Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taxa de natalidade de vacas e desempenho de bezerros sob desmama antecipada no Pantanal

The effect of early weaning on the natality rate of Nelore cows in native pasture was evaluated during one reproductive breeding period. The calves from seventy-nine multiparous and primiparous cows were weaned at 4th to 6th month and supplemented (group A) or at 7th to 9th month and nonsupplemented (group B). Natality rate was greater in group A (81.5%) than in group B (13.1%) (P 0.58). At the end of the dry season calves from group A weighed 5.4 kg less than calves from group B (P<0.009).
On a New Species of Oxyurid from the Grey Squirrel in Scotland

The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), although of comparatively recent introduction from North America, has become thoroughly acclimatised and may now be regarded as one of the native British Mammals. Comparatively little is known of its helminth parasites and the following oxyurid, found in the large intestine of a specimen shot in the north of Scotland, appears to be undescribed.
Climatic gradients in woody plant (tree and shrub) diversity: water-energy dynamics, residual variation, and topography

Recent studies at the macro-scale have demonstrated that geographic gradients in the richness of plants, in particular of woody plants such as trees and shrubs, can be viewed as by-products of water-energy dynamics. According to this view, they are climatic rather than latitudinal/longitudinal gradients, relating to coincident and predictable variations in planetary surface-atmosphere thermal dynamics and consequent patterns in biological activity. Previous analyses have shown that a two-variable model capturing the dynamic relationship between energy (heat/light) and water (rainfall) accounts for most of the variation in woody plant richness across southern Africa at species, genus, and family levels. Here we move towards a more complete explanation, while demonstrating how geographic analysis of residuals can be used to identify the type and sequence of additional variables for inclusion, either at the same or at more discrete scales of analysis. Residual geographic variation in richness from the two-variable model displays a geographic pattern unrelated to longitude and latitude. Regional clusters of under- and over-prediction point to macro-scale variation in topographic relief as a significant factor. When topographic relief is added as a third variable, the explanatory power (R2) increases by 7 to 12%, and the subsequent pattern of variation in residuals becomes even more unpredictable. What clustering remains points to other macro-, and meso- or micro-scale variables that need to be considered. Such a top-down, trans-scalar approach permits systematic and objective development of more complete explanations, while the three-variable macro-scale model developed herein is the basis for a powerful research tool for ecologists, biogeographers, conservationists and bio-climatologists alike.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) AND REMOTE SENSING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SHALLOW TROPICAL LAKES

This paper reviews applications of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to the assessment of tropical waters. These applications are discussed in the context of specific management objectives and sensors used. The need to monitor the spreading patterns of weeds in the tropical waters, land-use changes in the areas surrounding them, change detection, disappearance of wetlands, productivity and nutrient status, in order to establish trends and subsequently develop predictive models to facilitate effective management, is highlighted. GIS capability can be used to link ecological information with the management decisions of these waters. Remote sensing provides useful information in the form of satellite images and aerial photographs that can be integrated and analyzed in a GIS to provide useful spatial information and temporal changes over large geographic areas affecting the structure and function of tropical waters.
Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and yield parameters of paprika cv. KtPl-19.

The increased fruit drop, decreased percentage of fruit set and delay in flowering are the major issues lead to low productivity in paprika. Therefore, the field experiments on effect of growth regulators on paprika cv. KtPl-19 was carried out by using randomized block design at coconut garden of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during July 2002 and Dec.2002. The greatest plant height was observed at NAA 50 ppm at vegetative, flowering and harvest stages during winter and summer seasons. The application of GA3 at 50 ppm showed the highest number of primary branches per plant during winter and summer seasons. The highest number of leaves per plant was observed with NAA at 50 ppm in vegetative stage in both the seasons, at flowering stage GA3 at 50 ppm in winter and NAA at 50 ppm in summer and at harvest stage GA3 at 50 ppm in winter and summer. Early flowering and highest fruit yield were achieved by the treatment with NAA 50 ppm during winter and summer seasons. Based on the results, it can be concluded that NAA 50 ppm had positive effect on plant growth, early flowering and yield potential.
Estimating Minimum Instream Flow Requirements for Minnesota Streams from Hydrologic Data and Watershed Characteristics

Abstract Minimum instream flow recommendations, identified as the inflection point on the curve describing the relation between stream discharge and wetted perimeter, were developed for 27 Minnesota streams with mean annual discharges ranging from 41 to 568 ft3/s. The relation of instream flow recommendations to hydrologic and watershed variables was examined to develop models for rapid assessment. Instream flow recommendations were most strongly correlated with mean annual discharge (r = 0.97) and drainage area (r = 0.85). Two linear regression models were developed for estimating the instream flow recommendations. The first model used only mean annual discharge as a predictor. Because gauging stations are not located on all streams, the second model used drainage area and soil type as predictors. The instream flow recommendation, expressed as a percentage of the mean annual discharge, decreased as stream size increased. Hydrologic and watershed characteristics can be used to rapidly assess the minimum i.
Live Performance, Carcass Quality, and Deboning Yields of Broilers Reared on Sand as a Litter Source

Abstract Live performance, carcass quality, and deboning yields of broilers reared on sand as a litter source were investigated in two consecutive trials. Viability of coccidial oocysts in litter was monitored in Trial 1 by placing 320 seeder birds (20/pen) for 10 days prior to the growout. In addition to live performance, chilled carcass grade, foot pad lesions, deboning yields, and gizzard weights were also determined after processing. No differences were found for litter moisture, litter temperature, mortality, or average body weight, between the two litter treatments. Gizzard yields were significantly lower for birds reared on sand than for birds reared on pine shavings. No significant differences were observed in litter coliforms, aerobic plate counts, molds, or oocyst counts between the two treatments. The results obtained in this study confirm earlier findings that sand can be used as a litter material for rearing broilers.
Systematics of the Unguiphora (Platyhelminthes Proseriata) II. Family Nematoplanidae Meixner 1938.

Six new species of the genus Nematoplana are described and the systematic position of taxa belonging to the family Nematoplanidae assessed. The four genera of the family are monophyletic, and phylogenetic relationships among them are described. For some of the species of the genus Nematoplana, sister group relationships could be ascertained.
Change in Fatty Acid Content of Polar Lipids during Ageing of Seeds of Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Seeds of two cultivars of peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.) were harvested in different seasons and stored in 5 °C for different periods (2 and 38 months). The seeds stored for the longer period had a lower germination, leached more electrically conducting material when soaked in distilled water for 24 h, and had lower contents of fatty acids in polar lipid fractions. The fatty acid compositions of neutral lipid, glycolipid, and phospholipid fractions were similar in the differently aged seeds. Hydroperoxides could not be detected. Seeds of one cultivar were rapidly aged in an environment of 38 °C and 90% relative humidity. During 28 d, germination fell from 95% to 15%, leaching of electrically conducting material increased about 5-fold, and the content of fatty acids in polar lipid fractions fell to almost 10% of the original. The negative relationship between leaching and germination approximated closely to a straight line. Most of the decline in content of fatty acids from polar lipids preceded most of the change in germination and leaching. The fatty acid compositions of the different lipid fractions were almost unchanged. This, together with the actual fatty acid compositions, proved that some factor other than peroxidation was involved in the lipid deterioration, and peroxidation was probably unimportant. Loss of control over subcellular compartmentation or intracellular concentrations of metabolites, resulting from loss of membrane lipids, may have been the cause of the loss of viability.
The spasmolytic activity of the essential oils of scented Pelargoniums (Geraniaceae)

A selection of essential oils obtained by steam distillation from scented‐leaf Pelargonium species, hybrids and cultivars were assessed for their pharmacological activity using guinea‐pig ileum in vitro. All the essential oils tested were spasmolytic. Their relative spasmolytic activity was related to the yield obtained from the leaves. The pharmacological activity was comparable to that of commercial geranium oils. The mechanism of action was postsynaptic and not atropine‐like. Different Pelargonium oils could be exploited for their antispasmodic and possibly other functions. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A polymorphic microsatellite in the 3’end of ‘waxy’ genes of wheat, Triticum aestivum

Potential polymorphism of an (AT)N microsatellite at the 3’end of waxy genes in bread wheat was examined. Primers were designed from a published cDNA sequence of a wheat waxy gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genomic DNA from 135 mainly Australian cultivars revealed eight alleles on chromosome 7A. This polymorphic microsatellite is a potential codominant marker for the Wx-A1 locus in breeding programmes. A distinguishable fragment was also amplified from chromosome 7D. This fragment was absent where a plant was null for the waxy gene on chromosome 7D, being a dominant marker for the Wx-D1 locus. The primers were also useful for amplifying genomic DNA from barley, rye and triticale and can be used to detect potential polymorphism in these species.
Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA tests (RAPDs) cannot be used for paternity testing in South African cranes

The three South African crane species — the Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradisea), the Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) and the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum regulorum) — are listed as threatened by the IUCN. This study investigated the suitability of Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers in paternity testing in these species. RAPD primers were tested for polymorphism and RAPD profiles were scored and screened for sex linkage. The average Band Sharing Coefficient (BSC) of unrelated individuals was 0.665 (±0.103) for Blue Cranes, 0.745 (±0.060) for Grey Crowned Cranes and 0.736 (±0.056) for Wattled Cranes. Comparisons of these BSC values for unrelated individuals with BSC values of parent:offspring combination within the Blue Crane and the Grey Crowned Crane gave inconsistent results, with some parent:offspring BSC values being lower than the BSC of unrelated individuals. The results indicate that RAPDs are inappropriate for use in paternity testing in South African cranes. In the future, microsatellites should be investigated as an alternative paternity-testing technique to RAPD analysis.
The influence of relative humidity on egg hatch in Euseius filandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari, Phytoseiidae)

Abstract: The effects of different relative humidities (50%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85% and 100% RH) on egg hatch were tested at 25 ± 1°C for three strains of Euseius finlandicus Oudemans, two strains of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and two strains of Kampimodromus aberrans Oudemans. At decreasing humidity, egg mortality increased earlier in K. aberrans than in E. finlandicus and T. pyri. E. finlandicus and T. pyri had similar humidity responses. Differences between strains within each species were small. RH50 values (relative humidity at which 50% of eggs hatch) were 50.4%, 52.4% and 53.1% for strains of E. finlandicus, 51.8% and 53.3% for strains of T. pyri, and 55.3% and 57.5% for strains of K. aberrans, respectively. Eggs of the Finnish E. finlandicus strain were most drought resistant (50.4% RH50), eggs of the French K. aberrans strain were most sensitive (57.5% RH50). The results are discussed in relation to the abundance of these species on certain plants and to the humidity responses of other phytoseiids.
Effects of topography on structuring local species assemblages in a Sri Lankan mixed dipterocarp forest

One of the primary goals in community ecology is to determine the relative importance of processes and mechanisms that control biodiversity. Here, we examined habitat‐driven species assemblages and species distribution patterns as well as their temporal variations for three life stages of two censuses of a 25‐ha mixed dipterocarp forest at Sinharaja (Sri Lanka). Our general objective was to find out whether the species assemblages and associated habitat types changed with life stage, spatial scale and species attributes. We also analyse whether the habitat types were related to certain indicator species. Habitat types were determined with multivariate regression tree analyses driven by topographic variables. We found species assemblages associated with five distinct habitat types that appeared consistently for all life stages of the two censuses. These habitats were related to ridge‐valley gradients and a pronounced contrast in south‐west versus north‐east aspect. Habitat‐driven structuring was weak at the recruit stage but strong in the juvenile and adult stages. The species assemblage variance explained by topographic variables for different life stages ranged between 10% for recruits and 23% for juveniles. The species assemblages determined for different spatial scales (10, 20, 50 m) showed similar habitat partitioning, but the variance explained by the topographic variables increased in all life stages with spatial scale. This could be due to the homogenizing effect of topographic variables at the larger scales and unaccounted environmental variation at the smaller scales. The number of indicator species identified in the two censuses was higher in the juvenile stage than in the adult stage, and nearly all indicator species in the adult stage were also indicator species in the juvenile stage. Synthesis. Our study showed that approximately 75% of the variance in local species composition is unexplained. This may be due to spatially structured processes such as dispersal limitation, unaccounted biotic and abiotic environmental variables, and stochastic effects, but only 25% were due to topographic habitat association. Although the pronounced ridge‐valley gradient and contrast of south‐west versus north‐east aspect created consistent habitats, our results suggest that local species assemblages at Sinharaja forest are jointly shaped by neutral and niche processes.
Diet of the bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in relation to substrate, fire and rainfall characteristics in the Tanami Desert

This study uses analysis of faecal pellets to assess the diet of the bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in an area spanning over 230 000 km2 in the Tanami Desert, Northern Territory. More specifically, we examine the link between diet composition, bilby prevalence and the landscape variables of fire, rainfall and substrate. Seed promoted by fire, particularly of Yakirra australiense, was found to be one of the most important components of the diet and constituted ~36% of the relative abundance of identifiable food particles. Bulb from Cyperus bulbosus was also an important component of the diet (18.5% relative abundance). Invertebrates accounted for 39% of the identifable food particles, and termites and beetles were the most common types. Bulb and seed formed a greater component of the diet in the central part of the study area where bilbies were more prevalent. Conversely, invertebrates were more dominant in the bilby diet on the northern and southern periphery of the Tanami Desert. Substrate type and antecedent rainfall associated significantly with the amount of seed from fire-promoted plants and total plant contained in the diet. Time since fire was an additional factor associated with the abundance of dietary fire-promoted seed. This suggests that the spatial and temporal variability of these landscape variables play an important role in controlling the availability of seed and bulb resources used by the bilby, and thus affect bilby prevalence. The results support the proposition that seed and bulb plant foods are exploited opportunistically and invertebrates, especially termites, are relied upon when plant food resources are scarce. Furthermore, the findings indicate that fire management could be used as a means to increase the favourability of habitat for the bilby in parts of its current range.
Recovery of a polluted estuarine system: a mesocosm experiment

Colonnes d'eau contenant des sediments de la Providence River, de la Baie de Narragansett et de Rhode Island plus ou moins pollues (eau usee, metaux lourds, hydrocarbures). Les effets sont semblables pour les trois degres de pollution consideres sur le zoo- et le phytoplancton. Les polluants peuvent persister longtemps dans les sediments mais n'ont pas un large impact sur le comportement de la colonne d'eau au-dessus
Flora of South Yemen — Angiospermae A provisional checklist

An attempt has been made in this paper to compile a check-list of the dicotyledonous plants in the flora of South Yemen on the basis of literature reports as well as several field trips to various localities in the country. In addition, herbarium collections available in the country were studied. In all 467 species belonging to 244 genera from 71 families are given in this check-list. Further studies may reveal the occurrence of more species. It is hoped that this check-list might serve as a step toward a comprehensive flora of South Yemen. Es wird eine zusammenfassende Liste der Angiospermae in der Flora von Sudjemen vorgelegt, die auf Literaturstudien sowie auf verschiedenen Gelandeuntersuchungen in diesem Land beruht. Zusatzlich wurden Sammlungen in Herbarien ausgewertet, soweit diese zur Verfugung standen. Insgesamt werden 467 Arten aus 244 Gattungen, die in 71 verschiedene Familien gehoren, in der Liste aufgefuhrt. Sicher werden weitere Untersuchungen das Artenspektrum erweitern. Moge diese Liste dazu als Anregung dienen.
Effects of weak acids on cation accumulation, ΔpH and ΔΨ in yeast

With glucose as carbon source, as reported by other authors (Conway et al., 1950), yeast cells accumulated large amounts of CO2, carbonic acid, bicarbonate and K+ than when grown with ethanol. The addition of propionic acid to the cells produced an increase in the potassium ion accumulation when cells were incubated with ethanol as substrate, but not when incubated with glucose. In disagreement with Ryan et al. (1971) and Ryan and Ryan (1972), the internal pH of the cells with ethanol was lower than with glucose, eliminating this factor as the limiting factor for potassium accumulation. When the membrane potential difference was estimated, it was found that it was higher with glucose as substrate than with ethanol. In addition, with ethanol the addition of propionic acid produced an increase of the membrane potential, in agreement with the idea of an accumulation of the anions of monoprotic acids, which, being not diffusible, increase the negative membrane potential inside, which can drive the accumulation of larger amounts of monovalent cations. It was also found that the addition of propionic acid to cells incubated with glucose as substrate produced an efflux of CO2 from the cells, so that an exchange of the acid appears to take place. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CONNECTIVITY IN A DRYLAND RIVER: SHORT‐TERM AQUATIC MICROINVERTEBRATE RECRUITMENT FOLLOWING FLOODPLAIN INUNDATION

Periodic hydrological connectivity among fragmented floodplain habitats governs the persistence of aquatic biota. In dryland rivers, unpredictable flooding interspersed with low flows and drying drive their “boom and bust” ecology. During drying, aquatic habitats contract and fragment. Flooding connects and expands habitats, triggering productivity booms in waterbirds, fish, and plants. Microinvertebrates form the base of the food web and also flourish after floods, but their colonization pathways remain unknown. To determine the relative contribution of floodwater-transported propagules vs. emergence of in situ resting stages from inundated sediments, we studied short-term recruitment of microinvertebrates after flooding in the dryland Darling River, Australia. Lakes open to transported and emerging in situ microinvertebrates were compared with lake and laboratory microcosms closed to transported microinvertebrates. Floods imported most early colonists to floodplain lakes. In situ emergence from sediment.
Differences between Hatchery-Raised and Wild Blue Crabs: Implications for Stock Enhancement Potential

Abstract Stock enhancement of severely exploited, recruitment-limited fisheries has been controversial for several reasons, one of which is the lack of information about competency, competitiveness, and survivorship of hatchery-reared individuals released into the field. Because enhancement efforts have focused on finfish, even less information is available with which to assess enhancement potential of crustaceans. The Chesapeake Bay stock of blue crabs Callinectes sapidus has declined by more than 80% over the past 12 years and has exhibited recruitment limitation, leading to recent efforts to study the potential of enhancing populations with hatchery-reared juveniles. To assess how hatchery-raised juvenile blue crabs may fare after release into the Chesapeake Bay, we compared several aspects of hatchery and wild crabs. Hatchery crabs readily fed on natural prey, moved in the field similarly to wild crabs, and grew at rates similar to those of wild crabs; however, the two crab groups differed in other fa.
Fossil Midge Associations in Relation to Trophic and Acidic State of the Turkey Lakes

Most changes in profiles of relative abundance of Chironomus, Sergentia, Procladius, Heterotrissocladius, Micropsectra, Tanytarsus, and other taxa in dated sediment cores suggested a trend to more oligotrophy conditions at present in four dimictic lakes, but not in the single polymictic lake in which species composition was least variable temporally. Decreased numbers of chironomids and chaoborids toward the present indicated declining productivity in all five lakes. Total phosphorus concentrations in sediments declined through these periods of inferred greater oligotrophy. Most of these trends were probably not caused by anthropogenic acidification because they began up to 130 yr B.P. and they were sometimes duplicated even deeper in sediment cores. Furthermore, taxa common in acidified lakes elsewhere did not increase in these lakes. Recent acidification may have affected taxonomic composition and diversity of chironomids in the headwater lake, the only lake which showed a near-surface reduction in memb.