayfield extent within 200 m from the farm. However, variation in the ecological features of breeding sites explained only a fraction of the observed population decline, suggesting that ecological conditions during migration and wintering may be crucial in affecting population trends. Mean hatching date of first broods advanced in recent years, but less so in farms with, than without, livestock. Independently of year, mean hatching date advanced more in farms with greater extent of hayfields within 200 m of the colony. Reproductive success, measured as the mean number of fledged offspring per nest, declined significantly with hatching date, but was not affected by hayfield extent. Conversely, nestling quality, in terms of body mass and feather development, improved with increasing extent of hayfields around the colony, particularly in late-hatched first clutches. Our findings suggest that conservation strategies for this declining species should include both the maintenance of livestock farming and the enlargement of hayfields close to breeding colonies, particularly in farms where livestock farming has ceased.
Effects of aqueous extract from the leaves of Chrysocoma ciliata L. on some biochemical parameters of Wistar rats

The effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Chrysocoma ciliata leaves at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 14 days on some biochemical parameters of male rats was investigated. The extract did not have any significant effect (p > 0.05) on the serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, calcium, albumin, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, uric acid, globulin and total protein as well as the red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RCW). While the WBC was reduced at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, the 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight increased the blood parameter. The 50, 100 and 200 decreased the MCV. The doses increased the levels of large unstained cells (LUC), neutrophils, eosinophils, serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine and aspartate aminotransaminases whereas the lymphocytes, basophils, serum total and conjugated bilirubin were decreased in the animals. The platelet levels fluctuated throughout the experimental period. The level of the monocyte was only increased at 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract. The 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract decreased the serum cholesterol concentration in the animals, whereas the 400 mg/kg body weight increased the lipid parameter. Similarly, the 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight also decreased the serum triacylglycerol of the animals. The HDL-C, LDL-C and atherogenic index compared favourably with the control. While there was no significant change at all the doses investigated in the kidney and heart-body weight ratios, the extract at 50 and 400 mg/kg body weight increased the liverbody weight ratio. In contrast, the 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight decreased the testes-body weight ratio. The parameter and dose specific effect of the extract on the biochemical parameters suggest selective toxicity.