Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aggregation Behavior of the Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae)

ABSTRACT The southern chinch bug, Blissus insuhris Barber, forms dense, multigenerational aggregations in St. Augustinegrass lawns leading to grass death from sap feeding. We conducted laboratory bioassays to better understand the signals responsible for the formation and maintenance of southern chinch bug aggregations. In small arena assays, chinch bugs demonstrated a stronger aggregation response over time and aggregated more often on or beneath St. Augustinegrass leaf blades than on or under artificial leaf-like shelters constructed from white or green paper. In Y-tube olfactometer assays, bugs of different age and sex were attracted to volatiles from mixed-sex chinch bug aggregations and showed particular attraction to groups of adult female chinch bugs. Adult males and nymphs were also attracted to adult males. Nymphs were attracted to nymphs and were also more attracted to aggregation volatiles when they could see bugs in the arm of the Y-tube. Adult males were more attracted to short-winged than long-winged adults, while females and nymphs demonstrated no preference. All bugs were attracted to St. Augustinegrass volatiles when presented alone, but only males preferred the odor of grass over odor released from a chinch bug mixed-sex aggregation. When presented with a choice of grass and grass + aggregation volatiles, males preferred the combined treatment. The results of these assays suggest that a complex combination of life stage, sex, as well as plant and insect-derived signals influence chinch bug aggregation behavior.
Early development of cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Root development and plant dry matter distribution were observed for 16 weeks after planting in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown from stem cuttings in controlled-environment chambers with a day–night temperature of 32–27 °C. During an initial phase lasting 6 weeks, axillary shoots and adventitious roots regenerated, while the original cutting lost weight, and total plant weight remained constant. During the second phase from the 6th to the 16th week there was growth of all plant parts including root tubers. Tuber growth accounted for 46% of plant dry matter accumulated over the final 2 weeks of the study. Roots arising from the base of the cutting were more numerous than nodal roots and produced a proportionately greater number of tubers. Differentiation of secondary tissues started at 4 weeks, and root thickening was visible to the naked eye at 6 weeks. Tuber initiation occurred over the 6- to 16-week period in some of the thickened roots and resulted from production of enlarged storage parenchym.
Variation and constraints of local adaptation of a long‐lived plant, its pollinators and specialist herbivores

Due to geographically variable species interactions, plants may become locally adapted to their sympatric herbivores and pollinators. However, adaptation to the abiotic environment may significantly affect plant interactions with herbivores and pollinators. Local adaptation to the abiotic environment may constrain local adaptation to herbivores and pollinators under contrasting selection pressures, resulting in trade‐offs in local adaptation. We studied local adaptation of a perennial herb, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, in a reciprocal transplant experiment among four populations and measured plant fitness, pollination success and resistance to two specialist herbivores. We also estimated local adaptation of these two herbivores and generalist pollinators to their sympatric plant populations. Local adaptation was compared with within‐population genetic variation, genetic and geographical divergence, and with divergence in terms of population size, environmental conditions and plant secondary chemistry. We further compared local adaptation to the environment, to local adaptation to herbivores and pollinators to detect possible trade‐offs in local adaptation. The existence and degree of local adaptation varied among the plant populations. Plants from two populations were locally adapted to their sympatric leaf herbivores and plants from two populations were locally adapted to their abiotic environment. Herbivores from one population were locally adapted to their sympatric plant population. Local adaptation of V. hirundinaria to the seed predator increased with increasing among‐population divergence in precipitation and temperature. Local adaptation to the seed predator and the environment increased with increasing population genetic variation. Local adaptation of V. hirundinaria in fitness and in herbivore resistance also correlated positively, suggesting lack of trade‐offs in local adaptation. Synthesis. These results demonstrate that species interactions can lead to a mosaic of locally adapted plant, herbivore and pollinator populations. In addition to natural enemies, genetic variation, the abiotic environment and mutualistic interactions contribute to the evolution of local adaptation in long‐lived plants. These results provide new insights into the patterns and causes of variation in local adaptation and are among the first to demonstrate that conflicting selection pressures within a population do not constrain local adaptation in multiple traits.
Crisis-Management Content in LIS Curricula: Developing a Model for Future Improvement

Abstract Although the field of crisis management has grown considerably, academic curricula do not seem to have kept pace. This study investigates how library and information science (LIS) programs are addressing the need to provide adequate and relevant crisis management course content, so as to better empower librarians and other information professionals during community-based disasters and unpredictable circumstances. Twenty-eight ALA-accredited MLIS programs were evaluated. A four-phase model for evaluating crisis management content in LIS education (CM-LIS) has been developed. Crisis management topics were identified and categorized under the four phases: landscape survey, strategic planning, crisis management, and organizational learning. Six broad LIS subject modules were also identified to analyze the percentage of coverage of these topics. In the 264 course syllabi evaluated, curricula indirectly prepare librarians on how to meet and respond to crises and disasters within their communities; however, in many cases, this is given low priority. There is not a strong consideration for natural disasters and the societal calamities and unrest that dominate the media and occupy the minds of individual communities. This study gives insight into crisis-management education within LIS graduate degrees and should stimulate additional research to further investigate the preparedness of librarians and other information professionals to interact with communities in need in times of crises.
Description of dermal denticles from the caudal region of Raja clavata and their use for the estimation of age and growth

This work is a response to a lack of knowledge of the biology of Raja clavata in southern European waters, particularly in terms of age and growth. Two structures were analysed: dermal denticles and vertebral centra. Six types of dermal denticle were identified in the tail. Among those, small thorns were the most suitable for age determination owing to their fixed position, persistence throughout their lifespan, and defined growth-band pattern. Caudal thorns were more accurate than vertebral centra for age determination and were therefore selected as the most appropriate structure for ageing R. clavata. Based on edge analysis, annual band deposition was verified. The birthdate was established as 1 June based on the prevalence of hyaline edges in age-0 class specimens: prevalence peaked in May and June. Both von Bertalanffy and Gompertz growth models were fitted to age-at-length data, but the former was considered more appropriate based on similarity between the estimated L1 and the maximum size recorded for the species. No significant differences in growth parameters were observed between sexes. The estimated growth parameters were L1 = 1280 mm, k = 0.117 year 21 , and t0 = 20.617 years. The maximum age estimated for R. clavata was 10 years, for a female of length 835 mm.
Adenovirus Infection in Taita Falcons (Falco fasciinucha) and Hybrid Falcons (Falco rusticolus × Falco peregrinus)

Abstract Three taita falcon (Falco fasciinucha) nestlings and 3 cohoused hybrid falcon (F rusticolus × F peregrinus) nestlings died after showing lethargy and anorexia for 4–5 days. Major lesions in the falcons were necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis, and lymphoplasmacytic nephritis. One hybrid falcon also had a heterophilic nephritis. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in the hepatocytes of the taita falcons and in the renal tubular epithelial cells of 1 hybrid falcon. Adenoviral particles were found in the cloacal content of 2 taita falcons. DNA in situ hybridization revealed aviadenoviral nucleic acid within the nuclei of hepatocytes of a taita falcon and a hybrid falcon and in the tubular epithelial cells of a hybrid falcon. Aviadenoviral DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction in the liver of taita falcons and hybrid falcons. The death of these birds was attributed to the aviadenovirus infection; however, the source of the virus was not determined. Predisposing factors for the outbreak of the viral infection in these falcons may have included transport stress, lack of quarantine measures, and cohousing of falcon species originating from isolated populations with other falcon species.
An evaluation of novel psychological interventions for depression and the anxiety disorders within community-dwelling adults

Background Depression and anxiety are both highly prevalent and debilitating disorders. Whilst current treatments for depression and the anxiety disorders are efficacious, there remain high relapse rates and frequently a high level of residual symptoms. Additionally, current diagnosis-specific treatments do not account for the high levels of comorbidity seen between disorders. Therefore, in order to augment treatment efficacy and clinical utility, novel transdiagnostic interventions have been developed. Method This portfolio evaluated the efficacy of two types of novel transdiagnostic intervention in community-dwelling adult populations with symptoms of depression or anxiety. A systematic review evaluated the efficacy of rumination-focused interventions on reduction of both rumination and severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety. A meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of positive psychological interventions (PPIs) on increasing wellbeing and reducing depressive symptoms. Results Rumination-focused interventions were shown to be efficacious at reducing rumination in populations with depression, however there was not evidence for their efficacy in the anxiety disorders. There was evidence for the potential efficacy of positive psychological interventions in increasing wellbeing and reducing symptoms of depression with medium effect sizes found for both outcomes, however there was a high level of heterogeneity present, therefore these results must be interpreted cautiously. Conclusions Although currently small, the evidence-base suggests there are clinical benefits of specific rumination-focused interventions in depression, especially those that work on underlying cognitive processes. There is also emerging evidence for the efficacy of positive psychological interventions however the high heterogeneity found raises questions about the constructs of PPIs suggesting further clarification is required.
Can results from a laboratory bioassay be used as an indicator of field performance of rice cultivars with allelopathic potential against Damasonium minus (starfruit)

Several weeds of rice in Australia have developed resistance to the main herbicide available for their control. Allelopathy is one phenomenon that could be incorporated into an integrated weed-management system as a supplement or alternative to synthetic herbicides. Several rice cultivars were screened both in the laboratory and the field for allelopathic potential against a major rice weed, Damasonium minus. Results from the laboratory bioassay showed that there were significant differences among cultivars in their ability to inhibit D. minus root growth. D. minus root lengths ranged from 2.0% (cv. Hungarian #1) to 32.6% (cv. Rexmont) that of the control. In the field study, significant differences existed in the D. minus dry matter grown in association with different cultivars, ranging from 4.6% (cv. Tono Brea) to 72.2% (cv. Rexmont) that of the control. Comparison between laboratory and field results indicated a strong relationship between performance in the field and in the laboratory (r2 = 0.713). Those cultivars ranked as allelopathic in the bioassay tended to have associated lower D. minus dry weight in the field. Eight of the top 10 allelopathic cultivars in the bioassay were among the top 10 suppressive cultivars in the field trial. This important finding indicates that at least some of the variation in field performance of cultivars may be predicted by their performance in bioassays.
Mowing management and density dependence in meadow passerine hatching success

Capsule Improving habitat quality through late or intermittent mowing may increase passerine population density without reducing reproductive success. Aim To describe the relationship between passerine territory density (TD) and Whinchat Saxicola rubetra and Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava hatching success, under different management regimes. Methods TD was defined by the Territory Mapping method in nine sites selected in five French flood plains, in four intermittently mown meadows in Russia and in four additional French sites where mowing was partially postponed. Hatching success was assessed by the observation of prey carrying. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to analyse the influence on hatching rates of mowing management, early mowing and TD. Linear Mixed Models were used to study the effect of mowing management on TD. Results In French early mown meadows, TD affected reproductive success. Higher hatching rates and TD were observed in Russia. Similar results in French study sites with postponed mowing confirmed the influence of mowing management on carrying capacity. Conclusion In west-European grassland systems, late or intermittently mown patches within or at the edge of meadow areas, with potentially improved invertebrate-prey availability, should help to sustain bird demography and improve the efficiency of current conservation programmes.
Mortality and blood loss by blue swimmer crabs (Portunus pelagicus) after simulated capture and discarding from gillnets

Two laboratory experiments were carried out to quantify the mortality and physiological responses of juvenile blue swimmer crabs (Portunus pelagicus) after simulated gillnet entanglement, air exposure, disentanglement, and discarding. In both experiments, all but control blue swimmer crabs were entangled in 1-m(2) gillnet panels for 1 h, exposed to air for 2 min, subjected to various treatments of disentanglement ranging between the forceful removal of none, one, two, and four appendages, then "discarded" into individual experimental tanks and monitored for 10 d. In Experiment 1, mortalities were associated with the number of appendages removed and the occurrence of unsealed wounds. In Experiment 2, live blue swimmer crabs were sampled for blood at 2 min and 6, 24, and 72 h post-discarding to test for the effects of disentanglement and appendage removal on total haemocyte counts, clotting times, protein levels (by refractive index), and blood ion concentrations. Compared with blue swimmer crabs that had sealed or no wounds, those with unsealed wounds had lower total haemocyte counts, protein, and calcium concentrations and increased clotting ties and magnesium and sodium levels. Induced autotomy, as opposed to the arbitrary, forceful removal of a appendages has the potential to minimize the mortality and stress of discarded, juvenile blue swimmer crabs.
AN OPTICAL DETECTION SYSTEM FOR THE STUDY OF FINE SCALE VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT OF MICROALGAE IN AN ARTIFICIAL WATER COLUMN

A proper knowledge of the vertical organization of the phytoplankton is of fundamental importance for our understanding of the functions of pelagic ecosystems. Essential in this context is the existence of vertical gradients in environmental parameters. However, little is known about how the fine vertical structures of phytoplankton species are formed and maintained. In situ study of phytoplankton is biased by the fact that submersing instruments can disturb or even destroy the fine vertical gradients in species composition and/or cell numbers. We have designed and constructed an optical instrumentation system by which fine‐scale vertical displacements of microalgae can be studied in an artificial water column without influencing fine physical, chemical, and biological structures of the water column. This enables us to find out more about the fine‐scale behavioral responses of microalgae to vertical gradients in environmental parameters. We describe the main system, present some test results, and conclude that our optical system is able to reveal fine‐scale vertical displacements of microalgae in an artificial water column and that the system can detect differences in cell densities down to 100 cells·mL−1.
High and low dietary energy and protein levels for broiler chickens

This experiment was carried out to ascertain the effect of feeding combination of high and low calorie and protein on the performance and carcass values of broiler chickens. Four diets having four different combinations of calorie and protein namely; normal energy and normal protein (NENP), high energy and low protein (HELP), low energy and high protein (LEHP) and low energy and low protein (LELP) were fed to broiler chickens of Archer Abor breed for a period of 56 days. Results indicated a significantly (p < 0.05) reduced feed intake as the energy content of feed decreased with LELP having the lowest value while the final live weight were similar for birds on NENP and LELP. The dressing percentage was significantly (p < 0.05) better for birds fed NENP and had similar live weight as LELP. The study showed that low energy and low protein diets could be fed to broilers chicken as long as the energy:protein ratio is maintained which will be of advantage especially as the poultry industry is facing feed crisis as a result of use of cereals for biofuel.
An evaluation of some mutant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties from Azerbaijan in Southeast Anatolian region of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine seed cotton yield, yield components and fiber technological properties of four mutant cotton varieties from Azerbaijan (Agdas-3, Agdas-6, Agdas-7 and Agdas-17) and three local standard varieties (Maras-92, Sayar-314 and Stoneville-453) belonging to Gossypium hirsutum L. The study was carried out at the experimental field of Koruklu Agricultural Research Station in Sanliurfa Province (Akcakale-Harran Plain) in the South-east Anatolian Region of Turkey. The trial was established in randomized block design with four replications in four years (2001 to 2004). In the study, plant height, monopodia, number of sympodia and boll, weight of seed cotton per boll, ginning outturn, 100 seed weight, seed cotton yield, earliness ratio, fiber length, fiber fineness, strength and uniformity were investigated. According to the results of four years' trials, the varieties, in all investigated characters except fiber fineness, strength and uniformity and year x variety interactions for plant height, number of bolls per plant, seed cotton yield and first harvest ratio, were found to be significant. The highest sympodial number was taken from Agdas-3 variety (13.79), the highest number of boll per plant was taken from Agdas-17 (15.41) and the highest seed cotton weight per boll was taken from Agdas-7 (5.54 g). All Agdas varieties had less ginning outturn than local standard varieties. The highest seed cotton yield was obtained from Agdas-17 (3654.2 kg ha -1 ), followed by Agdas-3 (3593.8 kg ha -1 ). All Agdas varieties had more seed cotton yield than standards except Agdas-7. Among Azerbaijan varieties, Agdas-3 was the earliest maturing variety with 81.3% of first harvest ratio. All investigated varieties were similar to each other in fiber technological properties. In conclusion, it can be said that among Azerbaijan varieties, Agdas-17 and Agdas-3 had higher seed cotton yield than local standard varieties, and they are the most hopeful varieties for Southeast Anatolian Region.
Allocation of biomass and mineral elements in Melilotus segetalis (annual sweetclover): effects of NaCl salinity and plant age.

The allocation of biomass and mineral elements (Ka, K, Ca, P, N, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) during the ontogenetic cycle of annual sweetclover (Melilotus segetalis (Brot.) Ser. ) growing under favourable and saline conditions has been studied. Plants were grown in a glasshouse, in pots with siliceous substrate and watered with Hoagland solution. Half were salinized by adding 170 mol m-2 N2 Cl (15 dS m-1 ) to the solution. Eleven harvests at 15 d intervals measured the dry weight distribution within the plant and the mineral composition. Allocation relative to biomass (ARB) in each plant organ, both under favourable and salt-stress conditions, was calculated for each mineral element, Biomass and mineral elements were allocated independently within M. segetalis, and the general pattern thanked with age and was affected by salinity. Salt-stressed plants were smaller and invested proportionately more biomass in leaves. Na was accumulated in roots of young plants and excluded from leaves and fruits, whereas K was depleted from roots and accumulated in leaves and fruits. Immobile Ca accumulated in leaves, with age. Phloem-mobile P and X were translocated to flowers and fruits. Fe, Cu and Zn were diluted in leaves and not affected by salt; whereas Mn concentration increased with age and salinity. The switch to reproduction and increased demand for nutrients induced drastic changes in the allocation pattern of mineral elements. Salinity induced a re-allocation of biomass and mineral elements in all plant organs except the reproductive structures, as part of a whole-plant response to minimize salt toxic effects, to achieve osmotic adjustment, to preserve the reproductive output, and to compensate nutrient imbalance.
Production, quality and water use efficiency of processing tomato as affected by the final irrigation timing

O estudo foi realizado nas condicoes de Cerrado do Brasil, durante o periodo seco de 2000, para avaliar o efeito da epoca de paralisacao das irrigacoes na producao, qualidade de frutos e uso de agua do tomateiro para processamento. Os tratamentos corresponderam a quatorze epocas de paralisacao, espacadas a cada 7 dias entre o florescimento e a colheita. A maior produtividade de frutos comercializaveis foi obtida quando as irrigacoes foram suspensas 21 dias antes da colheita (10% dos frutos maduros), enquanto que o maior rendimento de polpa foi alcancado quando as irrigacoes foram finalizadas 34 dias antes da colheita (20% de plantas com pelo menos um fruto maduro). O teor de solidos soluveis totais foi reduzido linearmente a taxa de 0,34 oBrix para cada 10 dias a mais com irrigacao. A maior eficiencia do uso de agua pelo tomateiro foi obtida quando as irrigacoes foram paralisadas entre 37 e 45 dias apos o florescimento, respectivamente para producao de frutos e de polpa.