Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF THE INVASIVE SEAWEED SARGASSUM MUTICUM (PHAEOPHYTA) ON AN INTERTIDAL MACROALGAL ASSEMBLAGE 1

The impact of the invasive seaweed Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt on a low intertidal macroalgal assemblage was assessed at a semiexposed rocky shore in northern Spain between 2002 and 2004. Sargassum muticum plants were removed from the mature macroalgal assemblage and from those occurring along the successional process of the assemblage. Biomass, richness, diversity, and percentage cover of macroalgae in experimental plots were compared with unmanipulated controls. The effect of S. muticum removal on the macroalgal assemblage more than 2 years after the beginning of the experiment was negligible. Moreover, no differences between treatments were detected in the general patterns of succession. Only significant differences in S. muticum abundance were detected between treatments at the end of the experiment. We suggest that the low abundance of S. muticum at this intertidal level and its pseudoperennial life cycle may limit competition with native macroalgae. However, long‐term removal experiments may be a more indicator of the impact of S. muticum at the upper limit of its vertical distribution.
Phylogenetic position of the genus Bryhnia Kaurin (Brachytheciaceae, Bryophyta) inferred from chloroplast (rpl16, trnG, trnL–F) and nuclear (ITS) sequence data

Abstract The systematic position of the genus Bryhnia Kaurin has been problematic and remains unsettled. A phylogenetic analysis of Bryhnia and closely related genera, based on the nuclear marker ITS1–5·8S–ITS2 and the plastid markers rpl16, trnG, and trnL–F, was carried out to clarify their relationships and systematic positions. The phylogenetic trees generated from Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses show that Bryhnia s.s. , represented by B. novae-angliae (Sull. & Lesq.) Grout, B. hultenii E.B. Bartram, and B. scabrida (Lindb.) Kaurin, forms a maximally supported clade nested within Brachythecium Schimp. ‘Bryhnia scabrida’ sensu is Bryhnia brachycladula Cardot, and together they form a monophyletic group with Eurhynchiadelphus eustegia (Besch.) Ignatov & Huttunen and Myuroclada maximowiczii (G.G.Borshch.) Steere & W.B. Schofield. We propose the inclusion of the species currently recognized in Bryhnia in Brachythecium, with the transfer of Bryhnia brachycladula to the genus Myuroclada Besch. Bryhnia brachycladula is further treated as a synonym of the new combination, Myuroclada longiramea (Müll.Hal.) M.Li, Y.F. Wang, M.S.Ignatov & S.Huttunen.
Relationships between longitudinal growth strain and some wood properties in Eucalyptus nitens

Summary The relationships between longitudinal growth strain and wood properties of Eucalyptus nitens were investigated. Sixty-three 10-y-old trees were selected for this study. Longitudinal growth strain, green density, green moisture content, basic density, radial shrinkage, outerwood and corewood densities, volumetric shrinkage and dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) at 12% moisture content and length-weighted fibre length were determined. Amongst all the studied wood properties, only shrinkage-related properties were found to have some association with the mean growth strain in trees. The mean growth strain was moderately but significantly related to the volumetric shrinkage of the outerwood, but not to the shrinkage of the corewood. However, the volumetric shrinkage differential (difference between outerwood and corewood shrinkage) was strongly related to the growth strain (r = 0.70), suggesting that the growth stress gradient might be related to variations in shrinkage properties within the stem. The wood of trees with the lowest growth strains had statistically significantly lower volumetric shrinkage, lower outerwood MOE and less collapse than wood of trees with the highest growth strains. The results suggest that E. nitens trees with low strains could exhibit a lower degree of drying defects such as collapse and checking during processing.
Browsing in a heterogeneous savanna

Large herbivores generally depend on and interact with a food resource that is heterogeneous at different spatial scales, Plants allocate resources to rapid growth or to defence mechanisms depending on the availability of resources relative to loss of resources from herbivory. Herbivores select food and feeding habitats in order to maximize intake rate of nutrients and digestible energy, while avoiding chemical and structural deterrents. To optimize foraging, herbivores select habitats and food items in a hierarchical way, and different attracting and deterring factors may govern selection at different scales, We studied the impact of twig biting by a guild of indigenous browsers in three vegetation types in a semi-arid savanna in Botswana. The heaviest browsing pressure was in the vegetation type richest in preferred plant species, although that type was also richest in defended species. There were large differences in relative utilization between plant species, and ranking of species was roughly similar in the different vegetation types. Browsing pressure varied between species from almost 0-30%. Overall, spinescent trees were less browsed than non-spinescent ones, and evergreen species were less browsed than deciduous ones. In two of the three vegetation types there was a negative correlation between browsing pressure on a species and its frequency. There was a high incidence of rebrowsing, and once a tree had been browsed, the probability that it would be browsed again increased. The results largely agree with predictions based on the resource availability hypothesis, the scarcity accessibility hypothesis and recent theories on the significance of plant defences and on plant's response to browsing and the subsequent response by herbivores on the plant's responses.
Phylogeny in cryptic weevils: molecules, morphology and new genera of western Palaearctic Cryptorhynchinae (Coleoptera : Curculionidae)

A phylogeny is presented for the western Palaearctic representatives of the weevil subfamily Cryptorhynchinae using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic characters. This phylogeny is the first for the extremely species-rich Cryptorhynchinae to use molecular data (mitochondrial CO1 and 16S as well as nuclear ribosomal 28S). The results of this study show the need for molecular tools within this morphologically cryptic group of weevils and provide a scaffold based on which genus assignment can be tested. The present study mostly corroborates the current subdivision into genera (but many of the subgeneric groups are questioned). Three new genera are described: Montanacalles gen. nov. (type species: Kyklioacalles nevadaensis Stuben, 2001), Coloracalles gen. nov. (type species: Acalles humerosus Fairmaire, 1862) and Elliptacalles gen. nov. (type species: Acalles longus Desbrochers, 1892). Relevant external characters and the male genitalia of all discussed taxa are illustrated. Three species are transferred to different genera: Kyklioacalles aubei (Boheman, 1837) (formerly: Acalles), Ruteria major (Solari A. & F., 1907) and Ruteria minosi (Bahr & Bayer, 2005) (both formerly Echinodera).
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of model compounds for the active site cofactor in copper amine oxidases

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of compounds which model different forms of the active site cofactor in copper amine oxidases have been pursued. As described, 5-(2,4,5-trihydroxybenzyl)hydantoin (1 red H 3 ), its corresponding quinone (1 ox H), and 6-amino-4-ethylresorcinol (7H 2 ) have been prepared. Additionally, 5-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)hydantoin (2 red H 2 ) was synthesized for comparative purposes
Payment For Forest Environmental Services: A Metta-analysis of Successful Elements

Abstract: Forest ecosystems produce environmental services from which individuals benefit. In recent decades, interest in these services has significantly increased to meet the demand for new products and services related to landscape use and recreational activities. These new products and services are defined as Non-Wood Forest Products and Services (NWFP&Ss). There is the possibility, and in certain cases the need, to introduce a system of payment for these NWFP&Ss. However, the transformation of forest environmental goods and services into commercial products and services is not a straightforward process. This paper reviews a number of successful payment mechanisms for NWFP&Ss in order to examine the elements which contribute to transforming these externalities into sources of income for people living near forests.
Identification of some Bacteria from Paddy Antagonistic to Several Rice Fungal Pathogens

The effect of 23 bacterial strains from ricefields in the tropics on rice seed germination and on radicle and hypocotyl development of four rice cultivars was determined. There was a varietal difference in response to seed bacterization with the different bacterial strains. Germination of cv. IR58 increased from 78 to 93 %, that of cv. IR64, from 89 to 97 %. Less effects on germination of cvs IR42 and IR36 were observed. All strains inhibited the mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani in vitro. The three strains, identified as Bacillus subtilis, inhibited the mycelial growth of eight fungal pathogens whereas the other strains were pathogen-specific. Seed bacterization with these bacterial strains provided a sheath blight protection of 4. 5 to 73 % in the glasshouse trial. These 23 bacterial strains were identified by phenotypic tests using the API systems, morphological and biochemical features, and by comparison of electrophoretic patterns after sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Bacterial strains were identified (number of strains in brackets) as: Bacillus subtilis (3), Bacillus laterosporus (1), Bacillus pumilus (1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7), Pseudomonas belonging to section 1 (5), Erwina herbicola-like (1), and Serratia marcescens (1). The features of the other four strains were similar to Serratia except for the DNAase and lipase activities.
Tolerance indicators and responses of rice cultivars to infestation by the African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora

The mechanisms and host plant responses that are indicative of tolerance to the African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora Harris & Gagne were investigated in four promising donor rice cultivars, Cisadane, Bw 348-1, Tox 4093-17-1 and ITA 306 (local check), in a screen house at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Results indicated that Cisadane was tolerant to infestations on the basis of higher (P<0.05) percentage seedling survival, production of significantly higher number of fertile tillers, productive panicles and significantly higher grain yield per infested plant than the control. Both single infestation at one larva per plant and adult infestation once at 14 days after seeding were positively correlated to higher fertile tiller production per infested plant (at 80 days after transplanting) and higher grain yield per infested plant at maturity. The grain yield per infested plant was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the tolerant variety (Cisadane) than in the control.
Evolution of Metamerism in Arthropoda: Developmental and Morphological Perspectives

Processes governing metamerization and the subsequent differentiation of metameres are well known in Drosophila. It is little known, However, to what extent the metameric patterns in Drosophila can be extended to other arthropods and related metameric animals, how the known diversity of metameric patterns and processes should be evolutionarily interpreted, and what the relationship is between their morphological and developmental features. We review the aspects of Drosophila development that involve compartmentalization, parasegmentation, (meta)segmentation, patterns of muscke development, clonal compositions of metameric domains, and the correpsondence between clonally and/or genetically defined boundaries and adult structures. These regularities are compared with what little is known of these phenomena in other insects, crustaceans, millipedes, centipees, onychophorans, and polychaete and clitellate annelids. Both parasegmental and metasegmental metamerism are probably characteristic of all the arthropods and annelids. Developmentally, the annelid segments (as well as segments of the hypothetical soft-bodied prearthropod ancestor) cannot be identified with parasegments (sensu Minelli and Bortoletto). The alleged primary segments (sensu Snodgrass) do not correspond to any identified developmental body metameres in arthropods; moreover, they aree not recapitulated during ontogeny, and "primary" as parasegmentation and metasegmentation, while developmentally the latest of them. The anteriormost areas of the definite segments (metasegments) do not show any traces of being secondarily incorporated in these metasegments as required by the established hypothesis of concurrent phylogenetic and ontogenetic switch from primary to secondary body segmentation.
Accumulation of Butyltins in Muscle Tissue of Chinook Salmon Reared in Sea Pens Treated With Tri-n-Butyltin

Muscle tissue of chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, reared for 3 to 9 months in sea pens treated with an antifouling biocide, tri-n-butyltin (TBT), contained organotin concentrations of0.28-0.90 \mug/g (as TBT). Organotins are present in some pen-reared salmon sold in the United States: Eleven of 15 salmon advertised as aquaculture products and purchased from public markets contained organotin concentrations of0.081-0.20 \mug/g. Preliminary anaylses by GCAA indicate that these organotin concentrations are TBT. Most common cooking practices do not effectively destroy or remove butyltins from salmon muscle tissue. We believe this is the first evidence of entry of organotins into the human diet in the United States.
Características físico-químicas de embutido curado fermentado com adição de carne de avestruz associada à de suíno

The aim of this research was to develop and to determine the physic-chemical characteristics and centesimal composition of a fermented cured sausage containing ostrich meat (Struthio camelus) and pork meat. Four different formulations were developed: one with no ostrich meat (control) and others with levels of 19, 38.3 and 57.8%, respectively, in association with pork meat. The products were evaluated daily in the first week and in days 14, 21 and 28 for pH analysis and days zero, three, seven, 14, 21 and 28 for water activity analysis. After manufacturing was completed, weight loss and centesimal composition (28 days) were evaluated. The results showed that the sausages presented pH levels more acidic than ideal. Products with greater quantity of ostrich meat presented greater weight loss at the end of procedure, in which the difference between treatment 3 and control was 8.2%. Different levels of ostrich meat in the recipe altered the proximate analysis results significantly, especially in relation to the final moisture levels. With the exception of fat level, all the other attributes evaluated comply with the Technical Regulation of Identity and Quality of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Reduction in the Levels of Phytate During Wholemeal Bread Making; Effect of Yeast and Wheat Phytases

Abstract No difference in wheat phytase activity was observed when different types of acid were used to adjust the pH of wholemeal wheat flour suspensions to pH 5·0, the optimum for wheat phytase. When whole wheat bread was made without additives or after adjustment of the dough pH with acetic acid or lingonberry (traditional ingredients in bread making in Sweden), 64%, 96% and 83%, respectively, of the initial phytate was hydrolysed. A small but significant difference between breads with and without yeast or with deactivated yeast was found, indicating that yeast contributed some phytase activity under the conditions of bread making (pH 5·3–5·8 and 30–37°C). The optimum pH of yeast phytase was found to be 3·5. The isomers of IP 5 formed with purified wheat phytase or yeast phytase were studied using sodium phytate as substrate. Wheat phytase formed 1,2,3,4,5-IP 5 whereas yeast phytase formed 1,2,4,5,6-IP 5 . Determination of the isomers of inositol pentaphosphate demonstrated that the reduction in phytate levels in bread compared with wholemeal flour resulted from both wheat and yeast phytase activities.
Lysimetric evaluation of daily potential evapotranspiration models for grain sorghum

(.) two precise weighing lysimeters at Bushland, TX, were used to measure daily E 1 from well-watered, irrigated grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in 1987 and 1988. Forms of the Penman, Penman-Monteith, Jensen-Haise, and Priestley-Taylor models were evaluated for prediction of potential evapotranspiration (E tp ). The Penman-Monteith model provided the best prediction of E tp and predicted well across the entire range of measured E t . Forms of the Penman model with empirically fit wind functions overpredicted E tp by 20 to 40% and attempts to fit a linear wind function to our data were not satisfactory (.)
The Influence of Habitat Features on the Biomass and Distribution of Three Species of Southern Ontario Stream Salmonines

Abstract We developed models to predict habitat use and productive capacity of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in southern Ontario streams using readily measured habitat variables. We collected habitat and fish biomass data from 118 streams distributed throughout southern Ontario. Our habitat variables included those for morphology and substrate, water quality, instream physical habitat types, and bank vegetation. We used trout biomass, estimated from a single-pass electrofishing technique, as our indicator of site productive capacity. A discriminant function model showed modest separation among sites with low, moderate, high, and very high total trout biomass, based on differences in water temperature, percent pools, substrate, and cover. The discriminant function correctly classified sites in 80 of 118 cases. A regression tree model indicated that water temperature was by far the most important habitat variable at distinguishing sites wi.
REMOVAL OF LINDANE AND MALATHION FROM WASTEWATER BY ACTIVATED CARBON PREPARED FROM APRICOT STONE

The powdered activated carbon, obtained from the apricot stone, has been used as inexpensive and effective adsorbent for the removal of lindane and malathion from wastewater. Apricot stones were treated with H3PO4 (1:1) then carbonized at 500oC for 3h. The ability of the powdered activated carbon to remove lindane and malathion from wastewater by adsorption was investigated. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to observe the effect of contact time, weight of sample, pH, volume of an aqueous to mass of powdered activated carbon and concentration of studied pesticides on activated carbon. Equilibrium experiments results show that adsorption isotherms for lindane and malathion fit well to the Freundlich model.
Assessment of prevalence of periodontal diseases and its associated risk factors among 8 to 14 year aged individuals

Background: Periodontal diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria which results in destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the periodontal ligament, bone, cementum and soft tissues. Plaque related periodontal diseases in children and adolescents have long been recognized, however very few studies have been conducted for the same. Aim: To assess periodontal disease prevalence and its associated risk factors among 8 to 14 year patients. Method: A semi structure questionnaires on socio demographics, oral health and behavior towards oral and general health was made to collect data. The samples were selected using stratified random sampling method. Study population consisted of 100 participants aged 8 to 14 years. Oral cleanliness, gingival and periodontal health were assessed using the Simplified oral health index and Gingival index. Results: In current study the prevalence of gingivitis was 89% where periodontitis was found to be 74%. 60% were males in present study. Toothbrush was the most common oral hygiene aid used. Dental visit was not very common among children. Conclusion: increased prevalence of periodontal disease was observed. Lack of awareness and knowledge was seen. Measures should be taken to educate children regarding correct method of oral hygiene.
Examining Factors Facilitating Career-Changing Teachers’ Adaptation to Change and the Challenges They Encounter

The present case study was designed to examine factors that facilitate the adaptation process of science teachers who were appointed or transferred to state schools, the challenges they encountered, and how they coped with these challenges. It was carried out with the participation of six science teachers (three males, three females) working at state middle schools in Turkey. The data were gathered through interviews with the teachers and analyzed through content analysis using the NVivo program. The research results reveal that the prominent factors that facilitate teachers’ adaptation to school environments are their professional love, interest in students, effective communication, self-confidence, and empathy. It is also revealed that they encounter challenges with regard to teaching processes and teaching programs (e.g., incompetence in using instructional methods and techniques within the framework of the constructivist approach), the legislation/regulations by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE; e.g., extensive paperwork), school environment (e.g., physical inadequacies of the school), and discipline (e.g., establishing and maintaining classroom management). Finally, the findings indicate that teachers endeavor to overcome these challenges through cooperation with school administrators, colleagues, guidance counselors, and close relatives, and by accessing the needed information on the Internet (e.g., downloading annual and weekly plans).
Which is the Better Adjuvant during In-vitro Fertilization of Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure; Endometrial Scratching or HCG Intrauterine Perfusion

Objectives: To determine outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on using endometrial scratch (ES) or intrauterine perfusion with HCG (HCG-IUP) in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Patients & Methods: 93 women were randomly divided into: Control group received no intervention, Group ES were subjected to ES using an endometrial biopsy catheter during the luteal phase of the cycle preceding that of ET and Group HCG-IUP underwent intrauterine perfusion of 500 U of HCG just before embryo transfer (ET). The classic Testart slow freezing and rapid thawing protocol was applied for all women. Study outcomes included the implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and Frequency of pregnancy loss till 12th gestational week. Results: Total IR was 38.7% and was 19.4%, 45.2% and 51.6% for control, ES and HCG-IUP groups, respectively. IR was significantly higher in ES and HCG-IUP groups in comparison to control group with non-significantly higher IR in HCG-IUP group. Total CPR was 63.9% and was 50%, 64.3% and 68.8% in study groups, respectively with non-significant inter-group difference. Total miscarriage rate was 30.4% and was 66.7% in control, 33.3% in ES and 18.8% in HCG-IUP with non-significantly higher rate in control group. Conclusion: ES during the luteal phase of the cycle preceding ET or intrauterine perfusion with 500 U of HCG immediately before ET are efficient adjuvant to ovarian stimulation for women with RIF assigned for frozen ET. The reported non-significant differences between the IR with ES or HCG-IUP open the scale for physician preference and skill.