Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of limited antlered harvest on mule deer sex and age ratios

Abstract In response to apparent declining mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) numbers in Colorado during the 1990s, buck harvest limitations were identified as a possible mechanism to increase fawn:doe ratios and hence population productivity. Beginning in 1991, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) reduced buck harvest in 4 deer management units to provide quality hunting opportunities. We examined effects of limited harvest on December ratios of bucks:100 does and fawns:100 does using data from limited and unlimited harvest units. Annual buck harvest was reduced by 359 bucks (SE = 133) in limited harvest units as a result of limiting licenses. Fawn:doe ratios declined by 7.51 fawns:100 does (SE = 2.50), total buck:doe ratios increased by 4.52 bucks:100 does (SE = 1.40), and adult buck:doe ratios increased by 3.37 bucks:100 does (SE = 1.04) in response to limited harvest. Based on our analysis, factors other than buck harvest were regulating population productivity, and limiting buck harvest to enhance fawn recruitment is not justified in Colorado. Limited buck harvest should be considered an issue of quality hunting opportunity rather than deer productivity.
Controle da requeima em batata cv. 'Asterix' como base para modelos de previsão da doença

The control potato late blight needs a great number of fungicide sprayings. These increase the costs of cropping and cause undesirable environmental impacts. The use of forecast systems to predict disease has the potential of reducing fungicide applications without reducing yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Blitecast and Prophy systems as a reference model for predicting late blight potato and support decision of spray fungicides. Experiments were carried out during Spring 2004 and Autumn 2005, in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Meteorological data were measured in the center of the experimental area at 0.10 and 1.50 m above soil surface. Different accumulated severity values (VS) were calculated with 'Blitecast' (VS = 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42) and 'Prophy' (VS = 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35) forecast systems. These values were used to perform. Two additional treatments were the weekly sprays and without fungicides. The experimental design was a completely randomized, with four replications. Each plot had four rows plants with 5 m length. Late blight severity was evaluated in each three to five days. The fungicide spraying schedule based on Blitecast system with 18 accumulated severity values increased tuber yield at least 42.6 % compared to the control without fungicides treatment. It also reduced the number of sprayings by 25% during wet periods and 70% during dry periods compared to weekly sprayings. The efficiency of controlling late blight was similar to the weekly sprayings treatment in the treatments Bli18 e Pro15. The Prophy model predicted higher number of fungicide sprayings than the Blitecast system and did not improve disease control.
Space-Time Coding and Space-Time Channel Modelling for Wireless Communications

In this thesis we investigate the effects of the physical constraints such as antenna aperture size, antenna geometry and non-isotropic scattering distribution parameters (angle of arrival/departure and angular spread) on the performance of coherent and non-coherent space-time coded wireless communication systems. First, we derive analytical expressions for the exact pairwise error probability (PEP) and PEP upper-bound of coherent and non-coherent space-time coded systems operating over spatially correlated fading channels using a moment-generating function-based approach. These analytical expressions account for antenna spacing, antenna geometries and scattering distribution models. Using these new PEP expressions, the degree of the effect of antenna spacing, antenna geometry and angular spread is quantified on the diversity advantage (robustness) given by a space-time code. It is shown that the number of antennas that can be employed in a fixed antenna aperture without diminishing the diversity advantage of a space-time code is determined by the size of the antenna aperture, antenna geometry and the richness of the scattering environment. In realistic channel environments the performance of space-time coded multipleinput multiple output (MIMO) systems is significantly reduced due to non-ideal antenna placement and non-isotropic scattering. In this thesis, by exploiting the spatial dimension of a MIMO channel we introduce the novel use of linear spatial precoding (or power-loading) based on fixed and known parameters of MIMO channels to ameliorate the effects of non-ideal antenna placement on the performance of coherent and non-coherent space-time codes. The spatial precoder virtually arranges the antennas into an optimal configuration so that the spatial correlation between all antenna elements is minimum. With this design, the precoder is fixed for fixed antenna placement and the transmitter does not require any feedback of channel state information (partial or full) from the receiver. We also derive precoding schemes to exploit non-isotropic scattering distribution parameters of the scattering channel to improve the performance of space-time codes applied on MIMO systems in non-isotropic scattering environments. However, these schemes
Biologia reprodutiva de Apidoras fuscoguttatus (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) em riacho de cabeceira da bacia do alto Rio Paraná

The reproductive biology of Aspidoras fuscoguttatus Nijssen & Isbrucker, 1976 from a stream in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, northwestern Sao Paulo State, Brazil, was monthly investigated in the period of August 1999 to July 2000. Measurements of total length, body weight, gonadal weight and macroscopic assessment of gonadal maturation were performed. Environmental parameters were considered in order to verify associations with the reproductive period. Populational structure showed total length amplitude between 14.2 and 50.8 mm. Pronounced sexual dimorphism was verified. The largest mean values of gonadosomatic relation for females coincided with the rainy season (November to March). Mean length at first sexual maturity was different for males (30.5 mm) and females (37.1 mm). Fecundity varied between 51 and 166 oocytes. Gonadal maturation curve, frequency of maturation stages and size frequency distributions of oocytes in mature ovaries revealed a long reproductive period, suggesting fractional spawning.
Antibiotic resistance pattern of fish bacteria from freshwater and marine sources in Andamans

Out of 326 total bacterial isolates from infected freshwater and marine fishes having no history of either prophylactic or therapeutic use of antibiotics, 145 were identified atleast upto genus level. The predominanting genera were Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Acinet,obacter, Enterobacter, Alcaligenes, Plesiomonas, Edwardsiella, Staphylococcus and Nocardia. In this study 88 of the identified bacteria belonging to 10 genera were tested for resistance pattern against 26 different antibiotics by disc diffusion method in Muller-Hintor agar. The resistance level against streptomycin, penicillin and ampicillin was exhibited by more than 60 per cent of the bacteria and oxytetracycline was most effective in commonly used tetracycline group of antibiotics. None of the isolates was sensitive to all the 26 antibiotics, whereas resistance in any single isolate was found to be against a maximum of 14 antibiotics. Abundance of natural single and multiple antibiotic resistance was demonstrated to be upto the upper limit of 3.7 and 97.1 % respectively. The situation appears to be alarming as this antibiotic resistance gene pool could be a potential threat to humans and therefore is of public health significance.
Effects of short- and long-term glucan feeding of rainbow trout (Salmonidae) on the susceptibility to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infections.

Materials and Methods. The immune reactivity was assessed by measuring susceptibility to I. multifiliis infec- tions and plasma lysozyme in the host, factors which are considered innate response parameters. Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) (Actinopterygii: Salmoniformes: Salmonidae), were fed (control feed or glucan-containing feed) for 14 or 35 days before challenge (exposure to infective I. multifiliis t heronts) and the resulting infection (number of trophonts in the skin) was recorded on day 11 post-exposure to theronts. Results. All fish obtained infection following parasite exposure but glucan-fed fish showed a lower infection at day 46 compared to fish fed control-feed. The lysozyme activity of fish plasma was evaluated throughout the experimental period and found slightly but significantly increased in association with glucan-feeding at day 14, 17, and 46. Conclusion. N o evidence for an exhaustion of these selected innate response parameters due to prolonged glu- can-feeding could be detected within the experimental period of 46 days.
Ecology of the Feral Cat, Felis Catus (L.), (Carnivora:Felidae) on Macquarie Island.

On Macquarie Island from December 1973 to March 1975 the diet of feral domestic cats (Felis catus) was estimated. There was rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in 82% of faeces and 71% of guts, rabbits under 600 g bodyweight, about 10 weeks old, were 81% of all rabbits eaten. There were Antarctic prion (Pachyptila desolata) and white-headed petrel (Pterodroma lessonii). Cats ate small numbers of rats, mice and wekas and scavenged on dead elephant seals and penguins, especially in winter. Availability of food in winter seemed to be an important factor limiting the population; adult population was estimated to be 250 to 500 and the area of the island is 120 km2. Prion and white-headed petrel nest in burrows; there was little or no predation by cats on surface nesters such as albatross, giant petrel, southern skua or southern black-backed gull, or on live penguin.
Methods for Doppler Radar Monitoring of Physiological Signals

Unobtrusive health monitoring includes advantages such as long-term monitoring of rarely occurring conditions or of slow changes in health, at reasonable costs. In addition, the preparation of electrodes or other sensors is not needed. Currently, the main limitation of remote patient monitoring is not in the existing communication infrastructure but the lack of reliable, easy-to-use, and well-studied sensors. The aim of this thesis was to develop methods for monitoring cardiac and respiratory activity with microwave continuous wave (CW) Doppler radar. When considering cardiac and respiration monitoring, the heart and respiration rates are often the first monitored parameters. The motivation of this thesis, however, is to measure not only raterelated parameters but also the cardiac and respiratory waveforms, including the chest wall displacement information. This dissertation thoroughly explores the signal processing methods for accurate chest wall displacement measurement with a radar sensor. The sensor prototype and measurement setup choices are reported. The contributions of this dissertation encompass an I/Q imbalance estimation method and a nonlinear demodulation method for a quadrature radar sensor. Unlike the previous imbalance estimation methods, the proposed method does not require the use of laboratory equipment. The proposed nonlinear demodulation method, on the other hand, is shown to be more accurate than other methods in low-noise cases. In addition, the separation of the cardiac and respiratory components with independent component analysis (ICA) is discussed. The developed methods were validated with simulations and with simplified measurement setups in an office environment. The performance of the nonlinear demodulation method was also studied with three patients for sleep-time respiration monitoring. This is the first
Prebreakdown phenomena in dielectric liquids

A synthesis of a number of characteristic features of prebreakdown phenomena in liquids is presented. The author first reviews the physical properties of fluids (particularly their electronic properties). He then considers prebreakdown phenomena in divergent fields (point-plane) in two steps; first, he shows how injection of charge carriers in the two polarities of the point is produced, how many multiplication by avalanches takes place and what its consequences are, e.g., bubble generation, streamer initiation. Second, he examines streamer propagation, and the models proposed to describe it. Finally, he addresses prebreakdown phenomena in uniform or quasi-uniform fields.
Combined effect of chill storage and modified atmosphere packaging on mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) preservation

Changes in biochemical indices, microbial growth, headspace and sensory quality of mussels which had been packaged in two modified atmospheres [Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) 1: 60% CO2/20% N2/20% O2 and MAP 2: 60% CO2/40% N2] and under vacuum (VP) were studied for 14 days. The results showed better quality retention and greater shelf life of mussels packaged under MAP 1 as compared to MAP 2 and VP samples. Increase in total volatile basic nitrogen followed the order: MAP 1 < MAP 2, VP < air (control) samples while increase in trimethylamine nitrogen followed the order: MAP 1 < air < MAP 2 < VP. The 2‐thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of MAP 1 and air samples were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the TBA values of VP and MAP 2 samples. MAP 1 showed a greater (p < 0.05) inhibition effect on total viable count of mussel samples than all other packaging conditions. Based primarily on odour scores, the MAP 1 samples remained acceptable up to ca. 10–11 days, the MAP 2 and VP up to ca. 7–8 days while the air‐packaged samples up to ca. 5–6 days of storage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composición proximal, evaluación microbiológica y sensorial de una galleta formulada a base de harina de yuca y plasma de bovino

SUMMARY Cassava is a tuber produced in large amounts in Venezuela, and given its high carbohydrate content it represents an important source of energy that can be complemented with proteins of high nutritive value, constituting a good option for the formulation of new foods. Bovine plasma is an important source of proteins that provides all the essential amino acids. The proximal composition, microbiological characteristics and sensorial attributes of a cookie made of cassava flour and bovine plasma were evaluated. Protein, fat, ash, humidity, carbohydrates and crude fiber were determined. Aerobic mesophiles, coliforms, Escherichia coli, molds and yeast were quantified. For sensory evalu ation, an untrained panel of 140 children evaluated the product assessing color, flavor and texture using a five-point hedonic scale. The formulated cookie contains 5.22% protein, 6.26% fat, and 3.25% crude fiber, and the microbiological analysis shows compliance with COVENIN regulations. Color was found to be the most acceptable characteristic (91.4%) followed by flavour (85.9%) and texture (79.0%). Complementation of cassava flour with bovine plasma offers the possibility of producing a nutritionally enhanced cookie while providing cassava flour a poten tial market in the bakery industry and the use of a highly nutritive by-product such as bovine plasma leads to the elaboration of a massive consumption nutrient.
Seed Size and Plant Growth Form as Factors in Dispersal Spectra

All vascular plant species were listed on eight sites near Sydney, Australia. Four sites were on infertile and four on fertile soil. Each of the 355 species was classified according to seed mass (measured as fresh mass of embryo plus endosperm), morphological adaptations for dispersal by different vectors, and growth form. The infertile—soil sites had more species and more cover adapted for dispersal by ants, and the fertile—soil sites had more species and more cover with fleshy fruits adapted for dispersal by vertebrates. We tested the hypothesis that this difference could be interpreted as a secondary correlate of seed size or of growth form. Species with smaller seed mass of growing to <2 m tall were significantly more likely to be adapted for dispersal by ants relative to vertebrates. An indirect association via growth form was capable of accounting for up to 84% of the relationship between soil type and dispersal mode, and indirect association via seed mass for up to 23% of the relationship; the two together could account for a maximum of 85%. The indirect association association via seed mass relatively weaker because seed masses proved not to be very different between these soil types. There remained a significant residual tendency for species in any given seed size class and growth form to be more likely to be dispersed by vertebrates relative to ants on fertile soils than on infertile soils.
An Ecological Study on Laminaria Ochroleuca

The distribution of Laminaria ochroleuca along the south-west coast of England and the Isles of Stilly is brought up to date. The pattern of distribution is discussed with reference to certain factors controlling the ‘ performance’ and success of the species on the northernmost edge of its range. The performance of individuals of the species (measured as net stipe production) sampled from populations growing on the coast of south-west England is compared with populations from north-west Spain, where it is growing in the centre of its geographical range. The degree of exposure to direct onshore wave action appears to govern the upper limit of its bathymetric range as well as its distribution along the south-west coast of England. It was found possible to age this species using the method and precautions described by Kain for Laminaria hyperborea. The stipe material sampled from the English populations had a higher ash content per gram dry weight and a higher calorific content per gram of organic material than that from the Spanish populations. Individuals from the English population had a lower weight per unit length of stipe in all age-classes than those from Spain. It is suggested that incident radiation may be a more important factor than temperature in controlling the northward limit of the species.
Biological monitoring and pollution assessment of the Mukuvisi River, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract The ecological health and biodiversity of the Mukuvisi River system were investigated during this brief study to assessthe functioning of the natural river system, utilizing biological monitoring. The study covered a period of 5 weeks from15 September to 12 October 2005, during which a weekly sampling routine was conducted, and the effects of pollution onthe river were investigated. The pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature and electrical conductivity, as well asthe two major nutrients in the water (phosphorus; nitrogen) were measured at four sites along the Mukuvisi River. Macr-oinvertebrate species also were identiﬁed and enumerated at each site, using the South African Scoring System version 4(SASS4) to assess the biological diversity and to evaluate pollution levels at each site. Site 2 was the most polluted, whilesite 4 was the cleanest site. It was concluded that, although the river receives pollutants along its course, it also has aself-puriﬁcation capacity that can be enhanced by remedial measures against pollution. Possible remedial actions are dis-cussed as recommendations in this study.
Comparison of leaf stomatal features in some local and foreign apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes

The objective of this study was to determine the leaf stomatal features of some local and foreign apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars. Stomata frequency, size and stomatal conductance of leaves of twenty apricot genotypes from inside and outside of Turkey were measured. The leaf stomatal frequency significantly varied among the apricot cultivars. The highest leaf stomata frequency was found in cv. Orange Red (349 stomata/mm2) and lowest was in cv. Cnef (182.2 stomata/mm2). Mean stomata size was 81.8 m. In 2006 stomatal conductance was the lowest (84 mmol m-2 s-1) in ‘Roxana’ and the highest (263 mmol m-2 s-1) in ‘Thyrinthe’ cultivars. In 2007, the lowest stomatal conductance (143 mmol m-2 s-1) was found in ‘Hasanbey’ cultivar and the highest (405 mmol m-2 s-1) was in ‘Cnef’ cultivar. Generally in the second year counductance values were higher which was probably due to higher values of maximum air temperature. The differences in leaf stomatal conductance values that existed among the genotypes can be taken into consideration as selection criteria for apricots to be grown in regions with higher summer temperatures.
Paraphyly of Tarasa (Malvaceae) and Diverse Origins of the Polyploid Species

Abstract A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Andean genus Tarasa (Malvaceae) and related genera yielded unexpected results regarding generic boundaries, the origins of polyploidy, and the morphological attributes of the polyploid taxa. The polyploid species of Tarasa are particularly unusual because they have life histories and floral morphologies that contradict two traditional polyploid dogmas: they are annuals and have smaller floral features (including pollen) than the diploid species. Typically, polyploids are perennial and larger than their parents. Nuclear (ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2) and chloroplast (psbA-trnH and trnT-trnL spacers, matK-3′ trnK intron) sequence data were used to reconstruct independent phylogenies to test the monophyly of the genus, determine its sister group(s), and investigate the origin of the polyploid species. Neither the nuclear nor the chloroplast phylogeny supports monophyly of Tarasa as currently circumscribed. The high Andean genus Nototriche, the North/South American disjunct genus Sphaeralcea, and Malacothamnus chilensis are placed within the Tarasa clade. The polyploid species of Tarasa are not monophyletic and thus have been generated multiple times. These findings suggest that the unusual morphological features of the tetraploids are the result of convergent evolution and not shared ancestry.
Ulcerative skin and fin lesions in reared turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)

In this report, the authors describe the evolution of an ulcerative disease that occurred during July and August 1986 in cultured juvenile turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), in northwestern Spain. The daily fish mortality ranged from less than 1 to 7·5%, and the total of cumulative losses were 23·2%. The start of the epizootic was closely associated with a sudden increase of water temperature to values higher than 20·C. Peaks of mortality were observed during the development of the disease. Affected turbot showed erratic swimming, respiratory distress and inappetence. The lesions began as white discoloured foci on the skin, operculum, and base of dorsal and caudal fins which could suffer a total destruction of the interradial membrane. In an advanced stage of this condition, the epithelial surface of the centre of the lesions sloughed off and shallow and haemorrhagic ulcers were produced. Three distinct areas were observed in the ulcerative lesions with a clear predominance of different microorganisms: (1) a peripheric pale zone invaded by a ciliate protozoan resembling Cryptocaryon spp. ; (2) an intermediate greyish-dark area containing large numbers of fastidious myxobacteria which failed to grow in culture media; and (3) a central haemorrhagic zone where we have isolated two halophilic, urease positive Vibrio strains (closely related to V. carchariae). No microbial involvement was detected in the internal organs of affected fish. The virulence assays conducted with the Vibrio strains failed to reproduce the signs of the disease, either by intraperitoneal inoculation or by water challenge after skin abrasion. The use of alternate baths of formalin/malachite green and nitrofurazone resulted in an effective therapy to control the mortalities.