Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micromineral composition of common bean cultivars and its application in crop breeding

The objective of this investigation was to determine the micromineral composition of seeds of common bean cultivars grown at different locations, examine cultivar x location interactions, and identify cultivars for direct consumption or use in breeding programs. Iron, zinc, copper, manganese and boron concentrations mineral were determined for 19 cultivars obtained in the 2004/05 cropping year in two locations in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Iron (71.5 mg kg-1), followed by zinc (30.0 mg kg-1), manganese (18.9 mg kg-1), copper (9.5 mg kg-1) and boron (8.3 mg kg-1) were the main constituents. Significant cultivar x location interactions were detected for zinc content and grain yield. Cultivar Guateian 6662 presented high micromineral content, independently of location, being suitable for diet enrichment and cultivar improvement.
Prevelance and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Pantoea spp. isolated form clinical and environmental sources in Iraq

During the period from December 2014 to July 2015 , 40 isolates of pantoea spp. were isolated from 525 clinical and environmental sample from AL-Hakeem Hospital and ALSadder Medical City in AL-Najaf province. A total of 375 clinical samples from various sources included: Fistula-hemodialysis patients (n = 100), Stool (50), Urine (50), Ear-infection (25), Burn (100),Wound (50),While 150 hospital environmental specimen included system(50), bed (50) , earth (50). Then according to carbohydrate fermentation the 40 clinical and environmental isolates of Pantoea were distributed as follow Pantoea agglomerans 24 (60 %), 9(22.5 %) Pantoea ananatis, while 7 (17.5%) Pantoea calida. The antibiotic resistance of pantoea spp. bacteria has profound clinical implications. Hence, this research was aim for the first time in Iraq to isolation and study prevelance of pantoea spp. From clinical and hospital environmental sources then determines their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, the results revealed that pantoea spp. isolates associated with infection like hemodialysis inflammation (5), chronic diarrhea(5), UTI(3), otitis media (2), burn (10), wound (2), Also identified from 11 hospital environmental specimen included system (3) , bed (2), earth (6). At the same time the results found that Pantoea spp. were greatly resistant to antibiotics that most commonly used, so regard as multi-drug resistant(MDR), isolates exhibited high resistance to Amoxicillin and Gentamicin. While other antibiotics exhibited different activity against isolates. Furthermore, most isolates appeared low resistance to Meropenem and Amikacin while the isolates were sensitive to Imepinem which was the more effective on All isolates and the susceptible reached to (95%). Conclusion The increase number of Pantoea species isolated from humans indicates that Pantoea is an opportunistic pathogen and consider as one of nosocomial infection in Iraq and These organisms are found to be resistance to the routinely used antibiotics. Appropriate antimicrobial drugs should be prescribed after detected antibiogram. The patients should also be prevent stop taking the drugs in the middle. This will help in minimising the complications, and help in preventing the emergence of resistant strains. Key word : Pantoea spp , identification, clinical infection, antibiotic sensitivity.
Tropical phytoplankton species and pigments of continental shelf waters of North and North-West Australia

The phytoplankton of the shelf waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arafura Sea, Timor Sea and North-West Australia is basically a diatom flora, distinctly different from the oceanic, predominantly dinoflagellate flora of the Coral Sea and Indian Ocean. Large morphologically elaborate tropical diatoms and dinoflagellates of this shelf region show great species diversity (more than 200 spp, identified) and a variety of symbiotic associations (28 species-pairs recognised). In contrast, the tropical nanoplankton (2 to 20 pm; mainly small diatoms, pryrnnesiophytes and dinoflagellates; 70 spp.) are remarkably similar in species composition to those of subtropical and temperate Australian waters. Water-column chlorophyll values in both North-West Shelf and Gulf waters ranged from 10 to 55 mg Nanoplankton accounts for 70 to 97 % of total phytoplankton chlorophyll, except in local diatom or Trichodesrniurn blooms (30 to 60 %).
Effects of cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) on the botanical composition of mixed swards

The effect of five cultivars of Festuca arundinacea on the botanical composition of mixed swards (with Dactylis glomerata and Trifolium repens singly and combined) at two soil fertility levels (moderate fertilizer application and no application) were examined. Shoot and root morphological characteristics of seedlings in each cultivar were also examined under pot conditions. Although there was little difference in the total biomass of the three mixed swards between cultivars, the cultivars showed significant differences in their relative contribution to total biomass. The relative order of competitive ability between cultivars was maintained over the different soil fertility levels and different species associations. Of the two yield components of a grass sward, tiller number and tiller size, number of tillers showed a larger response to the presence of neighbour species than mean tiller size, and thus success of F. arundinacea cultivars in mixed swards depended on the extent of reduction of number of tillers caused by the neighbour species of mixtures. The least competitive cultivar had the smallest seeds and shortest roots.
Social influences on ranging patterns among chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire

Group size is expected to be an important factor to predict home-range (HR) size in social animals. In chimpanzees adult males play an important role in defending the HR against neighbors, and therefore it has been suggested that HR size depends on the number of adult males. In this long-term study on wild West African chimpanzees, we analyzed the relative importance of community size and composition on ranging patterns over a 10-year period, using multivariate statistics. Because community size decreased from 51 individuals with 6 adult males in 1992 to 22 individuals with only 1 adult male in 2001, we expected a decrease in HR size, which should be better predicted by the number of males than by community size. We further investigated the effect of fruit availability on monthly HRs over a 4-year period. As predicted, HR size decreased during the first 7 years of our study but increased during the last 3 years. Overall, the number of adult males was the best predictor of HR size, whereas fruit availability did not correlate with HR size. HR use remained stable over the entire study period, with a constant proportion of about 35% of the HR used as core area. High HR and core-area overlap values between different years indicated strong site-fidelity. Although the number of males within the community explained the decrease in HR size, the recent increase in size remains unexplained. This finding suggests that other factors such as relative fighting power of males affect HR size. Copyright 2003.
Photosynthesizing marine microorganisms can constitute a source of CO2 rather than a sink

The unexpected finding that certain major marine photosynthetic microorganisms can serve as a source of CO2 rather than a sink emerged during measurements of inorganic carbon fluxes associated with the CO2-concentrating mechanism. During steady-state photosynthesis, CO2 was evolved at sustained rates up to 5-fold that of photosynthesis; the steady-state external CO2 concentration reached was significantly higher than that at CO2-HCO3- equilibrium. The evolved CO2 originated from HCO3- taken up and intracellularly converted to CO2 in a light-dependent process. Our results bear implications for carbon cycling in the marine environment; the use of naturally-observed stable carbon isotope fractionations as paleobarometer and productivity probe; and for intracellular energy balance and pH regulation.Key words: carbonic anhydrase, CO2 evolution, cyanobacteria, photosynthesis, Synechococcus.
Macroinvertebrate size spectra of Mediterranean ponds with differing hydroperiod length

1. The size spectra of the macroinvertebrate community in ponds with different hydroperiod length were compared along the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy. Invertebrate sampling was conducted in 21 ponds (8 permanent and 13 temporary) in three different mesohabitats (central sediments, littoral sediments and macrophytes) during spring 2002. Several pond characteristics were also recorded. 2. Density and biomass size spectra were calculated for 123 samples and covered six orders of magnitude in size ranging from 0.126 µg to 0.5 g. The shape of the density size distribution was unimodal, the mode being around 0.05–0.1 mg, with Oligochaeta and Diptera (Chironomidae) numerically dominant in almost all size classes. 3. The periodic drying affected the total biomass per size class, shown by comparing spectra among mesohabitats and pond types. The higher biomass in all size classes showed by permanent ponds and central sediments reflects the major stability of permanent biotopes and, within these, of central sediments. 4. The overall shape of the size spectrum was similar among pond types, mesohabitats and sampling dates. Biomass of larger size classes was linked to variables describing pond stability. 5. We suggest that the biomass size spectrum of benthic macroinvertebrates is a potentially useful tool for quantitative wetland biomonitoring. In small Mediterranean ponds, the regularity of biomass size spectra implies that size-structuring processes are independent of the hydrological stress. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of relay intercropped soybean.

Relay intercropping of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] allows for earlier soybean planting than in conventional doublecropping systems, but shading and other influences of the wheat crop may be detrimental to intercropped soybean development. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of relay intercropping on soybean growth and yield. Intercropped soybean, planted 19 (1989) or 14 (1990) days before wheat harvest, was compared with a control treatment (same no-till planting pattern and date, but no wheat) on a Cecil sandy loam (clayey, kaolinic, thermic Typic Hapludults) soil []
An aggregation pheromone in the intertidal collembolan Anurida maritima

Anurida maritima (Guerin) is a cosmopolitan intertidal collembolan belonging to the family Poduridae. The species is very common in tidal marshes and on rocky shores (Davenport, 1903; Imms, 1906; Schuster, 1965), where it plays an important role as a scavenger (Dexter, 1943; Joosse, 1966). Anurida maritima migrates down the shore during low tide, and it returns to the upper shore to shelter under rocks or in crevices during high tide, forming aggregations of up to several hundred individuals (Imms, 1906; Joosse, 1966; Witteveen et al., 1988). Foster and Moreton (1981), McMeechan et al. (2000) and Manica et al. (2000) showed that this pattern of locomotory activity and aggregation formation results from an endogenous circatidal clock with a period of 12.4 h, which free-runs for at least 7 days in the laboratory. A key aspect of the life history of Collembola is the formation of aggregations (Joosse & Verhoef, 1974). In terrestrial species, the aggregating behaviour is thought to be advantageous during moulting, when the animals are particularly susceptible to desiccation (Joosse & Verhoef, 1974). Furthermore, Collembola show indirect mating, and aggregations could provide an important means of bringing the two sexes together (Joosse, 1976). Both these explanations could also apply to marine species. In marine Collembola, aggregations are particularly important since animals need to select an appropriate shelter from the incoming tide, and it is likely that a limited number of sites is available. It has been shown for several terrestrial Collembola that the aggregating behaviour is a response to pheromones (e.g., Verhoef et al., 1977; Verhoef, 1984; Kroll & Bauer, 1987; Christiansen et al., 1992). Aggregating pheromones are weakly volatile and their chemical characteristics (including solubility in various solvents) are species specific (Verhoef et al., 1977). In this study, we provide evidence that a methanol-soluble aggregating pheromone is produced by A. maritima.
The distribution of freshwater shrimps (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) in Jamaica

The distribution of freshwater shrimps in Jamaica is presented. Atya innocous, Atya lanipes, Atya scabra, Micratya poeyi and Macrobrachium heterochirus were found only in the high-gradient streams characteristic of eastern and north-eastern parishes. Macrobrachium acanthurus, Jonga serrei, and Potimirim mexicana were found only in the low-gradient streams characteristic of western and southwestern parishes. Macrobrachium faustinum, Macrobrachium carcinus, and Xiphocaris elongata were distributed throughout Jamaica. Oxygen, temperature, and current speed were the physical features of the streams most likely influencing this distribution. It was observed that species in high-gradient streams had larvae which required high salinity for development, and those in low-gradient streams had larvae with low salinity requirements. It is argued that larval salinity preferences during the marine planktonic stage of the life history could allow larvae to select an appropriate river prior to its being invaded by juveniles.
CONTRIBUTION OF STEMS AND LEAVES TO THE YIELD AND NUTRIENT LEVEL OF IRRIGATED ALFALFA AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

In Roamer alfalfa (Medicago media Pers.) the nutritive value in leaves deteriorated much more slowly than that in stems. The percentage of N declined 29% in leaves and 49% in stems; percentage P declined 4% in leaves and 34% in stems, and percentage digestible energy declined 3% in leaves and 34% in stems between early leaf and late bloom growth stages. The total yield of nutrient increased rapidly to the early bloom stage, but quite slowly thereafter. Because of possible leaf loss, delayed harvesting of an alfalfa crop beyond the mid-bloom stage would not be warranted to gain yield even when only one cutting is taken.
Oryctes owariensis Larvae as Good Alternative Protein Source: Nutritional and Functional Properties

In Côte d’Ivoire, the larvae of Oryctes owariensis are prized and widely consumed as alternative protein source. The present study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional and functional properties of the larva flour for further food products formulation. Fresh O. owariensis larvae were collected from dead trunks of raffia palms at Saïoua (6°29'31" N and 6°15'32" W) in Côte d’Ivoire. The fresh larvae were dried and ground to obtain the crude flour. Chemical composition and functional properties were investigated using standard methods. All results were statistically analysed. The chemical composition revealed that it contains crude protein about 50.64%, crude fat 18.88%, Original Research Article Assielou et al.; ARRB, 8(3): 1-9, 2015; Article no.ARRB. 19093 2 moisture 8.41%, ash 7.72%, total carbohydrate 14.33% and energy value of 417.43 kcal. The mineral evaluation in mg/100 g dry weight showed K (1610.50) > Mg (369.75) > P (142.17) > Na (102.25) > Ca (54.51) > Fe (20.26) > Zn (7.89) > Cu (0.91). These results suggest that dried O. owariensis larvae can be used in human diet to prevent undernourishment due to protein and some mineral deficiencies. Furthermore, the high in vitro protein digestibility (82.87%) could be an advantage for eating this insect larva. The functional properties showed that it has high water and oil absorption capacity with values of 220.33 and 265.90% respectively. This flour exhibited also good emulsifying and foaming properties making it suitable in formulation of foods such as sausages and bakery products. Dried O. owariensis larvae could be utilized as a new feed products of considerable protein, fat and mineral contents. The larva flour shows good functional characteristics for use in many food industries.
HABITAT SELECTION IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HABITAT ALTERATION AND SPOTTED OWL TERRITORY OCCUPANCY AND BREEDING DISPERSAL

Abstract Abstract. Understanding the effect of habitat alteration on avian behavior is important for understanding a species' ecology and ensuring its conservation. Therefore, we examined the relationship between Spotted Owl habitat selection and variation in habitat in the Sierra Nevada. We estimated habitat selection by modeling the probability of territory colonization (γ), territory extinction (ε), and breeding dispersal in relation to the amount of mature conifer forest within and among territories. Alteration of ≥20 ha of mature conifer forest (coniferous forest with >70% canopy cover dominated by medium [30.4–60.9 cm dbh] and large [>60.9 cm dbh] trees) within individual territories (n = 66) was negatively related to territory colonization and positively related to breeding dispersal probability. Although territory extinction was negatively related to the amount of mature conifer forest, it was not clear whether this relationship was due to variation of mature conifer forest within or among territories. Although modeling results for territory colonization and extinction generally supported the hypothesis that individuals are “ideal” when selecting a habitat in the sense that they settle in the highest-quality site available, we did not find a clear benefit in terms of habitat quality for Spotted Owls that exhibited breeding dispersal.
Disponibilidade de fósforo em função das adições de calagem e de um bioativador do solo

A adocao de sistemas de manejo que propiciem um incremento no teor de materia orgânica, ou de uma fracao desta (acidos orgânicos, por exemplo), pode promover a reducao da adsorcao de fosforo (P), pela formacao de complexos que bloqueiam os sitios de adsorcao de P na superficie dos oxidos de ferro e de aluminio. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos interativos entre doses de acido citrico mais ativador enzimatico e calagem na disponibilidade de algumas formas de (P) em dois solos: Latossolo Vermelho Distroferrico, textura muito argilosa e Latossolo Vermelho Distrofico, textura media. Conclui-se que o efeito de doses de bioativador do solo nos teores de Pi e Pt e menos expressivo no Latossolo Vermelho Distroferrico, principalmente, quando o calcario foi incorporado ao solo. No Latossolo Vermelho Distrofico de textura media, o bioativador do solo foi mais efetivo em alterar o poder tampao de P desse solo, representado pelo P-rem, em ambas as formas de aplicacao do calcario.
Lectin‐mediated attachment assay for teratogens: Results with 32 pesticides

To gain experience in the in vitro assay of environmental teratogens, 32 pesticides and TCDD have been tested for their ability to Inhibit tumor cells attachment to polyethylene disks coated with concanavalin A. Of 25 pesticides that inhibited attachment, 23 (92%) have been reported to be teratogenic in mammals or avians. From a qualitative viewpoint, agents that inhibit attachment in vitro are very likely to be teratogenic in vivo. There was a quantitative correlation between the inhibitory activity and the lowest reported teratogenic dose in chick embryo for nine pesticides. However, no similar correlation between inhibitory concentration, in vitro, and mammalian teratogenicity was found. Presumably maternal effects of absorption, metabolism, and distribution distort the relationship between the dose administered to the mother and the concentration of teratogenic agent at target embryonic tissues. Lack of inhibition in vitro did not indicate lack of teratogenicity, as five of eight noninhibitory agents .
Artificially suckled I.H.D.H. (Italian Heavy Draught Horse) foals: in vivo performances and ethograms

Abstract The research was carried out on 6 “Italian Heavy Draught Horse” orphan foals artificially suckled by an automatic milk feeder. The purpose of the research was to show that artificial weaning does not have a negative effect on a foal’s growth and welfare. The foals were reared in an indoor box, weighed every 3 weeks from day 4 after birth and observed for 24 consecutive hours at the age of 4, 10, 47, 114, 142 and 176 days, to compile an ethogram which includes biorhythms, and social, alimentary and eliminative behavioural patterns. During the study, “daily weight gains” were greater than 1610 g/d; but between 26 and 46 days and after weaning, values were lower than 1230 g/d, and between 172 and 193 days, prior to slaughtering, they were of 1090 g/d. Age had a significant influence (P<0.001) on almost all the ethological parameters considered, above all for the time spent lying down and the licking structures (P<0.01), and for the drinking bouts (P<0.05). The period of adaptation to artificial feeding certainly lasted at least two weeks. These results suggest that the technique of artificial suckling can be applied to horses without negative effects on growth and welfare, any subjects showed abnormal behaviour.
Brain growth in mallards, Pekin and Muscovy ducks (Anatidae)

Post-hatching changes in brain mass were investigated in mallards and four stocks of domesticated ducks, using growth curve analysis and allometry. The birds varied in age between hatching and 154 days. Percentage brain size at hatching in ducks varies between 22.5% and 28% which fits well into the precocial category. Brain growth shows a sigmoid course. The point of inflection is very early when compared to other organs. However, growth is slow after passing the growth rate maximum. Pekins show higher absolute brain masses than mallards. However, the growth patterns with respect to time are very similar among stocks. Strongly negative allometry is found with allometric exponents between 0.31 and 0.37 with the highest value in mallards. Allometrically, there is an increasing reduction of brain mass in Pekins when compared to mallards to about 12.5% in adults. No differences were found between mallards and either Muscovies or the Muscovy × Pekin cross. The reduction in relative brain size in domesticated animals when compared to their wild ancestors is generally attributed to a decrease in functional demands resulting from the artificial environment. Because brain growth is more conservative and less influenced by selection than body weight, we assume that this reduction is, at least in part, a result of the constancy of brain growth patterns.