Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nesting ecology of the Loggerhead shrike in southwestern Oklahoma

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) nests were studied in southwestern Oklahoma from 1985 through 1988. Pairing began in late February to early March, and completed nests were found from 13 March to 20 June. Nesting peaked in mid-April, with second nestings from late May to late June. Average length of the nesting season was 11 weeks. Almost one-third of all nests were built in Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) trees, but netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata), Chinese elm (Ulmus pumila), and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) were also used frequently. Mean nest height was 3 m, and average clutch size was 5.8. At least one egg hatched in 84% of clutches. A mean of 16.9 days was required for incubation and the average fledging period was 16.8 days. Probability of survival using Mayfield's (1961, 1975) method was 46%. Received 30 July 1990, accepted 15 Sept. 1991.
Season-Dependent Foraging Patterns: Case Study of a Neotropical Forest-Dwelling Ant (Pachycondyla striata; Ponerinae)

Ants are considered useful organisms to test hypotheses about foraging strategies because their foragers usually leave from a fixed nest site to collect food (e.g., Detrain and Deneubourg 2002). The development of models and hypotheses about ant foraging ecology, however, is constrained by the small amount of quantitative data on the foraging behavior of different ant taxa. The lack of data on the basic ecological features of ants is particularly evident in the Neotropical region, where these insects are extraordinarily abundant and diversified (Brown 2000). Ants in the subfamily Ponerinae have retained many morphological and behavioral ancestral characteristics such as small colonies, simple nests, and solitary foraging (Peeters and Ito 2001). Because all members of the Ponerinae are armed with a sting and most species possess powerful contents
Molecular diversity and phytochemical characterization of Piper species

Phytochemical and molecular characterization of Piper species was investigated. There was a wide variation of the active compounds present in leaf and fruits of different Piper species/accessions. Among the two active compounds, piperine-1 content was more in P. chaba fruit and Piperine-2 in P. nigrum fruit as compared with other species. Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) marker was also used to analyze the genetic variation between the species/accession of Piper species. The phylogenetic analysis generated by ISSR marker was divided into two major groups with 47% similarity. First major group is only one species (i.e., Piper spp. Accession -1) and also morphologically distinct from other seven species. The second group is divided into two minor groups. Piper betle var. Godi Balunga and Piper betle var. Astarangi Balunga are grouped together with 100 % similarity at genetic level, whereas, Piper betle var. Utkal Sudhama having 97 % similarity with Piper betle var. Godi Balunga and Piper betle var. Astarangi Balunga. Both phytochemical and molecular marker showed significant variation among and between species/accessions. This study will help for the breeding program in Piper.
Larval morphology and host-parasite associations of some stream living water mites (Hydrachnidia, Acari)

The present study deals with the parasitic larval stage of water mites (Hydrachnidia, Acari). Larval morphology and host-parasite relationships of 24 species of two small streams in the North German Lowland are presented. Larvae of most of the species described were derived from eggs, which were deposited by identified females. Some larvae were taken from their hosts. Host-parasite relationships of most species could be clarified by collecting hosts of parasitic water mite larvae in emergence traps. Larvae of thirteen taxa were described in detail (Thyopsis cancellata, Protzia eximia, Sperchonopsis verrucosa, Lebertia fimbriata, L. glabra, L. inaequalis, L. rivulorum, L. stigmatifera, Wettina podagrica, Pseudofeltria scourfieldi, Ljania bipapillata, Aturus fontinalis, and Arrenurus fontinalis). Larvae of Sperchonopsis verrucosa, Lebertia fimbriata, L. rivulorum, Pseudofeltria scourfieldi, Aturus fontinalis, and Arrenurus fontinalis are described for the first time. On the basis of larval morphology, the host spectrum and attachment sites of 10 species could be investigated for the first time (Sperchon clupeifer, Sperchonopsis verrucosa, Lebertia fimbriata, L. inaequalis, L. stigmatifera, Hygrobates nigromaculatus, Wettina podagrica, Pseudofeltria scourfieldi, Aturus fontinalis, and Arrenurus fontinalis). In addition, for Protzia eximia, S. setiger, S. thienemanni, L. glabra, Feltria rouxi, and Ljania bipapillata, previous data on hosts could be supplemented. Different evolutionary trends in water mite parasitology could be confirmed for the spectrum of hosts and for attachment sites on hosts. The assumed loss of the parasitic larval stage in stream living water mites is rejected for nearly all species in the present study.
Etio-pathological study of multiple hepatic abscesses in a goat

Hepatic abscesses occur in all species, most commonly found in cattle, very less in sheep and rare in goats. The abscesses in liver constitute a major economic problem because of liver condemnation and reduced animal performance and carcass yield. During routine necropsy one interesting case of multiple hepatic abscess was encountered which was investigated for pathology and bacterial isolation. Lungs revealed 12–15 foci of abscess in different lobes similar to those observed in liver. Microscopic examination revealed thick and thin fibrous capsules around abscesses, containing basophilic and eosionophilic necrotic material infiltrated with numerous pus cells and some mononuclear cells. From the affected organs, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were isolated and confirmed by morphology, cultural, biochemical characteristics and molecular methods. In the present case the C. pseudotuberculosis could possibly have been a source of the systemic spread with the secondary infection of Streptococcus and Pseudomonas sp. The extensive damage to the liver caused by multiple foci of the abscesses could be the reason for emaciation and death.
Resistance of various wood species to the action of sea water substitute

Samples (3x10x15mm) of 14 timbers were exposed to a sea water substitute of 3.5% salinity. Toughness of wood samples was determined after exposure periods of up to 110 weeks. Maximum toughness decrease amounted to 17-41% depending on species. An exponential equation (with $2 $$ ranging from -0. 704 to -0.927) was derived describing the kinetics of wood degradation in sea water. High resistance to the action of sea water was exhibited by larch, robinia, oak, red oak, and alder. Satisfactory resistance was exhibited by Scots pine, beech, birch, hornbeam, ash, and Acer pseudoplatanus: poor resistance was exhibited by Pinus strobus, Tilia , and Populus . Resistance to effects of sea water tended to increase with increasing wood density. Control samples exposed to distilled water also exhibited decreases in toughness, but for most species these were not as marked as for samples exposed to sea water substitute. -- AATA
Rapid reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography for vitexin analysis and fingerprint of Passiflora foetida

Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was developed for quantitation of vitexin and for examining the fingerprint of Passiflora foetida leaf extract. The simple isocratic condition consisting of isopropanol: tetrahydrofuran: water (5 : 15 : 80, v/v/v) and 0.3% formic acid with a flow rate of 1.3 ml/min was optimized. Under the optimum condition, ten major peaks, including a separated peak of vitexin could be resolved within 18 min. Linearity for vitexin was in the range of 25-500 μg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The vitexin contents in P. foetida leaf extract collected from ten different locations varied from 0.04 to 0.13% w/w (%RSDs = 1.1-4.0%). Although the amount of the marker flavonoid (vitexin) was different, HPLC fingerprints of all samples were well conserved. The pattern of the chromatograms and the number of the peaks separated were similar. The data could be valuable for taxonomy, breeding and authenticity testing of products containing P. foetida.
The Sectional Counts of Vertebrae in the Anguillid Elvers

The numbers of predorsal,ano-dorsal,preanal,abdominal,caudal,and total vertebrae in and shortly after the elver stage of 9 species and subspecies of eels from the various areas in the world were counted.The numbers of vertebrae in such sections are useful for the specific identification when the ranges of variations do not overlap between the respective species. A key to the species was given based on the sectional counts of vertebrae.Moreover,the graphic representations of the correlation between the number of vertebrae in respective sections facilitate the identification of most species. Although Ege(1939)reported the number of vertebrae of 19 species and subspecies of eels around the world,he counted only prehemal and total vertebrae.The present authors examined the numbers of the predorsal,anodorsal,and preanal vertebrae,as well as those of abdominal,caudal,and total.It was found that such sectional counts of vertebrae are more useful in identifying the species than count of total vertebrae only.The correlation between each of the sectional counts and the total number of vertebrae is represented in a graphic form to facilitate the specific identification. Materials and methods The materials examined in the present investigation are about 230 specimens obtained from the various areas in Asia,Europe,Canada, and New Zealand(Table 1). The samples are in and shortly after the elver stage.Among the samples,there exist distinct differences in development of pigmentation,as indicated in Table 1 according to the definition given by Bertin(1956)and Egusa(1972). Besides these samples,the young eels from Borneo were also examined.Following observation and measurements on the external morphology of the preserved specimens,the elvers were stained with alizarin,and predorsal,ano-dorsal,preanal, abdominal,caudal,and total vertebrae were counte(Fig.1). In some specimens the vertebral number was counted from X-ray photographs.The number of ano-dorsal vertebrae is defined as the number of vertebral centra between verticals through the anus and origin Fig.1. Diagram showing measurement of total length,and sectional counts of vertebrae. A•`B,predorsal vertebrae;B•`C,anodorsal vertebrae;A•`C,preanal vertebrae; A•`D,abdominal vertebrae;D E,caudal vertebrae;A•`E,total vertebrae. of the dorsal fin,excluding the centra which were cut by the verticals,as was defined by Jespersen(1942)in the anguillid leptocephali. The centra which were cut by the verticals through origin of the dorsal fin and the anus are also excluded in counting the number of predorsal and preanal vertebrae,respectively. The first vertebral centrum with closed hemal arch or hemal spine is defined as the first caudal vertebra(Ege,1939). The terminal and preterminal centra,which are known to fuse in young stage(Bertin,1956),are counted as one vertebra,even though they are not yet fused in the elver stage.
Prognostic evaluation of enhancement programs using population models and life history analysis

A primary goal of all management plans is to increase population size or growth without harming wild stocks. Stock enhancement is one of many tools available for restoration of depleted populations and should be evaluated before implementation with other conservation plans such as habitat restoration and harvest controls. For many late-maturing species, an increase in juvenile cohort size does not necessarily increase population growth significantly, even if hatchery juveniles survive and grow well and do not adversely affect wild stocks. Management efforts that focus on reestablishing healthy adult stocks and protecting subadults may restore declining populations more effectively. Managers can anticipate the effects of particular management plans or enhancement efforts by means of population models. As an example, we review an analysis of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) headstarting enhancement effort. Because sea turtles have delayed maturity and were declining primarily because of incidental drowning of large juveniles and adults in shrimp trawls, captive-rearing and release efforts were (and still are) unlikely to have an appreciable effect on population growth rates, even if headstarted turtles have the same survival and growth rates as wild turtles. Population models and life-history analysis can be very useful for establishing performance criteria and evaluation methods as well as for choosing management options that are likely to be effective. We conclude by suggesting that prognostic modeling should be one component of the improved science of enhancement, which also includes establishing of specific goals, hypothesis testing, monitoring, and evaluation.
Monochromatic red light of LED protects embryonic cells from oxidative stress caused by radiofrequency radiation

Objective: Oxidative mechanisms of the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) have been demonstrated recently. This opens the need for antioxidative approach for protection of living cells from harmful effects of RFR. In this study, we aimed to assess the antioxidant potential of monochromatic red light of light-emitting diodes (LED) in RFR-exposed embryonic cells. Methods: One group of Japanese quail embryos was exposed in ovo to GSM 900 MHz RFR (I = 1 14 μW/cm2; SAR = 0.17 mW/kg; t = 158 h; discontinuously) before and during the first hours of incubation. The second group of embryos was exposed to RFR in the same regimen and additionally to LED red light (λmax = 630-650 nm; I = 0.1 mW/cm2; t = 180 c; discontinuously). The third group of embryos were served as control. The rate of somitogenesis, level of lipid peroxidation, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in tissues of 38-h embryos were assessed. Results: Red light of LED exposure resulted in statistically significant reversion of the rate of somitogenesis decreased under RFR exposure; as well as in reversion of significantly increased level of lipid peroxidation and decreased catalase activity in tissues of RFR exposed embryos. In vitro significant suppression of SOD and catalase activities by short-term RFR exposure were partially reversed by LED red light treatment. Conclusion: Red light of LED can protect embryonic cells from oxidative stress caused by low intensity RFR exposure. This is of particularly importance in terms of potential mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of low intensity RFR, which in turn depends on the oxidative potential of RFR.
PRAKTIK MANAJEMEN MUTU TERPADU DAN HUBUNGANNYA DENGAN FORMALISASI, DESENTRALISASI, KUALITAS PRODUK, SERTA KINERJA ORGANISASI

Tujuan umum dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mempelajari dan menganalisis hubungan dari praktik manajemen mutu terpadu (total quality management) dengan formalisasi, desentralisasi, kualitas produk, dan kinerja organisasi. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan penelitian survei. Sampel, direkrut melalui populasi sampling, terdiri dari 162 empat atau lebih bagian roda perusahaan otomotif memproduksi dan peralatan di Indonesia. Hanya 31 tanggapan yang dikembalikan dan dinyatakan layak untuk kemudian dianalisis dengan model partial least square untuk mengetahui hubungan antar variabel secara bersamaan. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: 1. Formalisasi berpengaruh terhadap Praktik TQM, 2. Desentralisasi tidak berpengaruh terhadap Praktik TQM, 3. Praktik TQM mempunyai pengaruh signifikan terhadap Kualitas Produk, 4. Kualitas produk berpengaruh terhadap kinerja organisasi, 5. Praktik TQM berpengaruh terhadap kinerja organisasi. Berdasarkan temuan penelitian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa praktik TQM terbukti sebagai pendekatan yang kuat bagi organisasi yang menginginkan untuk mencapai kualitas produk tinggi dan kinerja yang sangat baik. Hasil temuan juga menunjukkan bahwa industri perlengkapan dan komponen otomotif roda empat atau lebih di Indonesia masih memiliki pengetahuan teknologi yang relatif rendah, dan cenderung memiliki struktur terpusat (sentralisasi).
Helminth Parasites of the Blackstripe Topminnow, Fundulus notatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Fundulidae), from Arkansas and Oklahoma, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT: Between August 2014 and August 2015, in the Ouachita and Red River drainages of Arkansas (n = 17) and the Red River drainage of Oklahoma (n = 113), 130 Blackstripe Topminnows, Fundulus notatus, were collected and examined for helminth parasites. Sixty-three (48%) F. notatus, including 7 (37%) from Arkansas and 56 (50%) from Oklahoma, were infected. These included 16 (12%) with Homalometron robisoni, 24 (18%) with immature Proteocephalus sp. , 8 (6%) with larval Eustrongylides sp. , 17 (13%) with Spiroxys sp. larvae, 3 (2%) with acanthocephalan cystacanths, 1 (0.8%) with Leptorhynchoides thecatus, and 1 (0.8%) with Neoechinorhynchus sp. In addition, 1 of 5 (20%) from Arkansas harbored the monogenean Salsuginus umbraensis. We document 4 new host and 3 new distributional records.
Patterns of distribution, relative abundance, and microhabitat use of anurans in a boreal landscape influenced by fire and timber harvest

Abstract Ecosystem management is a theoretical framework in which land managers attempt to approximate natural disturbance with harvesting practices. In the mixedwood boreal forest of northeastern Alberta, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. alters cutblock size, structure, and distribution over the landscape to simulate fires, the dominant disturbance type. In 1997 and 1998, we sampled for Rana sylvatica (Le Conte) and Pseudacris triseriata maculata (Wied-Neuwied) near Owl River and Mariana Lake, Alberta, in undisturbed, harvested, and naturally burned landscapes. We compared patterns of distribution and relative abundance using transects, time-constrained lake margin searches, and opportunistic detections. In 1998, we characterized the understory, shrub layer, and canopy layer on each transect. We used stepwise logistic regression to describe microhabitat use by each species. We did not detect consistent differences between burned and logged areas. This may reflect pre-treatment variation in regional habitat. Our data suggest that the presence of R. sylvatica is related to deciduous leaf litter, and that both species may require extensive ground cover and moist soil conditions. Although the microhabitat descriptions we present can be used to plan future harvests, further work is required to determine the effectiveness of ecosystem management in the boreal forest.
Thiamine, fasting and the kidney

Thiamine, Vasten en de Nier In dit proefschrift hebben we de rol van thiamine in ischemie-reperfusie schade van de nier onderzocht. Thiamine is cruciaal voor het behoud van optimale hoeveelheden gereduceerd glutathion (een anti-oxidant) en voor regeneratie van ATP (energiebron) in cellen. We beschrijven de hypothese dat thiamine deficientie een belangrijke determinant is van acute tubules schade en het vertraagd functioneren van de nier na een niertransplantatie. We konden niet aantonen dat thiamine deficientie ischemie-reperfusie schade verergerde. Echter, wanneer thiamine deficientie werd verergerd door verminderde voedselinname en gewichtsverlies voorkwam dit de ischemie-reperfusie schade. Hierdoor kwamen we tot de conclusie dat het gewichtsverlies en de verminderde voedselinname het onverwacht beschermende effect zou kunnen verklaren. We hebben ook onderzocht of benfotiamine albuminurie in patienten met diabetische nefropathie zou kunnen verlagen. Echter er was geen effect van benfotiamine behandeling op albuminurie of andere kenmerken van nierschade. Toen we het effect van peri-operatief vasten op ischemie-reperfusieschade hebben onderzocht, konden we hier geen effect van aantonen. In niertransplantatiepatienten hebben we laten zien dat een hogere concentratie vrije vetzuren en malondialdehyde, beide verhoogd tijdens vasten, de kans op nierfalen verkleind. Ook hebben we onderzocht of calorische restrictie in combinatie met een ketogeen dieet beschermd tegen nierschade in een proteinurisch ratmodel. Calorische restrictie verlaagde proteinurie en nierschade. Dit was onafhankelijk van het ketogene dieet. Dit wekt de suggestie dat andere mechanismen dan ketogenese deze beschermende effecten veroorzaken.
The Impact of Non-banking Credit Organization Credits on Economic Growth in Azerbaijan

Financial institutions plays remarkable role in Azerbaijan economy. The general structure of financial institutions in the country includes banks, local branches of foreign banks and non-bank financial institutions, while among these organizations banks have a leading position. Most of the lending activity in Azerbaijan is carried out through banks. This situation shows their special importance in the country's economy. However, NBCOs (Non-Banking Credit Organizations) also have an important position in lending to the individuals in the economy. This article investigates the impact of the NBCOs credits on non-oil GDP in Azerbaijan. For this purpose, the quarterly data covering 2005-2018 were used. For the evaluation, the cointegration methods as CCR (Canonical Cointegrating Regression), DOLS (Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares) and FMOLS (Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares) methods were employed. The results of cointegration tests conclude that there is cointegration relationship between the variables in long-term. The results of the estimation show that a 1% rise in credits and physical capital investments increases non-oil GDP by 0.26% and 0.92, respectively. Findings of study are in line with both the theory and the results of other researches, and may be considered adequate for Azerbaijan economy. The management and other decision-makers of relevant organizations may adopt effective decisions for more efficient operation of credit organizations by taking into account the results of the research.
Quantifying the effects of natural selection and other evolutionary forces on the genome

Genomic or detailed genetic data are now increasingly available for both model and non-model organisms, and this is allowing researchers to investigate the role that different forces play in shaping the evolution of species’ genomes. In this thesis I use large genetic and genomic datasets to attempt to quantify the action of natural selection and other forces on patterns of genetic polymorphism, differentiation and divergence in the natural world. These other forces include mutation, GC-biased gene conversion, genetic drift, and demography. Some of these forces act in the same direction in terms of their effect on the composition of genomes, and therefore the action of one may confound the detection of the action of others. To tell them apart, I often use a comparative method between different classes of sites, or between sites that differ in the extent to which they are subject to the relevant evolutionary pressures, as well as by using both polymorphism and divergence data. Where possible, I incorporate the effects of demography into these analyses. In the three main chapters that follow, I investigate 1) the forces that affect genetic differentiation between two populations of Drosophila melanogaster; 2) the forces underlying a naturally occurring colour polymorphism in the Australian finch Erythrura gouldiae; and 3) the forces which affect evolution at 4-fold degenerate sites in ancestral populations of D. melanogaster and D. simulans.