Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic analyses suggest strong population connectivity over large spatial scales of the commercially important baitworm, Australonuphis teres (Onuphidae)

Barriers to dispersal can disrupt gene flow between populations, resulting in genetically distinct populations. Although many marine animals have potential for long-distance dispersal via a planktonic stage, gene flow among populations separated by large geographic distances is not always evident. Polychaetes are ecologically important and have been used as biological surrogates for marine biodiversity. Some polychaete species are used as bait for recreational fisheries, with this demand supporting commercial fisheries for polychaetes to service the retail bait market. However, despite their ecological and economic importance, very little is known about the life history or population dynamics of polychaetes, and few studies have used genetic or genomic approaches to understand polychaete population connectivity. Here, we investigate the population structure of one commonly collected beachworm species used for bait on the eastern coast of Australia, namely, Australonuphis teres, by using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data. We sampled A. teres from hierarchical nested spatial scales along 900km of the coast in New South Wales. We identified six genetic groups, but there was no clear geographic pattern of distribution. Our results suggest that there is considerable gene flow among the sampled populations. These high-resolution genomic data support the findings of previous studies, and we infer that oceanographic processes promote genetic exchange among polychaete populations in south-eastern Australia.
Morphology of the larvae of three species of Arrenurus (Acari: Parasitengona: Arrenuridae)

Morphology of the larval stages of Arrenurus sinuator (O. F. Müller, 1776), Arrenurus bifidicodulus Piersig, 1897, and Arrenurus perforatus George, 1881 is described. Particular attention is paid to the characters differing between the three species. Larvae of the three species differ in the size and shape of the dorsal plate, although the proportions of their length and width are the same. Distinct differences appear between the proportions in the length of the lateral margins of the epimers. In A. sinuator and A. perforatus the shape of the anal plates is very similar, the only difference being a small process on the posterior margin of the plate. In A. bifidicodulus the shape of the anal plate is slightly different owing to the truncated anterior margin. The structure of the pedipalps also differs. The PIII1 setae are always bipectinate but they are distinctly thicker in A. sinuator and A. perforatus. In A. sinuator PV4 and PV5 setae are bipectinate, in A. perforatus PV3, PV4 and PV5 setae are pectinate, and in A. bifidicodulus the PV3 seta is pectinate. Distinct differences also occur in the feathering of legs. Above all, in A. perforatus on the tarsus of leg pair III one more seta was observed and marked as IIITa8. The present description of the larval A. sinuator is compared to that given by Stechmann (1977) and the description of the larval A. bifidicodulus is compared to that given by Cichocka (1980).
THE ACCUMULATIVE EFFECT OF FINNSHEEP BREEDING IN CROSSBREEDING SCHEMES: EWE PRODUCTIVITY UNDER AN ACCELERATED LAMBING SYSTEM

Ewes representing DLS, Finnsheep (F) and seven of their crosses were subjected to a system of lambing every 8 mo on a commercial farm. Ewes were mated in spring (Apr.), autumn (Aug.) and winter (Dec). For the three mating seasons, fertility was 80, 86 and 87% while number of lambs born alive was 1.85, 2.21 and 2.25 and those weaned were 1.84, 2.38 and 1.67 lambs, respectively. Fertility was highest in Finnsheep (98%) and 6/8F (97%). The largest (2.8) and smallest (1.2 lambs) litters were born to 7/8F and DLS ewes, respectively. The average interval between lambings was 264 d corresponding to 1.38 lambings producing 2.3 lambs ewe−1 yr−1. The 6/8F ewes had the highest productivity (3.27 lambs, 55.3 kg ewe−1 yr−1) followed by 5/8F and Finnsheep ewes. Key words: DLS, Finnsheep, accelerated lambing, crossbreeding
Effectiveness of Synthetic Molecules, and Animal and Vegetable Extracts as Baits for Harvesting Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of different biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, spermine and spermidine) and their precursory amino acids (arginine, histidine, lysine and tyrosine), as well as animal extracts (from fish, crustaceans and mollusks) and vegetable extracts (Chara sp., coconut and alfalfa) as baits in traps for red swamp crayfish, P. clarkii. The methodology was conceived as a logical sequence to proceed from rapid screening of a large number of treatments and was divided into three phases: (1) chemo-detection bioassays, (2) chemattraction bioassays, and (3) field bioassays carried out under natural conditions. The attractants that showed the best performance as baits for P. clarkii, were: the fish soluble extract (included at 2.96%), the putrescine (included at 0.30%) and the red crab soluble extract (included at 2.69%). The benefits of using these attractants, when added to common pelleted feed, come from their low cost, availability and enhanced handling properties.
Breeding, growth and exploitation of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii Castelnau, 1855 in the Caqueta River, Colombia

The main life history traits of the large Amazonian migratory catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii were determined in the Caqueta River, Colombia. The breeding season occurred during the rising and falling water periods. The size at first sexual maturity was significantly larger for females (88.5 cm Ls) than males (81.7 cm). Both males and females reproduce for the first time between their third and fourth year. The growth characteristics were estimated using length frequency analyses. Females grew systematically larger than males, the difference being about 9% after the first year and increasing to 12% for ten years old individuals. Mortality estimates, calculated from different models, some taking into account the effect of body size, ranged from 0.32 to 0.42 year-1 for natural mortality and from 0.72 to 0.82 year-1 for fishing mortality, indicating high fishing pressure in the Caqueta River, higher than in the Peruvian Amazon. Resulting exploitation rates (0.63 to 0.72) pointed towards overexploitation of the species in the Caqueta. The situation calls for a concerted management between the countries sharing this resource (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru) and potential solutions are proposed.
Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index and prognostic nutritional index predict prognosis of patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors after surgical resection

Background Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a special subtype of lung cancer with treatment methods are limited and prognostic indicators are insufficient. The preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are effective tumor biomarkers that have important significance for the prognosis of many malignant tumors. However, there is no similar research on the predictive value of SII and PNI for operable PNETs. Our study aimed to clarify the predictive value of SII and PNI in PNETs patients after surgical resection. Methods This study retrospectively analysed the relevant clinical data of PNETs patients who received surgical treatment from 2005 to 2015, which was obtained from patient’s clinical records, blood test results recorded on admission before surgical treatment, and follow-up by hospital records. Results A total of 381 PNETs patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative PNI was associated with age (P=0.001), T stage (P=0.001), tumor length (P=0.002), drinking status (P=0.013) and smoking status (P=0.049), while SII was significantly associated with T stage (P=0.001), tumor length (P=0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.001). There was significant difference between high SII and low PNI and worse OS of PENTs (P=0.001 and P<0.001). SII (P=0.002), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P<0.001), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P=0.001), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), operation time (P=0.034<0.05), treatment (P<0.001) and PNI (P=0.044<0.05) were independent prognostic factors for PNETs identified by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions High SII and low PNI indicated poor prognosis of patients with PNETs. Both of SII and PNI can predict the prognosis of PNETs and stratify patients for better treatment.
Value and management of the subsistence fishery at Knysna Estuary, South Africa

Knysna Estuary supports an estimated 30 full-time and 200 part-time subsistence fishers involved in bait collection, mud crab harvesting, and fishing. The mud prawn Upogebia africana dominates the bait-fishery, with estimated catches amounting to about 3% of the standing stock, suggesting sustainable use. Harvest of Marphysa spp. and Gorgonorhynchus dayi is conducted in a destructive manner. Most of the value of fishing lies in the setline catches of spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii and white steenbras Lithognathus lithognathus, whereas small species and individuals, particularly Cape stumpnose Rhabdosargus holubi, are also caught with handlines. Indications are that the linefishery is also sustainable at present. The subsistence fishery is worth an estimated R0.7-R1.1 million per annum, with full-time fishers earning at least R11 000-R17 000 per annum from the estuary. Currently operating under recreational regulations, the fishery is poorly controlled and fails to reach its full potential. The main threat to the estuary from damaging harvests of bait species, such as Marphysa spp. and G. dayi, should be discouraged through heavy penalisation of buyers and traders. Sales of mud prawn could probably be legalised. If off-take rates are found to be sustainable, sales of certain fish species could be legalised if access to the fishery could be effectively controlled under a co-management arrangement.
New Insights into Export-growth Nexus: Wavelet and Causality Approaches

It is observed that exports play a significant role in economic expansion. Thus, this study tends to shed more light on the export and economic growth interaction in Nigeria using data between 1981 and 2018. Due to inconclusiveness in the literature, this study employs a more superior econometric technique to ascertain this link. Econometrics techniques utilized include ARDL, Toda Yamamoto causality, variance decomposition and wavelet coherence techniques. Findings from the study show; (i) there is cointegration among the variables utilized; (ii) there is evidence of synchronization hypothesis; (iii) gross capital formation, gross domestic savings, and export have a positive and significant impact on economic growth with foreign direct investment having an adverse effect; (iv); unidirectional causality was found running from gross capital formation, gross domestic savings and foreign direct investment to economic growth; (v) the wavelet coherence approach provide a supportive evidence for the ARDL and causality tests; and (vi) economic growth can predict a significant variation in export in the tenth year. Various recommendations were suggested based on these findings.
A device for exploring the full angular excitation space - Can more angular projections improve determination of a molecules 3D-orientation in the presence of noise?

In the past, different methods have been presented to determine the 3D orientation of single molecules in a microscopic set-up by excitation polarization modulation. Using linearly polarized illumination from different directions and thereby measuring different 2D projections enables reconstructing the full 3D orientation. Theoretically, two projections suffice for a full 3D orientation determination if the intensities are properly calibrated. If they are not, a third projection will enable unambiguous orientation measurements. The question arises if three projections already contain the maximum information on the 3D orientation when also considering the limited number of available photons and shot noise in an experiment, or if detecting more projections or even continuously changing the projection direction during a measurement provides more information with an identical number of available photons. To answer this principle question, we constructed a simple device allowing for exploring any projection direction available with a particular microscope objective and tested several different excitation modulation schemes using simulated as well as experimental single molecule data. We found that three different projections in fact already do provide the maximum information also for noisy data. Our results do not indicate a significant improvement in angular precision in comparison to three projections, both when increasing the number of projections and when modulating the projection direction and polarization simultaneously during the measurement. In fluorescence microscopy polarized illumination from different directions enables the determination of the 3D orientation of single molecules by combining the 2D information of different projection directions. Ambiguities that emerge when using only two projections can be eliminated using a third projection. In a systematic study we show that – also considering the limited number of available photons and shot noise in an experiment – three projection directions already contain the maximum information on the 3D orientation. Our results do not indicate a significant improvement in angular precision in comparison to three projections, both when increasing the number of projections and when modulating the projection direction and polarization simultaneously during the measurement.
Reduced fertilization capacity of SO 2 -fumigated Picea omorika-pollen

Dry pollen of Picea omorika was fumigated with 820 μg/m3 SO2 for 3, 4, or 5 days. Few or no adverse effects occurred during subsequent in vitro germination: germination percentage was not affected at all, and reduction of the pollen tube length was only 10% in pollen exposed for 5 days. Nevertheless pollination with fumigated pollen resulted in reduced seed production. 41% fewer seeds per cone were produced, and only 33% were filled seeds, compared to 70% filled seeds of the control. Seed-weight was reduced from 3.6 g per thousand in the control to 3.0 g per thousand, when cones were pollinated with pollen fumigated for 5 days. Similar but less striking effects were found with pollen fumigated for 3 or 4 days.
Fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of spring cruciferous plants

Fungal communities isolated from the rhizosphere of spring cruciferous plants were analysed in the study. It was found that the rhizosphere of crucifers was colonized primarily by fungi of the order Mucorales and of the genus Fusarium . Members of the genus Fusarium dominated in the rhizoplane. The roots of cruciferous plants secrete glucosinolates – secondary metabolites known for their antifungal properties, thus affecting the communities of soil-dwelling fungi.
Phosphorus nutrition of beef cattle. 1. Effect of supplementation on liveweight of steers and digestibilty of diet.

The effect of phosphorus supplementation on liveweight and digestibility of dietary components was studied in two experiments with beef steers at Grafton, New South Wales. In one experiment, three groups of 15 steers grazed a pasture that was deficient in phosphorus and nitrogen throughout the year and received a supplement of 0, 35, or 70 g phosphorus each week for twelve months. The phosphorus supplements had no effect on liveweight. In a second experiment, five pairs of steers were individually fed a phosphorus deficient diet to which urea, molasses, and minerals were added. The steers received a daily supplement of either 0, 2, 4, G, or 8 g phosphorus. The supplements had no effect on liveweight or apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, or nitrogen. The apparent digestibility of phosphorus increased with supplementation up to 4 g a day (P<0.001) but there was no further increase at the higher rates. The apparent retention of phosphorus increased with each increment of phosphorus (P<0.01). It is concluded that supplements of phosphorus will not improve liveweight performance when beef cattle graze natural pasture of such low quality as that frequently found in north-eastern New South Wales.
Use of Wheat, Barley or Triticale in Feed for Laying Hens Supplemented with Carbohydrases Derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum

Abstract Jamroz, D. , Skorupiñska, J., Orda, J., Wiliczkiewicz, A. and Klünter, A. -M. 2001. Use of wheat, barley or triticale in feed for laying hens supplemented with carbohydrases derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 19: 107–116. The objective of the present experiment was to determine the influence of different cereals (67% wheat, 66% barley or 70% triticale) in feed for laying hens supplemented with and without carbohydrases derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum on laying performance, egg quality, digestibility and utilization of nutrients. In average of the 386 days of egg production the laying performance was 92.2, 92.0 and 91.2% in the wheat, barley and triticale diet, respectively. Egg production and feed conversion were similar for the diets containing different types of cereals. The addition of the enzyme product to the wheat diet and the barley diet improved the laying performance significantly by 3.2 and 3.0%. With regard to the type of cereal used in the diets, no differences in egg quality were observed.
Age and growth of adult gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) in the Aegean Sea

Age and growth of adult gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata were determined from 332 specimens (total N = 476), collected from purse-seiners, in the south-eastern Aegean Sea from November 2006 to January 2007. The fork length and body wet weight ranged from 26.5 to 51.5 cm (mean: 36.6 ± 0.18) and from 375 to 2600 g (mean: 1009.2 ± 14.16), respectively. Age groups were varied between 2 and 7. Growth parameters were estimated as L∞ = 64.97 ± 12.93 cm, K = 0.14 ± 0.07 year−1, t0 = −2.47 ± 1.09 year−1, and index of phi-prime was Φ′ = 2.772 ± 0.51. The length–weight relationship equation of all fish was calculated as W = 0.0515 × L2.737 (r2 = 0.95). The mean condition factor was estimated as 2.058. Mortalities (M, F and Z) and exploitation rate (E) of gilthead seabream from the Aegean Sea were 0.34 year−1, 0.77 year−1, 1.11 year−1and 0.69 year−1, respectively. The result of E indicated that the population was overexploited.
A semi intensive approach on growth and profit margin of Indian major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus cirrhosus) with cost effective standard feed formulation.

In the present experiment, the viability of formulated feed with locally available feed ingredients was evaluated over traditionally prepared hand-made feed and commercial pellet feed for pond culture of carp species. Three commonly cultured carp species namely Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus cirrhosus with the average initial weight of 25.21±2.22 g, 24.97±1.25 g and 25.20±2.77 g respectively were stocked at a stocking density of 1976 (C. catla), 4940 (L. rohita) and 2964 (C. cirrhosus) individuals ha and allowed to grow for five months. Water quality parameters were ideal for carp culture in the pond. The fishes grew to an average final weight of 216.67±4.04, 319.25±5.41 and 310.33±4.98 g for C. catla; 207.78±8.59, 314.19±12.50 and 301.31±9.69 for L. rohita; and 232.97±11.30, 311.65±3.13 and 308.90±5.61 for C. cirrhosus fed with handmade ball (HMB), semiauto feed mill pellet (SAFM-Pellet) and commercial-pellet feed, respectively. The ponds also yielded an overall average biomass of 1627.08±66.77, 2555.59±100.06 and 2409.19±53.39 kg ha for the fishes fed with HMB, SAFM-Pellet and commercial-pellet feed. Among the feed types, SAFM-pellet feed was found to give better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (2.81±0.36) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) (0.64) followed by commercial-pellet feed (FCR 3.44±0.09, BCR 0.30). The present experiment concludes that SAFMpellet would increase the yield of carp species from ponds and would be economically sustainable.
Multi-Scalar Governance for Restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: A Case Study on Small Landholdings in Protected Areas of Sustainable Development

Implementation of forest restoration projects requires cross-scale and hybrid forms of governance involving the state, the market, civil society, individuals, communities, and other actors. Using a case study from the Atlantic Forest Hotspot, we examine the governance of a large-scale forest restoration project implemented by an international non-governmental organization (NGO) on family farmer landholdings located within protected areas of sustainable development. In addition to forest restoration, the project aims to provide an economic benefit to participating farmers by including native species with market potential (fruits, timber) in restoration models and by contracting farmers in the planting phase. We employed qualitative methods such as structured interviews and participant observation to assess the effect of environmental policy and multi-scalar governance on implementation and acceptability of the project by farmers. We demonstrate that NGO and farmer expectations for the project were initially misaligned, hampering farmer participation. Furthermore, current policy complicated implementation and still poses barriers to project success, and projects must remain adaptable to changing legal landscapes. We recommend increased incorporation of social science methods in earlier stages of projects, as well as throughout the course of implementation, in order to better assess the needs and perspectives of participants, as well as to minimize trade-offs.
Effects of herbicide application to control sward composition in different management variants

Abstract Herbicide application on permanent grassland to reduce weeds and improve forage quality is common agricultural practice. However, it still remains unclear how long it takes for the herbicide-disturbed swards to recover in terms of yield and forage quality. In a removal experiment in the Solling Uplands (Germany), the sward composition of permanent grassland had been manipulated by herbicides in order to obtain either relatively pure grass swards or swards with comparatively large amounts of forbs and legumes, in addition to untreated control swards. The short-term resilience of these sward types was examined under a gradient of management intensity regulated by both cutting regime and fertilizer supply. In the next growing season, the yield did not differ among any of the three sward types regardless of the management regime. All disturbed swards showed a complete recovery in terms of biomass. Yield was only influenced by functional sward characteristics across all disturbance treatments; the growth form of the dominant species determined the yield in fertilized plots. For the variation in forage quality (crude protein, water-soluble carbohydrates and fibre content), the functional group identity of the remaining vegetation was important, but management had a much larger influence than vegetation.