Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioefficacy of different plant extracts against melon fruit fly in bitter gourd.

An experiment was carried out during the year 2009 to find the bio-efficacy of different Plant extracts against melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), which is a serious pest of cucurbitaceous vegetables. The experiment consisted of three varieties Ambika, Rama Krishna and Phauja and five different treatments (including check) i.e. Methomyl, Neem seed extract, Parthenium hysterophorus L. extract and Eucalyptus leaves extract. All the botanicals showed significant results and minimized the percent damage as compared to the check. The minimum population of melon fruit fly adults m - ² were found in Methomyl and Neem seed extract treatments, followed by Parthenium plant extract and Eucalyptus leaves extract. The maximum adults m - ² were found in the control plots. The minimum percent damage (41.94%) was found in Neem seed extract treated plots. The results of the experiment revealed that botanicals can be replaced for the management of melon fruit flies instead of using the synthetic pesticides in order to save the environment from their hazards.
Climate-driven changes in the ecological stoichiometry of aquatic ecosystems.

Advances in ecological stoichiometry, a rapidly expanding research field investigating the elemental composition of organisms and their environment, have shed new light on the impacts of climate change on freshwater and marine ecosystems. Current changes in the Earth's climate alter the availability of carbon and nutrients in lakes and oceans. In particular, atmospheric CO2 concentrations will rise to unprecedented levels by the end of this century, while global warming will enhance stratification of aquatic ecosystems and may thereby diminish the supply of nutrients into the surface layer. These processes enrich phytoplankton with carbon, but suppress nutrient availability. Phytoplankton with a high carbon-to-nutrient content provide poor-quality food for most zooplankton species, which may shift the species composition of zooplankton and higher trophic levels to less nutrient-demanding species. As a consequence, climate-driven changes in plankton stoichiometry may alter the structure and functioning of entire aquatic food webs.
Characteristics of Japanase Thalassemia

Abstract Thalassemia is relatively rare in Japan. Of 387 β-thalassemia cases of Japanese, homozygotes for β+- and β0-thalassemias were twenty-two (5.7%) and one (0.26%), respectively. The rest (94%) were of β- thalassemia trait. Ten different kinds of β-thalassemia mutations comprised about 80% of all cases. Half of these “common” mutations were unique to Japanese and another half were possibly from abroad. Sixty-nine α-thalassemia cases were analyzed, in which HbH and α- thalassemia trait comprised nineteen and fifty, respectively. Most of the αo- and α+-thalassemia chromosomes were of Southeast Asian type (--SEA) and –α3. 7 type, respectively. The frequency of α+- thalassemia as well as triplication of α-globin gene was high in northern Japan. Recent increase in the number of immigrants from Southeast Asia seems to raise the number of α-thalassemia found in Japan. They comprise at least 20% of the α-thalassemia. Six mutants classified into dominant-type β-thalassemia were found. All of them exhibited moderate anemia and marked anisopoikiocytosis. Heinz body varied in degree from copious to rare or even absent. Any mutation at initiation codon demonstrated marked microcytosis and erythremia. The breakpoint determination for large deletion-type thalassemia became feasible by estimation of gene dosage and PCR. Thus, the precise breakpoints for Filipino-type αo-thalassemia (--FIL) and Japanese type-2 δβ-thalassemia were disclosed. The genetic diagnosis for these thalassemias are now readily conducted by gap PCR. The characterization of several new large deletions is being carried out.
KELP PATCH DYNAMICS IN THE FACE OF INTENSE HERBIVORY: STABILITY OF AGARUM CLATHRATUM (PHAEOPHYTA) STANDS AND ASSOCIATED FLORA ON URCHIN BARRENS 1

The brown alga Agarum clathratum (Dumortier) is the only large, perennial, fleshy macrophyte commonly found on urchin‐dominated barrens in the northwestern North Atlantic. We examined the spatial and temporal stability of A. clathratum stands and their impact on algal recruitment in the Mingan Islands, northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The stands were highly stable in space and time, with only small intersite variations. The percent cover of A. clathratum in 144‐m2 areas increased by 6.5%–11.4% over a 2‐year period, and most changes in abundance occurred at the edge of the stands. The surface area of small (<13 m2) single stands of A. clathratum increased by approximately 1.8%·month−1, although marked increases (>95%) occurred during winter, largely because adjacent stands merged into larger single stands. Mature stands of A. clathratum appear to enhance algal recruitment, as juvenile A. clathratum and the understory red alga Ptilota serrata (Kützing) were orders of magnitude more abundant inside than outside the stands. The experimental removal of the A. clathratum canopy (1‐m2 portions) had no long‐term effect on the abundance of A. clathratum, which within 14 months had recolonized most of the cleared areas. In contrast to juvenile A. clathratum, the abundance of P. serrata rapidly decreased after canopy removal. Our results demonstrate that A. clathratum stands are a stable component of urchin barrens in spite of the heavy grazing that typically occurs there. Maintenance and expansion of A. clathratum stands and associated flora appear to depend on positive interactions with self‐defended adult A. clathratum.
EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (MIRTACEAE) ESSENTIAL OIL: EFFICACY AGAINST APHIS GOSSYPII (HEMIPTERA: APHIDIDAE), AN AGRICULTURAL PEST

The insecticidal activity of Eucalyptus globulus (Mirtaceae) essential oil obtained in FAUBA laboratory was tested against Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera, Aphididae) adults. The screening bioassay showed very high insecticidal activity (55-100%)
Effect of Mima-type microrelief on herbage production of five seeded grasses in western Colorado.

Mima-type microrelief h a s been commonly observed in the treeless areas of the western United States. This microrelief is characterized by low mounds or soil pimples, commonly called "Mima mounds" after the Mima Prairie in western Washington, where they were described by Dalquest and Scheffer, (1942). Some contend that the Mima mounds are a result of physical actions of ice wedges and erosion (Newcombe, 1952; Ritchie, 1953) while others feel that the mounds are built largely by the activity of fossorial rodents such as pocket gophers or prairie dogs (Arkeley and Brown, 1954). Present evidence tends to favor the formation of the mounds by rodents in Colorado and adjacent areas. The subsoil in mounded areas usually contains a cemented hardpan, bedrock, gravel bed, or water table, which limits root growth and the activity of fossorial rodents. In Colorado,
New Alliances: Why Mainstream Parties Govern with Radical Right-Wing Populist Parties

This article investigates the recent government participation of a number of radical right-wing populist parties in West European democracies. With the help of coalition formation theories the government coalitions in which these parties have participated are characterised and inferences are made about the reasons for the cooperation between mainstream right and radical right-wing populist parties. The accuracy of these inferences is then examined in more detail by analysing the changing electoral fortunes and party positions of both mainstream and radical right-wing populist parties. These analyses demonstrate that office, policy and votes made mainstream right parties turn to radical right-wing populist parties as new coalition partners and that two important changes in West European party systems have enabled the formation of the new alliances, the first being an electoral shift to the right and the second the convergence of party positions of mainstream right and radical right-wing populist parties.
Biomass yield of poplar after five 2-year coppice rotations

Because of the possible nutrient depletion (Ranger et al. , 1988; Galinski al. , 1991; Gelhaye al. , 1997) and the decreased resprouting capacity, a critical question remains whether yield can be maintained over longer periods of frequent rotation cycles. The aim of this study is (1) to document biomass yield of a small selection of the more economically viable hybrid poplar ( Populus ) clones when grown for ﬁve cycles of 2-year coppice rotations (1988–1997) and (2) to discuss different strategies for achieving biomass production under a coppice regime. The results of this study could help to project the likely productivity of the genus Populus when grown under short-rotation coppice and intensive cultivation prac-tices on set-aside land into the next century.
In Search of a Better Fit: Exploring Conditions for Successful Performance-Based Human Resources Management in U.S. Federal Agencies

This study examines the conditions for successful implementation of performance-based human resources management (PHRM) in U.S. federal agencies. Over the last decade, PHRM has reemerged as a major approach for enhancing the performance of federal employees. Reformers have instituted various measures to bring performance to the center of the personnel process in all federal agencies. However, there are huge variations among the agencies when it comes to how effective these efforts have been. To identify the factors that lead to these variations, we develop an analytical framework for the implementation of PHRM. Our analysis of the data collected from 167 U.S. federal agencies reveals that PHRM is significantly affected by a group of factors such as external political influences, organizational size, professionalism, type of policy instruments, and leadership effectiveness. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications for successful PHRM in government organizations.
Modeling the response time of diatom assemblages to simulated water quality improvement and degradation in running waters

The objective of this study was to measure and model the response time of the Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC: Indice Diatomees de l'Est du Canada), a diatom-based index of biological integrity, following substrate transloca- tion from altered sites (nutrient-enriched) to pristine sites and vice-versa. The frequency of sampling, duration (time after substrate translocation), and variety of site conditions in the present study provide strong evidence for an accelerated re- sponse of diatoms to a degradation reflecting eutrophication (within a week in certain cases) and a slower path to recovery (up to 4 weeks). Diatom response varied as a function of trophic status; oligotrophic rivers responded rapidly to a degrada- tion, and mesotrophic or eutrophic rivers responded more slowly to an amelioration of the conditions. Variation in re- sponse time as a function of trophic status seemed to be partly linked to the diversity and complexity of the assemblages. The less diverse assemblages observed in oligotrophic waters were highly sensitive to nutrient enrichment, whereas the more diverse assemblages sampled in mesotrophic-eutrophic rivers were less sensitive to nutrient fluctuations, and major variations in nutrient concentrations took a longer time to induce a change in index values. Resume ´ : L'objectif de notre recherche est de mesurer et de modeliser le temps de reaction de l'Indice Diatomees de l'Est du Canada (IDEC), un indice d'integritebiologique basesur les diatomees, ala suite d'un deplacement de substrats de si- tes alteres (enrichis en nutriments) vers des sites vierges et vice-versa. La frequence de l'echantillonnage, la duree (temps ecouledepuis le deplacement des substrats) et la varietedes conditions dans les sites de notre etude permettent d'obtenir des donnees probantes qui montrent une reaction acceleree des diatomees a une degradation qui represente une eutrophisa- tion (en moins d'une semaine, dans certains cas) et une voie de recuperation plus lente (jusqu'a ` 4 semaines). La reaction des diatomees varie en fonction du statut trophique : les rivieres oligotrophes reagissent rapidement aune degradation, alors que les rivieres mesotrophes ou eutrophes reagissent plus lentement a une amelioration des conditions. La variation du temps de reaction en fonction du statut trophique semble etre reliee en partie a la diversiteet la complexitedes peuple- ments. Les peuplements moins diversifies observes dans les eaux oligotrophes sont tres sensibles al'enrichissement par les nutriments, alors que les peuplements plus diversifiesechantillonnes dans les rivieres mesotrophes-eutrophes sont moins sensibles aux fluctuations des nutriments; les variations majeurs dans les concentrations de nutriments mettent donc plus de temps aprovoquer un changement dans les valeurs de l'indice. (Traduit par la Redaction)
A Bayesian Approach to Classification Criteria for Spectacled Eiders

To facilitate decisions to classify species according to risk of extinction, we used Bayesian methods to analyze trend data for the Spectacled Eider, an arctic sea duck. Trend data from three independent surveys of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta were analyzed individually and in combination to yield posterior distributions for population growth rates. We used classification criteria developed by the recovery team for Spectacled Eiders that seek to equalize errors of under- or overprotecting the species. We conducted both a Bayesian decision analysis and a frequentist (classical statistical inference) decision analysis. Bayesian decision analyses are computationally easier, yield basically the same results, and yield results that are easier to explain to nonscientists. With the exception of the aerial survey analysis of the 10 most recent years, both Bayesian and frequentist methods indicated that an endangered classification is warranted. The discrepancy between surveys warrants further research. Although the trend data are abundance indices, we used a preliminary estimate of absolute abundance to demonstrate how to calculate extinction distributions using the joint probability distributions for population growth rate and variance in growth rate generated by the Bayesian analysis. Recent apparent increases in abundance highlight the need for models that apply to declining and then recovering species.
THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGIN OF CANADIAN CRATERS

M. R. Dence Dominion Observatory, Ottawa, Canada Introduction The search for fossil meteorite craters by the Dominion Observatory was begun after the examination of the New Quebec Crater by Meen (1950) and the discovery of the Brent crater in 1951 (Millman et al., 1960). To guide the search a crater model was adopted (Beals et aZ., 1960 & 1963) which incorporated the circular plan, raised rim, and central depression common to high velocity impact craters, known meteoritic craters, and most lunar craters (Baldwin, 1963 ; Krinov, 1963 ; Shoemaker, 1963). The crater floor was considered to be underlain by a lens of breccia extending to a depth of approximately one-third the crater diameter. The breccia could be expected to have a low density and allied physical properties when compared with the surrounding rocks ; to include metamorphosed meteorite fragments ; and to show evidence of shock deformation and metamorphism including fusion of rocks to form impactites (Nininger, 1954), the formation of dense polymorphs such as coesite and stishovite (Chao, 1964), and of shatter cone fracture patterns (Dietz, 1963). To test the application of these criteria, promising structures revealed by the initial topographic examination have been investigated by gravity, magnetic, and seismic surveys, together with geological and structural examination complemented by diamond drilling programs. The material so obtained is further subjected to petrographic and mineralogical examination. As a result the criteria for recognizing impact craters have been constantly under review and modifications to the original model suggested as the investigation of large craters in Precambrian terrains is pursued. However, i t has not been considered necessary to abandon the basic model or the general hypothesis for meteoritic impact, although it is agreed that current theory is inadequate to explain many aspects of the structures revealed by investigations to date.
Optimization of media for production of bioactive compounds by Streptomyces parvullus SS23/2 isolated from marine algae in the Bay of Bengal, India

Streptomyce s are economically and biotechnologically valuable prokaryotes responsible for production of bioactive secondary metabolites, notably antibiotics, antitumor agents, immunosuppressive agents and enzymes. The present study deals with the optimization of media for production of bioactive compounds from Streptomyces parvullus SS23/2 isolated from marine algae ( Dictyota dichotoma ) at the Bay of Bengal, India. Suitable medium was selected and optimized under different chemical and physical parameters for maximum production following one-factor- at- a time approach. Optimum condition for initial pH, medium capacity, inoculum size, inoculum age, agitation and growth period were assessed and the result was found to be optimum at 7, 50 ml, 7.5% (v/v), 48 hours, 180 rpm and 6 days, respectively. Component of the best carbon source for the basal medium was sucrose at 2% and 1.5% concentration for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Malt extract at 1% concentration was the best nitrogen source for both bacteria and fungi. The composition of the best medium for Streptomyces parvullus SS23/2 was (g/l: Corn steep liquor, 10, sucrose, 20; malt extract, 10; K 2 HPO 4 , 5; NaCl, 2.5; ZnSO 4 , 0.04; CaCO 3 , 0.4; pH=7). After optimization, antimicrobial activity was improved from 36 mm to 40.7 mm inhibition zone against B. subtilis . In the research for bioactive compounds, screening, characterization and optimization of the media and cultural conditions are important for strain improvement. Therefore, optimization of products from Streptomyces in different samples may create a great potential for upscaling secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and might remain an area of research interest in the future antibiotic discovery. Keywords/phrases : B. subtilis , Marine sediment, Optimization, Streptomyces parvullus Ethiop. J. Biol. Sci . 11(1): 1-11, 2012
Food Habits Of Bats Of Subfamily Vampyrinae in Brazil

Abstract We describe and compare diets of 3 species of vampyrine bats based on analysis of food remains found in gastrointestinal tracts of preserved museum specimens. We also examined possible ontogenetic, intersexual, geographic, and seasonal variations in feeding habits of each species. Trachops cirrhosus fed mainly on insects (79% of prey items), whereas Chrotopterus auritus and Vampyrum spectrum primarily ate small vertebrates (61–73% of prey items for both species). Vertebrate prey most frequently eaten by C. auritus were murid rodents whereas V. spectrum consumed primarily passerine birds. The frequency of occurrence of food items did not differ significantly with age or sex, at least for T. cirrhosus and C. auritus. Significant seasonal variations in diet were observed only for C. auritus, which consumed more insects during the wet season. Our findings confirm the importance of insects in the diet of T. cirrhosus and present new information on a diversified diet for V. spectrum and opportunistic feeding for C. auritus.
Evaluation of a saponin adjuvanted inactivated Mycoplasma bovis (a field isolate from cattle lungs in Balochistan, Pakistan) vaccine.

An inactivated saponin adjuvanted vaccine was prepared from Mycoplasma bovis local field isolate and its efficacy was evaluated. Nine calves (n=9) were split in three groups (three calves in each group). Calves in group A were vaccinated with M. bovis saponin adjuvanted (inactivated) vaccine and challenged with live M. bovis strain by nasal spray at day 21 post vaccination. Calves in group B were only challenged with live M. bovis culture through same route and Group C was kept as control. All groups of calves were monitored for 7 weeks. The antibody profile of all vaccinated and challenged animal were assessed through IHA test. The saponated M. bovis (inactivated) vaccines with protein concentration (2 mg/mL) was found very effective. Any pathological lesion, mortality and any other clinical manifestation was not observed in vaccinated group of calves. Over all the immune status with a GMT (40.3) was found satisfactory with this vaccine, which was achieved 3 weeks post-vaccination and this titer has risen to a GMT (80.6) after four week and was maintained to a GMT of (64.0) on 49 th days at the end of experiment. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers
Perspectives on Public Management Reform as Planned Change

The focus here is on the New Public Management, henceforth NPM, which constitutes a tsunami, virtually worldwide. Thus, inter alia, we hear about “customers” of public services, which are to be provided by “public intrapreneurs” as well as by cadres of employees at all levels who are “empowered. ” And so on and on, with the conventional topics including crosstraining, total quality, performance measurement, and strategic planning. Although widely accepted, the NPM dogma – certainly it is no less in influential sources – does not survive critical analysis. In sum, this essay proposes this judgment: that in more or less equal measure, NPM combines ubiquity, too much made of some six useful but limited notions, unreconciled diversities, and major issues at sixes-and-sevens. This essay also intends to show how NPM might rise above its limitations. Specifically, four emphases relate to these critical-cum-constructive ambitions. In preview, the old NPM: seldom even attempted detailing a useful approach to applications; typically neglected systemic or milieu characteristics within which applications occurred; usually did not specify a useful front-load in designs: i.e., training in values, attitudes, and interaction skills that would facilitate developing a “cultural preparedness” for appropriate applications; and seldom specified supportive structural/managerial arrangements and especially how they might be achieved in practice. The text gives illustrative attention to how matters might be improved upon.
EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF NATURAL GROWTH PROMOTER AV/AGP/10 IN IMPROVING GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE IN PIGLETS

The inclusion of growth promoters in the feed is the most common and cost effective method of enhancing the performance of pigs. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of herbal growth promoter AV/AGP/10 (supplied by M/S Ayurvet Limited, Baddi, H.P., India) in improving growth and performance in piglets. Twelve weaned piglets of 2-3 months and 14-15 Kg body weight were procured and divided into two treatment groups (T1 and T2) having 6 piglets in each. Group T1 was untreated control and Group T2 was supplemented AV/AGP/10 @250 gm/tonne for 2 months followed by one month post treatment period. All the animals were fed standard basal ration. At the end of experiment the mean body weight (Kg) was significantly better results were obtained in term of final body weight, body weight gain and mean FCR in AV/AGP/10 supplemented group as compared to control. Values of hemoglobin (g/dl) and PCV (%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in treated group (12.3 and 37.07) as compared to control (12.27 and 36.17). The biochemical parameters ALT and AST did not reveal any significant difference, but plasma proteins (g/dl) were significantly high in treated group (6.72) as compared to control (6.55). Overall results of trial suggest that supplementation of natural growth promoter product AV/AGP/10 has resulted in better growth and performance in pigs which may be attributed to pharmacological activities of constituent herbs viz. Trigonella foenum graecum, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale & many others in a fixed concentration.