Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relative Frequency of Beak-marks on Butterflies of Different/ Edibility to Birds.

Summary. Evidence of attacks upon butterflies by birds is provided by the imprint of the beak upon the wings. Comparison is made between the frequency of such beak-marks in butterflies which have the characters of relatively distasteful species and in others not so characterized. Over 14,000 specimens belonging to three different groups were examined for the purpose, and the difference in frequency of beak-marks was found to be immensely significant statistically. The marks are ten times more frequent in the more “distasteful” species. In addition, 567 models and 341 mimics, forming several African mimicry associations, showed that there is a significant difference between them in frequency of beak-marks in favour of the models. These facts are interpreted as evidence of the greater destruction of species not furnished with aposematic characters, which, when attacked, do not escape like the tougher, more distasteful species.
IDENTIFICATION AND SCREENING OF EXTRACELLULAR VIRULENCE FACTORS OF AEROMONAS SPP. IN ENVIRONMENTAL WATER SAMPLES FROM TAMILNADU, SOUTH INDIA

Objective: Aeromonas species (spp.) are emerging pathogen that is present in drinking water supplies which are a major reason for public health concern. Factors contributing to virulence include toxins, haemolysins, adhesins and various hydrolytic enzymes. The present study aimed at investigating the incidence of Aeromonas spp. and its virulence factors from environmental water bodies in Coimbatore. Methods: A total of 180 water samples were collected and screened for the presence of pathogenic Aeromonas spp. using starch ampicillin agar. The conventional method of identification might lead to misidentification of Aeromonas spp. thus molecular based identification using 16S rRNA gene was carried out followed by the identification of production of extracellular virulence factors like haemolysin, gelatinase, caseinase, lipase and DNase. Results: Incidence of Aeromonas in water sample was found to be 55% (100 positive isolates) which was also confirmed with the molecular identification. The isolates showed 60% of haemolytic activity,, 34% of gelatinase activity, 77% of caseinase, 52% of lipase and 48% of DNase activity. Conclusion: This study, thus, provides valuable information for the existence of pathogenic Aeromonas spp. in the environmental water bodies. Use of such water for domestic and commercial purpose might lead to the transfer of the pathogenic Aeromonas spp. Keywords: Aeromonas spp, Haemolysis, Caseinase, DNase, Gelatinase and lipase.
A comparison between different selection indices for some productive traits on Egyptian buffaloes

A total of 2 262 normal lactation records of Egyptian buffaloes kept at Mehallet Mousa Farm belonging to Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture during the period from 1985 to 2003 were used to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters for total milk yield (TMY, kg), lactation period (LP, day), birth weight (BW, kg) and weaning weight (WW, kg). In addition, eleven selection indices were constructed. Data were analyzed using multi trait animal model (MTAM). The model included individuals, permanent environmental and errors as random effects, month and year of calving and parity as fixed effects. Heritability estimates were 0.172, 0.134, 0.046 and 0.257 for TMY, LP, BW and WW, respectively. Genetic correlations among all traits studied are positive highly significant and ranged from 0.50 to 0.99. Permanent and temporary environmental correlations among all traits studied are similar to genetic correlations, while the correlations between WW and all traits studied are negative. Eleven selection indices were constructed, index I1 which incorporating TMY, LP, BW and WW or index I2 which incorporating TMY, LP and WW are the best (RIH =0.86), both indices are recommended to improve productive traits in Egyptian buffaloes.
A review of the small east African Cordylus (Sauria: Cordylidae), with the description of a new species

Abstract The small and previously neglected East African girdled lizards (excluding the Cordylus warreni complex) are reviewed and seven species are recognised. The terrestrial species C. ukingensis (Loveridge) is restricted to montane grasslands in southwestern Tanzania and may be of conservation concern. The arboreal species C. tropidosternum (Cope) extends along the East African coast from Kenya south to central Mozambique and west to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The smaller arboreal species C. jonesii (Boulenger) inhabits southern Mozambique, Swaziland, the northeastern provinces of South Africa, southern Zimbabwe and southeastern Botswana. Rupicolous species include two taxa from the eastern escarpment, C. rhodesianus and C. nyikae, C. rivae (Boulenger), which is redescribed from new material collected in southern Ethiopia, and C. beraduccii sp. nov., described from the dry Maasai Plain of Tanzania and southern Kenya.
A New Gliding Frog of the Genus Rhacophorus from Borneo

Abstract: A rhacophorid frog from Borneo is divergent genetically and morphologically from Javanese R. reinwardtii, with which it was formerly confused, and is recognized as a distinct species. The frog differs from R. reinwardtii by an immaculate green dorsum and a black posterior thigh surface, which is studded with sky blue spots in the female. Because the frog is also divergent genetically and morphologically from the other congeners recently split from R. reinwardtii, we describe it as a new species, R. borneensis.
Evaluation of Khaki Campbell, indigenous ducks of Orissa and their crossbreds for important economic traits.

Evaluation of pure line layer type ducks, viz. Khaki Campbell (K), desi ducks (D) and their crossbreds (KD and DK) were studied with respect to their growth, body measurements, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality and carcass characteristics. Statistically significant differences for body weight were observed between the genetic groups. Crossbreds showed better body weight at 8 weeks of age as compared to the purebreds irrespective of sex. Body measurements showed significant difference between different genetic groups in both the sexes. Crossbreds had higher body measurements than the purebreds. Best FCR in combined sex from 0–8 weeks of age was obtained in KD followed by K, DK and D. Significant evisceration yield percentage, giblet percentage and in-edible viscera percentage were observed between different genetic groups. Cut up parts showed significant difference between different genetic groups for neck, back and leg cuts. Heterosis percentages were positive for body weights and body measurements traits at 8 weeks of age in both the crossbreds. Desirable heterosis was recorded for FCR and mortality percentage.
Determination of evapotranspiration and crop coefficients for bush okra (Corchorus olitorius) in a sub-humid area of Nigeria

A two-year field experiment was carried out to determine crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and crop coefficients (Kc) for irrigated bush okra (Corchorus olitorius) at Minna in a tropical sub-humid area of Nigeria between February and April of 2008 and 2009. Eight 4 x 1 m check basins were laid out in a randomized complete block design with two treatments and four replications. The two common local varieties of C. olitorius(Amugbadu and Oniyaya) constituted the treatments. The soil moisture depletion method was used to determine ETc while potential evapotranspiration (ETp) was calculated on a daily basis using Blaney-Morin-Nigeria (BMN) evapotranspiration model developed for Nigerian environmental conditions. Kc values were derived as dimensionless ratios of ETc to ETp on a weekly basis. Across varieties and cropping periods, average weekly ETc ranged from 2.0 to 6.8 mm day-1 while seasonal ETc ranged from 326 to 374 mm, withAmugbadu having significantly higher seasonal ETc (P≤0.01) in each cropping period, presumably because of its spreading growth habit. Weekly Kc values rose from a minimum of 0.38 at the initial stage of crop growth to a peak value of 1.05 at the mid-season stage and dropped to 0.40 at the end of the late season stage. Closer spacing of Oniyaya, which has an erect growth habit, is recommended in order to increase its ground coverage, ETc and fresh leaf yield, under sole cropping system. Key words: Corchorus olitorius, Amugbadu, Oniyaya, evapotranspiration, crop coefficients.
Tree Growth Responses of Populus deltoides and Juglans nigra to Streamflow and Climate in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest in Central Ohio

Abstract Radial growth (indices of tree-ring widths) of Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Marsh.), a flood-tolerant species, and black walnut (Juglans nigra L). , a flood-intolerant species, were compared with climate and streamflow data by stepwise multiple regression for a riparian forest along the Olentangy River in central Ohio to investigate: (1) the influence of these variables on riparian primary productivity; and (2) whether these species can be used as predictors for the reconstruction of streamflow. Black walnut showed a significant growth response to streamflow. There was no relationship between growth of Eastern cottonwood and streamflow. Growth relationships with climate (mean monthly air temperature, total monthly precipitation) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) showed black walnut growth on an upland riparian site was more sensitive to temperature and PDSI than on a lower-elevation site. Growth of black walnut on the low-elevation riparian site was directly and positively influenced by increased streamflow in midwinter and in late summer when subsurface soil moisture recharge from streamflow may be a critical moisture source. Growth of Eastern cottonwood on the low-elevation site was not related to streamflow, but was reduced by excess summer precipitation.
The Inhibitory Effect of KCN, NaN3 and some Bivalent Ions on Lipoxygenase Activity of the Purified Human Placental

Lipoxygenase (LOX) catalyzes irreversible transfer of oxygen molecule to Arachidonic and Lin-oleic acid to produce 13 Hydroproxy Octadecadienoic acid. Recent studies showed that the involvement of Lipoxygenase products, leukotrienes, in inflammations and Lipoxygenase pathways acts as mediators of early inflammatory events in atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study is purification and characterization of Lipoxigenase from Human placental. For this aim, the human placental Lipoxi-genase was extracted and purified by normal butanol, acetone, ammonium sulphate (30-80), and gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-150. After purification and characterization of LOX, the in vitro inhibitory effect of KCN, NaN3 and some selected bivalent ions such as Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ were checked on the activity of purified LOX. Results showed that specific activity was 123.16 u/mg proteins and the yield of purification was 21.84 percent. Also, it was found that Co2+, Ni2+, KCN, and NaN3 at concentration of 20 mM had inhibitory effect on LOX activity and their inhibitory was 72.4, 58.2, 56.5 and 42.3 respectively. However, Cu2+ stimulated the lipoxygenase activity at the same concentration whereas Zn2+ has no significant effect on LOX activity. With respect to increase of LOX activity in the patient with cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), artherogenesis, and also airway inflammation diseases, suggesting that LOX inhibition may have beneficial effects as a potential target to limit the severity of related symptoms of these diseases and therefore these inhibitors could be considered as an agent for decreasing the enzyme activity in association with the disease.
Patterns of millipede (Diplopoda), centipede (Chilopoda) and scorpion (Scorpionida) diversity in savanna habitats within the Greater Makalali Conservancy, South Africa

ABSTRACT Although savanna is one of the most important biomes in southern Africa, it is, apart from the botanical component, one of the least studied. This study aimed to document the distribution patterns, richness and diversity of selected ground-dwelling, flightless arthropods (millipedes, centipedes and scorpions) within savanna habitats to improve invertebrate conservation planning. Five habitat types (white sand bushveld, brown sand bushveld, general mixed bushveld, rocky outcrops and mopane woodland) within the Greater Makalali Conservancy, Limpopo Province, South Africa, were studied using four successful sampling methods (active searching of two types of quadrats, pitfall traps and drive transects) during three sampling periods between February 1999 and March 2000. Millipedes were consistently the most species rich and abundant taxon. Species were not uniformly distributed across all habitat types; some species were unique to certain habitats. Generally, the more heterogeneous habitats supported the greatest millipede, centipede and scorpion diversity, richness and density, and in the case of the millipedes contained the highest number of regional endemics and habitat specialists. There was no significant difference in scorpion diversity among habitats.
Reproductive biology of the protogynous hermaphrodite Achoerodus viridis (Labridae) from south-eastern Australia

Achoerodus viridis (Pisces : Labridae) was sampled over two years at Little Bay, NSW, Australia, and comparative material was taken from a site 4.5 km away at Cape Solander. Population structure and gonadal structure showed that A. viridis was protogynous and monandric (i.e. no primary males were found). Histological sections of male gonads showed a gonadal lumen, general ovarian lamellar form and multiple sperm ducts running longitudinally through the gonad wall. Males dominated the larger size and age classes, whereas females predominated in the smaller size and age classes. The sex ratio of mature fish and the whole population was biased in favour of females. Individuals at both sites matured as females at 1+-2+ years. Fish at Little Bay functioned as females at ages ranging from 8+ to 18+ years before changing sex at a size between 480 and 580 mm SL. Fish at Cape Solander may function as females for up to 18+' years and change sex between 500 and 520 mm SL. Spawning occurred between July and October (1991-93).
The topography of the thoraco-abdominal viscera in the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

BEZUIDENHOUT, A. I. , 1986. The topography of the thoraco-abdominal viscera in the ostrich (Struthio came Ius). Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 53, 111-117 ( 1986). The topography of the thoraco-abdominal viscera in the ostrich was studied in 20 birds varying in age from 2 weeks to 12 months. The lungs occupied the dorsal third of the thorax, and the heart lay in the cranioventral thorax perpendicular to the long axis of the body. There was no pleural cavity. The liver was situated in the caudoventral part of the thorax, and the proventriculus occupied the left cranial part of the abdomen between the 7th vertebral rib and the acetabulum. The gizzard lay in the cranioventral part of the abdomen, resting on the sternum and abdominal floor. The duodenum formed a loop from right to left, with the pancreas lying between t~ 2 limbs of the loop. The coiled jejunum and ileum occupied the ventral part of the abdomen between the gizzard and pelvis. The two caeca lay on either side of the tenninal ileum w1th their apices in the pelvis. The rectum was the longest part of the intestine and could be divided into a thick proximal segment situated in the right dorsal part of the abdomen, and a thin distal part that occupied the left caudodorsal part of the abdomen. The trilobed kidneys lay along the ventral surface of the synsacrum, with the adrenal glands at their cranioventral poles. The testes lay ventrally to the cranial divisions of the kidneys, whereas the left ovary was situated ventrally to the cramal division of the left kidney. The spleen lay wedged in between the right kidney, caudal vena cava and proventriculus. The thyroid glands were situated at the cranial borders of the subclavian arteries, and the thymus lay at the base of the neck.
Targeting and processing of membrane-anchored YFP fusion proteins to protein storage vacuoles in transgenic tobacco seeds

Seeds that store proteins in protein storage vacuoles are attractive bioreactors for producing and storing large amounts of pharmaceutical proteins. However, foreign proteins expressed in transgenic plants are subjected to the delivery and modification processes present within plant cells. Here, it is demonstrated that unique membrane sequences deliver a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) to the seed protein storage vacuoles in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants, where the YFP is then separated from its membrane anchors. This precise targeting and separation is required for the successful delivery of useful proteins to seed protein storage vacuoles for their stable accumulation in transgenic crops.
Additive Effect of Certain Chemicals on the Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki Ber. Against Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

Four groups of chemical viz., inorganic salts (calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate), protein solubilizing agents (tween 80 and sodium dodecyl sulphate), amino acids (aspartic acid and lysine) and amides (acetamide and benzamide) were tested @ 0.05% for their additive effect on activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk dipel 8L) against Spodoptera litura. The median lethal concentrations were fixed after allowing third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura to feed on treated castor leaves continuously for three days in the laboratory. Addition of these chemicals increased the efficacy of Btk by reducing the LC50 values by 1.80 to 2.83 fold. Additive chemicals potentiated the insecticidal activity of Btk by resulting in quick toxic effect, increased inhibition of feeding, reduction in larval and pupal weights, malformation of pupae and adults and reduction in adult emergence.
Correlation between mite population (Aceria cajani) and environmental factors causing sterility mosaic disease of Pigeon pea

Pigeon pea Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh, is one of the major pulse crops of the tropics and subtropics also popularly known as red gram, tuar or arhar is a primary source of protein for millions in India. Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) caused by mite (Aceria cajani) is a major disease limiting the pigeon pea production in the Indian subcontinent. Effect of abiotic factors like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on mite population was observed during the experiment. Out of theses abiotic factors strong significant correlation was observed with relative humidity. Average temperature of about 20-30°C was found to be congenial for the multiplication of mite. But very high temperature is not suitable for the growth of mite. Heavy rainfall is also not suitable for the growth of mite. Wind velocity is also a very important factor responsible for spreading of disease. The effect of SMD on plant height along with their branches was also observed and can be concluded that severe mosaic affect the plant height, and branches of the pigeon pea plants. The disease severity was high in the early stage of infection causing severe mosaic disease where flower and pod formation was ceased resulting in complete crop failure. Pigeon pea, Aceria cajani, SMD, viral infection
Response of the whitespotted sawyer beetle, Monochamus s. scutellatus, and associated woodborers to pheromones of some Ips and Dendroctonus bark beetles

The response of whitespotted sawyer beetle, Monochamus s. scutellatus, to pheromones of the bark beetles, Dendroctonus rufipennis, Ips pini, Ips perturbatus and Ips latidens, and α‐pinene was investigated with field‐trapping experiments. Traps baited with ipsenol caught significantly more M. s. scutellatus than unbaited traps, whereas the other compounds (ipsdienol, ipsdienol plus lanierone, ipsdienol plus cis‐verbenol or frontalin) did not. Combining α‐pinene with ipsdienol, ipsdienol plus lanierone, ipsdienol plus cis‐verbenol or with frontalin did not increase captures of M. s. scutellatus above those of α‐pinene alone, whereas the combination of α‐pinene with ipsenol did. When α‐pinene was combined with ipsdienol or frontalin, trap captures of Monochamus mutator were significantly higher than unbaited traps or traps baited with frontalin but were not higher than traps baited with α‐pinene. The combination of ipsenol and α‐pinene was significantly more attractive to Monochamus notatus than unbaited traps; however, traps containing either ipsenol or α‐pinene were as attractive as the combination. None of the species of Buprestidae (Buprestis maculativentris and Chalcophora virginiensis) responded significantly to any of the treatments.
Behavioural responses of three linyphiid spiders to pitfall traps

The behaviour of three linyphiid spider species (Araneae: Linyhiidae) towards pitfall traps was investigated in an experimental arena. Capture efficiencies were low with a mean of between 16 and 57 traps being encountered before spiders were caught. Survival time, trap encounter rate, trap entry rate and reactions towards vegetation were all found to be species‐specific. These behaviours are considered to affect differentially pitfall trap efficiency and may partially explain the lack of clear relationship between pitfall trap catch and density found in published studies.
Effort reduction and the large fish indicator: spatial trends reveal positive impacts of recent European fleet reduction schemes

SUMMARY The large fish indicator (LFI), or ‘proportion of fish greater than 40 cm length in bottom trawl surveys,’ is a frequently debated indicator of Good Environmental Status in European regional seas. How does the LFI respond to changes in fishing pressure? This question is addressed here through analysis of fine-scale spatial trends in the LFI within the North Sea, compared between two periods of contrasting fisheries management: 1983–1999 and 2000–2012, respectively, before and after the onset of the European Union's fleet reduction scheme. Over the entire period, the LFI has decreased in large parts of the North Sea. However, most of the decline was from 1983–1999; since 2000 the LFI has improved in much of the North Sea, especially in UK waters. Comparison with international effort data shows that those western areas where the LFI has improved correspond with regions where otter trawl effort has decreased since 2000 (and previously was highest in the 1990s), and also with decreases in beam trawl effort. This study provides strong support that recent European effort reduction schemes are now beginning to result in an improved ecosystem state as indicated by the regional-scale improvement in the LFI.
Spring applied organic manures as a source of nitrogen for cereal crops: experiments using field scale equipment

The effects of spring top-dressed applications of broiler litter, pig slurry and cattle slurry on winter wheat and winter barley yield and quality were investigated on a field scale at three UK sites between 1992 and 1994, using commercially available application equipment. Broiler litter was applied at rates ranging from 5·3 to 8·8 t/ha, and slurries from 54 to 89 m3/ha. Few practical problems were encountered when spreading broiler litter, but when spreading cattle slurry there was some crop damage and soil compaction from the tanker wheelings adjacent to tramlines. Coefficients of variation for manure spreading using commercial spreaders ranged from 20 to 32%. Spring applied manures increased yields of winter wheat and winter barley, and lowered optimum inorganic fertilizer nitrogen (N) rates. When the N efficiency of the manures was compared to that of inorganic fertilizer N, broiler litter N efficiencies ranged from 10 to 49%, cattle slurry was c. 30% and pig slurry c. 50%. The experiments demonstrated that poultry litters and slurries can be applied successfully to growing cereal crops in spring as part of an integrated policy for N supply.