Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of fish production per unit biomass ratios for measuring the productive capacity of fish habitats

Species-specific production rate per unit biomass (P/B, per year) ratios were calculated for 79 freshwater fish species of eastern Canada. P/B (per year) ratios were calculated using two methods, which were based on allometry with fish weight-at-maturity and life expectancy, respectively. P/B (per year) values obtained by the two methods were significantly correlated, as expected from life history theory, since the two predictors (longevity, size-at-maturity) were themselves correlated. Species-specific P/B (per year) ratios were also significantly correlated with field observations of P/B from published sources. The estimation of P/B based on allometry with fish size is recommended because of its utility; the predictive equation is P/B (per year) = 2.64Wmat-0.35, where Wmat is weight-at-maturity. Both the coefficient 2.64 and the exponent -0.35 of this equation are provisional and require further validation from field studies of fish production. More accurate estimates of P/B are possible if population-s.
A Comparison of Natural and Artificial Diets for Juveniles of the Australian Freshwater Crayfish Cherax destructor

Abstract Growth rates of juvenile yabbies Cherax destructor fed a variety of natural and an artificial diet were compared under controlled conditions. Newly independent (stage 3) juveniles were reared individually in 1-L pomades for 35 d. The best survival and growth were obtained on live zooplankton, frozen zooplankton, shrimp meal pellets and tubifex worms (survival, 100%; mean weights, 608, 444, 380 and 338 mg, respectively). Intermediate growth and survival was exhibited by crayfish fed chironomid larvae, snails and mussels (survival, 80–100%; mean weight, 138–169 mg). Juveniles fed trout muscle, beef heart and yabby tail gave very poor growth and survival (survival, 50–80%; mean weight, 50–55 mg). The use of shrimp meal pellets as a reference diet for juvenile yabbies is discussed.
Nosema apis infection in honey bee (Apis mellifera) queens

Summary Queen honey bees were fed Nosema apis spores in sucrose solution, returned to their hives, and examined later for N. apis infection by a polymerase chain reaction test. Eggs, larvae and pupae from the hives were also examined for infection on three observation dates during a 39 day period following the inoculation of the queens. Six of seven surviving queens developed N. apis infections in their ventriculi, but none had detectable N. apis in their ovaries. No eggs, larvae or pupae taken from the hives of Nosema inoculated queens contained detectable N. apis. These results suggest that N. apis is not transmitted vertically, unlike many other Microsporidia in other invertebrate hosts. In an effort to determine if the stress of shipping increased the susceptibility of Nosema exposed bees, another set of mated, queen honey bees was fed N. apis spores in sucrose, and the queens were then either mailed in small shipping cages, from Kentucky to Indiana and back, or kept caged for the same period in the laboratory. These queens were then dissected and their ovaries and ventriculi examined for N. apis. Of the mailed queens, all developed infection, whilst 86% of the queens not mailed became infected, but this difference was not statistically significant. N. apis was not detected in any of the ovaries of mailed queens nor of those queens not mailed.
Effects of some heavy metals on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth of Jatropha curcas.

Enhanced concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Hg and Pb) decreased pollen germination and pollen tube length in Jatropha curcas, but their toxicity levels varied. Pollen germination and pollen tube length were negatively affected at highest concentration of Hg (200 µM). Applications of Cd, Cr, Pb and Hg exhibited more toxic effects as compared to Zn and Cu.
Persistência do plano experimental em ensaios de avaliação de germoplasma elite de feijão

The determination of the plot size and the repetition number is important to the correct evaluation and differentiation of genotypes. The experimental planning can be made using previous results in already conducted assays. The objective of this work is to verify the repeatability of the heterogeneity index and the experimental plan, in the same experimental area with beans culture, during seven years (2000 to 2006). Fourteen competitive assays of elite genotype beans had been tested in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - in two growing seasons (normal and off season crops), with different treat numbers (advanced lines and variety). The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. For each assay, the mean, variation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient and heterogeneity index of the grain yield of beans were determined. Also the true differences between two means of treatments by Hatheway methods, using for different values of the heterogeneity index, repetition number had been estimated together with the plot size. The frequency of the heterogeneity index between 0.2 and 0.7 was 71%, evidencing that the experimental plan, on the basis of the results of previous experiments, has validity in 71% of the cases. It does not seem to have b predominance in function of the growing seasons - normal and late season crops, or of the type of experiment - VCU or variety, showing a good repeatability or persistence in elapsing of the years.
Starch biosynthesis in developing seeds

Abstract Starch is globally important as a source of food and, in addition, has a wide range of industrial applications. Much of this agriculturally produced starch is synthesized in developing seeds, where its biological function is to provide energy for seedling establishment. Storage starch in developing seeds is synthesized in heterotrophic plastids called amyloplasts and is distinct from the transient synthesis of starch in chloroplasts. This article reviews our current understanding of storage starch biosynthesis occurring in these organelles and discusses recent advances in research in this field. The review discusses starch structure and granule initiation, emerging ideas on the evolution of the pathway, the enzymes of starch synthesis, and the post-translational modification and regulation of key enzymes of amylopectin biosynthesis.
New records of Trentepohliales (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) from Africa

The diversity and distribution of the Trentepohliales have been investigated in detail in several regions of Europe and Asia. However, the information available for other continents is relatively limited and very little is known for these algae in Africa. New records of Trentepohliales for Africa were obtained in the course of surveys conducted in 2005 in South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania. For Phycopeltis epiphyton, Trentepohlia abietina and Trentepohlia flava, these are the first documented records for the continent. A species of Printzina, probably an undescribed taxon, was collected from trees in Tanzania. The new collections allowed the rediscovery and characterization of some poorly known species, of dubious taxonomic validity, such as Trentepohlia afra and T. chinensis. Additional records of widespread species, such as Phycopeltis arundinacea and Trentepohlia umbrina, were also obtained. The morphology and distribution of the species collected are described and the taxonomic and biogeographical implications of the new records are discussed.
Relações entre o teor de fenóis totais e o ciclo das galhas de Cecidomyiida e em Aspidosperm a spruceanum Müll. Arg. (Apocynaceae)

Morphological alterations detected in several plant species due to gall induction are commonly followed by chemical changes fundamental to the establishment and maintenance of the host plant-gall maker system. The study of phenolic contents variation and its relation to gall development in Aspidosperma spruceanum-Cecidomyiidae system through a year-time detected two insect life cycles. The level of infestation was high, getting up to 87%, and the Cecidomyiidae preferentially oviposited in internervural region. Seasonal variation in phenolic contents in healthy and galled leaves detected in A. spruceanum was primarily related to abiotic conditions. Even though the levels of phenolic contents might get a maximum of 10 mg EAT g-1, which indicated a non stimulating cell chemical environment to gall induction and herbivore survivorship, A. spruceanum gall maker surpassed this chemical barrier, and might also be favored by the chemical protection against its natural enemies, that phenolic contents might confer.
The response of a colony of sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus) and flesh‐footed shearwater (P. carneipes) to the cessation of harvesting and the eradication of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract The young of the sooty shearwater and flesh‐footed shearwater have traditionally been harvested from Titi Island in Cook Strait, New Zealand. The apparent decline of this breeding colony prompted the cessation of harvesting in 1960 and the eradication of Norway rats during the 1970s. An increase in the colony was expected, and there have been attempts to measure this by counting the number of active burrows in fixed 10 m × 10 m plots from 1987 to 1998. No change was detected over this period. Possible reasons for this are discussed. The decline is consistent with a more widely observed decline in sooty shearwater numbers, and with the likelihood that this colony has always been on the margin of these species’ range.
Urban ecological footprints in Africa

Africa's rate of urbanization is the highest in the world. This is relevant to ecologists working in Africa because urban growth is strongly associated with habitat destruction, and also creates new fields of study. The ecological footprint concept is used to illustrate how urban settlements in Africa impact on rural ecosystems. At an aggregate level, African countries have the lowest ecological footprints in the world. However, there is little available data for individual cities, so evidence is fragmented making concerted policy initiatives difficult. Wood fuel continues to be a major source of energy for urban households and there is a long running debate as to what extent providing wood fuel for urban use damages forest ecosystems. Growing evidence contests the assertion that urban wood fuel markets are responsible for forest degradation. Although there are other options available, the social consequences of switching energy sources need to be taken into account. Outright bans, for example on charcoal, would lead to a loss of livelihoods in rural and urban households, and may not solve deforestation as well as increasing fossil fuel use would increase the ecological footprint.
Movement of Weed Seeds in Reclamation Areas

The presence or absence of obstructions can affect seed dispersal. Reclamation activities often cause changes in the type and amount of such obstructions. The consequences of removing obstructions on the dispersal of undesirable species are unknown. In western North America, reclamation may often proceed in areas surrounded by the invasive Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass). The importance of preventing cheatgrass seed dispersal from surrounding landscapes is an unknown factor in reducing cheatgrass competition in these areas. I quantified cheatgrass seed dispersal in the early stages of reclamation, when soils were bare. Four groups of 100 sterilized, fluorescently marked cheatgrass seeds were released in each of three areas in NW Colorado, USA. Seeds were located at night using blacklights four times over 14 days, and the distance between each seed and the point of release was measured. Across sites, dispersal distance averaged 2.4 m, 5% of seeds traveled further than 7.6 m, and maximum recorded distance was 20.8 m. Maximum distances reported in this study are 50‐fold higher than previously reported for intact sagebrush ecosystems. I suggest that the difference is due to a lack of impediments to secondary dispersal on bare soil. When reclamation areas are surrounded by weeds such as cheatgrass, seeds dispersing from the perimeter may influence restoration outcome.
The Salient Features of Five Marine Ciliates in the Class Spirotrichea (Oligotrichia), with Notes on their Culturing and Behaviour

Descriptive information is provided for five ciliates collected from marine coastal British Columbian surface waters. In this paper we identify three new species, Strobilidium neptuni n. sp. , Strobilidium veniliae n. sp. , and Strombidinopsis multiauris n. sp. ; provide a new name and description for one previously described species, Strombidium siculum nom. nov. and provide more taxonomic data for Strombidinopsis cheshiri Snyder and Ohman, 1991.
Competition among wheat plants sown at a wide range of densities

An experiment was undertaken with wheat (cv. Insignia 49) to study the effects of interplant competition on dry matter and grain production. Crops ranging in density from 1.4 to 1078 plants per sq. metre were established, and light intensity and growth measurements were made within the crop. Four sequential stages in the growth of the crop were recognized, namely: A period in which there was no interplant competition at any density. A period in which the crop growth rate showed a curvilinear relationship to the leaf area index and a linear relationship to light interception. A period when the weight of ears (early dough stage) showed a linear relationship to an expression involving the weight of green leaf in an earlier period and the percentage survival of tillers. A period of grain filling and ripening in which some further relative changes in ear and grain weight occurred. It is suggested that the application of this type of analysis to the reaction of different genotypes to crowding may add to an understanding of crop performance.
Maternal behaviour of a webspinner (Order Embiidina): mother‐nymph associations

ABSTRACT. 1 The life cycle of Antipaluria urichi (Saussure) (Embiidina: Clothodidae) was aseasonal and without overlap of generations within fifteen closely monitored colonies observed over a 9½ month field season. Adult females remained with their nymphs after hatch but disappeared prior to maturation of their offspring. 2 Time budgets of nymphs and their mothers differed significantly. Adult females spent significantly more time spinning silk than their offspring. After the nymphs hatched, the increase in area of the silk covering approximated an exponential curve, reflecting the increase in silk spinning behaviour exhibited by the adult female. These results indicate that silk may be a major contribution of the mother. 3 Observations suggest that silk protects embiids from some predators and from rainfall, which is often torrential in the rainforest. 4 In experimental field colonies, nymphs with their mothers developed significantly faster than those alone, indicating that maternal behaviours promote the development of their nymphs.
Epidemiology and control of trematode infections in cattle in Zimbabwe : a review : review article

In this paper the main epidemiological aspects of the major domestic ruminant trematode infections in Zimbabwe are reviewed and discussed with regard to the available options for control. Seasonal occurrence of amphistomes, Fasciola gigantica and Schistosoma mattheei are considered both in the definitive and intermediate hosts. The regional distribution of the trematodes is reviewed in relation to the distribution patterns of their snail intermediate hosts. Based on the epidemiological features of the trematodes, practical control measures are suggested.
The Behavior of Fundulus heteroclitus on the Salt Marshes of New Jersey

1. Field studies of Fundulus heteroclitus were made throughout one entire year on the salt marshes of New Jersey. 2. Spring migration begins in March and is probably caused by several factors, including the higher temperature of the inland water; currents due to high tides and rainfall; the need for food available in fresh water; greater metabolic activity due to gonad development which demands a greater oxygen supply. 3. Summer activities consist in spawning, feeding, lazy movements from the marshes to the brackish water and back again. 4. In the autumn, migration is less constant and the larger fish are less numerous. 5. In the winter, migration ceases entirely as the marsh pools are scumming with ice. Some landlocked individuals burrow into the mud of permanent pools, coming out occasionally as the sun warms the water. Many fish are killed by the cold as they remain in temporary pools with bottoms composed of caked mud and grass offering no shelter. 6. The majority of Fundulus heteroclitus return to salt water in the winter, probably remaining near the mouths of rivers until spring.
Regional Applications of an Index of Biotic Integrity for Use in Water Resource Management

Abstract The index of biotic integrity (IBI) integrates 12 measures of stream fish assemblages for assessing water resource quality. Initially developed and tested in the Midwest, the IBI recently was adapted for use in western Oregon, northeastern Colorado, New England, the Appalachians of West Virginia and Virginia, and northern California. The concept also was extended to Louisiana estuaries. In regions of low species richness, the IBI proved difficult to apply and often required extensive modification. Adapting the 1BI to those regions required that metrics be replaced, deleted, or added to accommodate regional differences in fish distribution and assemblage structure and function. Frequently replaced metrics include: proportion of individuals as green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), proportion of individuals as insectivorous cyprinids, proportion of individuals as hybrids, and number and identity of sunfish and darter species. The proportion of individuals as top carnivore metric was often deleted. Metr.
Food habits of a wolf population (Canis lupus) in León province, Spain

— In this paper the food habits of a wolf population in Leon province (Spain) is presented. Scats were collected along a 12 km secondary road in the study area. Inquiries among people living in the area studied in order to estimate the livestock damages incurred. The analysis of 439 scats demonstrates that the food habits of the wolf is relatively variable and includes garbage, domestic mammals, roe deer, wild boar, grass, small mammals, and reptiles. Garbage plays an important role in the diet. It appears that the consumption of garbage depends on the availability of roe deer although when scarce, it does not increase its consumption of wild boar and sheep but accentuates its garbage-feeding activities. Inquiries indicate that part of the livestock damages were caused by feral dogs.
Notes on the Life-History of Trypanosoma gambiense, with a Brief Reference to the Cycles of Trypanosoma nanum and Trypanosoma pecorum in Glossina palpalis

Among the mammalian trypanosomes carried by Glossina palpalis , T. gambiense may be taken as an example affording, as it were, a basis for the study of the group. In many ways the conditions are very clear, and no very serious difficulties on the score of technique or scarcity of parasites are met with at any point in the Glossina cycle. In this paper I have considered the cycle of T. gambiense in detail, and have treated T.pecorum and T. nanum comparatively and much more briefly. I am indebted to Dr. H. L. Duke for the material of T. pecorum and T. nanum dealt with.
Redescription of the southernmost snake species, Bothrops ammodytoides (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae)

Bothrops ammodytoides is a pitviper species endemic to Argentina that inhabits arid and semiarid areas from sea level to more than 3000 m, reaching the southernmost latitude for snakes. According to previous studies, the species is placed in the Bothrops alternatus group. We redescribe Bothrops ammodytoides based on examination of 101 specimens and provide new data on lepidosis, hemipenial morphology, cranial osteology, variation in coloration, and distribution. We compare Bothrops ammodytoides with representative species of the genus and related genera. Morphological comparisons reveal considerable affinities between Bothrops ammodytoides, Bothrops pictus, Bothrops andianus ,a ndBothrocophias microphthalmus, suggesting that the current taxonomy for Bothrops ammodytoides requires to be reassessed.
Empowering farmers for increased resilience in uncertain times

As farmers continue to face increasingly uncertain and often rapidly changing conditions related to markets, climate or the policy environment, people involved in agricultural research, development and extension (RD&E) are also challenged to consider how their work can contribute to supporting farmer resilience. Research from the social sciences conducted in the past decade has focussed on adaptability or adaptive capacity as a key attribute for individuals and groups to possess for managing resilience. It is, therefore, timely to ask the following: do current ways of doing and organising RD&E in the dairy sector in New Zealand and Australia contribute to supporting farm adaptability? This paper reports on results from an examination of case studies of challenges to resilience in the dairy sector in Australia and New Zealand (i.e. dairy farm conversion, climate-change adaptation, consent to farm) and the contribution of dairy RD&E in enhancing resilience of farmers, their farms and the broader industry. Drawing on concepts from resilience studies and considering an empowerment perspective, the analysis of these cases suggest that, currently, agricultural RD&E supports adaptability in general, but varies in the strength of its presence and level of activity in the areas known to enhance adaptability. This analysis is used to generate principles for dairy scientists and others in the RD&E system to consider in (1) research designs, (2) engaging different farmers in research and (3) presenting research results differently. This represents a significant shift for the science and advisory communities to move to methods that acknowledge uncertainty and facilitate learning.
Funny Girl: An Analysis of the Gender Shift in Contemporary Comedy

Throughout history, the world of comedy has always been seen as a male-dominated field, with very few females achieving the pinnacles of success as a comedian. There has long-been a stigma against women as the drivers and change-makers in the industry, and rarely were there female writers, producers, or directors in comedy. However, this lack of representation has shifted in recent years, as an elite group of women have been able to achieve isolated, high levels of mainstream success that have changed the field of comedy and brought the gender balance closer to equal representation. Why and how did this shift occur? This paper seeks to answer this question by exploring contemporary American comedy through the lenses of change theories. An analysis of the change process and the many historical, cultural, and technological factors that both resist and drive it will be presented using Kurt Lewin‘s model for societal and organizational change. In addition, Malcolm Gladwell‘s ―Law of the Few‖ will be applied to conduct case studies on certain females who have impacted the industry shift the most in recent years, explaining how they have reinforced the largest amounts of change overall. Finally, the future of comedy will be examined, providing insight into how progress will continue to be made and why women will be the ones to make a significant impact.