Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pollinator visitation, stigmatic pollen loads and among‐population variation in seed set in Lythrum salicaria

1 Small populations of reward‐producing plants are likely to be less attractive to animal pollinators than large populations. As a result, both the quantity and the proportion of compatible pollen deposited on receptive stigmas, and seed output per plant, may be lower in small than in large populations. 2 We examined whether pollinator visitation, pollen deposition and seed set varied with population size in the self‐incompatible, tristylous herb Lythrum salicaria, in the Skeppsvik archipelago, northern Sweden. We documented both the number of compatible and incompatible conspecific and heterospecific pollen grains received per flower, seed set and degree of pollen limitation of long‐styled plants in 14 populations of different size in two consecutive years, and recorded the visitation rate to individual plants and the number of flowers visited per plant in eight of the populations. 3 As predicted, the visitation rate tended to increase, while the number of flowers visited per plant tended to decrease with increasing population size. However, visitation rates were low overall and temporally highly variable, and these relationships only approached statistical significance. The proportion and absolute number of compatible pollen grains received increased with population size, while the total amounts of conspecific and heterospecific pollen grains received did not vary significantly with population size. The results of supplemental hand‐pollinations indicated that the among‐population variation in seed set was due to insufficient transfer of compatible pollen in small populations. 4 Seed output increased with the receipt of compatible pollen grains up to about 200 compatible pollen grains received per flower. Between 73% and 98% of the L. salicaria pollen grains received were incompatible, and between 9% and 81% of the pollen grains deposited were heterospecific (population means). However, there was no evidence that the deposition of high numbers of incompatible conspecific and heterospecific pollen grains reduced seed set. 5 In the study populations of L. salicaria, variation in seed output and pollen limitation are apparently governed primarily by factors influencing the transfer of compatible pollen. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that a reduction in the efficiency of pollen transfer among compatible mating types may markedly reduce the reproductive output in small populations of self‐incompatible plants. In light of the current rapid transformation and fragmentation of habitats, there is a pressing need both to clarify how the pollination success of plants with different pollination systems is affected by large‐scale changes in population size, density and isolation, and to determine the demographic consequences of differences in pollination intensity.
Expansion récente du mélèze à la limite des forêts (Québec nordique)

The contact between tamarack stands and tundra sites, located at the forest limit and at the tree line (Leaf River, Northern Quebec), represents colonization ecotones where tree populations react to climatic change. At the forest limit, the ecotones are about 20 m wide and are supporting most of the young tamarack populations established from nearby forest seed bearers. Tamarack seedlings and saplings established mostly on moss carpets between 1940 and 1970 during the recent climatic warming. At the altitudinal and the latitudinal tree lines, seedling establishment was rather unimportant, considering the very low tamarack density and the absence of black spruce seedlings. The recent climatic warming had probably influenced the consolidation of preexisting tree populations more than the position of the tree line.
The effect of field-level clothianidin exposure on the prevalence and loads of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes in bumblebees (B. terrestris)

Neonicotinoids have been implicated in the declines of honeybees and wild bees based on their lethal and sublethal toxicity, identified in numerous laboratory studies. Recently, a field study with replicated and matched landscapes identified for the first time detrimental effects of a neonicotinoid on colonies of free-foraging bees. Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.) colonies that were exposed to oilseed rape flowers (Brassica napus L.) grown from clothianidin-coated seed, gained less weight and clony strength and produced fewer queens than control colonies. In this master thesis, the pathogenic and non-pathogenic microflorae of adults and pupae of these experimental Bombus terrestris colonies were examined using (Reverse transcripton-) quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Eight different RNA viruses were targeted in both pupae and adults. In addition the presence and loads of five eukaryotic pathogens and two non-pathogenic gut bacteria were examined in adults but not in pupae. The additional measurements of body mass suggested that clothianidin-exposed bees had a reduced body mass, while this effect was not observed in adults. Clothianidin-exposed adults were however smaller than control bees, as measured by their intertegular distance. Only one RNA virus (ABPV) was detected in pupae samples, while three viruses were detected in adult bees (ABPV, SBPV, SBV). In the adults we detected also the Bombus-specific pathogens Nosema bombi and Crithidia bombi. The latter was in general very prevalent, but found in significantly fewer control colonies and in smaller loads than clothianidin-exposed colonies. Both non-pathogenic bacteria, Snodgrassella alvi and Gilliamella apicola, were found in a majority of colonies. In contrast to Crithidia bombi, Snodgrassella alvi showed elevated loads and prevalence in clothianidin treated fields. We suspect an antagonistic relationship between the two microorganisms may be responsible for the opposite trends they showed towards the neonicotinoid. However, we could not establish such a relationship based on our data. We see a need to further study the interaction between pathogens, non-pathogenic bacteria and pesticides.
Effects of two commercial microdiets on growth and survival of barramundi (Lates calcarifer Bloch) larvae within various early weaning protocols

Because of high costs and labour requirements along with the highly variable nutritional value of live feeds, we investigated the possibility of early weaning for barramundi (Lates calcarifer Bloch) larvae aimed at reducing the use of Artemia. Two commercial microdiets, Gemma Micro (Skretting, Australia) and Proton (INVE, Belgium) were compared for growth and survival of larvae using three weaning protocols, until 33 days posthatch (dph). Enriched rotifers were fed to larvae in all protocols through mouth opening until 21, 18 and 30 dph (protocols 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At 13 dph, enriched Artemia metanauplii were introduced to weaning protocols 1 and 2, and continued until 29 and 24 dph, respectively, whereas protocol 3 did not receive Artemia. Microdiet was initiated at 20, 16 and 13 dph in protocols 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Barramundi larvae grew successfully to 33 dph when co-fed rotifers and microdiet, and significantly larger larvae resulted from feeding Gemma Micro rather than Proton, when Artemia were not used. However, larvae weaned onto Proton using a longer period of Artemia provision were significantly larger than larvae reared according to all other protocols. Survival was significantly higher in all Gemma Micro protocols when compared with Proton protocols. This was in part due to higher cannibalism when using Proton compared with Gemma Micro (22.8 ± 0.9% and 9.2 ± 0.6%, respectively). Cannibalism became more noticeable in all protocols when the larvae reached 7-8 mm standard length and further increased after the cessation of live feed. Tank biomass production was the highest when larvae were weaned onto Gemma Micro including a short period of Artemia provision as a result of a combination of high growth and survival. However, similar biomass production resulted when larvae were weaned directly from rotifers onto Gemma Micro and/or from a prolonged Artemia period onto proton. The success of weaning barramundi larvae directly to microdiet from rotifers, thus eliminating the need for Artemia, was influenced by the microdiet. Relatively higher levels of free amino acids and lipids were believed to contribute to increasing larval growth and survival. Larvae that were fed Gemma Micro showed higher growth when Artemia were utilized for a shorter period, while Proton-fed larvae benefited from an extended Artemia feeding period.
Histological changes in the ovaries of the golden perch, Plectroplites ambiguus, associated with the reproductive cycle

Histological changes in the ovary are described. P. ambiguus requires the stimulus of a flood to trigger spawning. If a flood fails to occur, yolky oocytes become atretic and their contents are resorbed. New vitellogenesis commences immediately after spawning or in May-June if spawning fails to occur, and continues throughout the winter months. The possible significance of the unusual ovarian cycle of this species is discussed.
Specialization pays off: contrasting effects of two types of tannins on oak specialist and generalist moth species

Phytochemical coevolution theory posits that specialist herbivores will be less sensitive than generalists to the defensive compounds of their host. On the other hand, both types of herbivores should allegedly be similarly sensitive to 'quantitative' defences, such as tannin compounds. In this paper, we critically examine the biological effects of two types of tannins: vescalagin (a quantitatively dominant hydrolysable tannin of Quercus robur), and a mix of condensed tannins. In a phylogenetically controlled design, we compare the response of two specialist moth species (Dichonia aprilina and Catocala sponsa) and two generalist species (Acronicta psi and Amphipyra pyramidea) to four artificial diets: a control diet, a diet with 50 mg g -1 vescalagin, a diet with 15 mg g -1 condensed tannins, and a diet with both 50 mg g- 1 vescalagin and 15 mgg -1 condensed tannins. Overall, we find drastic effects of vescalagin and pronounced differences in the responses of generalist and specialist herbivores, but no detectable effects of condensed tannins, and no interaction between the two types of compounds. More specifically, vescalagin reduced the growth of generalist species to one-half of control levels over 72 h. The compound served as a strong feeding deterrent to generalists, reducing ingestion rates by two-thirds. Vescalagin also reduced the metabolic and growth efficiency of generalist species to between 16% and 56% of control levels - effects which were lacking or even reversed in specialist species. These patterns suggest that vescalagin forms an important part of the oak's defence against herbivores, and that specialist species have adapted to deal with such substances. In terms of biological effects, condensed tannins seem much less important. Given a quantitative dominance of hydrolysable tannins over condensed tannins in oak leaves, and a seasonal decline in overall tannin levels, these findings contradict the previous notion that widespread spring feeding among oak herbivores could be attributed to tannins.
PENERAPAN TEKNIK PETA PIKIRAN (MIND MAP) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP GEOGRAFI PADA PESERTA DIDIK KELAS XI-2 IPS SMAN 1 RASAU JAYA KABUPATEN KUBU RAYA

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangai oleh lemahnya pemahaman konsep geografi peserta didik di SMAN 1 Rasau Jaya. penyebab lemahnya pemahaman konsep geografi adalah materi ajar yang sangat banyak pada setiap pokok bahasannya membuat guru sering memilih memberikan tugas meringkas materi dan mendiktekan materi kepada peserta didik disetiap pertemuannya. Salah satu upaya untuk mengetahui peningkatan pemahaman konsep geografi peserta didik adalah dengan dapat menerapkan teknik peta pikiran. Penelitian ini juga dapat mengetahui hambatan yang dihadapi selama penerapan teknik peta pikiran. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain Penelitian Tindakan kelas (PTK) yang dilaksanakan di SMAN 1 Rasau Jaya pada semester genap. Subjek penelitian adalah peserta didik kelas XI IPS 2 dengan jumlah peserta didik 24, peserta didik laki-laki 12 dan peserta didik perempuan 12. Rencana tindakan dilaksanakan melalui dua siklus dan disetiap siklusnya terdiri dari dua tindakan. Adapun dalam setiap tindakan terdiri dari tiga kegiatan yaitu: perencanaan ( planning ), pelaksanaan ( action ), dan refleksi ( reflection ). Indikator keberhasilan yang ditetapkan apabila 75% dari jumlah peserta didik atau sekitar 18 peserta didik mencapai KKM. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pemahaman konsep geografi peserta didik melalui penerapan teknik peta pikiran ( Mind Map ) pada mata pelajaran geografi. Peningkatan tersebut dapat dilihat dari setiap tindakan yang dilakukan. Hambatan yang dihadapi selama pelaksanaan penelitian diantaranya keterbatasan waktu penelitian, penguasaan langkah-langkah teknik pembelajaran, manajemen waktu yang kurang baik oleh guru model, dan kurangnya minat peserta didik dalam membaca dan menulis. Kesimpulannya, teknik peta pikiran ( Mind Map ) dapat meningkatkan pemahaman konsep geografi peserta didik. Rekomendasi dalam penelitian ini adalah guru dapat mencoba menggunakan teknik peta pikiran untuk pembelajaran selanjutnya, selain dapat mempermudah dalam penyampaian pokok bahasan yang banyak juga dapat melatih guru dalam penggunaan waktu yang efisien. , melatih minat baca dan menulis peserta didik serta melatih ketekunan, ketelitian dan kesabaran peserta didik. Kata k unci : teknik peta pikiran, pemahaman konsep, penelitian tindakan kelas.
Propriedade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de plantas condimentares com potencial de uso como conservante em carne e hambúrguer bovino e testes de aceitação

The studies of natural products with potential applications in food has caused increasing concern since the need to produce processed foods to a minimum, with fewer synthetic additives, organoleptic properties preserved and extended shelf life. In this context essential oils from plants used as condiments for flavoring and high antimicrobial potential gain a new perspective of use. A dissertation presented is divided into 3 general introduction and manuscripts, each one aimed respectively: Article I) to verify the antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare (oregano), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Ocimum basilicum (basil) and Origanum majorana (marjoram) in samples of minced meat and hamburger beef artificially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis in trials with 3 hours of contact and then using a concentration below found effective in trials with 0, 6, 24 and 48 hours, Article II) to check the acceptability of these same burger plus oil by sensory analysis using a hedonic scale of nine points and Article III) to verify the antimicrobial activity of EO on the normal flora of ground beef produced at retail. In tests with 3 hours of contact, EO marjoram showed the best antimicrobial efficiency while basil was the least efficient. Samples of hamburger NaCl apparently acted additively requiring lower concentrations of EO. In tests of the temporal variation of oregano EO was able to reset the scores in three of the four models of temporal variation study. For sensory analysis with regard to raw hamburger analyzed no rejection. For grilled samples, two additions of oil stood out: the marjoram to 0.03% with best average acceptance (7.33) and thyme (0.05%) with the worst average (4.25). Thus, it was found that the concentrations accepted in sensory tests do not match those considered effective in sensitivity tests. In tests on the microbiology of meat was found that the EO have been ineffective on the microorganisms to the highest concentration tested of 2.2%, while for the psychrotrophic, the EO were more efficient in the oregano and thyme. As for chemical analysis of the EO, and their major compounds, the literature suggests significant influence on the bacterial membrane permeability and altering its structure. Thus, the use of essential oils in food still needs to be studied in order to determine interactions with the constituents of food, and establish models for optimization of antimicrobial effect as well as permissible levels for drinking.
Tailoring Conservation Agriculture to the Needs of Small Farmers in Developing Countries

Abstract Conservation agriculture (CA) is characterized by surface crop residue retention and minimal soil movement. It is a complex technology that involves not only a change in many of the farmer's cultural practices, but also a change in mind-set to overcome the use of the plow. CA is knowledge-intensive, and success with the system may depend more on what the farmer does than the level of inputs applied. However, smallholder farmers are generally characterized by weak links to information systems outside those of the community, while close community linkages tend to reinforce traditional activities. They commonly manage complex crop-livestock systems, where crop residues play an important role in animal nutrition. This, coupled with communal grazing rights, makes the retention of sufficient surface residues a difficult practice for small farmers, especially in rain-fed systems where residue production levels are low. Smallholders often have weak links to input and output markets, as well as limited access to capital and credit. These factors complicate access to non-traditional inputs, and to crop diversification and the establishment of crop rotations: an important practice to overcome pest and disease carryover in CA. Adequate equipment for direct seeding is a prerequisite for successful CA, but comparatively few resources have been dedicated to the development of direct-seeding equipment for low draught power conditions, given the relatively small profit margins associated with small equipment. All of these factors stress the need for the catalysis and development of innovation systems focusing on the development of CA in smallholder farming communities, and supporting the efforts of innovative farmers within these. Strategies for the successful adoption and management of CA practices need to address the issue of an enhanced knowledge base of individual farmers and the community.
Starch Grain Analysis in California and the Great Basin

Abstract Understanding variability in prehistoric diets requires data on plant and animal remains. While zooarchaeological approaches continue to provide fine-grained information on the animal components of diet, plant use is difficult to track within a wide range of archaeological contexts. Starch grain analysis is a proven method for identifying the taxonomic relationships of plant microfossils deposited on archaeological artifacts. Here I report on practical and methodological considerations for the application of starch research to California and Great Basin archaeobotanical remains. The study examines the feasibility of the approach in identifying plant use on a small set (n = 8) of ground stone artifacts recovered from the Leonard Hot Spring locality, Surprise Valley, northeastern California. The exercise yielded a total of 111 starch grains. Of these, 52 were diagnostic of edible plant taxa. The possibilities for monitoring past patterns of plant consumption and variation therein through time and space are clearly indicated. The study also highlighted three requirements for greater methodological accuracy: (1) analytical categorization of comparative samples enabling identification of species with overlapping morphological and size features, (2) expanded comparative libraries, and (3) experimental processing. Results indicate the strength of the method in identifying plant remains where other methods are unavailable or inconclusive.
Multiple stressors in agricultural streams: interactions among sediment addition, nutrient enrichment and water abstraction

Summary 1. Many ecosystems are influenced simultaneously by multiple stressors, and the consequences of stressors are often unpredictable on the basis of knowledge of single effects. Agriculture affects streams world-wide via nutrient enrichment, elevated fine sediment and water abstraction for irrigation, but the combined impacts of these stressors are unknown. 2. We manipulated all three stressors simultaneously in an 18-day experiment and determined their individual and pair-wise combined effects on benthic invertebrates, algal biomass and leaf decay. We added nutrients (phosphorus plus nitrogen) and/or fine sediment (grain size 0·2 mm) to 18 experimental stream channels (dimensions 250 × 15 × 15 cm) supplied with water from a nearby stream. Three sediment and three nutrient treatments (high, intermediate, natural) were applied to each of six channels while flow was reduced by 80% in half the channels. Invertebrates (composition, abundance) and algae (chlorophyll a) were assayed using ceramic tile substrata and leaf decay was assayed using bundled leaves of a native shrub. Invertebrates colonizing leaf packs were also sampled. 3. Effects of sediment addition and flow reduction on biological response parameters were twice as common as nutrient enrichment effects. Nutrient enrichment increased total invertebrate abundance on tiles, algal biomass accrual and leaf decay rates, whereas both sediment addition (at the highest level) and flow reduction had mostly negative effects (e.g. reduced algal biomass, invertebrate abundance and/or taxonomic richness). 4. Stressors interacted often, and interactions between sediment and flow were particularly common. The negative impact of added sediment on aquatic biota was stronger at reduced flow, especially on tile substrata that were more exposed to the current than leaf-pack substrata. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our key findings imply that abstracting water from a stream already subjected to high fine sediment inputs may have far worse effects on the invertebrate fauna than abstraction from a similar stream with lower sediment levels. Aquatic resource managers should be aware of this important interaction between multiple stressors.
Nutrients and pH regulate algicide accumulation in cultures of the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria laetevirens.

• The change in algicide synthesis in response to nutrients and pH in axenic cultures of the planktonic cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria laetevirens is reported. • Analytical and bioassay techniques were used to determine the effects of nitrogen (N), sulpher (S), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg2+ ), calcium (Ca2+ ) and hydrogen (H+ ) on Oscillatoria laetevirens growth, secondary metabolite accumulation and minimum inhibitory concentration in culture filtrates. • Growth and secondary metabolite production were affected by nutrient addition. High algicide production, which was not dependent on optimal growth, correlated with deficiences of magnesium and phosphate, and high pH. Algicidal activity in the culture medium was not detected following organic nitrogen addition while optimal growth was sustained; however, ammonia reduced biomass yield but did not affect algicide formation. The differential algicide concentration inside the cells and in the culture medium indicated secretion by an efflux mechanism rather than leakage from aging cells. • Algicide production by Oscillatoria laetevirens was negatively regulated by both phosphate and magnesium, and by pH. The interactive influence of nutrients and allelopathy is discussed in species succession and dominance in the maintenance of freshwater blooms.