Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the role of revegetation in achieving restoration goals on Tiritiri Matangi Island

The ecological restoration of Tiritiri Matangi Island is a community-driven initiative that has captured the interest of the international conservation movement. Ecological restoration commonly focuses on the establishment and maintenance of functioning indigenous ecosystems through the control or eradication of invasive weeds and animal pests, indigenous species translocations, and habitat enhancement, including revegetation. Revegetation of indigenous plant communities provides an opportunity to kick-start natural processes and facilitate succession towards a diverse ecosystem. However, revegetation initiatives are often conducted in an ad-hoc manner, without clear objectives or monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the chosen approach. The objective of this study was to determine whether aspects of the revegetation of Tiritiri Matangi are meeting the restoration goals by providing habitat for indigenous diversity, particularly birds. To this end, we investigated forest structure, plant regeneration and bird numbers and species richness in three different densities of pohutukawa planting, specifically a) densely planted pohutukawa, b) thinned pohutukawa stands, and c) mixed species plantings. The Point Centered Quarter and Presence of Seedlings Along a Transect methods were used to collect data on forest structure and regeneration. Five-minute bird counts were used to gather data on bird conspicuousness and species richness. Vegetation analysis showed there were low levels of regeneration in dense pohutukawa. Similarly, results showed low bird numbers and species richness in dense pohutukawa compared with the two other vegetation types. This suggests that dense pohutukawa plantings are inhibiting vegetation diversity and regeneration, and richness and relative abundance of indigenous birds, contrary to the objectives of the Tiritiri Matangi restoration. It appears that thinning dense pohutukawa stands on Tiritiri Matangi will encourage species diversity and better meet the restoration objectives. However, this may lower landscape heterogeneity overall and have negative effects on specialist species that rely on pohutukawa habitat, including invertebrates and insectivorous, ground-dwelling birds such as the kiwi.
Evidence and molecular analysis of Rickettsia helvetica and novel α -proteobacterium from the tick Ixodes ricinus in Poland

The ticks Ixodes ricinus collected from boreliosis-diagnosed dogs in Western Pomerania (Poland) were examined for pathogens of the genera Anaplasma and Rickettsia and for a possible presence of bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. The bacteria were identified with PCR and sequencing of the following gene fragments: 16S rRNA, gltA and msp2. In addition, based on the results obtained, phylogenetic analysis for a number of Rickettsia species was carried out. The presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA was detected in 20% of isolates; 40% of isolates were found to contain DNA of an SFG rickettsia (R. helvetica), including a single case of co–infection with A. phagocytophilum. Moreover, 80% of the samples showed the presence of non-identified Rickettsiales bacterium symbiotic with I. ricinus. PCR products were sequenced and the sequence was submitted to GenBank (accession number: DQ105665 for Rickettsiales bacterium, and DQ105664 for R. helvetica) as the first Polish Rickettsia species. The Polish sequence of the Rickettsiales bacterium 16S rRNA gene was identical with the sequences from Italy and Denmark. The Polish sequence of the Rickettsiales helvetica gltA gene was identical with the sequences from Italy (a single sequence) and Switzerland, but differed from the sequences from the USA and Morocco, and Italy (two sequences), which made it possible to distinguish in the gene five haplotypes for R. helvetica. The Polish haplotype proved identical with that of R. helvetica from Italy and Switzerland. A phylogenetic analysis for some Rickettsia species, including two from Western Pomerania, was performed. Fragments of 16S rRNA (Rickettsiales bacterium) and gltA (R. helvetica) genes were used in phylogenetic analysis of the two Rickettsia species. The R. bacterium sequence from Poland, together with the Danish sequence, was grouped on a phylogenetic tree branch separate from that grouping the pathogenic Rickettsia species. The sequences of R. helvetica from Poland, Italy, and Switzerland form a joint clade.
On the relation between ionospheric parameters and sunspot number

Abstract In a recent study, mid-latitude ionospheric parameters were compared with solar activity; it was suggested that the relationship between these, earlier assumed stable, might be changing with time (Lastovicka, 2019). Here, the information is extended to higher latitude (69.6°N, 19.2E) and further back in time. For the ionospheric F-region (viz. the critical frequency, FoF2) the same behaviour is seen with a change-point around 1996. For the ionospheric E-region (viz. the critical frequency, foE), change-points are less obvious than in the mid-latitude study, presumably owing to the observation site lying under the auroral oval.
Deep Genetic Divergence Between Geographically Isolated Populations of the Goldie Barb (Barbus pallidus) in South Africa: Potential Taxonomic and Conservation Implications

Barbus pallidus as it is presently defined has a disjunct distribution that is divided between northern and southern populations in South Africa. Sequence data from the cytochrome b gene region showed two distinct lineages that correspond to these geographically distant areas. Divergence between these two lineages was relatively high (5.5–6.5%) and comparable to typical interspecific divergences found between closely related southern African cyprinid fishes. Based on this deep genetic divergence, we conclude that the northern lineage may represent a previously unrecognised species or may belong to a different, but known species or species complex not associated with ‘true’ B. pallidus. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that freshwater fish diversity in southern Africa requires major revision.
Advancement in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to Revolutionize Disruptive Technology in Education: A Case of Pakistan.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is a relatively recent advancement in the distance learning and online education. With the strategic collaboration of the founders of MOOC (MIT and Harvard University), many universities and institutions across the world offer a variety of courses in numerous domains. MOOCs have disrupted the global education sector by providing free to subsidized inclusive education. These include state-of-the-art pedagogies, assessment tools and interactive cum engaging learning sessions. This article aims to discover the opportunities and inclinations of adult students in Pakistan toward MOOC, especially their awareness, perceptions, peer and mentor advice and self-motivation and commitment to do such courses. The study deployed in-depth interviews under phenomenology approach using Delphi method for this study. Twenty-four students from management sciences department of a leading university in Karachi were selected: 12 who had done courses through MOOC and 12 who had never done any course on MOOC. Ten experts on distance education and online education were selected through snowball sampling method for the study. The ﬁ ndings uncovered that the inclination of the students towards MOOC is at its inception stage.
The Use of Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Suitability Modeling to Identify Conifer Restoration Sites with High Biological Potential for Anadromous Fish at the Cedar River Municipal Watershed in Western Washington, U.S.A.

We developed a methodology integrating several forms of remotely sensed data into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model that identifies suitable sites for riparian conifer restoration at the Cedar River Municipal Watershed in western Washington, U.S.A. The model integrates vegetative and geomorphic variables with information on the habitat preferences of anadromous fishes to identify riparian stands where conifer restoration would have the greatest biological benefit for salmon recovery. The high‐resolution raster datasets used in our analysis were capable of characterizing the biophysical attributes of riparian areas at finer spatial scales than was previously possible. This model is intended to serve as a screening tool to identify candidate sites for riparian area restoration. The assessment approach described in this study can be applied not only to model salmonid habitat at the watershed scale but also to assess landscape patterns relevant to a wide range of restoration goals. This methodological framework offers several advantages over other approaches to restoration site selection and planning. First, the fine‐scale spatial resolution of the GIS datasets (pixels ≤5 m) used in the model provides a more accurate representation of the habitat conditions than has been possible with coarser‐scale data (pixels ≥5 m). Therefore, the accuracy of site identification is greatly improved. Second, the quantitative nature of the model exercises greater objectivity than some other landscape‐scale planning approaches. This regional planning tool could be replicated in other watersheds with comparable datasets and could be applied to identify habitat restoration sites for other species or guilds of species by simply altering the model criteria to match the habitat needs of the target organisms.
Preconditioning for long-duration transportation stress on beef cattle with rumen-protected methionine supplementation: a nutrigenetics study

ii Acknowledgments . iv List of Figures . vi List of Tables . vii List of Abbreviations . viii Chapter I. Literature Review.1 Chapter II. Gene Expression Response of the Skeletal Muscle of Angus-Simmental Heifers to Transportation under Rumen-Protected Methionine Supplementation.17 Introduction.17 Materials and Methods.18 Results.26 Discussion.30 Summary and Conclusions.44 References.46
Kleptoparasitism by Brown-hooded Gulls and Grey-hooded Gulls on American Oystercatchers

Abstract This study describes qualitatively and quantitatively the kleptoparasitic behavior of the Brown-hooded Gull (Larus maculipennis) and Grey-hooded Gull (Larus cirrocephalus) on the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), and considers the influence of environmental variables on the occurrence and success of the kleptoparasitism. Focal and scan samplings were performed, recording a total of 358 kleptoparasitic attempts. The overall occurrence rate was 1.2 ± 1.3 attempts per 5 min., of which 42% of attempts were successful. All kleptoparasitic attempts were performed when oystercatchers were feeding on Stout Razor Clams (Tagellus plebeius). Gulls stole food from Oystercatchers by two kleptoparasitic tactics; running (used in 40% of cases) and flying (used in 60% of cases). A significant difference in the rate of success of kleptoparasitism and an increase in the use of flying kleptoparasitism were observed under windy conditions. Gulls showed limited ability to open clams by themselves, and never swallowed whole clams. Kleptoparasitic attacks occurred within three seconds of the clam being ingested by the host, indicating the accurate kleptoparasitic skills of hooded gulls. Possible factors that affected the decisions taken by gulls about when and how to start the robbing behavior are discussed. Features of the kleptoparasitic behavior performed by hooded gulls on oystercatchers provide some relevant questions regarding the “generalist” or “specialist” character of these parasites.
Effect of Honey on Mice in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Traditionally, honey is frequently consumed by the local population as a nutrient, as well as for the enhancement of fertility and vitality. This study concerning the effects of honey on sperms motility, abnormality, dead sperm, and in vitro fertilization, after 35 days of honey administration orally. 18 adult male mice were divided into one control and two treated groups containing 6 mice in each group. Treated groups received honey in two different doses i.e 1.2 and 1.8 g/kg body weight, the results showed significant (P<0.05) increase in oocyte maturation, fertilization by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cleavage of oocyte by IVF between the three groups. Also there is significant increase in sperms motility. Decreased percentage of dead sperms between control and the treated groups and significant decrease in abnormalities of sperms in mice between the three groups.
A System for Characterizing Reproductive and Diapause Morphology in the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Diapause in the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, has been extensively studied, but remains poorly understood. In particular, results of diapause induction studies have been inconsistent, and the body of published literature does not clearly indicate the factors or cues responsible for induction. A likely contributor to this variability may be the differences among studies in the criteria used to distinguish diapause. We present illustrated descriptions of the stages of male and female reproductive development, and of the fat body types and conditions associated with reproductive and diapausing weevils. These descriptions provide clearer and more extensive guidelines for the classification of reproductive and diapausing boll weevils than were previously available. We also propose criteria for distinguishing diapause based on specific characters of the fat body and male and female reproductive organs. These criteria provide a means of standardizing diapause assessments in future studies, or at least a baseline for comparison when describing alternate criteria, and should serve to clarify these descriptions in future reports.
CALL FOR PAPERS Regulation of Cardiovascular Functions by Eicosanoids and Other Lipid Mediators Effects of selective inhibition of cytochrome P-450 -hydroxylases and ischemic preconditioning in myocardial protection

Effects of selective inhibition of cytochrome P -450 (cid:1) -hydroxylases and ischemic preconditioning in myocardial protection. chrome P -450 (CYP) (cid:1) -hydroxylases and their arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), produce a detrimental effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in canine hearts, and the inhibition of CYP (cid:1) -hydroxylases markedly reduces myocardial infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk (IS/AAR, %). In this study, we demonstrated that a speciﬁc CYP (cid:1) -hydroxylase inhibitor, N -methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS), markedly reduced 20-HETE production during ischemia-reperfusion and reduced myocardial infarct size compared with control [19.5 (cid:2) 1.9% one 5-min of size a similar the doses of DDMS and 20-HEDE, and the higher of DDMS simultaneously IPC the infarct size (cid:2) 2.8% (IPC) to 2.5 1.4% (0.81 mg/kg DDMS), P (cid:3) 0.05] to a greater degree than that observed with either treatment alone. These results suggest an important negative role for endoge- nous CYP (cid:1) -hydroxylases and their product, 20-HETE, to exacerbate myocardial injury in canine myocardium. Furthermore, for the ﬁrst time, this study demonstrates that the effect of IPC and the inhibition of CYP (cid:1) -hydroxylase synthesis (DDMS) or its actions (20-HEDE) may have additive effects in protecting the canine heart from ische- mia-reperfusion injury.
The rate of passage of food in the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula.

Detailed nutritional studies carried out on the macropod marsupial, Setonix brachyurus, by Moir, Somers, and Waring (1956) and by Calaby (1958) indicate that its digestive efficiency is intermediate between ruminant and non-ruminant herbivores. Ruminant digestion is characterized by the food being retained in the digestive tract for several days and by the very efficient digestion of fibre. Honigmann (1941) showed that the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was able to absorb large amounts of fibre. Earlier Honigmann (1936) had discussed experiments conducted on a number of mammals to determine the rate of passage of food through the digestive tract. No details of the experiments undertaken were given, but Honigmann claimed that the minimum time for the passage of food through the digestive tract of T. vulpecula was 10 hr, and the maximum 96 hr.
A PHARMACO-TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF BETULINIC ACID MIXED WITH HYDROXIPROPILGAMMA CYCLODEXTRIN ON IN VITRO AND IN VIVO MODELS

Betulinic acid (3β, hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid, BA) is a pentacyclic triterpene previously tested on several cell lines of neuroectodermal origin and on some in vivo tumor models, such as the melanoma model. The aim of the present work was to test its activity by increasing its water soluble fraction with gamma type cyclodextrins (hydroxipropilgamma cyclodextrin). The study consisted in a preliminary in vitro evaluation on A431 and MCF-7 cell lines and in vivo tests on fertilized eggs. The dissolution capacity in presence of cyclodextrin was analysed by the phase diagram. The main conclusion was that betulinic acid possessed an important antiangiogenic activity and a significant cytotoxicity, especially on the A431 cell line. Rezumat Acidul betulinic (acidul 3β, hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic, BA) este o triterpenă pentaciclică testată pe o serie de linii celulare de origine neuroectodermică si pe unele modele tumorale in vivo, mai specific in studiile pe melanom. Scopul prezentului studiu a fost testarea activităţii compusului prin cresterea solubilităţii apoase prin incorporare in ciclodextrine de tip gamma (hidroxipropilgamma ciclodextrina). Studiul a constat in evaluarea preliminară in vitro pe liniile celulare A431 si MCF-7 si teste in vivo pe ou embrionat. Capacitatea de solubilizare cu ciclodextrină a fost analizată prin diagrama de fază. Concluzia principală a fost că acidul betulinic posedă o importantă capacitate antiangiogenică dar si o citotoxicitate semnificativă in special pe celulele A431.
Pollen source, fruit set and xenia in mandarins

SummaryThe effects of pollen source on fruit set and fruit quality characteristics (xenia effects) were examined in three commercial cultivars of mandarin, Imperial, Ellenor, and Murcott. Six trees of each cultivar received six pollination treatments: three cross-pollen sources, self-pollination, bagging and bagging with emasculation. Pollen tube growth, percentage fruit set, fruit weight, seediness, sugar and acid content were assessed in all treatments. Significant xenia effects, including effects on sugar content, were found in all cultivars. `Imperial' was found to be self-incompatible as self-pollen tubes were inhibited in the upper style. This resulted in a lower fruit set in self-pollinated fruits (P<0.01), a very low fruit weight (33–55 g, compared with 92–103 g, P<0.01), and fruits containing few or no seeds. In addition, `Ellenor' and `Murcott' pollen significantly increased sugar content of fruit by between 0.9–1.6% compared with self-pollinated and unpollinated treatments (P<0.05). Widespread .
Identification, pathogenecity, antibiotic and herbal sensitivity of Edwardsiella tarda causing fish disease in Bangladesh

were conducted to isolate and identify Edwardsiella tarda from diseased fish, evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity pattern and screen the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against the isolates. A total of 12 E. tarda isolates were identified through a series of morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. Furthermore, pathogenicity of the isolates was addressed by experimental challenges with fish models. The isolates exhibited strong virulence to mrigal fish (Cirrhinus mrigala) with LD50 ranging from 1.3×103 to 1.8×108 CFU/fish-1. Seven isolates out of these twelve were found highly virulent exhibiting high (100%) mortality in experimental fish. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the E. tarda isolates was conducted by disc diffusion method for eight antibiotic discs where, all of the isolates were found to be sensitive against ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol and gentamycin. Conversely, majority of the isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline (75%), ampicillin (66%) and nalidixic acid (50%). A total of 82 plant extracts were screened for their antibacterial activity against the E. tarda isolates where 12 plant extracts were able to show antibacterial activity. Among the plant species tested, Tamarindus indica, Citrus aurantifolia, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Spondius pinnata showed the most promising result against all of the E. tarda isolates.
Comparison of Ribosomal DNA Distribution Patterns on Somatic Chromosomes between Aster miyagii and Erigeron thunbergii (Asteraceae)

Somatic chromosomes of Aster miyagii (� Erigeron miyagii) being endemic to the Ryukyus and Erigeron thunbergii were compared by the conventional aceto-orcein staining method and the fluorescent in situ hybridization using 45S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) probes. The two species commonly had a chromosome number of 2n� 18, and a rDNA site in a pair of chromo- somes in a complement. The Ryukyu plants exhibited the rDNA site at a secondary constriction between the short arm and satellite. On the other hand, the plant of E. thunbergii exhibited the rDNA site at a secondary constriction and satellite. The present cytological investigation concludes that the Ryukyu plants must be treated as Aster miyagii agreeing with Hatusima (1975), Walker (1975), Kitamura (1937), and Ito and Soejima (1995).
Stability of Detectability over 17 Years at a Single Site and other Lizard Detection Comparisons from Guam

Abstract To obtain quantitative information about population dynamics from counts of animals, the per capita detectabilities of each species must remain constant over the course of monitoring. We characterized lizard detection constancy for four species over 17 yr from a single site in northern Guam, a relatively benign situation because detection was relatively easy and we were able to hold constant the site, habitat type, species, season, and sampling method. We monitored two species of diurnal terrestrial skinks (Carlia ailanpalai [Curious Skink], Emoia caeruleocauda [Pacific Bluetailed Skink]) using glueboards placed on the ground in the shade for 3 h on rainless mornings, yielding 10,286 skink captures. We additionally monitored two species of nocturnal arboreal geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus [Common House Gecko]; Lepidodactylus lugubris [Mourning Gecko]) on the basis of 15,212 sightings. We compared these count samples to a series of complete censuses we conducted from four or more total removal plots (everything removed to mineral soil) totaling 400 m2 (about 1% of study site) in each of the years 1995, 1999, and 2012, providing time-stamped quantification of detectability for each species. Unfortunately, the actual population trajectories taken by the four species were masked by unexplained variation in detectability. This observation of debilitating latent variability in lizard detectability under nearly ideal conditions undercuts our trust in population estimation techniques that fail to quantify venue-specific detectability, rely on pooled detection probability estimates, or assume that modulation in predefined environmental covariates suffices for estimating detectability.