Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination and Monitoring of Seafood Contamination with Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Bacteria at Majmaah Province, Saudi Arabia

Seafood has traditionally being a popular part of the diet in many parts of the world and in some countries constituted the main supply of animal protein, lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Seafood is part of a healthful diet, but seafood consumption is not risk-free. Seafood is responsible for an important proportion of food-borne illnesses and outbreaks in the world. A number of bacterial illnesses may arise from the consumption of seafood. Understanding the transfer of bacteria contaminants through the food web is critical to predict the exposure of humans to contaminants either through subsistence or commercial consumption of seafood and the possible health consequences of such exposure. In addition, such information is crucial in making accurate risk assessment for seafood safety purposes, a topic which is attracting much National and International attention. The results of the present study recorded that nine bacterial species were isolated from different tissues of both sexes of shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus) and crab species (Portunus pelagicus). In this research the occurrence of Gram negative bacteria was more frequent comparing with Gram positive ones. Furthermore, bacteria communities isolated from different organs of crustacean organisms collected from the study area showed a highly diverse and varied bacteria population associated with different organs, sex and species.
Starch fragmentation and protein insolubilization during twin-screw extrusion of corn meal

The major objective of this study was to examine the effects of extrusion conditions on the molecular size of starch and protein in a corn meal system. Conditions studied were moisture content, temperature, and screw speed, corn meal extrudates were solubilized in dimethylsulfoxide and analyzed by gel filtration chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results were interpreted by response surface analysis
Molecular phylogeny of Artemisia species based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of 18S-26S rDNA in Ordu Province of Turkey

ABSTRACT Economically important representatives of the Artemisia genus have wide application in pharmaceutics, landscape architecture and agriculture. The aim of this study was to phylogenetically analyse the 18S-26S rDNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) nucleotide sequences of 19 Artemisia samples collected from Ordu Province of Turkey. Analyses were conducted using neighbour-joining (NJ), maximum-parsimony (MP) and maximum-likelihood (ML) algorithms. Our analysis revealed two unique haplotypes within our samples, including a rare one (Haplotype-I, represented by a single sample) and a common one (Haplotype-II, represented by 18 samples). In all trees, both of our haplotypes appeared in the same lineage with Artemisia sylvatica, Artemisia argyi and Artemisia verlotiorum. Although rDNA-ITS is known to be a variative marker, oddly it was highly conserved in Artemisia, which is why we used this marker to determine the phylogenetic affiliation of the analysed plants.
Cooperative breeding in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): testing the hypothesized causes of allosuckling and allonursing.

Cooperative breeding is a social system in which members of the social group provide parental care to the offspring of other parents. The suckling by offspring from females other than their mother is referred to as allosuckling. The provision of milk to the offspring of other mothers is referred to as allonursing. Allonursing is often believed to have evolved by kin-selection, however, other causes have been hypothesized. My thesis examines the misdirected parental care, kin-selection, reciprocity, milk evacuation, improved nutrition, compensation hypotheses, and these hypotheses can co-occur and influence each other. Using reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) as a model species, behavioural observations were collected in the field in 2012 and 2013. Allosuckling and allonursing were common in reindeer, and most mothers allonursed and most calves allosuckled. Reindeer calves stole milk, and mothers discriminated their offspring from the offspring of others. Mothers exchanged allonursing at the group level and at the dyadic level, which supported the reciprocity hypothesis. Mothers did not allonurse while their offspring was still attempting to allosuckle, which did not support the milk evacuation hypothesis. Percentage of mass gain and mass at the end of the study increased as the number of allosuckling bouts increased, and allosuckling was not influenced by low birth mass or measures of insufficient maternal milk supply, which supported the improved nutrition hypothesis but not the compensation hypothesis. Mothers in the closely related group allonursed more often than mothers in the distantly related group, which supported the kin-selection hypothesis at the extremes of genetic relatedness. Given that we initially did not find an effect of genetic relatedness, we suggest that kin-selection alone is not sufficient to explain alloparental care. My thesis provides evidence that allonursing contributions detected can depend upon the research design, and we suggest that the indirect fitness benefits of alloparental care may have been overestimated. The evolution of allonursing in reindeer may have originated from inclusive fitness, but the results of my thesis demonstrate that the direct fitness benefits of milk-theft, reciprocal allonursing and improved nutrition and mass gain maintain allonursing in reindeer.
Variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and quality attributes in sugarcane

A trial was conducted with 28 varieties derived through interspecific crosses between Saccharum officinarum L. , S. spontaneum L. , and S. sinense L. to assess the extent of variability at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, heritability coefficients (BS), genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) and genetic advance, and to estimate the relative contribution of various components towards final cane and sugar yield at 360 days. Yield components like number of millable canes and single cane weight and high degree of genotypic coefficient of variability, heritability and genetic advance. Cane quality components recorded relatively high levels of heritability but low levels of genetic advance due to lower genetic coefficient of variabilities.
Seasonal Changes in Root Metabolic Activity and Nitrogen Uptake for Two Cultivars of Creeping Bentgrass

Roots play important roles in plant responses to environmental changes. The objective of this study was to investigate seasonal changes and cultivar variation in root growth, respiratory activity, nitrogen uptake, and carbon allocation in relation to turf performance for two cultivars of creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.)] under field conditions. Two cultivars, 'Penncross' and 'L-93', were managed under USGA-specification putting green conditions, with daily irrigation and mowing at a 3-mm height from May to November in 1999 and 2000. Turf quality of both cultivars declined from the highest rating of 7 to 9 in May to 4 to 5 in August and September, and recovered to above 7 in October and November in both years. This corresponded to seasonal changes in root dry weight, dehydrogenase activity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, carbon allocation to roots, and 15 N uptake. Compared to Penncross, L-93 generally maintained better turf quality, as well as higher root dry weight, 15 N uptake, NR activity, and carbon allocation during summer months. Previous studies often emphasize the important of a large, extensive root system. The results in the present study demonstrated that root metabolic activities followed the same seasonal pattern and cultivars variation as turf performance, and suggested that decline in root metabolic activities could be contributed to summer decline in turf quality for creeping bentgrass.
Comparative genotoxic potential of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers on meristematic cells of Capsicum annum L

Use of inorganic fertilizers increases the yield of plants but their excessive use may cause many ill effects. The objective of the present study was to assess the cytological effects of two inorganic fertilizers Di Ammonium phosphate (DAP) and Urea and a biofertilizer Agrozyme on the root tips of Capsicum annum L. The two applied inorganic fertilizers induced a significant decrease in mitotic activity while the biofertilizer induced an increase in the mitotic activity. Moreover, the two inorganic fertilizers also induced a range of chromosomal anomalies like stickiness, scattering, precocious movement, bridge etc. In case of biofertilizer though some chromosomal disturbances were observed but they were very less in comparison to inorganic fertilizers.
Ecological, Morphological, and Bioenergetic Correlates of Hunting Mode in Hawks and Owls

We examined four correlates of hunting mode, dichotomized as active search (AS) and sit-and-wait (SW), in five assemblages of sympatric hawks and owls. Examining twenty-four hawk and ten owl species we found that: (1) Linearized wing loadings are light for kites, harriers, and eagles (which are primarily AS), and heavy for buteonines, falcons, and accipiters (which are mixed-mode hunters using both AS and SW techniques). Primarily AS-owls (mainly strigines and tytonines) have light linearized wing loadings, whereas SW-owls (mainly bubonines) are more heavily loaded. AShawks do not differ significantly from AS-owls, nor do SW-hawks from SW-owls; (2) Among hawks, diet breadth increases from accipiters through harriers, to falcons, eagles, buteonines, and to kites; and among owls, from strigines through bubonines to tytonines. No significant differences in diet breadth are detected between AS and SW hawks (or owls), nor between single-mode and mixed-mode hawks (or owls); (3) Among hawks, the ratio prey mass/body mass (PM/BM) increases from harriers through falcons to buteonines, accipiters, eagles, and to kites, and from tytonines through strigines to bubonines, among owls. No significant differences in the ratios PM/BM are found between AS and SW hawks (or owls); (4) Energetic costs incurred per prey capture are greater with the AS than with the SW mode in three out of four cases analyzed, but information on energetic gains are available for only one. Here, AS rendered a larger difference between benefit and cost than did SW; in the other three cases that differential was not known, but several advantages associated to AS were claimed to offset its high energetic cost. Our main conclusions are: (1) Calculation of linearized wing loading of a hawk (or owl) enables prediction of its main hunting mode; (2) Although use of AS or SW techniques (singly or in combination) seems not to constrain access of raptors to prey resources (in terms of diversity and size), further studies focusing on single subfamilies are likely to detect differences in prey use by raptors using different techniques; (3) Little can be predicted about the extent of hunting modes used by different raptors, until the associated energetic gains are evaluated.
EFFECT OF SOIL FERTILIZATION AND FOLIAR SPRAYS OF POTASSIUM ON QUALITY, AND STORAGE ABILITY OF SWEET POTATO ROOTS.

The experiments were carried out at a private farm in Dakaelte village neighbor the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt during two successive summer seasons 2008 and 2009. The main objective of the research was to study the effect of soil application of different potassium levels (25, 50, 75 and 100 kg K2O/fed.) and foliar spraying (twice) with K (zero and 0.5% K2O equal 6 kg K2O/fed.) on quality (morphological characters and chemical constituents) and storage ability of sweet potato roots cv. Abees. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replications. Potassium sulphate fertilizer was used for soil and foliar application. The results indicated that, increasing soil K levels from 25 up to 100 Kg K2O/fed. Significantly increased root diameter, dry matter, total carbohydrates , crude protein, carotene ,vitamin C contents of roots and K content of leaves and roots. Likewise, increasing K levels up to 75kg K2O/fed. significantly increased total sugars content of roots. On the contrary, raising K levels from 25 up to 100 significantly decreased root length, root shape index, (L/D ratio), nitrate content, total weight loss (% )and decay percentage of roots and retarded sprouting date root in both seasons. Foliar application of K significantly increased root diameter, dry matter (%) , total sugars , total carbohydrates , crude protein vitamin C contents of roots and K content of leaves and roots. However, it significantly decreased root length, root shape index (L/D ratio) nitrate content, total weight loss (%) and decay percentage of root and retarded sprouting date of root compared with the control (no spray) in both seasons. K spray did not effect on roots carotene content in both seasons. The combined interaction between soil K levels and foliar application of K had insignificant effects on quality (morphological characters and chemical constituents) and storage ability of roots in both seasons.
Characterization of an Improved Recombinant Baculovirus Producing Polyhedra that Contain Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Crystal Protein

A novel recombinant baculovirus, Bactrus, was constructed by the insertion of the Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ac gene between two polyhedrin genes of Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcNPV) under the control of the polyhedrin gene promoter. Polyhedra produced by Bactrus in insect cells were incorporated with 130 kDa of polyhedrin-Cry1Ac-polyhedrin fusion protein, and 30 kDa of intact polyhedrin, resulting from a homologous recombination between two polyhedrin genes, was also expressed. The insecticidal activity of Bactrus against Spodoptera exigua larvae was similar to that of AcNPV, but it showed significantly higher toxicity towards Plutella xylostella larvae in comparison with that of AcNPV. The expression level of fusion protein and the insecticidal activity of recombinant polyhedra produced by the Bactrus against P. xylostella larvae were decreased after serial passages. In conclusion, the Bactrus had improved insecticidal activity and returned to wild-type AcNPV after several passages.
Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration were obtained from cultured mature zygotic embryos of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. through callus. MS and B5 basal media containing different concentrations of NAA and 2,4-D were evaluated for callus induction and different BAP concentrations for somatic embryogenesis. The effect of different light conditions on somatic embryogenesis was also studied. Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis was found to be highest on MS medium compared to B5 medium. Highest frequency of friable callus was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 10.74 μM NAA. When the callus was transferred separately to the respective media on which callus induction occurred, containing various concentrations of BAP, somatic embryos developed after 1-2 weeks with highest frequency (54%) in MS medium containing 2.22 μM BAP. The embryos were germinated on MS basal medium. The rooted plants were successfully transferred to polybags after hardening.
Surveys for non-indigenous tunicate species in Newfoundland, Canada (2006-2014): a first step towards understanding impact and control.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada initiated survey and monitoring programs in 2006 to determine presence, geographic range, and subsequent spread of non-indigenous tunicates in Atlantic Canada. Although non-indigenous tunicates have impacted aquaculture industries in Atlantic Canada for over a decade, aquaculture operations in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) have not yet been affected. In this report, we document and explain results from biofouling collectors and various underwater techniques to survey and monitor for non-indigenous tunicates in NL between 2006 and 2014. During early surveys (2006–2007) we only observed low-impact invaders, Botryllus schlosseri and Botrylloides violaceus, at locations along the south coast of NL. Botryllus schlosseri became the most widely distributed species (18 locations within Placentia Bay) and evidence demonstrated spread to locations on the northeast (2011) and west (2013) coasts of NL. In 2012, we detected Ciona intestinalis in a single harbour in southern NL (Placentia Bay). In contrast to southern regions of Atlantic Canada, Styela clava and Didemnum vexillum, two high-impact invasive tunicates, were not observed during these surveys. Newfoundland and Labrador represents the northern range limit of non-indigenous tunicates in Atlantic Canada, but seawater temperatures are unlikely to prevent further expansion or introduction of non-indigenous tunicates throughout the province.
Reproductive features of Hawaiian Halimeda velasquezii (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta), and an evolutionary assessment of reproductive characters in Halimeda

Les caracteristiques de la reproduction forment la base de nombreux schemas de classification taxinomique et phylogenetique, cependant leur relative obscurite chez les algues vertes a conduit les chercheurs a formuler des hypotheses d'evolution basees d'abord sur les formes vegetatives. Nous decrivons, ici pour la premiere fois, les caracteres de la reproduction d'Halimeda velasquezii et, en reunissant les informations pour 19 autres especes d'Halimeda, nous montrons l'importance des structures de la reproduction dans la delimitation des especes et dans l'elaboration d'hypotheses phylogenetiques a l'interieur du genre. Des analyses multivariables des structures de la reproduction revelent que les especes du sable forment un groupe distinct des autres lignees du genre, confirmant que les caracteres de la reproduction peuvent donner des informations sur l'evolution. La longueur du gametophore semble etre le caractere le plus informatif sur l'evolution, en effet il permet d'expliquer plus de 75 % des differences entre les lignees. Les nombreuses descriptions de caracteres de la reproduction de la plupart des especes d'Halimeda montrent de grandes divergences, les mesures des caracteres ne se recouvrant pas d'un lieu geographique a l'autre. Ceci peut etre explique par la para- ou la polyphylie des especes historiques provenant d'aires eloignees ou par des specimens ayant ete collectes a differents stades de developpement.
Physicochemical and bacteriological changes occurring during storage of sardine fish

Sardine fish (Sardinella melanura) was used to follow-up changes occurring during storage in ordinary ice, sterile ice and in a refrigerator at 2 o C. The optical density of gills extract falls to indicate the response changes, while refractive index values of eye fluids and bacterial counts showed a proportional relation up to the end of storage period. Subsequently, the histological examination of eye fluid crystals is considered to be one of the best and rapid methods for evaluating fish quality. Concentrations of the tested biogenic amines, showed a fluctuated pattern of change towards storage conditions
Pollination of ‘criollo’ avocados (Persea americana) and the behaviour of associated bees in subtropical Mexico

SUMMARY The flowering characteristics, contribution of self versus cross pollination and bee visitation were studied in ‘criollo’ avocado cultivars in Yucatán, Mexico. The pattern of pistillate and staminate stages (I and II, respectively), stigma receptiveness and the production of fruit in bagged and open panicles was followed in two commercial orchards. The number of bee visits across the day and the number of pollen grains on the body of workers of honey bees and two native stingless bee species were compared. Environmental variables were also recorded to determine their influence on bee visit rates. Few stigmas were morphologically receptive during the second day of opening of individual flowers (stage II). There was no overlapping between stages I and II. Open panicles produced significantly more fruit (60% on average) than bagged ones. Bee visits to flowers of both type A and B cultivars were significantly more frequent during the pistillate stage than during the staminate stage. Apis mellifera had an overall higher frequency of visits compared with the other two species. The number of pollen grains on the bees was not statistically different between A. mellifera (1644 ± 90.1 [s.d.]) and Trigona nigra (1356 ± 71.3) but it was significantly less in Nannotrigona perilampoides (781 ± 16.1). Environmental humidity had an influence on the visits of A. mellifera (r = −0.88) and N. perilampoides (r = 0.92) but not on T. nigra. It is concluded that self pollination is of limited influence in fruit production in avocado cultivars in subtropical Mexico and that both native stingless bees and honey bees potentially are efficient pollinators of this crop.
Photosynthetic responses of Pyropia yezoensis f. narawaensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) to a thermal and PAR gradient vary with the life-history stage

Abstract: The effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature on photosynthesis of the cultivated red alga, Pyropia yezoensis f. narawaensis (Saga-#5 Strain, Bangiales), was determined for microscopic sporophytes and macroscopic gametophytes with pulse-amplitude fluorometry and dissolved oxygen sensors. A clear difference in the temperature response of the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and oxygenic gross photosynthesis (GP) was revealed between the two life-history stages. The sporophyte Fv/Fm was not sensitive to temperature, although the model revealed an Fv/Fm maximum (0.60) at 16.7°C. In contrast, the gametophyte Fv/Fm was clearly sensitive to temperature and attained a maximum mean value of 0.55 at 14.7°C. The relationship between GP and temperature was also different. The maximum rates of GP of the sporophyte occurred at 30.7°C and was 17.1 μg O2 mgchl-a−1 min−1 (15.4–19.4, 95% Bayesian credible interval); however, maximum rates of GP for the gametophyte were much higher (110 μmol O2 mgchl-a−1 min−1) and occurred at a lower temperature (14.4°C). The response of oxygenic net photosynthesis to PAR also varied, and the initial slope (α), the saturation PAR (Ek) and the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax) of the gametophyte were much higher than the sporophyte. Therefore, we hypothesised that in species with a heteromorphic life history, such as those in the genus Pyropia, physiological responses to environmental gradients would be dissimilar.