Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Irradiance on Chlorophyll Estimation with the Minolta SPAD-502 Leaf Chlorophyll Meter

Leaf chlorophyll content may be used as an indirect indicator of crop nitrogen status. Chlorophyll meter values (SPAD values) taken with the Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter in the shade plantOxalis acetosellaL. and in winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) varied by 15 and 8%, respectively, with variation in irradiance. The lowest SPAD-values were measured at high irradiance. During a natural night-day-night cycle SPAD values for winter wheat were lowest in the middle of the day, highest at low irradiance at dusk and dawn and intermediate in darkness before dawn and after dusk. The results indicate that irradiance during measurement should be considered when using the Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter for the estimation of crop N-status.
A metapopulation approach to the analysis of long-term changes in the epiphyte vegetation on the host tree Annona glabra

Abstract Question: Do vascular epiphyte species have a metapopulation structure? What are the qualitative and quantitative long-term changes of the complete vascular epiphyte vegetation in a particular host tree species? Location: Lowland forest on Barro Colorado Island (9°10′ N, 79°51′ W), Republic of Panama. Methods: In 1994 and 2002 we conducted a census of all vascular epiphytes growing on more than 1000 Annona glabra trees (= patches). Epiphyte species abundances were recorded at the tree level in each census. Results: The number of epiphyte individuals increased from ca. 15 000 to ca. 23 700 individuals during the census interval while the species composition on Annona glabra as a whole was rather stable. There was a strong positive relationship between occurrence in patches and local abundance of the species, and between species richness and host tree stand size. The dynamics of local populations of a given species were uncorrelated to each other; small and large local populations of most species had the same probability to go extinct. The frequency distribution of species on all host trees was not bimodal, but on a subset of heavily colonized host tree stands it was. Numbers of species and individuals were correlated with tree size which was not due to a correlation of tree size and tree age. Conclusions: As far as the most abundant epiphyte species with metapopulation structures are concerned, these species belong to diverse families, e. g. Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae and Polypodiaceae. Even ca. 80 years after the initial establishment of the host tree species in the study area epiphytes are still in the stage of initial colonization and have not reached a steady state as indicated by the strong increase in individuals and the ongoing colonization of empty trees. Nomenclature: D'Arcy 1987) for flowering plants; Croat (1978) for ferns.
Severe decline of large birds in the Northern Sahel of West Africa: a long-term assessment.

The current status of most West African birds is little known and may change quickly with increasing human population pressure and agriculture, road, tourism, hunting and mining developments. Following documented declines of raptors in Sudan and the Southern Sahel zones, I compared the number of birds counted along the same eight extensive transect counts in 1971–1973 (3,703 km) and 2004 (3,688 km) in arid steppes, acacia woodlands and desert mountains of northern Mali and Niger (Adrar des Iforhas, Air, Tenere). The once widespread Ostrich Struthio camelus is now extinct west of Chad. No Arabian Ardeotis arabs and Nubian Bustards Neotis nuba were seen in 2004 (216 in 1970s) nor any Ruppell's Griffon Gyps rueppellii and Lappet-faced Vultures Torgos tracheliotus (114 and 96 respectively recorded in the 1970s). From Adrar to Tenere, just one Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus was recorded in 2004 (vs 75 in 1970s), but it was still common in the oases of Kawar (27 vs 38). These data are exploratory and the current status of the species involved should be further documented. Nevertheless, they are a serious warning about the future of several taxa. Overhunting, aggravated by overgrazing and degradation of acacia woodlands are obvious causes of the collapse of Ostrich and bustards. The near-extinction of wild ungulates, intensified use of cattle, increased disturbance and poisoning of predators may have been critical in the dramatic decline of vultures. An effective hunting ban, updates on the status of threatened species, reintroduction of Ostrich, enforcement of existing nature reserves and design of a new one in northern Mali are among the most urgent steps to take if the large birds of the vast subdesert areas of West Africa are to be conserved.
EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED FEEDING ON PERFORMANCES OF RAINBOW TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS)

Rainbow trout (104.8±0.15g), Oncorhynchus mykiss, were fed a commercial extruded pellet for 7 weeks to investigate the effect of restricted feeding on performances. Three restricted feeding were tested: two day intervals (TDI), every other day (EOD) and twice a day (TD). Fish were held in fresh water at 9-13°C from January 16 to March 4, 2004. Feed conversion rate (FCR) were TDI and TD groups 1.33±0.03 and EOD group 1.54±0.03, protein efficiency ratio (PER) were TDI group 1.88±0.04, EOD group 1.59±0.03 and TD group 1.85±0.04, respectively. Although FCR was the same between TDI and TD, there was a significant differences in weight gain, relative growth rate (RGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) between the groups. These group evaluated the food at the same rate but since the given food amount were different, the weight gain, SGR and RGR of TD were the highest dependent to the food amount. Although the FCR was good in restricted fed fish, the taken feed amount sigificantly affected the growth parameters of fish. Relative growth rate (RGR), weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were lower in TDI and EOD groups. Both specific growth rate and relative growth rate increased with number of restricted feeding. The restricted feeding influenced the chemical composition of the fish. The lipid, moisture and protein content of fish increased when the fish were fd twice a day (TD group). In terms of SGR and RGR, it can be concluded that the best growth rate was obtained from the fish fed twice a day (TD) and every other day (EOD) feeding for rainbow trout at 9-13oC.
Monandry and polyandry as alternative lifestyles in a butterfly

Butterflies show considerable variability in female mating frequency, ranging from monandrous species to females mating several times in their lifetime. Degree of polyandry also varies within species, with some females only mating once and others mating multiply. Previous studies have shown that one reason for female multiple mating is to obtain nutritious male donations that both increase the longevity of females and result in higher lifetime fecundity. Despite the presence of male nutrient donations, some females of the green-veined white butterfly (Pieridae: Pieris napi) never mate more than once. In this study, we examined this apparent paradox. We assessed to what degree polyandry is under genetic control by a full-sib analysis, and we also estimated the broad sense heritability of female lifetime fecundity in singly mated females. Both polyandry and lifetime fecundity have a genetic component. However, degree of polyandry appears to be traded off against reduced longevity when denied the opportunity to mate more than once. It is possible that female P. napi display different reproductive strategies, with some females relying on male donations to realize their potential fecundity and others relying on their own resources for egg production. In nature, polyandrous females may be prevented from mating multiply due to unfavorable weather. We discuss the possibility that the trade-off between degree of polyandry and life span when singly mated may affect the maintenance of genetic variability in female mating frequency in this species. Possible reasons for these different reproductive strategies are discussed. Copyright 2002.
Nutrient exploitation and competition strategies of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the success of invasive Caulerpa cylindracea (Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea) in Mediterranean habitats may be linked to particular nutritional requirements and/or nutrient accumulation/reallocation dynamics within the algal thallus. To this end, a manipulative field experiment was carried out transplanting C. cylindracea and supplying nutrients to subtidal rocky macroalgal assemblages. Morphological features of C. cylindracea were measured, while percentage cover and tissue nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus were determined for C. cylindracea and two co-occurring species (the introduced Laurencia chondrioides and native Flabellia petiolata) in nutrient-enriched and unenriched conditions. Growth of C. cylindracea was greater in the nutrient-enriched plots while no effect of nutrient enrichment was detected in co-occurring macroalgae. A particularly high requirement for nitrogen has been observed in C. cylindracea, but without severe N-limitation, while a general nutritional state of P-limitation was detected in both invasive and co-occurring macroalgae. The absence of inhibition in hypertrophic conditions and under high levels of ammonia together with a strong uptake and quick reallocation of nutrients within the coenocytic thallus probably represent the main advantages over the other co-occurring species which could explain part of the success of C. cylindracea in the Mediterranean Sea.
Implications of soil substrate and land use for properties of fen soils in North-East Germany Part I: Basic soil conditions, chemical and biological properties of topsoils

Abstract The objective of the paper was to analyse the implications of the origin of peat (muck) soil substrate, the current type of land use and the state of anthropogenic soil development for the topsoil properties of fens. Chemical and biological properties of peat soils of the Rhin-Havelluch lowland and the Uckermark rural landscape were analyzed. The unit water content according to Ohde and the ash content were utilized to characterize the anthropogenic development status of peat topsoils. Several chemical properties were significantly influenced by soil substrate, in particular by the proportion and kind of the mineral component. The substrate was associated with the hydrological type of mire and the soil development state. TOC/N ratio and microbial activity were increased in cases of high lime spring mires and moorshified low ash peat. The proportion of easily soluble organic carbon increased, whereas the sulphur content decreased with the soil development state. The nitrogen content and the proportions of oxalate soluble iron and aluminium reached maxima in the moorshified state. The type of land use (grassland, forest) significantly influenced the topsoil pH and the proportion of oxalate soluble phosphorus. Soils under forest were clearly determined by topsoil acidification.
Characterization of Anthracnose Resistance in Common Bean

Maryam Vazin Advisory committee: University of Guelph, 2015 Alireza Navabi Peter K. Pauls Mary Ruth McDonald Chris Gillard The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food crop in the world. Anthracnose of common bean, caused by the fungus Colletotricum lindemuthianum, is a major and worldwide destructive disease. A population of 126 F5:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of a cross between the resistant navy bean Bolt and the susceptible H4784A-29844, was phenotyped in the field and growth room trials and genotyped with genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphic markers. The resistance appeared to be controlled by a major QTL on Pv01, likely associated with the anthracnose resistance gene Co-1. In-Silico search in the Phaseolus reference genome resulted in identification of four candidate genes in the QTL region. Sequence comparison of the amplified coding regions of these genes revealed structural differences in resistant and susceptible genotypes.
Local plant species depletion in a tropical dry deciduous forest of northern India

The dry tropical ecosystems are among the world's most threatened, and the dry deciduous forest of northern India is being progressively converted to scrub, savannah and grasslands through industrialization, agriculture, fuelwood collection, lopping of trees for fodder and severe grazing/browsing. This habitat destruction threatens the survival of many species. This study examined the demographic instability of tree species in 3-ha permanent plots: at five sites differing in the degree of disturbance. Based on the proportion of seedlings of a species in its total population (seedling + sapling + adults), about 52% of the total 65 species exhibited local demographic instability, and at one or more sites a single individual represented 10 species. The increase in the proportion of declining species with increase in disturbance intensity indicated that local anthropogenic pressure is responsible for the depletion. Apart from stronger protection measures, it is necessary to encourage fuelwood plantations, develop village pastures and reduce livestock numbers.
The Impact of a Stream‐Dwelling Harpacticoid Copepod Upon Detritally Associated Bacteria

Natural densities of common stream-dwelling harpacticoid copepods, At- theyella spp. , reduced the density and biomass and increased the area-specific and cell- specific production of detritally associated bacteria. Bacterial density was reduced by as much as 58% and rod-shaped bacteria were reduced as much as 27%. Attheyella selectively removed larger rod-shaped bacteria. This resulted in a significant change in the size- frequency distribution of rod-shaped bacteria and a decrease in median cell length by 17- 30%. The removal of larger sized cells by Attheyella probably contributed to the observed reduction in bacterial biomass. With copepods present, bacterial biomass was reduced as much as 45%. Estimated rates of ingestion of bacterial carbon by copepods are comparable to values for marine harpacticoids. Bacterial biomass appears to be a more important food source to microdetritivores than to macrodetritivores in streams.
The ordination of women and inclusivity within the Church in Wales: Theological and psychological considerations

This study explored the hypothesis that clergywomen tend to hold a more inclusive attitude toward ministry than is the case among clergymen. The hypothesis was tested against data provided by 311 clergymen and 66 clergywomen, generated from a 66% response rate to a survey of all stipendiary parochial clergy in the Church in Wales concerning views on Christian initiation. The data confirmed the hypothesis across all five aspects of Christian initiation included in the questionnaire. This finding was employed to challenge recent theologically-informed claims denying consistent gender differences in approaches to ministry.
STUDY ON THE MACRONUTRIENT CONTENT OF APPLE LEAVES IN AN ORGANIC APPLE ORCHARD

Macronutrient contents of soil and apple leaves were investigated in an organic apple orchard in Eastern Hungary in 2002-2004. Soil samples were taken from 0-20 cm depth in April and October. The macronutrient content of leaves was measured on cvs. Jonagold, Mutsu, Idared, Red Elstar, Egri Piros, Reka, and Remo at six assessment dates (from April to September). The macronutrient contents of N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg were measured in both soil and leaf samples, then macronutrient ratios were calculated from the obtained results. The results showed that younger leaves contained more N and P than older ones. K and Ca contents of leaves decreased until July, then increased slightly, and decreased again. A continuous decrease of the S content of leaves was observed until August. The Mg content of leaves increased until June, then decreased in July and then increased again. Macronutrient values were dependent on cultivar. Calculated macronutrient ratios showed that the nutrient supply of soil was not optimal in the orchard.
Age trends in variances and heritabilities in Eucalyptus factorial mating designs

This article presents the analyses of the first mating designs established in the 2 reciprocal recurrent selection schemes of Eucalyptus in Congo. Height, circumference and volume were measured until 3 or 4 years (half of the rotation age). The objective was to observe trends in variances and heritabilities with age in order to find growth phases which could indicate an optimal age for early selection. Results showed that variances and heritabilities were strongly influenced by the experimental process (nursery, planting, environmental effects). No marked changes between the juvenile stage and the mature stage could be seen through the trend in variance components with age. Narrow-sense heritability on the male or female progeny mean basis, used for parent selection, could drastically change during the first two years of growth. In several cases it increased and then reached an apparently stable value until plantation rotation. These result indicate that early selection of the parents before 2 years may not be beneficial. Broad-sense heritability on the individual basis, used for clone selection, became constant after the first year. It was higher for height than for circumference and volume and therefore gave a better predictive value for the former trait when selected early. The trends in genetic parameters with age were analysed in relation to FRANKLIN's model, in order to better understand the results. Narrow-sense heritabilities on the male or female progeny means basis and genetic variances suggest that measurements were made during the second phase of the FRANKLIN's model. Broad-sense heritability on the individual basis did not conform to the FRANKLIN's model.
Gene action for surrogate traits of water-use efficiency and harvest index in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

Summary Low peanut productivity in the semi-arid tropics is attributed mainly to drought caused by low and erratic rainfall. Genetic improvement in water-use efficiency (WUE) could potentially lead to improved yield under limited moisture availability. In peanut, WUE is correlated with SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), specific leaf area (SLA), and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C). These traits can be used as surrogates for selecting for WUE. Partitioning of assimilates as measured by the harvest index (HI) has the greatest effect on pod yield. To improve these traits for tailoring peanut genotypes well matched for water-limited conditions, a good knowledge of genetic systems controlling the expression of these traits is essential. This study was undertaken to work out the gene action for the surrogates of WUE and HI in a 6 × 6 full diallel mating design. Two of the studied surrogates (SCMR and Δ13C) for WUE were found to be under the influence of both additive and nonadditive gene effects with preponderance of the former. SLA and HI were controlled by genes that are mainly additive in nature. Selection for these traits can be effective in the early generations. Maternal effects observed for SLA and Δ13C are suggestive of the crucial role of selection of female parent in improvement of these traits. The parental lines, TMV 2 NLM (for SCMR, SLA and Δ13C) and ICGV 86031 (for SCMR and SLA), were found to be good general combiners each for more than one character. TAG 24 and Chico (for HI) and CSMG 84-1 (for SLA) were the other good general combiners.
Effect of Early Feeding Programs on Broiler Performance

This experiment was a 4x2 factorial arrangement of four feeding programs with or without water soluble multivitamin + electrolytes supplementation for the first 3 days of age. Four feeding programs includes: feeding a starter diet immediately after hatch until 28 d of age, feeding a prestarter diet immediately after hatch until 3 d of age, fasting for 24 hours after hatch, or fasting for 12 hours with access to water containing 5% sugar followed by 12 hours corn feeding after hatch. All chicks on the prestarter, fasting, and sugar corn feeding programs were fed the starter diet until 28 d of age after the end of the initial 3 d or 24 h treatment. This was followed by grower and finisher diets for the periods 29 to 42 d and 43 to 48 d , respectively. Feeding program had a significant (p 0.05) differences were observed in overall feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Supplement had no significant effects on body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. No interactions were observed between feeding program and supplement for body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. No significan t differences were observed for abdominal fat, and organs weight (except for liver) between feeding programs. Twenty four hours fasting significantly (p<0.05) reduced T concentration. multivitamin + electrolyte s 3 supplement significantly (p<0.05) increased liver weight and T concentration. 3
Eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum) reproduction and interference in transplanted plasticulture tomato

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the effect of in-row eastern black nightshade establishment and removal timings in plasticulture tomato on tomato yield loss and nightshade berry production and seed viability. Eastern black nightshade was transplanted at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 wk after tomato planting (WAP) and remained until tomato harvest, or was established at tomato planting and removed at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 WAP to determine the critical weed-free periods. Eastern black nightshade seed viability increased with berry size and with length of establishment or removal time. The critical weed-free period to avoid viable nightshade seed production was 3–6 WAP. Tomato yield decreased with early weed establishment or with delayed time of weed removal. The critical weed-free period to avoid greater than 20% tomato yield loss for the sum weight of extra large and jumbo grades was 28 to 50 d after tomato transplanting. Nomenclature: Eastern black nightshade, Solanum ptycanthum Dun. SOLPT; tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum.
Morphological and Skeletal Abnormalities Induced by Commercially Available Insecticides Colonel-s ® and Decis ® in the Developing Embryo of Gallus domesticus

L -1 of Colonel-S ® exposed on ED 4 and ED 7, respectively. A significant increase in the percentage of abnormal survivors exhibiting a spectrum of morphological as well as skeletal malformations was observed in each of the insecticide treated group. These findings suggest that Colonel-S ® and Decis ® can be considered as teratogenic agents, at the dose levels used at our laboratory conditions.