Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pinpointing the level of isolation between two cryptic species sharing the same microhabitat: a case study with a scarabaeid species complex

Understanding the processes of speciation is an important challenge in improving knowledge of the origin of biodiversity. One crucial point is to assess the causes of reproductive isolation, especially in the case of co‐occurring species. Differences in microscale spatial distribution in small organisms may blur the issue. We explored biological processes underlying speciation within dung beetles belonging to the vacca species complex (Scarabaeidae: Onthophagus). The two taxa of this complex, O. vacca and O. medius, not only are known to have a large overlapping Palearctic distribution range but also share the same cowpat with no physical barriers and no observed specific aggregated patterns in the local distribution. The present study aimed at determining the level of isolation between the two taxa and discusses the most likely scenario of the speciation (sympatry vs. allopatry) based on the Coyne & Orr's (2004) four criteria. We conducted a full study on populations sampled within the Mediterranean region integrating morphological analysis (digital image analysis of the elytral melanism pattern), two‐gene phylogenies, population genetic analyses on populations sampled from an area where both species occur and another one with O. vacca only, as well as intra‐ and interspecific mating and crossing bioassays. The variation in the elytral melanism pattern clearly followed a bimodal distribution, with O. medius being more melanic than O. vacca, with a very limited overlapping area. The two taxa are reproductively isolated, with a strong postzygotic incompatibility despite the absence of sexual isolation. Sequence analysis of both nuclear and mitochondrial markers revealed a deep divergence between the two taxa dating back to 8.7 Mya. All findings concurred with some phenological observations and the conclusion that the most likely scenario for speciation in the vacca complex was an allopatric speciation followed by secondary contact.
Effect of Salinity on Seed Germination Characteristics of Five Arid Zone Tree Species

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of salinity on seed germination characteristics of five arid zone tree species under ambient laboratory conditions. The species used were Acacia cyanophylla, A. seyal, A. tortilis, A. tumida and Parkinsonia aculeata. Seeds were sown on filter papers in petri dishes and watered with different salinity levels of 0, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 dSm -1 . A split plot design was used. Effects of salinity on the commencement of germination, germination speed and germination percentage of the five species were evaluated. The results showed considerable interspecific variation in the response of seed germination to salinity among the studied species. No germination took place in all the species in salt concentration of 20 dSm -1 . The salinity levels of 5 dSm -1 and 10 dSm -1 significantly (P>0.05) delayed the initiation of seed germination of all the species except A. cyanophylla, which appeared less sensitive to salinity stress than the other species. The high salinity level (10dSm -1 ) induced significant (P>0.05) reduction in the germination speed of seeds of A. seyal and A. tumida, while it had no significant effect on the germination speeds of the other species. The germination percentage of A. seyal was significantly (P>0.05) retarded by salinity level as low as 2 dSm -1 ; however, the germination percentage of the five species was significantly reduced at moderate (5 dSm -1 ) and high (10dSm -1 ) salinity levels. The results were discussed in context of selection of species with seed characteristics acceptable for plantation establishment in salt-affected areas.
Representations of Subjective Effort Cost

SUMMARY How effortful an action feels critically shapes everyday decisions. Despite the importance of perceptions of effortfulness for making choices, the behavioral and neural representations of the subjective cost of physical effort are not well understood. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor brain activity while participants engaged in risky choices for prospective physical effort independent of reward. Behaviorally we found that participants exhibited increasing sensitivity to changes in subjective effort as objective effort levels increased. Moreover, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) encoded the subjective cost of prospective effort options and integrated these representations to facilitate decisions regarding effort expenditure. These results provide insight into human decision-making by showing how neural representations of feelings of effortfulness engender choices about exertion.
BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF RAW REFRIGERATED GROUND BEEF

A total of 213 samples of various types of raw refrigerated ground beef from 51 different retail stores in Ontario were analyzed for their microbial content. Mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts on 64% of the samples were in excess of 10 million per gram. All samples yielded staphylococci with 98% containing >1000 organisms per gram. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from 17% of the samples. Enterococcus counts ranged from <10 to 10,000 per gram. About 95% of the samples had coliform counts in excess of 100 per gram and counts in individual samples varied from <10 to 100,000 per gram. Salmonellae were not isolated.
Application of Post-Emergence ALS Inhibitor Herbicides Associated or Not to Glyphosate in RR/STS Soybean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of ALS inhibitor herbicides, applied isolated and associated with glyphosate in post-emergence of soybean cultivar presenting the RR/STS technologies. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and ten treatments. The treatments consisted of the application of glyphosate and ALS inhibitors herbicides, isolated and associated with glyphosate. The application of treatments occurred in V4 stage of plant development. The evaluation of phytointoxication, SPAD index was conducted, as well as variables related to agronomic performance (height, number of pods per plant, yield and mass of a thousand seeds). Yet additional test with the same cultivar and treatment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with four replications. Soybean cultivar CD 2630 RR/STS presented itself tolerant to application in post-emergence herbicides used alone or combined with glyphosate. Except to metsulfuron-methyl (2.4 g a.i. ha-1), associated or not with glyphosate (960 g a.e. ha-1).
EFFECT OF POLLINATION OF ONION SEEDS UNDER ISOLATION BY THE RED MASON BEE (Osmia rufa L.) (Apoidea, Megachilidae) ON THE SETTING AND QUALITY OF OBTAINED SEEDS Zdzis³aw W ilkaniec, K arol G iejdasz, Grzegorz P rószyñski

Summary The aim of the experiment was to assess the results of the pollination of seed onion by the red mason bee Osmia rufa L. in isolated conditions in comparison with self-pollination and free pollination. The results allowed the authors to conclude that Osmia rufa is an effective onion pollinator. Even though the mean number of fruits in the inflorescence set as a result of onion flower pollination by Osmia rufa, was lower than that resulting from free pollination, the percentage of pollinated flowers, which set seeds in the total number of flowers in the inflorescence was very similar in both systems of pollination. In addition, the total seed yield as well as the weight of 1,000 seed did not differ in the case of the pollination by the solitary bee and free pollination. Seeds set as a result of the pollination by the solitary bee and free pollination were characterized by the best germination capacity and energy. Self-pollinated onion inflorescences produced the lowest seed yields, which were, in addition, characterized by low germination capacity and energy.
Enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar paratyphi A: An emerging health concern in Nepal

Enteric fever is an invasive life-threatening systemic disease caused by the Salmonella enterica human-adapted serovars typhi and paratyphi. Increased incidence of infection with S. enterica serovar paratyphi A poses a significant health concern in some areas of the world. In this study, the incidence of enteric fever confirmed by isolation of Salmonella paratypi A or S. typhi from blood cultures of patients presenting with clinical symptoms was 5.1%. Of the total isolates, 64.13% were S. paratyphi A, and 35.87% were Salmonella typhi. All isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin, ceftriaxone and cefixime. Conventional antibiotics (ampicillin, cloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole) showed 100% sensitivity rate towards S. paratyphi A and 96.9% towards S. typhi. Overall nalidixic acid-resistance (NAR) rate was extremely high (92.39%). Nalidixic acid resistant (MIC ≥ 32 µg/ml) S. paratyphi A showed increased MICs of the fluoroquinolone than nalidixic acid resistant S. typhi ranges from 0.125-8 µg/ml with ciprofloxacin and 0.25-4 µg/ml with levofloxacin and was statistically significant (p≤0.001). Immunization with currently available vaccines against typhoid fever does not provide cross protection against paratyphoid fever. This may contribute to the emergence of paratyphoid fever as the major cause of enteric fever in Nepal and possibly other geographical locations. Key words: Enteric fever, Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella typhi, fluoroquinolones (FQs), Nepal.
Seasonal Variation in Growth, Nitrogen Uptake and Allocation by Container-grown Evergreen and Deciduous Rhododendron Cultivars

Growth, nitrogen (N) uptake, and N storage were assessed in transplanted 1-year-old rhododendron liners. Two evergreen cultivars, Rhododendron 'P. J. Mezitt Compact' (PJM) and R. 'English Roseum' (ER), and one deciduous cultivar, R. 'Gibraltar' (AZ), were transplanted into 1-gal. pots and given liquid fertilizer with (+N) or without (-N) N. Increased N availability increased growth after July (ER, PJM) or August (AZ), and resulted in three to five times more total biomass. Biomass continued to increase after stem elongation and leaf production ceased. Nitrogen uptake was correlated with growth of all plant structures on AZ, whereas N uptake was only correlated with stem and leaf growth on evergreen cultivars. The rate of N uptake was highest before July for AZ (1.9 mgd -1 ) and in August and September for the evergreen cultivars (' 5m gd -1 ). Thirteen percent to 16% of total N uptake from between May and February occurred after N fertilization ceased at the beginning of September. Plants contained the most N in October (AZ), November (PJM), or December (ER). Biomass loss after November accounted for a loss of 14% to 48% of the maximum total plant N content. Nitrogen demand by roots and stems increased from May to February in all cultivars. The role of new and old leaves in N storage on evergreen cultivars varied with cultivar and time. Differences in N storage between the evergreen cultivars occurred primarily in their roots and leaves. Over the winter, PJM stored more N in its roots, whereas ER stored more N in its leaves. Changes in N concentrations and contents in different plant structures after November indicate that, during early winter, N stored in other structures moves to roots and old stems of PJM, old stems of ER, and roots and new and old stems of AZ. These results suggest that fertilizer application strategies for transplanted liners of these cultivars should include low N availability after transplanting followed by high N availability in mid to late summer. This type of strategy will not only improve N uptake efficiency from fertilizer, but also will minimize N loss from the containers. The results also demonstrated that N uptake in the autumn may play an important role in supplementing plant N reserves required for growth during the next season as well as for balancing N losses incited by leaf abscission, root turnover, and maintenance functions that occur over winter.
Food security status, issues and challenges in Malaysia: A review

Food security is becoming an issue of great importance in not only developing countries but also in the developed world. There is an intimate relationship between food security and poverty. Food insecurity is a common problem among the low-income households in the developing countries including Malaysia. This paper aims to identify and review literatures that have given effort to measure food security status at household as well as national level in Malaysia. The paper also focuses on the issues and challenges of food security in Malaysia. Literatures were identified for review through a comprehensive search by using electronic and non-electronic databases. Based on the review of literature, it was found that household food security is significantly correlated with the income level of the households. Other socioeconomic variables of the households also affect the food security status of the households. More of the food insecure households are living below the poverty line, have a larger household size, low education level, more children and school going children and mothers as housewives. From the national perspective, Malaysia has achieved a significant increase in the production of several basic food items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, fisheries, and poultry. However, the country is highly dependent on importation of many agricultural products such as wheat, beef, mutton and dairy items due to their rising demand as well as relatively limited local production. Therefore, the key challenge for food security in the country is to achieve self-sufficiency level in most of the food requirements as well as to reduce dependency on food importation. So, further research is urgently needed to set more effective policies and strategies for achieving the selfsufficiency in producing food commodities in the country.
Antibacterial Activity of Some Herbs Water Extract against Escherichia coli

The research aims to select the highest diameter inhibition zone of several types of herb water extract against Escherichia coli and find the best herb water extract towards minimum inhibition concentration. It was divided into two parts, in the first stage was to evaluate antibacterial activity of herbs water extract and the second stage was to evaluate concentration of extract to effectively inhibit growth of E. coli . In the first experiment there were 6 treatments; P 0 (aquadest 100%), P 1 (antibiotic tetrachlor), P 2 ( Zingiber officinale extract), P 3 ( Z. officinale var. Rubrum extract), P 4 ( Kaempferia galanga extract) and P 5 ( Z. zerumbet L. extract) tested to find the best herbs on the basis of diameter inhibition zone. In the second experiment 6 treatments were used namely from 0%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% of Z. officinale var. Rubrum extract tested for Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) against E. coli . The results showed that among the herbs, Z. officinale var. Rubrum extract had the strongest antibacterial activity based on diameter of inhibition zone against E. coli . While as low as 50% of Z. officinale var. Rubrum extract showed an MIC although the highest activity indicated when 100% of Z. officinale var. Rubrum extract used. Keywords: Z. officinale var. Rubrum, diameter of inhibition zone, MIC and E . coli .
Control of postharvest decay in organic grown apples by hot water treatment

In general, organic grown apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.) are not treated with chemical fungicides to prevent storage decay and these fruits may suffer up to 30% decay during storage. Preliminary experiments had shown that hot water dipping of apples may be an alternative. To inhibit Gloeosporium rot (Pezicula alba, P. malicortis) water temperature may be of about 50°C and dipping time from 60 sec up to 180 sec. The present investigation was conducted to test different ranges of temperatures (49°C, 51°C, 53°C) and dipping time periods (60 sec, 120 sec, 180 sec) in 'Ingrid Marie' apple cultivar. The objective was to determinate the suitable hot water treatment that prevent decay incidence and maintain fruit quality (firmness, scale symptoms). Monilla fructigena was reduced up to 83% by the hot water treatment at 53°C and 180 sec dipping time. With this treatment Gloeosporium rot was also reduced up to 92% but the incidence of decay with Nectria galligena increased in the 60 sec treatment at all temperatures. Scale symptoms were found when the fruits were treated at 51°C and 180 sec. There was no effect on fruit firmness after the heat treatment. For the reduction of post harvest decay, the treatment 53°C and 180 sec is recommended. For cultivars with a high sensitivity to skin disorders it is recommended dips for 120 sec or 180 sec at the highest cultivar specific temperature showing no symptoms.
Effect of feeding before, during and after milking on dairy cow behaviour and the hormone cortisol

The present study was performed to find out how dairy cow behaviour and the level of the adrenocortical hormone cortisol were influenced by feeding in relation to milking The experiment was designed as a Latin square and performed on 24 primiparous and multiparous Swedish Red and White dairy cows. Each treatment period lasted for 21 days, including 11 days when the cows became accustomed to the new routines. The cows were exposed to three treatments: feeding 1·5 h before milking (FBM), feeding exactly at the same time as milking (FDM) and feeding 1·5 h after milking (FAM). Recordings of individual behaviour were made with instantaneous direct observation of each cow. For the statistical analyses the recordings were divided into two groups: 0 to 1·5 h after feeding and 0 to 1·5 h after milking. Results with a P-value below 0·05 were regarded as statistically significant. The interesting findings in this study were: (a) 0 to 1·5 h after feeding, the percentage of lying was higher in FDM and the percentage of lying while ruminating was higher in FDM; (b) 0 to 1·5 h after milking, the cows in FAM had a significantly lower percentage of social interactions and a significantly higher percentage of oral activity; and (c) feeding-related level of cortisol stayed higher 30 to 60 min after feeding in FAM compared with FBM and FDM, whereas milking-related cortisol secretion tended to be lower in FDM than in FBM and FAM These results demonstrate that feeding during milking may be an important management routine, also for dairy cow behaviour.
New species of marasmius (Basidiomycetes, Tricholomataceae) from tropical Africa-1. sect. epiphylli, fusicystides, globulares, hygrometrici and neosessiles

Twelve new taxa (11 species and 1 variety) of the genus Marasmius s. str. (Basidiomycetes, Tricholomataceae) from tropical Africa are published. Six species (M albidocremeus, M. camerunensis, M. lacteoides, M. muramwyanensis, M. kigwenensis, M. tshopoensis) belong to sect. Globulares, two species (and one variety) to sect. Hygrometrici (M. minutoides, M. minutoides var. angustisporus, M nyikae), and one species each to sect. Epiphylli (M foliiphilus), sect. Fusicystides (M. longicystidiatus) and sect. Neosessiles (M bururiensis). Detailed macroscopic and microscopic description, drawings and a short discussion is given for each species. These studies represent a part of a larger taxonomic project dealing with African Marasmii.
The Ecology of Extrafloral Nectar in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii

Premise of the study: Extrafloral nectar (EFN) mediates food for protection mutualisms between plants and defensive insects. Understanding sources of variation in EFN production is important, as they may affect the number and identity of visitors, and the effectiveness of plant defense. We investigated the influence of plant developmental stage, time of day, leaf age, and leaf damage on EFN production in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii (Isely) H.S. Irwin & Barneby. The observed patterns of variation in EFN production were compared with those predicted by optimal defense theory. Methods: Greenhouse experiments with potted plants were conducted to determine how plant age, time of day, and leaf damage affected EFN production. A subsequent field study was conducted to determine how leaf damage, and the resulting increase in EFN production, affected ant visitation in S. chapmanii.
Concentrations of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers in Human Plasma Reflect Intake of Dairy Products with Enhanced cis-9, trans-11 or tran-10, cis-12 Isomer Content

Dairy products are a primary source of c9, t11-CLA, an anti-carcinogenic agent, in the diet of humans. The t10, c12-CLA isomer, typically in trace amounts in bovine milk fat, also may benefit human health. Four cows received abomasal infusions of c9, t11-CLA or t10, c12-CLA to obtain milk fat used to prepare butter and yogurt with enhanced c9, t11-CLA or t10, c12-CLA content. Human subjects (3 males, 3 females, ages 22 to 29) received CLA-enhanced butter and yogurt (14% of total kcal) in a crossover study with 2wk periods. Prior to the study (2 wk) and during a 2-wk washout period between the experimental periods, subjects received butter and yogurt without enhanced CLA content. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 wk relative to the start of the first experimental period. The t10, c12CLA isomer was detected in plasma (1.32 ug/mL) only when dairy products with enhanced t10, c12-CLA was consumed. Baseline c9, t11CLA was 6.94 ug/mL plasma during control periods, but increased to 8.95 ug/mL when dairy products with enhanced c9, t11-CLA content were consumed. Results indicated concentrations of CLA isomers in human plasma respond to small changes in daily intake of the isomers in dietary sources. TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract . ii Table of
Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer on Dry Matter Production and Distribution in Three Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Varieties in Ghana

Dry matter production and its partition are the best measure and index of the total performance and response of a crop to growth conditions. Two-season experiment was conducted in soil with low available phosphorus (P) to study dry matter production and partitioning among the cowpea plant as influenced by either variety or phosphorus application using triple super phosphate (46% P2O5). In the present study IT89KD-347-57 consistently produced the highest number of leaves. The number of leaves per plant did not differ significantly (p>0.05) with phosphorus application; however, 60 kg haG rate consistently yielded the greatest number of leaves. Asomdwee and Asetenapa recorded the highest and lowest leaf area of 1731.22 and 769.27 cm, respectively. Leaf area also increased consistently with P application, with 20 kg haG been the optimal rate for greater leaf area. However, leaf area did not differ significantly (p>0.05) with P application. Net assimilation rate was not significantly influenced by P and therefore, 0 kg haG rate yielded the highest NAR. Dry matter production increased with age of plant regardless of the levels of P applied, with 60 kg haG yielding the mean highest value. Dry matter accumulation in the stem was consistently higher than the remaining plant parts regardless of the levels of P applied. However, dry matter production and partitioning among above ground parts were significantly (p<0.05) affected by cowpea variety but not P application. The results in this study indicate that dry matter production among cowpea is totally dependent on varietal differences but not phosphorus application.