Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring photosynthetic rates in seagrasses by pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry

Photosynthetic rates of seagrasses have until recently been measured a s gas exchange of chamber-enclosed leaves mainly in the laboratory, and in situ measurements under natural conditions are scarce. In this work we explore the possibility of rneasunng such rates by pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry, using a newly developed underwater device. This was done by first comparing photosynthetic O2 evolution (net photosynthesis corrected for dark respiration) with rates of electron transport (ETR) derived from fluorescen.ce measurements of the effective quantum yield of photosystem I1 multiplied with the estlnlated photon flux of photosynthetic active radiation absorbed by this photosystem. In the field, ETRs were then measured both as rapid light curves (RLCs) and by in situ point measurements under ambient light during the day. Photosynthetic O2 volution showed a linear relationship with ETR within a range of irradiances for the Mediterranean seagrass Cymodocea nodosa, while the tropical Halophila stipulacea and a temperate intertidal population of Zostera marina exhibited decreasing O2 evolution rates relative to ETRs at high lrradiances. These differences are likely due to photorespiration, w h ~ c h is absent in C. nodosa. The molar ratio between photosynthetic O2 evolution and ETR within the range of their linear relationship was found to be 0.3 for C. nodosa, which is close to the theoretical stoichiometric ratio of 0.25, but was higher and lower for 2. manna and H. stjpulacea, respectively. Point measurements of ETR in the field showed good agreements wlth rates derived from RLCs for H. stipulacea and Z. marina, but values varied greatly between replicate measurements for C. nodosa a t high irradiances. It is speculated that this variation was partly due to lightflecks caused by waves in the shallow water where these measurements were done. In all, this work shows that PAM fluorometry can efficiently yield photosynthetic rates for seagrasses in the laboratory, without the typical lag experienced by O2 electrodes, a s well a s in situ under natural conditions which are not disturbed by enclosures.
Independent Inheritance of Striga and Alectra Resistance in Cowpea Genotype B301

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is a major food legume in the semi-arid region of Sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, two parasitic weeds, Striga [Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke] and alectra [Alectra vogelii Benth. ] have become a major threat to cowpea cultivation in this region. A landrace of cowpea from Botswana, B301, is resistant to both parasites and genetic studies have revealed a single dominant gene for striga resistance and duplicate dominant genes for alectra resistance (.)
The Association Between the Developing Nasal Microbiota of Hospitalized Neonates and Staphylococcus aureus Colonization

Abstract Background Hospitalized neonates are at high risk for invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections. S. aureus nasal colonization often precedes infection. The nasal microbiota may preclude or support colonization. We aimed to characterize and compare the nasal microbiota of hospitalized neonates who acquire S. aureus colonization (cases) and those who do not acquire S. aureus (controls). Methods We obtained residual nares samples from hospitalized neonates who were screened weekly for S. aureus nasal colonization and treated with intranasal mupirocin if colonized. Eight cases were matched based on chronologic age and systemic antibiotic exposure to 7 controls. We extracted DNA, sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene, and performed taxonomic assignments. The bacterial species richness, relative abundance, and in silico predicted gene content were compared between cases and controls at 7 days before S. aureus acquisition, at the time of acquisition, and 7 days after acquisition and treatment. Results Common commensals including nondiphtheriae corynebacteria were more abundant in the nares of controls and Rothia mucilaginosa was more abundant in cases 7 days after intranasal mupirocin treatment than in cases 7 days before S. aureus acquisition. Controls and treated cases had a higher predicted abundance of genes contributing to the synthesis of certain antimicrobial compounds than in cases before S. aureus acquisition. Conclusions Neonates without S. aureus nasal colonization had a higher abundance of bacterial species that antagonize S. aureus directly or by selecting for beneficial co-colonizers. These differences may inform novel S. aureus infection prevention strategies in high-risk infants.
Differential Multipliers for the Accommodation Sector. Juanita Liu and Turgut Var. Tourism Management, vol. 3, no. 3, September 1982, pp. 177-187. Butterworth Scientific Ltd., P.O. Box 63, Westbury House, Bury Street, Guilford GU2 5BH, United Kingdom. $30.50

evaluating controls in the typical ski area. First, there is usually a large number of employees routinely involved in cash transactions: ticket sellers, waiters, waitresses, bartenders, shop clerks, and cashiers. Second, other than lift tickets, inventories of physical items are relatively less important than the inventory represented by available rooms, restaurant seats, or bar stools. Control over assets
EVALUATION OF THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FRUIT EXTRACTS OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANT, ZIZYPHUS XYLOPYRUS (RETZ.) WILLD

Aim: This study aims to investigate the antioxidant activity of fruit extracts of an indigenous medicinal plant, Zizyphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. Materials and Methods: The coarsely powdered fruit of Z. xylopyrus Willd. was successfully extracted first with petroleum ether and chloroform, followed by ethyl acetate and at last ethanol. The total flavonoids content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total tannin content (TTC) were estimated using quercetin and tannic acid equivalents as standard. The antioxidant activity of different extracts was determined by different standard in vitro methods including. Results: Among all extracts, ethyl acetate extract (ZXEAE) possessed potent antioxidant activity, namely hydroxyl radical (OH°) scavenging assay (IC50 128.1 ± 0.63 μg/mL), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (DPPH°) scavenging assay (IC50 101.2 ± 1.75 μg/mL), nitric oxide radical (NOo) scavenging assay (IC50 122.5 ± 2.04 μg/mL), superoxide radical (O2¯) scavenging activity assay (IC50 64.1 ± 1.24 μg/mL), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (98.6 ± 2.05 μg/mL). Study results suggested that antioxidant activity of ZXEAE might be due to presence of polyphenols, namely TFC (31.23 ± 0.39 quercetin equivalent [QE] mg/g extract), TPC (198.14 ± 0.69 gallic acid equivalent [GAE] mg/g extract), and TTC (18.38 ± 1.79 GAE mg/g extract). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the presence of flavonoids in Z. xylopyrus fruits showing marked antioxidant activity, which can be used for establishing the hepatoprotective potential of Z. xylopyrus
Characterization of amaranth seed oils

The oil fractions of Amaranthus caudatus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L. seeds were studied after different treatments of the seeds. The oil contents were 7.1 and 8.5% for raw A. caudatus L. and A. cruentus L. seeds, and consisted of 80.3? 82.3% of triacylglycerols (TAGs). Phospholipids represented 9.1? 10.2% of the oil. The squalene content was 4.8? 4.9% in both types of oil. Air classification increased the lipid content and decreased the content of squalene, while heating (popping and cooking) increased the squalene content. After germination, the lipid fraction was decreased in their TAGs and increased in their phospholipids. The main fatty acid composition (palmitic, linoleic and oleic) was not affected by thermal treatments or by germination of the seeds. The hydroperoxide stability test showed that the stability of amaranth oil was more than that of sunflower oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This research provides some information about the effect of different treatments ? including heat treatments, germination and air classification ? on the oil characteristics of two species of amaranth seeds. Fatty acids and triacylglycerol profiles, lipid fractions and squalene content were the main characteristics studied during this research. The stability of the oil against oxidation is also presented as compared with sunflower oil. The results of this research provide a clearer picture for the potential use of amaranth oil on an industrial scale and its characteristic stability under different process conditions
Genetic structure in otter (Lutra lutra) populations in Europe: implications for conservation

During the twentieth century otter (Lutra lutra) populations in central and western Europe declined and became fragmented because of habitat alterations, chemical pollution and direct persecution. In this study we used microsatellites to describe spatial patterns of genetic diversity and subdivision in otters from eight populations in Europe. Genetic diversity was moderately high within populations (He = 0.45–0.77), and significantly partitioned among locations (FST= 0.17; RST= 0.16; P < 0.001). A Bayesian cluster analysis of multilocus genotypes assigned individuals to seven genetically distinct groups, which were partly concordant with the geographical origin of the samples. An assignment test of the individuals to the populations showed that the Danish and, to a lesser extent, the Spanish populations were unique and distinct, whereas the other populations were partially admixed. Inference of past demographic fluctuations from coalescent analysis suggested that otter populations probably declined several thousand years ago, with the exception of the Irish population for which no such decline could be detected. No genetic evidence for recent bottlenecks was found. The historical decline could stem from post‐glacial founding events and recolonization of northern Europe after the last glacial maximum, or from more recent dry stages in the early Holocene in central Europe. On the basis of these results, we recommend that recovery plans should promote the expansion of existing natural populations through improvements of river and wetland habitats.
A Synthesis of Information on Rapid Land-cover Change for the Period 1981–2000

Abstract This article presents a synthesis of what is known about areas of rapid land-cover change around the world over the past two decades, based on data compiled from remote sensing and censuses, as well as expert opinion. Asia currently has the greatest concentration of areas of rapid land-cover changes, and dryland degradation in particular. The Amazon basin remains a major hotspot of tropical deforestation. Rapid cropland increase, often associated with large-scale deforestation, is prominent in Southeast Asia. Forest degradation in Siberia, mostly related to logging activities, is increasing rapidly. The southeastern United States and eastern China are experiencing rapid cropland decrease. Existing data do not support the claim that the African Sahel is a desertification hotspot. Many of the most populated and rapidly changing cities are found in the tropics.
Helminth Fauna of Shrews (Sorex spp.) in Lithuania

The helminth fauna and helminth infection in two species of Sorex shrews (S. Araneus and S. Minutus) were studied in various parts of Lithuania. Altogether 34 species of helminths, representing trematodes (5 species), cestodes (15) and nematodes (14), were recorded. The overall prevalence of infection of the common shrew (S. Araneus) was 92.1% and that of the pigmy shrew (S. Minutus) was 91.1%. Most shrews were infected with cestodes (82.0% in S. araneus and 81.3% in S. Minutus) and nematodes (83.9% and 85.4%, respectively), fewer with trematodes (21.1% and 6.3%, respectively). The total number of helminth species and the number of species per host were higher in S. Araneus. High prevalence of infection in shrews shows that these animals play a significant role in spreading of helminth species, especially cestodes and nematodes. Moreover, they are paratenic hosts of parasites of other animals, which are important to farming.
Isolation of d -Pimaric and Dehydroabietic Acids from Pine Oleoresin as Antinicotinic Substances

Sir: It has been well known that nicotine ab sorbed into mammalian bodies through tobacco smoking shows various pharmacolo gical effects, i.e. excitation of the central and/ or peripheral nervous system, increase in the pulse rate and blood pressure, and vascular contriction of the skin. These effects, in some cases, are considered to be hazardous for the human health and, therefore, it has been eagerly expected to develop antidotic agents to reduce the undesirable actions of nicotine due to tobacco smoking. Up to date, however, none of such agents has been discovered to be practically used. Meanwhile, pine leaves have been experien tially rolled into cigarette as an antidotic material to nicotine in some districts of our country. In 1958 Terada" and in 1961 Asano et a1.2,3) reported that a drug named "Giftol,"4) which was made of pine oleoresin, aluminum alum and caramel, was effective as an anti nicotinic agent through both in vivo and in vitro experiments . Further, Asano and Kamide5) showed that pine oleoresin itself
POSTDEVELOPMENT EXPERIMENTS TO DETECT ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCES: THE CASE OF SEA DUCKS AND WIND PARKS

Typically, ecological impact assessments (EIA) are conducted under time constraints, making the collection of baseline data and application of Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) designs difficult. Here we report the results of three “postdevelopment” experiments testing the effects of a small wind park on the abundance, distribution, and behavior of wintering Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), a large sea duck. Our approach was based on the rationale that the probability of detecting an impact should increase with decreasing distances from the wind park. Because prey abundance is likely to drive the distribution of wintering eiders, we removed that confounding variable by (1) randomizing its effect over the study area, and (2) incorporating the variable into the analysis. In the first experiment, we compared the abundance and distribution of eiders when wind turbines were switched on and off. This was complemented by investigating the escape behavior of flocks when wind turbines were switched on after .
Growth and physiological responses of wheat cultivars under various planting windows.

The accumulated photothermal units, growth attributes and phenology of three wheat varieties (Chakwal-50, Wafaq2001 and an advance line NR-268) were studied in four planting windows from 20 October-5 December at 15 days interval during 2008-09 in Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial arrangements. Delayed sowing puts adverse effects with respect to growth characteristics of tested varieties like Crop growth rate (CGR), Net assimilation rate (NAR), Leaf area index (LAI) and growing degree days and photothermal units but the intensity varied among varieties. The late sown conditions induced the maximum epicuticular wax deposition (0.0071 g cm) and synthesis of proline contents (37.08 μg g) in leaf tissues at flag leaf stage and it was typically related to Chakwal-50 (44.45 μg g). The Wafaq-2001 did well with respect to stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates over tested NR-268 even in delayed sowing. Sustaining the growth in late sown conditions of Wafaq-2001 was clear indication of its adoptability measures to terminal heat stress. On overall basis, the Chakwal-50 was the best performer and seeding at 5 November must be ensured to maintain desirable growth pattern. The growing degree days and Photothermal units were growth drivers and early sowing time might need to be changed based on concept for better understanding of phenophases and other growth aspects of crop in context of climate variability.
A Comparison of Engagement between the Attention Network Test and a Videogame-Like Version, Called the AttentionTrip

ABSTRACT The concept of attention is pivotal for our understanding of normal and abnormal human performance. The Attention Network Test (ANT) is a frequently used task for measuring three networks of attention (alerting, orienting, and executive control). Inspired by the ANT, the AttentionTrip is a videogame-like task also designed to measure these networks. The primary objective of this study, to compare the ANT and the AttentionTrip on their ability to engage the test-taker, was achieved by having the same participants’ complete measures of user engagement after administration of each test. Whereas both tasks generated robust attention network scores, participants were significantly more engaged by the AttentionTrip. The AttentionTrip thus provides an alternative to the ANT that can sustain participant engagement, making it worth considering for research that involves repeated testing or when studying participants prone to boredom.
Conservation and fisheries effects of spawning aggregation marine protected areas: What we know, where we should go, and what we need to get there

There is a global trend in the depletion of transient reef fish spawning aggregations (“FSAs”), making them a primary target for management with marine protected areas (MPAs). Here, we review the observed and likely effectiveness of FSA MPAs, discuss how future studies could fill knowledge gaps, and provide recommendations for MPA design based on species’ life history and behaviour, enforcement potential, and management goals. Modelling studies indicate that FSA MPAs can increase spawning-stock biomass and normalize sex ratio in protogynous fish populations, unless fishing mortality remains high outside protected FSA sites and spawning times. In the field, observations of no change or continued decline in spawning biomass are more common than population recovery. When empirical studies suggest that FSA MPAs may not benefit fish productivity or recovery, extenuating factors such as insufficient time since MPA creation, poor or lack of enforcement, inadequate design, and poorly defined management objectives are generally blamed rather than failure of the MPA concept. Results from both the empirical and modelling literature indicate that FSA MPAs may not improve exploitable biomass and fisheries yields; however, investigations are currently too limited to draw conclusions on this point. To implement effective FSA MPAs, additional modelling work, long-term monitoring programmes at FSA sites, and collections of fisheries-dependent data are required, with greater attention paid to the design and enforcement of area closures. We recommend a harmonized, adaptive approach that combines FSA MPA design with additional management measures to achieve explicitly stated objectives. Conservation objectives and, therefore, an overall reduction in mortality rates should be targeted first. Fisheries objectives build on conservation objectives, in that they require an overall reduction in mortality rates while maintaining sufficient access to exploitable biomass. Communication among researchers, regulatory agencies, park authorities, and fishers will be paramount for effective action, along with significant funds for implementation and enforcement.
Larvae of the Deep-Sea Squat Lobsters, Agononida incerta (Henderson, 1888) and Munida striola Macpherson and Baba, 1993 with Notes on Larval Morphology of the Family (Crustacea: Anomura: Galatheidae)

Abstract There is little information on the larvae of squat lobsters of the family Galatheidae in spite of their abundance in mesopelagic and abyssal fauna. Larvae of two galatheid species, Agononida incerta (Henderson, 1888) and Munida striola Macpherson and Baba, 1993, are described and illustrated for the first time from the northwest Pacific region based on laboratory-hatched material. The zoeas of these two species are easily distinguished from each other by their size and the morphology of the antenna and maxillule. Previously-known zoeas of the family are compared and a provisional key for 6 galatheid genera is presented.
A gap analysis of teaching marketing ethics: Desired versus current state

Abstract There is a consensus among marketing educators, scholars, and practitioners that business ethics, in particular, and marketing ethics must be a vital part of a marketing student’s education. However, a survey of the best business schools in the United States reveals that most of them do not offer a stand-alone business ethics course, let alone a marketing ethics course. The author provides a gap analysis of the desired versus current state of marketing ethics education. Recommendations on how to bridge these gaps are provided.
Nest success and conservation status of the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea in Swaziland

The Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea is a globally threatened species endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. The total population breeding south of the Limpopo River (i.e. in South Africa and Swaziland) probably numbers around 100 pairs. A significant proportion of these birds breed in Swaziland, but to date little has been published on this population. Suitable breeding habitat has been reduced significantly in the country in recent decades, due mostly to afforestation with exotic timber plantations, with urbanization playing a lesser role. In Swaziland, breeding sites are restricted to grasslands above 1,200 m, but mostly above 1,300 m. Timing of egg laying is bimodal indicating double brooding. The number of nests initiated in a season is weakly correlated with rainfall in preceding months. Nests were built predominantly in disused antbear Orycteropus afer burrows, with smaller numbers in natural sinkholes. Mean clutch size was 2.80, and 61% of eggs laid resulted in fledged offspring. Mean productivity was 1.30 fledglings per pair per nest attempt. These figures suggest that breeding success is not currently being reduced in Swaziland. The minimum total population currently thought to be breeding in Swaziland is 10 pairs, but this is based on intensive studies of only part of the suitable range. It is recommended that a complete survey be conducted covering the entire range of the species in Swaziland.