Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Richness and Diversity of Oak Savanna in Northwestern Ohio: Proximity to Possible Sources of Propagules

Abstract Prior to Euro-American settlement of the Oak Openings in northwestern Ohio, the proportion of oak savanna, woodland and forest in upland sites likely varied, with open canopies developing during dry periods of higher fire frequency and denser canopies developing during wet periods of lower fire frequency. Wet prairie and oak barrens, which persisted in the landscape because of spring flooding, likely contained savanna species and, therefore, may have been sources of propagules of savanna species that colonized areas of newly opened canopy. We used regression analysis to test the hypothesis that the richness and diversity of savanna species in the herb layer of present-day savanna are related to the proximity of former wet prairie and oak barrens. Results were statistically significant for richness but generally not for diversity. This suggests that wet prairie and oak barrens may have acted as refugia and therefore as sources of propagules for savanna species during temporal shifts in the proportions of oak savanna, woodland and forest, but relative species abundances likely were determined more by local environment.
Diagnosis and Molecular Identification of Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease in Naturally Infected Broiler Chickens

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a serious problem in young chickens and losses occurs in face of restricted biosecurity, frequently vaccination of breeder to maintain uniform high maternal antibody titers and trials to apply more effective vaccines in broiler. The disease was diagnosed based on clinical signs, pathology, and AGPT as well as virus isolation and detection of viral antigen in tissue by RT-PCR. Therefore, bursae were collected from 5 IBD suspected flocks aged 4 to 5 weeks having clinical signs, mortality (35-70%) and lesions suggestive to infected with virulent IBDV. AGP test results showed positive precipitation lines in 5/5tested flocks (100%) between the prepared bursal homogenate or CAM of inoculated ECE with high embryo mortality of virulent IBDV. The 5 bursal homogenate extract were subjected to RT/PCR products of VP2 full gene and electrophoretic pattern of amplified samples revealed the presence of specific PCR products (642 bp). BY restriction end nuclease enzymes BstNI and SspI the samples are negative at 210 bp, 171 bp, 151 bp and 110 bp bands suggested either to be very veriolant IBDV (vvIBDV), while Sspi restriction enzyme analyzed on 2 % agarose gel electrophoresis showed that Results clarify the isolates to be very virulent subtype. The recorded histopathological changes in the examined bursal sections were similar to those previously reported due to infection with veriolant and vvIBDV. Conclusions:We can concluded that virulent IBDV still circulating and cause losses in vaccinated broiler and RTPCR is useful, rapid and accurate in diagnosis IBDV outbreaks. It is important to look for a more suitable vaccine and vaccination programs for both breeder and broiler chicken to face and controlling very virulent IBDV mutation.
Status of a broadly distributed endangered species: results and implications of the second International Piping Plover Census

Methods for monitoring progress toward recovery goals are highly variable and may be problematic for endangered species that are mobile and widely distributed. Recovery objectives for Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) include attainment of minimum population sizes within specified recovery units, as determined by two U.S. and two Canadian recovery teams. To assess progress toward these goals, complete surveys of the species' winter and breeding ranges in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles are conducted every 5 years. In 1996, 1200 biologists and volunteers participated in the second International Piping Plover Census, tallying 2515 wintering birds and 5913 adults (2668 breeding pairs) during the breeding census. Winter numbers were 27% lower than those of the first international census conducted in 1991, with substantially fewer wintering birds along the Gulf of Mexico and an overall increase in numbers along the Atlantic Coast. Large numbers of wintering plovers re.
The Gear Model of Advertising - Modelling Human Response to Advertising Stimuli

One of the goals when add+impact® (a+i)®was founded in 1991 was to develop a database that could be used to add to the general understanding of how people respond to advertising. Recent applications were the Integrative model and a comparison of response tendencies to advertising between men and women. However, a crucial aspect of the advertising process – how to account for the nature and contribution of creativity to the ‘watchability’ of advertising – has not been satisfactorily explained. This paper presents a breakthrough in understanding how people respond to advertising, and shows that it is possible to predict, with a very great degree of confidence, how well a given ad will achieve the ultimate objective of all advertising: to increase the ‘purchase intent’ towards the advertised brand, immediately after exposure and before there has been time for other intervening events to dilute or otherwise alter that immediate effect. It also enables a clear understanding of how that response came to be.
Framing international news in China: An analysis of trans-edited news in Chinese newspapers

This research explores the variations between Chinese party and non-party newspapers in the framing of trans-edited international news. Existing studies on the framing of Chinese domestic news show that the variations depend on the sensitivity of news, which invokes government control. However, it is not clear how strictly the government would control international news and whether party and non-party news organizations would show similarities or variations in the framing of it. To address these issues, we conducted a comparative quantitative content analysis of 806 pieces of trans-edited international news from one party newspaper and one non-party newspaper. The findings show that the party and non-party newspapers show similarity on the use of three frames but small variations on the other four. This implies a strong control of the Chinese government on the reporting of international news. By comparison, the government control has stronger effects on the party newspaper than on its non-party counterpart.
The Growing Emphasis on Training Pastor-Counselors in Protestant Seminaries

This study investigated the status of counseling courses and faculty in the curriculum of accredited protestant seminaries in the United States. The study investigated courses, faculty, and curriculum during the period from 1965–1980. Results show that counseling courses and counseling faculty have more than doubled in the past fifteen years whereas the number of students in seminaries has increased by approximately one-third during the same period.
Protective Effects of Fermented Aloe vera on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Sprague-dawley Rats

Aloe vera extract was fermented by Lactobacillus casei. The ability of fermented Aloe vera (FAV) as an antioxidant to protect against -induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats was investigated. The rats were administered orally with various doses of FAV with 50, 100 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. For this study, we not only tested activity of various plasma enzymes (AST, ALT), which are used as indicators of liver disease, but also checked those change of liver components such as superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Pretreatment of FAV for two weeks significantly reduced the elevated plasma enzyme activities induced by . Pretreatment of FAV also restored the hepatic enzyme, malonedialdehyde (MDA) formation. The results indicate that FAV has a protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by the administration of in rats, and that the hepatoprotective effects of FAV may be due to both the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the increase of antioxidant activity.
Two β-lactamics Resistance Genes Detection in Nosocomial Bacteria of Veterinary Interest

Nosocomial bacteria acquisition of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents is a critical concern in medical practice since may result in patient’s increased morbidity and mortality. Additionally, it causes an increased cost to the patient and medical centers as it generates complications and a longer hospital permanency. The information that allows bacteria to develop mechanisms of resistance is found in its genome, having the ability to be transferred in horizontal way to other bacteria. In order to improve pathogen control protocols associated with this type of infection we need to develop a procedure for the dynamic tracing of nosocomial bacterial species, establishing a constant feedback of information regarding their existence, and the characteristics of the environmental responsible for their appearance. This protocol should include identifying the genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance in different species and an analysis of their epidemiological relationship, looking for safeguarding public and animal health.
The production‐ecological sustainability of cassava, sugarcane and sweet sorghum cultivation for bioethanol in Mozambique

We present an approach for providing quantitative insight into the production‐ecological sustainability of biofuel feedstock production systems. The approach is based on a simple crop‐soil model and was used for assessing feedstock from current and improved production systems of cassava for bioethanol. Assessments were performed for a study area in Mozambique, a country considered promising for biomass production. Our focus is on the potential role of smallholders in the production of feedstock for biofuels. We take cassava as the crop for this purpose and compare it with feedstock production on plantations using sugarcane, sweet sorghum and cassava as benchmarks. Production‐ecological sustainability was defined by seven indicators related to resource‐use efficiency, soil quality, net energy production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results indicate that of the assessed systems, sugarcane performed better than cassava, although it requires substantial water for irrigation. Targeted use of nutrient inputs improved sustainability of smallholder cassava. Cassava production systems on more fertile soils were more sustainable than those on less fertile soils; the latter required more external inputs for achieving the same output, affecting most indicators negatively and reducing the feasibility for smallholders. Cassava and sweet sorghum performed similarly. Cassava production requires much more labour per hectare than production of sugarcane or sweet sorghum. Production of bioethanol feedstock on cultivated lands was more sustainable and had potential for carbon sequestration, avoiding GHG emissions from clearing natural vegetation if new land is opened.
Effects of human disturbance on liana community diversity and structure in a tropical rainforest, Malaysia: implication for conservation

Aim Due to the important role of lianas in the functioning of forest ecosystem, knowledge of the factors that affect them are important in the management of forests. Currently, there are conflicting reports on the response of liana communities to disturbance, calling for more research in the area. The present study was carried out to investigate the response of liana diversity and structure to human disturbance within two major forests in the Penang National Park, Malaysia. The study also looked at the implication of the findings for conservation. Methods A total of 15 40 3 40-m 2 (or 40-m 3 40-m) plots each were randomly located across a range of habitats in a primary forest and disturbed secondary forest. Trees with diameter at breast height >10 cm were examined for lianas with diameter >2 cm. Both lianas and trees were enumerated and compared between the two forests. Diversity and structural variables of lianas were compared between the two forests using the t-test analysis. Tree abundance was also compared between the two forests with t-test, while linear regression analysis was run to determine the effects of tree abundance on liana abundance. Important Findings A total of 46 liana species belonging to 27 genera and 15 families were identified in the study. Human disturbance significantly reduced liana species richness and species diversity in the secondary forest. Liana abundance remained the same in both forests whereas liana basal area was ;7 times higher in the primary forest. Twiners and hook climbers were significantly more abundant in the primary and secondary forest, respectively. Large diameter lianas were more abundant in the primary forest compared with the secondary forest. The diameter distribution of most families in the primary forest followed the inverted J-shaped curve whereas only a few of the families in the secondary forest did so. Tree abundance was significantly higher in the primary forest. The abundance of lianas significantly depended on tree abundance in all the forests. The study has provided evidence of negative effects of human disturbance on liana diversity and structure that does not auger well for biodiversity in the forest. In view of the critical role of lianas in maintaining biodiversity in the forest ecosystem, lianas in the national park should be protected from further exploitation.
Effects of Egyptian Cobra (Naja Haje) Venom on Post Mortem Changes and Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats

Snakebite envenomation is one of the most important health problems all over the world. These envenomations are responsible for lethality as well as tissue damage and dysfunction. The effects of envenomation on post mortem changes are not well investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the possible influences of Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) on the postmor - tem events. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: a control group was injected IM with phosphate buffer saline and envenomated group was injected with venom at a dose of 0.1 µg/gm.b. wt. (4 time the LD50). Groups were subdivided into four sub- groups of five animals each. Blood samples were obtained soon after death while, tissue samples were obtained at 0, 2, 4 or 6hs after death. Our results revealed that N. haje venom had altered post mortem changes including the early changes (post mortem cooling, hypostasis, rigor mortis and secondary flaccidity) as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. All organs were deteriorated by the cobra venom.
Growth and mortality of trees in Amazonian tropical rain forest in Ecuador

Abstract. Structural changes are analysed in four samples representing 4 ha, two line transects and two hectare plots, of Amazonian tropical lowland rain forest in northern Ecuador. Only trees with a DBH ≥ 10 cm were included. A sample of floodplain forest in Anangu represents the largest turnover found in tropical forests (stand half-life = 23 yr). The line transect and hectare plot both of tierra firme forest in Anangu have the same turnover (37 yr) and were balanced for death and in-growth of both individuals and wood (basal area). The 1-ha tierra firme sample in Cuyabeno had a turnover of 67 yr and was in a growing phase. The floodplain line transect in Anangu was in a phase of structural breakdown. However, the floodplain line transect had the largest growth of basal area per tree (23.4 cm2/yr). The tierra firme samples had a growth of 9.6, 10.1, and 13.6 cm2/yr. Most of the dead trees fell with some uprooting in three of the four samples. However, no significant difference in the distribution of mode of death was found between the four samples. Death was independent of topography and the dead trees were randomly distributed. As the trees grow up they occupy more space and larger trees (DBH ≥ 15 cm) become more uniformly distributed, whereas smaller trees (DBH ≤ 15 cm) were randomly distributed. Our study confirms that plots of 1 ha are not sufficient to include representative samples of different stages of forest structure.
Regionally extinct species rediscovered: the bush dog Speothos venaticus in Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil

Abstract The bush dog Speothos venaticus, a rare Near Threatened South American canid that lives in packs, was thought to be extinct in Minas Gerais state, south-eastern Brazil, until recently. Here, we report four recent records of the species in Minas Gerais, the first in the state since the description of the species in 1842. All records are from the Cerrado ecosystem in the north and north-west of the state; two are from animals found dead, one from footprints and another from a camera trap. Three of the records were inside or close (< 10 km) to strict protected areas, in a region recognized as the Protected Areas Mosaic Sertão Veredas–Peruaçu, where we expect any new records of the bush dog to be found. We discuss the low probability of detecting the bush dog and the main regional threats to the species, and emphasize the need to protect large and interconnected natural areas and keep them free of domestic dogs to avoid the extinction of the bush dog in Minas Gerais.
How do insider trades affect voluntary nonfinancial disclosures? Evidence from product and business expansion disclosures

Voluntary nonfinancial disclosures of product and business expansion planning occur frequently in practice and are an important vehicle by which managers convey corporate information to outsiders. However, little is known about how the opportunistic incentives of managers affect the choice of such nonfinancial disclosures. This study examines whether managers make their voluntary nonfinancial disclosures strategically for self-serving trading incentives. I find strong and robust evidence that managers manipulate the timing and selectivity of their nonfinancial disclosures to maximize trading profits. Specifically, managers tend to disclose bad (good) news on product or business expansion information before purchasing (selling) shares. I also find that such strategic behavior is more evident when the expected price impact of the disclosures is greater and when the CEOs are more powerful. However, I do not find evidence that the strategic behavior is weaker for firms with high institutional stock ownership. Overall, my results contribute to understanding managers’ strategic use of nonfinancial disclosures in fulfilling personal trading incentives; they should be of interest to boards of directors which monitor and restrict opportunistic managerial disclosures and insider trades.
The anatomy of the interspecific abundance–range size relationship for the British avifauna: II. Temporal dynamics

In a companion paper, we started an examination of the anatomy of the interspecific relationship between local abundance and geographical range size in the British avifauna by analysing its spatial dynamics. Here, we use the same data to extend this study to a consideration of the temporal dynamics of the relationship. Most species of British breeding bird show a positive intraspecific abundance–range size relationship through time: i.e. in years when a species is locally more abundant it also occupies a higher proportion of census sites. However, the majority of such relationships are not statistically significant, and other relationships that are statistically significant are negative. Therefore, intraspecific abundance–range size relationships do not simply mirror the relationship across species. Where they do arise, positive relationships are more likely to be associated with positive intraspecific relationships between range size and maximum rather than minimum abundance. The interspecific abundance–range size relationship is remarkably consistent across years, and is always significantly positive. The relationships for woodland and farmland census sites show correlated variation, so that in years when the linear regression slope and coefficient of determination are high across species on farmland plots, they also tend to be high across species on woodland plots. Common species tend to be common on both farmland and woodland plots, and tend to be common in all years. Likewise, rare species tend to be rare in all habitats and years. This concordance means that the positive interspecific abundance–range size relationship can be viewed as occurring largely independently of intraspecific relationships. It follows from the above that developing an understanding of intraspecific abundance–range size relationships may be of only limited value in ascertaining the determinants of positive interspecific abundance–range size relationships. We conclude that for interspecific relationships, it will be important to know why some species are consistently common and others rare, whereas for intraspecific relationships it will be important to understand the dynamic links between local abundances across sites.
A revised classification of the jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)

A revised classification for the world jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) is presented comprising all published family and genus-group names. The new classification consists of eight families: Aphalaridae, Carsidaridae, Calophyidae, Homotomidae, Liviidae, Phacopteronidae, Psyllidae and Triozidae. The Aphalaridae, Liviidae and Psyllidae are redefined, 20 family-group names as well as 28 genus-group names are synonymised, and one replacement name is proposed [Sureaca nomen nov., for Acaerus Loginova, 1976]. Forty two new species combinations are proposed resulting from new genus-group synonymies and a replacement name. One subfamily and three genera are considered taxa incertae sedis, and one genus a nomen dubium. Finally eight unavailable names are listed ( one family-group and seven genus-group names).
In situ Bicarbonate Uptake by Bacteria‐Alvinella Associations

Three species of Alvinellidae are found on walls of some hydrothermal chimneys at 13o N on the East Pacific Rise (EPR); numerous epibiotic bacteria were associated with two of these polychaetes, Alvinella pompejana and Alvinella caudata, but not with the third, Paralvinella grasslei. Many studies suggest that chemoautotrophic bacteria play a prominent role in deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems. Particularly important are the intracellular bacteria present in the giant pogonophores and bivalve molluscs. The abundant epibioses observed on these Alvinella species are unusual and the relationships between these bacteria and the worms are unknown. Previous results, including 13C values, morphological insertion of the bacteria on the epidermis, presence of ribulose biphosphate carboxylase, and fixation of 14C bicarbonate in some bacteria and in the dorsal epidermis, suggest that a trophic relationship could exist between Alvinella and its epibiotic bacteria. The present study compared the incorporation area of 14C bicarbonate in the 3 species. Paralvinella, which is devoid of epibiotic bacteria, served as a control.
Produtividade do pimentão amarelo, Capsicum annuum L., cultivado em ambiente protegido, em função do potencial mátrico de água no solo

Research reports an experiment conducted under greenhouse conditions to study the effects of irrigation management at different soil water matric potential (ψm) conditions on yield of yellow pepper, Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae), Marengo HY cultivar. Experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and six replications. Soil matric potentials studied were -15, -32, -50 and -65 kPa. Results obtained showed a significant effect of matric potentials on the yield and fruit characteristics, such as weight, length, diameter and pulp thickness. Highest productivity was obtained at ψm = -15 kPa for irrigation management