Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preferential outcrossing in Banksia ilicifolia (Proteaceae)

The breeding system of Banksia ilicifolia was assessed by performing controlled hand-pollination manipulations on flowers in a natural population in Perth, Western Australia. The percentage of 2000 flowers per treatment converted to fruits and seeds was assessed across 24 recipient plants following (1) self-pollination, (2) local outcross pollination (same population), (3) non-local outcross pollination (pollen sourced from another population 30 km away), (4) unpollinated but bagged flowers and (5) unpollinated, unbagged flowers (natural pollination). The relative performance of the resulting seeds was assessed by seed weight, germination rates and, in an unplanned component of the study, resistance to a fungal pathogen. The percentage of flowers converted to fruits following self-pollination was low (0.9%), but demonstrated self-compatibility. Fruit set following cross-pollinations (3.6 and 3.3% for non-local and local crosses, respectively) was significantly greater than that following self-pollination, open-pollination (0.4%) and autogamous (0.04%) treatments. Low fruit set for open-pollinated flowers, compared with self- and outcross-pollination treatments, suggests pollen limitation. Pollen tubes were observed in 15 and 20% of upper styles of flowers hand-pollinated with self and local outcross pollen, respectively. Seed germination was dependent on the source of pollen, where fewer selfed seeds germinated (37%) than did both non-local and local outcrossed seeds (83 and 91%, respectively). Selfed seedlings showed poorer survival (33.3%) following fungal attack than both non-local and local outcrossed seeds (69.2 and 68.5%, respectively). Only 13% of selfed seeds survived to be 2-month-old seedlings, compared with 63% for non-local and 57% for local outcrossed seeds. Ultimately, for 2000 flowers hand-pollinated with self pollen, only three seedlings survived to an age of 16 weeks, compared with 37 and 45 seedlings for local-cross and non-local cross treatments on 2000 hand-pollinated flowers, respectively. These results indicate that in this population, B. ilicifolia is self-compatible, but preferentially outcrossing, with strong early acting inbreeding depression. Consequently, the breeding system of B. ilicifolia promotes the maintenance of genetic variation and a high genetic load.
Assessment of genetic divergence in Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] for yield and yield contributing traits

Forty genotypes of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) were grouped into seven distinct classes based on their genetic diversity using D2 statistic and Principal component analysis. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between cluster V and VII, followed by cluster IV and VII and cluster V and VI, suggesting there by that there is wide genetic diversity between these clusters. PCA revealed that, the first three principal components with eigen values more than one contributed 76.411 per cent towards the total variability. The significant factors loaded in PC1 viz., number of productive tillers per plant, ear weight per plant, days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, number of fingers per ear, plant height, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant and finger length contributed maximum towards divergence. The analysis showed that the genotypes GE-3434, GE-1382 and GE-4976 which are having better per se for yield contributing characters recorded maximum inter-cluster distance hence, can be utilized in hybridization programmes to produce desirable recombinants. Both the analysis revealed that geographical diversity and genetic diversity are not related.
Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota and Immune System of Farmed Sparus aurata by the Administration of the Yeast Debaryomyces hansenii L2 in Conjunction with Inulin

Fish gastrointestinal tract is one of the most important sites of interaction with the external world. Interactions between the intestinal microbiota and the host modulate the functionality of the intestinal mucosa and gene expression. Application of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics for aquatic animals is increasing to improve welfare and promote growth. However, data about the use of probiotics in conjunction with prebiotics, in farmed marine organisms are scarce. The objective of this work is to study the modulation ability of the intestinal microbiota and the immune system of gilthead seabream exerted by the probiotic yeast Debaromycess hansonii L2 in conjunction with the prebiotic inulin. Fish were fed a commercial diet (control diet I), and with the same diet supplemented with 1.1% D. hansenii strain L2 (106 CFU g-1) plus inulin (3%) (diet II) for 4 weeks. The whole intestines of healthy fish from each group were aseptically removed at 2 and 4 weeks after starting the experiment and they were analysed by PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). Samples of blood and head kidney were obtained for humoral and cellular immune parameters determination. The expression of 12 selected genes related to the immune response (IgM, MHCI? , MHCII? , C3, IL-1? ,TLR, TNF? , CSF-1R, NCCRP-1, Hep, TCR? y CD8) were analyzed by real-time PCR from skin, intestine, liver and head-kidney tissue. In this study, relevant changes in the intestinal microbiota of gilthead seabream specimens fed the diets assayed has been demonstrated. An important effect on the intestinal microbiota by the dietary administration of a synbiotic mixture has also been detected, especially in fish receiving the supplemented diet for 4 weeks. These changes coincided in the same time with an up-regulation of the expression of immunological genes in skin and head kidney of gilthead seabream at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively.
Distribution and prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in fish farms in East Malaysia

Aims: Aquaculture has grown tremendously in Malaysia over the past decades. However, guaranteeing aquaculture sustainability is a big challenge in terms of maintaining continuous output with a safe environment. Furthermore, the cultured species should be free from antibiotic resistance bacterial and antibiotic residue. This study aimed to monitor the existence and prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria associated with aquaculture farms in Sarawak. Methodology and results: Samples of water, sediment and fish were collected from five aquaculture farms within Sarawak. The samples were plated on trypticase soy agar and incubated at 28 °C for 24 h. A total of 204 bacterial isolates were isolated and analysed by (GTG)5-fingerprinting to determine genetic similarity among the bacterial isolates, so that representatives could be selected from similar clonal isolates. Based on the (GTG)5 profiles, 50 representative isolates were chosen for species identification using 16S rRNA sequencing. The identified bacteria were tested against 25 antibiotics using standard disk diffusion method. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that the isolates constitute of 14 genera of bacteria including Bacillus (38%), Exiguobacterium (16%), Enterobacter (14%), Aeromonas (6%), Acinetobacter (4%), Citrobacter (4%), Staphylococcus (4%), Achromobacter (2%), Chitinophaga (2%), Fictibacillus (2%), Plesiomonas (2%), Pseudomonas (2%), Pseudoxanthomonas (2%) and Stenotrophomonas (2%). The antibiotic resistance analysis revealed that the highest percentage of resistance was recorded against streptomycin (75.0%), followed by ampicillin (66.0%), ceftriaxone (50.0%), rifampin (43.3%), aztreonam (36.8%) and ceftazidime (31.6%). Resistance to more than two antibiotics was observed in 40.0% of isolates with an overall multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) index ranging from 0 to 0.79. Conclusion, significant and impact of study: The variability of antibiotic resistance patterns exhibited by different bacterial species suggests a dependence on selective pressures exhibited in different geographical locations. Our results show that the occurrence of MAR bacteria in an aquaculture environment with unknown history of antibiotics usage in the aquaculture system is possible, indicating a need to continuously monitor the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the aquaculture system.
Carbon and nutrient deposition in a Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadow

The annual depositional flux of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P) to the sediments under a northeast Spain Posidonia oceanica meadow was evaluated, and the sources and fate of the material deposited elucidated. The annual deposition of carbon represented 198 g C m−2 yr−1, 72% of which was derived from the seston and 28% from P. oceanica detritus. The depositional flux was poor in nitrogen (13.4 g N m−2 yr−1) and phosphorous (2.01 g P m−2 yr−1), although comparable to the nutrient inputs required to support the growth of P. oceanica. Remineralization in the sediment only returned 15.6 g C m−2 yr−1, yielding a net carbon accumulation of 182 g C m−2 yr−1. Our results show that in the Mediterranean littoral P. oceanica meadows are important sites of net organic carbon burial, derived from sedimented sestonic particles and seagrass detritus.
Effects of successive seasons of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant maize cropping on weeds and invertebrates

The use of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops influences the abundance of weeds and some invertebrate groups because the associated herbicide regime contrasts with that of conventional systems. However, it is not clear to what extent these effects might be cumulative; should GMHT crops be grown continuously. In northern Europe, in the near future, this situation is most likely to apply to maize crops. Here, we consider the effects of continuous GMHT maize cropping on plant and invertebrate taxa using a split-field experiment. Half of each field was managed using GMHT and the other half with a conventional variety, with the treatments retained for two seasons. The treatment effects were broadly consistent with those found in the larger sample of non-continuous maize sites within the Farm Scale Evaluations. There was little evidence of effects being significantly more pronounced in the second year; any cumulative differences in above-ground biodiversity between GMHT and conventional cropping were too variable to be readily detected.
Analysis of Determinants of Access to Credit for Cotton Producers in Mali

This research analyzed the determinants of cotton producers’ access to credit for in the areas of the Malian Textile Development Company (CMDT). Primary data collection was carried out using questionnaires submitted to 400 producers through multistage stratified sampling procedure (zones and types of farms constituting the strata). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit model. The values measuring the overall significance of the model are of the order of: Wald's test statistic chi2 = 68.98, Area under the ROC curve = 0.68 and Model good prediction rate = 71.03%. The binomial logit model showed that the significant variables (at the 15% level) affecting cotton producers’ access to credit are age, marital status, level of education, income, interest rate, existence of material collateral and type of farm. It is therefore recommended that the financial institutions, CMDT and the Producers' Cooperatives be enhanced working together for an interest rate set at levels that take into account the sustainability of the credit institutions and managing communication around a fixed interest rate in order to avoid confusion for employees and cotton producers; making less restrictive the conditions for cotton producers to obtain credit for, so that those who do not have access can benefit from credit; revitalizing producers’ training level to enable better management of farm credit by the beneficiaries; setting up an insurance mechanism for cotton producers to cover unpaid debts due to natural climatic hazards and encouraging the population to grow cotton since the increase in active members on the farm has a positive influence on the chances of having access to credit.
Competitiveness with Weeds of Soybean Cultivars with Different Maturity and Canopy Width Characteristics

Field studies were conducted in 2005 at five locations throughout Illinois to determine the effect of maturity date and canopy width characteristics of selected glyphosate-resistant soybean cultivars on competitive ability against weeds. Natural weed populations at all sites were allowed to compete with the soybean cultivars until the V1, V3, V5, or V7 growth stage and then removed with an application of glyphosate. Light-interception readings, weed control ratings, and soybean yield were all measured to compare cultivars. Cultivars of later maturities tended to withstand early season weed competition better and attained higher yields when weeds were removed at later timings than those of earlier maturity. Although canopy width differed moderately among cultivars in some cases, canopy width had no effect on the ability of soybeans to compete with weeds. Thus, choosing soybean cultivars of later maturity might provide more flexibility in weed management and might reduce losses due to weeds, but that benefit needs to be balanced with yield potential. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; metolachlor; metribuzin; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Are benthic algae related to spring types?

Abstract. Benthic algae were used to identify reference conditions of springs for bioassessment purposes. Benthic algae and environmental factors were quantified in 70 springs (nonthermal and mostly near-natural) in the southeastern Alps. Spring types were identified by fuzzy clustering of nondiatom, benthic algal assemblages. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and indicator species analysis (IndVal) were used to identify the most relevant environmental determinants of taxonomic composition in springs and to characterize the ecological traits of key taxa. A total of 120 macro- and microscopic benthic pro- and eukaryotic algae (excluding diatoms) were identified. Cyanobacteria (especially Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales) were strongly prevalent. Seven spring types were identified by fuzzy clustering of nondiatom, benthic algal assemblages. IndVal identified 22 taxa that were significant indicators of spring type, and fuzzy clustering based on environmental preferences identified 18 other important taxa associated with spring type. Spring types differed in environmental features, species richness, and diversity. Mid-to-high altitude, oligotrophic, carbonate flowing springs (rheocrenes) with medium conductivity were the most common spring type and were characterized by shade-tolerant (Chroococcales) or rheophilic (Tapinothrix varians) cyanobacteria. Low-altitude, shaded, and slightly NO3-N-enriched carbonate rheocrenes with medium-to-high conductivity supported rheophilic or eutraphentic cyanobacteria and red algae. Siliceous rheocrenes had benthic algal assemblages dominated by soft-water, rheophilic cyanobacteria and by the rheobiontic chrysophyte, Hydrurus foetidus. Mostly siliceous seepages and pool springs supported predominantly chlorophytes, especially filamentous Zygnematales. Xerotolerant cyanobacteria were common on carbonate rock-face seepages. Tufa springs were characterized by cyanobacteria and by the desmid, Oocardium stratum. In iron springs, benthic algae (mainly filamentous green algae and xanthophytes) were poorly developed, whereas iron bacteria were common. The most influential factors were pH and conductivity, shading, NO3-N, temperature, current velocity, and substratum particle size. The spring types identified may prove useful as references for assessments of ecological integrity naturalness value, at least for the Alps ecoregion.
Paving the Way: A Grounded Theory of Discovery and Decision Making for Individuals With the CDH1 Marker.

PURPOSE To understand the process of discovery and decision making for adults with the CDH1 marker for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and inherited breast cancer. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING Purposeful sampling included 20 participants. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Grounded theory with constant comparison was used. FINDINGS The decision-making process of Paving the Way addresses the challenges for individuals diagnosed with the CDH1 marker. The theory explains the process of learning the risk, discerning testing, choosing iterative individual interventions, and adjusting postoperatively while normalizing to live longer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING The process explains and describes the nine factors for decision making and predicts the timing for nursing interventions for genetic testing and pre- and postoperative assessment and planning.
Relationship between Viewing Motivation, Presence, Viewing Satisfaction, and Attitude toward Tourism Destinations Based on TV Travel Reality Variety Programs

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between viewing motivation for reality programs and the viewing experience (presence) during watching, viewing satisfaction after watching, and attitudes toward presented tourism destinations. While this study notes that the empirical verification of travel reality variety programs is insufficient, various discussions are presented with regard to the grip of reality variety program fever in Korea. Notably, viewers are interested in the emotional experience related to characters and tourism destinations in reality variety programs. Therefore, we asked the following questions: (1) What kind of motivation encourages viewers to watch reality variety programs? (2) How does motivation for viewing a reality variety program affect viewing satisfaction through a certain approach (presence)? (3) How does viewing satisfaction affect one’s attitude toward a program’s tourism destinations? To answer these questions, we conducted a survey of 358 viewers of travel reality variety programs. The results of this study are as follows: (1) viewing motivation for travel reality variety programs consists of five factors: vicarious gratification, entertainment, information-seeking, habitual time-spending, and socializing; (2) it was confirmed that the effect of these five factors on satisfaction was mediated by presence (viewing experience); and (3) viewing satisfaction through presence affected the subsequent attitude toward presented tourism destinations.
Colonization dynamics of periphytic ciliate communities across taxonomic levels using an artificial substrate for monitoring water quality in coastal waters

Taxonomic diversity and temporal patterns in abundance of periphytic ciliate communities across taxonomic levels were studied to monitor water quality in Korean coastal waters during April 2007. Specifically we compared two methods based on an artificial substrate (glass slide): the polyurethane foam enveloped slide (PFES) and the conventional slide (CS) systems. The results demonstrated that: (1) the colonization patterns of the ciliate communities at all taxonomic levels showed a lower variability in the PFES system than those of the CS system; (2) The taxonomic diversity (Δ) and taxonomic distinctness (Δ*) were significantly higher in the PFES system than those in the CS system; and (3) all four taxonomic diversity/distinctness indices represented lower variability in the PFES system than those of the CS samples. These findings suggest that the PFES system is more effective than the CS system for measuring the colonization patterns and taxonomic distinctness parameters that are increasingly used as potential indicators of water quality. This conclusion supports our previous suggestion that the PFES system is a better tool than the CS system for monitoring water quality in the marine ecosystem, using periphytic ciliates.
Dynamics of a Northern Squawfish Population and the Potential to Reduce Predation on Juvenile Salmonids in a Columbia River Reservoir

Abstract Northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis prey on salmonid smolts (Oncorhynchus spp.) in Columbia River reservoirs. We used simulation models to determine the potential influence of exploitation of northern squawfish on that predation. We also used correlation analysis to examine factors that may influence predation through predator recruitment. We based our simulations on estimates of mortality, relative year-class strength, and growth made from a 4-year study of resident fish predators in John Day Reservoir. Simulated predation declined with exploitation of fish longer than 275 mm (fork length) such that sustained exploitation of 10–20% annually reduced predation by 50% or more. The magnitude of change was related to the type of reproductive compensation. Recruitment was not obviously related to any environmental variable we examined, although year-class strength was negatively correlated with concurrent year-class strength of walleye Stizostedion vitreum. We believe that limited, but sustai.
Life history and life tables of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on English cucumbers

The life history of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) was studied at six different temperatures on English cucumbers, cv. Pepinex. Life tables constructed indicate that the highest population growth rate (r m ) and net reproduction rate (R 0 ) occur at 30°C and the lowest at 15°C, where the population remains nearly stable. Generation time (T) was the shortest at 30°C and increased as temperature decreased. At 30°C oviposition increased, females matured and reproduced earlier and the time specific fecundity (m x ) was higher than at lower temperatures. Adult longevity was shortest at 30°C and longest at 15°C. The threshold value for development was determined as 9.4°C. Average duration of each developmental stage and the sex ratio at six different temperatures are given.
THE CALCAREOUS SHELL OF THE BRACHIOPODA and ITS IMPORTANCE TO THEIR CLASSIFICATION

The most important ordinal classifications of the articulate brachiopods are founded on radical changes of the skeleton. They all suffer from two serious defects: first a reliance on the morphogeny of only one or two features to segregate past and present representatives into ‘natura orders, secondly a lack of data on the growth and nature of the living skeleton.