Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leaders of spontaneous group movements influence whole-group social organization: an experimental study on grazing heifers

Group-living animals have to reach consensus decisions through recruitment processes while collectively exploiting food resources in heterogeneous environments. In farming conditions, the group compositions are frequently modified, which can force the animals to readjust their collective strategies, e.g., when group leaders are removed. We, therefore, conducted a group-manipulation experiment for testing how the loss of the individual with the highest leadership score in spontaneous group movements is likely to influence decision-making and whole-group social organization. Observations were carried out in two groups of nine familiar heifers, as using animals of the same age-class simplifies the analysis of the proximate determinants of leadership. Under the hypothesis of distributed leadership, we expected the emergence of a new leader but no change in social relationships due to the stability of dominance hierarchy and affinities among the familiar remaining heifers. Both group leaders were heifers that had a low cohesion index and expressed few allogrooming interactions. Leadership did not relate to position in the dominance hierarchy. After removing the leader and replacing it with a familiar peer, the number of spontaneous group movements decreased by 40% in both groups, and no new leader emerged. Both groups maintained a structure after leader removal but the distribution of pairwise association was modified. Allogrooming interactions dropped by nearly 60% in one group and their overall distribution were modified in the other group. These findings demonstrate interrelations between various social traits — even in the case of same-age herbivore groups — and difficulties with rapidly reaching a new consensus for maintaining synchronized activity and group cohesion.
Somaclonal Variation in Rice ̵2 Drought Tolerance and Other Agronomic Characters

The ability to withstand drought was studied in R(2) families raised by self-pollination from 149 R(1) plants regenerated from callus of mature rice seed (cvs FR13A, Kurkaruppan, Khao Dawk Mali 105, Nam Sagui 19, and Calrose 76). Compared to parental controls, significant improvement in drought tolerance as assessed by dry weight production, was found in 6% of the cv. FR13A families, but not in any of Kurkaruppan or Khao Dawk Mali 105 families tested in a controlled-temperature glasshouse. When a similar study was undertaken using an in vitro selection step (using polyethylene glycol), significant improvement in drought tolerance was found in 6% of Khao Dawk Mali 105 families, but not in any of the Nam Sagui 19 families. No improvements were noted in this latter study when in vitro selection was not used. Variation in other agronomically important characters was observed in the R(2) families grown under similar, but well-watered, environmental conditions.
Analysis of Brazilian species of Pelecitus Railliet & Henry (Nematoda, Filarioidea) with the establishment of new records

Data on nematodes of the genus Pelecitus Railliet & Henry, 1910, namely P. fulicaeatrae (Diesing, 1851) Lopez-Neyra, 1956, P. anhingae Vuylsteke, 1957, P. tubercauda Vanderburgh, Anderson & Stock, 1984, P. vuylstekae (Molin, 1860) Bartlett & Greiner, 1986, P. tercostatus (Molin, 1860) Railliet & Henry, 1910, P. helicinus (Molin, 1860) Railliet & Henry, 1910, P. circularis (Molin, 1860) Railliet & Henry, 1910 and Pelecitus sp. , are presented, with basis on 29 nematode samples recovered from Brazilian birds representing 13 families and 19 species that were captured between 1934-1951 in the southeastern and central regions; parasites were formerly deposited as unidentified material in the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute.
Human disturbance: people as predation-free predators?

Summary 1 Human disturbance has been associated with declines in breeding success in numerous species and is of general concern to conservationists. However, the current framework for predicting and minimizing disturbance effects is weak and there is considerable uncertainty about why animals are disturbed by people in the first place. 2 We developed a behavioural model of perceived predation risk as a framework for understanding the effects of disturbance on cliff-nesting birds. This encompassed the concept that the effects of disturbance should increase with increasing numbers of visitors, and decrease with distance from the nest, an insight ignored in current conservation practice. 3 The predictions of this model were tested using field data on nesting success in two species of seabird, kittiwake Rissa tridactyla and guillemot Uria aalge. Statistical models of nesting success in both species suggested that perceived predation risk is a good predictor of the effects of disturbance. 4 Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that fixed set-back distances and buffer zones are likely to be inappropriate conservation measures in situations where the numbers of visitors to wildlife areas fluctuates spatially and temporally, as is generally the case. In managing access to wildlife areas there is a need to ensure that larger parties of visitors are kept further away from the nesting areas of vulnerable species or that set-back distances are determined for the largest party likely to visit the site.
Influence of Microbial Inoculations on Cedrus deodara in Relation to Survival, Growth Promotion and Nutrient Uptake of Seedlings and General Soil Microflora

Abstract Selected microorganisms (Laccaria laccata, Trichoderma viride, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas corrugata and Azotobacter chroococcum) were used as inoculants to study their influence on seed germination, seedling survival and subsequent growth in Cedrus deodara. The microbial inoculations positively affected these parameters over control, in the following order: Azotobacter chroococcum Pseudomonas corrugata Bacillus subtilis Trichoderma viride Laccaria laccata.The major cause of seedling mortality was found to be (1) wilting of emerged seedlings by Fusarium oxysporum, and (2) cutworm attack. Bacterial inoculations were found to be superior in suppressing the proliferation of Fusariumsp. , thereby enhancing seedling survival. One of the bacterial inoculants, B. subtilis, resulted in 76% seed germination, compared to 54% in control. Though inoculation with L. laccataresulted in maximum mycorrhizal infection (up to 72%) compared to48%in control seedlings, it afforded least protection against Fusariumsp. , as well as minimal growth promotion. On the other hand, inoculation with T. viridesignificantly controlled wilting of seedlings and improved plant growth. Microbial inoculations were found to influence the soil microflora, nutrient status of the rhizosphere soil and that of different parts of seedlings. Enrichment of carbon was recorded in the rhizosphere soil. Enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of various plant parts indicated a positive influence also on nutrient uptake. The present study has implications for large scale forestry programs.
Potential of Parasites for Use as Biological Indicators of Migration, Feeding, and Spawning Behavior of Northwestern Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus)

A parasite survey of Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, collected from the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotian Shelf, and Gulf of St. Lawrence, was conducted from May 1981 to November 1983. A total of 2380 herring were examined and 18 parasite species identified. These included the acanthocephalan Echinorhynchus gadi previously unreported from herring in the northwestern Atlantic and the monogenean Gyrodactyloides andriaschewski herein described from herring for the first time. The geographic distributions of the parasites, their seasonal dynamics, and relation to size of herring were recorded to determine whether they could be used as biological indicators, both to differentiate between individual herring populations and to determine their movements. Seven of the 18 species identified showed varying degrees of potential as biological indicators. Although no single parasite species was found which could clearly differentiate one population of herring from another, the differential prevalences and intensities of An.
Earthworm powder as an alternative protein source in diets for common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The increasing need for aquafeed resources and the finite availability of conventional feed resources are making it necessary to search for alternative high-protein resources that are not used as human food. The earthworm Perionyx excavatus was tested as a feed ingredient in diets for common carp. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of earthworm powder as a replacement for fishmeal. In a recirculation aquarium system, triplicate groups of five common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were fed a control feed (fishmeal based protein), or experimental diets in which 30% (EW30), 70% (EW70), or 100% (EW100) of fishmeal protein was replaced by earthworm protein. Fish growth, feed digestibility and feed utilization were monitored. Growth rate, protein efficiency and energy retention in fish were similar (EW30, EW100) or higher (EW70) for diets containing earthworm meal compared to the control diet. Protein digestibility in EW30, EW70 and EW100 was higher than in the control diet, but in (EW100), lipid conversion was lower. We conclude that earthworm is a suitable partial replacement for fishmeal in feeds for common carp.
Características físicas e germinação de sementes de Dyckia goehringii Gross & Rauh (Bromeliaceae) sob diferentes temperaturas

Dyckia goehringii is a bromeliad native from Cerrado (Brazilian savannah). Despite its high ornamental value, because of the silvery appearance of its leaves, it is not yet commercialized due to lack of information on its conservation and agronomic employment. The present investigation aimed to appraise the physical and physiological performance of seeds, during the imbibition and germination period, under several temperatures, as well as to establish temperature parameters for germination tests. The moisture content and the fresh and dry mass content of one hundred seeds were determined. The imbibition capacity, germination and vigour of seeds and seedlings of large and small seeds were observed under temperatures of 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C. The results showed that there are no obstructions to water absorption and that this feature is influenced by seeds size. The best vigour and germination rate were observed to large seeds, which produce more vigorous seedlings than small seeds, mainly at 30°C, and germination tests should be carried out on the 7th and 14th days after sowing. KEY-WORDS: D yckia goehringii ; seed vigour and size; imbibition.
Physical mapping of 5S rDNA, 18S rDNA and telomere sequences in three species of the genus Artemisia (Asteraceae) with distinct basic chromosome numbers.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with both of 5S and 18S rDNAs, and Arabidopsis-type telomere sequences was carried out in 3 species of the genus Artemisia (Asteraceae) with different basic chromosome numbers, x 8, 9 and 17, to understand their chromosomal organization and evolution. Chromosomal distribution of telomere sequences, which was restricted only to the ends of all chromosomes, was reported here for the first time in this genus. Although 5S rRNA gene loci are generally localized independently of 45S rRNA gene loci in eukaryotic chromosomes, all of the 5S rDNA sites are the same number and co-localized with the 18S rDNA sites in the species investigated. We also discussed the chromosomal evolution of A. feddei (x 8) and A. princeps (x 17) having a derivative basic chromosome number in this genus.
Nitric Oxide-Mediated Insulin Secretion in Response to Citrulline in Islet &bgr;-Cells

Introduction Nitric oxide (NO) synthases (NOSs) are expressed in insulin secreting &bgr;-cells. However, physiologic role of NO in insulin release is still controversial. We previously reported that argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), together with NOS, constitute the citrulline-argininosuccinate-arginine (Cit-AS-Arg) cycle in &bgr;-cells and that this cycle metabolizes citrulline to produce NO and increase cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in islet &bgr;-cells. Aims This study examined whether this cycle could be linked to insulin release. Methodology Islets of Langerhans were isolated from Wistar rats by collagenase digestion and further dispersed into single &bgr;-cells. [Ca2+]i in &bgr;-cells was measured by dual-wavelength fura-2 microfluorometry combined with digital imaging. NO production was assayed by DAF-2 microfluorometry. Insulin release was determined by ELISA. Results Citrulline at a physiologic concentration (0.1 mM) increased insulin release from rat islets and increased [Ca2+]i in rat &bgr;-cells in the presence of 8.3 mmol/l glucose, and they were inhibited by a NOS inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA). Citrulline induced NO production in rat &bgr;-cells. A NO-donor increased insulin release and [Ca2+]i in rat islet &bgr;-cells. Conclusion The metabolism of physiologic concentrations of citrulline by the Cit-AS-Arg cycle leads to NO production and resultant potentiation of glucose-induced insulin release, in which a Ca2+-mediated pathway could be involved.
Associations between X-ray visualised internal tomato seed morphology and germination

Structural differences such as abnormalities, damage and size of free spaces in seeds may affect germination. The objective of this study was to demonstrate associations between internal seed morphology and germination in tomato seeds. Samples of seeds from ten lots of each of Santa Clara and Mariana cultivars were evaluated using X-ray visualisation and then subjected to a germination test. Images of the X-rayed seeds were analysed with a commercial image analysis software programme. Free space between the embryo and endosperm of each seed as well as the internal seed cavity occupied by the endosperm and embryo were measured. Based on these quantitative data, together with a visual analysis, seeds were classified into six categories to which physiological quality was compared by a germination test. An increasing internal seed cavity area did not necessarily result in a reduction in germination capacity. Structural damage affected germination depending on its extent and localisation.
Chrysophyte microfossils record marked responses to recent environmental changes in high- and mid-arctic lakes

Rapid stratigraphic changes are recorded in recent assemblages of subfossil Chrysophyceae from the sedi- ments of two highly contrasted arctic lakes, one situated in the polar desert of west-central Ellesmere Island, and the other on eastern Baffin Island in the mid-Arctic climatic zone. In Sawtooth Lake on the Fosheim Peninsula, concentra- tions of chrysophycean stomatocysts increase dramatically in sediments deposited since AD 1920. Only trace abun- dances of stomatocysts are encountered in older sediments. In Kekerturnak Lake, on the north coast of Cumberland Peninsula, scales of Mallomonas spp. , previously absent from the sediment record, appear suddenly in the upper 5.5 cm of sediment and subsequently become ubiquitous in the top 1.0 cm. These results corroborate diatom strati- graphic data from other sites in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, together suggesting that unprecedented ecological changes are presently occurring across this vast region. In all likelihood, these abrupt algal community shifts reflect the response of arctic lake ecosystems to well-documented climate warming since the Little Ice Age, with the implications that recent rates of environmental change are unprecedented in the context of the Holocene.
Yield and quality response of rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) to sulphur and phosphorus application

Sulphur and phosphorus are essential plant macronutrients. Sulphur is involved in the formation of chlorophyll, activation of enzymes and is part of coenzyme A. Phosphorus forms part of the structure of nucleic acids and phospholipids. Two separate studies were conducted to determine the effects of sulphur and phosphorus levels in nutrient solutions on yield and quality of hydroponically grown rose geranium as well as setting standards of sulphur and phosphorus amounts to be used in the production process. The effect of four levels of sulphur (0.36, 1.90, 3.44 and 4.98 mmol l−1) was investigated in the first study and in the second study four levels of phosphorus (0.1, 0.8, 1.5 and 2.2 mmol l−1) were also investigated. All treatments were assigned in a completely randomised block design with five replicates. The results of the first study showed a significant effect of sulphur on the number of branches, plant height and foliar fresh mass. Foliar fresh mass and oil yield peaked at the 3.44 mmol l−1 concentration. The second study showed that plant height and the number of branches was not affected significantly by phosphorus, but foliar mineral phosphorus, magnesium and potassium were affected. Oil yield of rose geranium increased linearly with increased phosphorus concentrations. Both the guaia-69-diene content and the citronellol:geraniol ratio were greater at the highest phosphorus level, which indicated that oil quality can be enhanced by using relatively high phosphorus concentrations in nutrient solutions.
UV reflectance of inter‐subspecific hybrid females obtained by crossing cabbage butterflies from Japan (Pieris rapae crucivora) with those from New Zealand (P. rapae rapae)

Cross‐mating was performed between subspecies of cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae crucivora from Japan and P. rapae rapae from New Zealand, whose females are known to reflect and absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, respectively. In the female F1 hybrids UV reflectance was intermediate between the two parent females. Further, the UV reflectance was significantly higher in the female F1 hybrids derived from females of the New Zealand subspecies than in those derived from females of the Japanese subspecies.
Influence of seasonal changes in runoff and extreme events on dissolved organic carbon trends in wetland- and upland-draining streams

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes at eight headwater basins in south-central Ontario were strongly related to seasonal streamflow, and extreme events contributed to both interannual and intercatchment variability. Six catchments with high stream DOC and greater peatland coverage exhibited a different seasonal pattern of DOC concentration compared with two catchments with low DOC and less wetland influence. In wetland-dominated catchments, DOC concentrations decreased during fall wet-up and spring melt, and because of the dominance of the spring melt period in annual budgets, variations in spring flow explained 39%–48% of the intervariability in DOC concentration. Significant increases in average DOC concentration between 1980 and 2001 at all six wetland-dominated catchments were driven by relatively high DOC concentrations in the latter years of record, consistent with low spring flow in these years, and were not translated into greater DOC export to downstream lakes. Localized rainstorms in summer an.
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Education in Nigeria: Challenges of Academic Quality

This study assessed the challenges of academic quality in ODL education in Nigeria using the following parameters; exposure to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, curriculum and study materials made available to the learners and the time allotted to students for self-study, online lecturing/interactions and face-to-face study. Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos and National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) served as cases. In carrying out the study, a d escriptive survey research design was employed. A researcher-designed and validated questionnaire was used to elicit responses that translated to the quantitative data for this study. The sample comprised 665 students of the Distance Learning Institute and National Open University of Nigeria. Respondents were carefully selected through simple random sampling method. Data collected from the study were analyzed using Chi-Square (X 2 ) at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that the use of ICT tools is a factor in ensuring quality in the Open and Distance Learning operations. The quality of materials made available to Open and Distance Learning students will determine the quality of education that will be received by the students. The time allotted for students for self-study, online lecturing/interaction and face- to- face study in Open and Distance Learning Institutions has a lot of impact on the quality of education the students receive. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that ODL in Nigeria should invest on ICT infrastructures as well as employ tutors with mastery of ICT to aid teaching as it is an indispensable tool. Study materials must be structured within the standard curriculum, while appropriate time should be allotted to the different forms of study interactions to aid effective study and production of high quality graduates.
Mast seeding in Abies balsamea, Acer saccharum and Betula alleghaniensis in an old growth, cold temperate forest of north‐eastern North America

1 Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the phenomenon of masting or mast seeding, i.e. the supra‐annual, periodic production of a large number of seeds in long‐lived plants. Some of these hypotheses deal with the proximate causes of masting (e.g. the climate hypothesis) but others are concerned mostly with ultimate, evolutionary explanations (e.g. the pollination efficiency hypothesis).
SOLUTE BEHAVIOR IN TIGHTLY CROSS‐LINKED DEXTRAN GELS

The selectivity of neutral, or very weakly charged gels has aroused considerable interest in recent years. ',? These gels exhibit various kinds of selectivities of which the molecular sieve properties have attracted most attention particularly in the macromolecular domain. As yet there is no general theory regarding the mechanisms responsible for their selectivity, and it is the purpose of this paper to examine the behaviour of some low molecular nonelectrolytes in tightly crosslinked dextran gels. I n general the molecular sieving range is higher the more water the gel contains. The sieving range now available among different gels is enormous, extending from the smallest molecules up into the range of viruses and sub-cellular particles. ",4 The distribution of solutes in the tightly crosslinked dextran gels depends on both steric and interactive factors, and the selectivity range makes i t possible t o study solutes which a re sufficiently small for analysis of their behaviour in terms of their chemical structure and interactions with the gel and the solvent water. The dextran gels a r e from a biological aspect relatively simple systems, and it seems not unlikely tha t a study of the distribution of solutes within them may in addition yield information pertinent to solute behaviour in more complicated living systems.