Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between avian assemblages and mountain bushveld communities along a single mountain slope in the Usuthu Gorge, South Africa

The study investigated the bird species diversity associated with vegetation communities found on a single mountain slope in the Usuthu Gorge Community Conservation Area, northern KwaZulu-Natal. Thirteen sample sites were surveyed on a monthly basis for 12 months. Over this period, 279 birds and 55 species were recorded, of which the Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor was the most abundant. The Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana was the indicator species in the highest community, Open Bushveld, which is characterised by grassland and bush patches. The White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala was an indicator in the second-lowest community, Dense Bushveld–Woodland, which is characterised by steep slopes and thickets. In Wooded Grassland, located between the above two communities, the highest beta diversity (species turnover) was recorded and this outcome was probably caused by large areas covered by rocks that compelled woodland birds to move through this community. Contrary to expectation, the gamma diversity per vegetation community increased with elevation from 18 to 33 species in Dense Bushveld–Woodland, Wooded Grassland and Open Bushveld. A future study should measure bird species diversity on larger elevational gradients, i.e. slopes from 500 to 3 000 m above sea level, which also include more distinct vegetation communities.
Races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri

Based on the differential reaction of 10 chickpea cultivars to pathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, the existence of at least four races of the fungus has been demonstrated. It is suggested that these be called races 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Molecular Detection of Virulence Factors (Adhesion Genes) in Some Staphylococcus Epidermidis Locally Isolated From Different Clinical Sources

The icaA and icaD genes are found in bacterial cells. The icaA and icaD genes allow a bacterium to produce biofilm. Biofilms are an important virulence determinant in bacteria because biofilm formation significantly increases resistance to antibiotics and promotes host defenses. The ability of biofilm production can be determined by two phenotypic methods and genotypic methods of some adhesion factors (icaA and icaD). The phenotypic methods included the Congo-red agar (CRA) and Microtiter plate (Mtp). The results showed that 58 (69%) from 84 isolates were positive for producing biofilm on (CRA) plates and the 55 (65%) from 84 isolates were positive for adhesion and biofilm formation by (Mtp) on the O.D. 490nm. The extraction of DNA is subjected to use for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which is used to amplify specific genes. The production of viscous layer of Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated by using Molecular analysis (PCR) monoplex to amplify the virulence factor (icaA, icaD) genes (adhesion factors) with the amplicon sizes 188 bp and 198 bp, respectively. The results of the genes icaA and icaD represented as sixty for (46) 54.8% and thirty (30) 35.7%, respectively. The conclusion to these study detection to icaA and icaD genesis important virulence factor.
Effects of the seed weight and burial depth on the seed behavior of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is one of the annual plants that were described recently as invasive weeds in Europe. This species is described as an invasive plant that produces seeds that are highly variable. Its production of variably sized seeds is regarded as promoting its spread in different environments. Experiments were carried out to determine the influence of the seed weight and temperature on germination and the influence of the seed weight and burial depth on seedling emergence. The seeds were divided into a number of classes of weight and the seed weight effect on germination was evaluated by Petri dish assays. In another experiment, the seeds were buried at different depths in a clay soil/sand mix to estimate the burial effect on germination and seedling emergence. The germination level of A. artemisiifolia was high overall, between 76.8% and 94.2%. The seed germination was modified by temperature but it was not influenced by the seed weight. The amounts of germination and seedling emergence were greater for the seeds on the soil surface and decreased with an increasing burial depth, from 2 to 8 cm. No germination or emergence was observed for the seeds that were buried at 10 and 12 cm. The lightest seeds were more sensitive to burial. A greater level of seedling emergence for those seeds that were placed near the soil surface could explain the success of this species in open habitats, where the probability of deeper burial is low. After high seed production, the management of A. artemisiifolia in fields could be partly achieved through soil tillage, burying seeds below 10 cm, and not carrying out deep soil tillage the following year.
Evaluation of the Accuracy and Precision of Volunteered Size Data from Tagged Red Drum Returns

Abstract The accuracy and precision of total lengths and weights from recaptured tagged red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) reported by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists, anglers, and commercial fishermen were compared. No differences were found in the total length-weight regressions of data reported by sport and commercial fishermen, but there were significant differences found between data reported by fishermen and data collected by TPWD biologists (F, = 6.312; P < 0.05). Fish lengths reported by fishermen were not biased but they were more variable than lengths reported by TPWD due to rounding to the nearest whole or partial English unit. Weights reported by fishermen were more variable than weights reported by TPWD biologists. A significant difference between regression coefficients was found and a comparison of confidence limits of the regression lines showed that fishermen overestimated the weight of small fish; therefore, growth estimates calculated from red drum weights provided by .
Microevolutionary relationships between phylogeographical history, climate change and morphological variability in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) across France

Aim In this study, we analyse microevolutionary processes in common voles (Microtus arvalis) through the investigation of tooth morphological structure, in order to assess the relative impact of climate and phylogeographical history. Microevolutionary studies have shown that climate change may play a role in both population phylogeography and phenotypic differentiation. However, relatively little is known about the precise relationship between phylogeography and phenotypic variability and about how organisms respond to climate change.
Inheritance of Resistance to Hessian Fly in Rye and in Wheat-Rye Translocation Lines

Rye, Secale cereale L. , is an important genetic resource for resistance to Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say). Resistance genes have been transferred from Chaupon rye chromosome arm 2RL and Balbo rye chromosome arm 6RL to common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via wheat-rye chromosomal translocations. Our objectives were to determine (i) the number of resistance genes in Chaupon and Balbo and their allelic relationships, and (ii) the mode of inheritance of resistance in the wheat-rye translocation lines (.)
Optimization of drug release from dermatological semisolid preparations

The aim of the present study was to optimize the process of drug release. Factors which influence drug release were studied in detail and their effects were described numerically. The factors studied were as follows: the concentration of the pharmacon (salicylic acid); its particle size; its suspended, dissolved, solubilized, or molecular encapsulated state;, the composition of the vehicle; the quantities of the polar and apolar components; and the viscosity of the vehicle. Drug release studies were carried out with Hanson's vertical diffusion cell. The process was described quantitatively by the slope of the equation describing the time‐course of the liberation, by the quantity of pharmacon liberated in 8 h and also by the optimization parameter determined on the basis of the 22 model of the factorial design method. Increase of the concentration of salicylic acid was found to be accompanied by an exponential rise in drug release, while the extent of liberation decreased linearly with increasing viscosity. The greatest increase in the optimization parameter was observed when the polarity of the vehicle was changed. The process of liberation consists of the following steps: dissolution of the pharmacon, diffusion of the dissolved molecules, and their distribution. The current data revealed that the distribution is the most important element and exerts the greatest influence on optimal drug release. Drug Dev. Res. 59:316–325, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bull Selection in MOET Nucleus Breeding Schemes with Limited Testing Capacity

Centralized multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) nucleus breeding schemes with limited testing capacity were compared with a conventional artificial insemination (AI) scheme using a simulation. The donor cows were selected after their first lactation. In the hybrid MOET schemes, bulls were progeny tested in the AI population. In comparison, two other schemes used nucleus-born adult bulls only. The best hybrid scheme gave 77% or 40% better genetic response in milk protein yield than that estimated in the national AI scheme when the assumed genetic progress in the AI scheme was low or high, respectively. The best scheme had acceptable coefficients of variation of genetic response, although the rate of inbreeding was 2.5 times higher than in the national AI scheme. The schemes using adult bulls had lower responses and higher rates of inbreeding than the hybrid schemes. The outstanding performance of the hybrid schemes was due to more successful cow selection path than in a conventional AI scheme. A high accuracy of selection of bulls was also important.
Malic Acid Consumption by Dry Immobilized Cells of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Immobilized cells of Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeast were used for total or partial deacidification of grape must. All experiments were carried out using dry immobilized yeast cells instead of wet immobilized yeast cells as in previous works. Immobilized cells of Schiz. pombe were only used at the beginning of fermentation until partial or total consumption of L-malic acid. Immobilized cells were then removed from the fermentation tank and the must was re-inoculated with a commercial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to achieve alcoholic fermentation. Experiments showed that in terms of kinetics, the high malate fermentation activity of the immobilized yeast cells was similar to that of the non-immobilized cells. Sensorial evaluation showed that the wines obtained using Schiz. pombe had a better organoleptic quality than the wine without deacidification. Analysis of some aromatic compounds (hydrogen sulfide, acetaldehyde, methanol, isopropanol, amyl and iso-amyl alcohols) at the end of the alcoholic fermentation did not show a significant difference in comparison to the control fermentation. Deacidification activity of immobilized yeast cells was maintained for at least 20 months after their encapsulation, at which point they were stored at 4°C. Alginate bead quality tests showed that immobilized cells could be recycled up to five times without liberation of yeast cells into wine must.
Real-world challenges to, and capabilities of, the gekkotan adhesive system: contrasting the rough and the smooth

Many species of gekkotan lizards possess adhesive subdigital pads that allow them to adhere to, and move easily on, a wide variety of surfaces. However, although the mechanism of adhesion and the potential adhesive capacity of this system have been extensively studied, the adaptive value of these structures and their deployment in natural situations have rarely been examined. The maximal adhesive capacity of gekkotan setal fields has been shown to greatly exceed the force needed to support the body. This high adhesive potential is likely an adaptation for movement on the natural surfaces that these lizards encounter in their environment. Natural surfaces may be rough, undulant, and unpredictable, and provide only limited, patchy areas with which adhesive structures can make contact. Here we examine the microtopography of rock surfaces used by a southern African species of gecko of the genus Rhoptropus Peters, 1869, and compare this to the form, configuration, compliance, and functional morphology of the s.
Alleviation of salt stress in citrus seedlings inoculated with mycorrhiza: changes in leaf antioxidant defense systems

Citrus is a salt-sensitive plant. In the present study, the salt stress ameliorating the effect of arbuscular mycor rhizal fungi through antioxidant defense systems was reported. Three-month-old trifoliate orange ( Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings colonized by Glomus mosseae or G. versiforme were irrigated with 0 and 100 mmol NaCl solutions. After 49 days of salinity, mycorrhizal structures were obviously restrained by salt stress. Mycorrhizal inoculation especially G. mosseae significantly alleviated the growth reduction of salinity. There were notably lower malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents in the leaves of mycorrhizal seedlings than in non-mycorrhizal ones. Mycorrhizal seedlings recorded notably greater activity of catalase and contents of ascorbate, soluble protein and glutathione under salinity or non-salinity conditions. The seedlings colonized by G. mosseae showed significantly higher antioxidant defense systems response to salinity than by G. versiforme. Our data demonstrate that mycorrhizal (especially G. mosseae) citrus seedlings exhibited greater efficient antioxidant defense systems, which provide better protection against salt damage.
Prophylactic Pancreatic Stents in High-Risk Population and Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis

Background: Acute pancreatitis is a common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Several medical and surgical procedures have been analyzed in prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis as a major post-ERCP complication, so we conducted a study to assess the role of prophylactic pancreatic stents on prevention and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Materials and Methods: This case control studied adult patients undergoing ERCP at the ERCP unit of a referral educational hospital. Data of the case (stent, N=90) and control (non-stent) (N=105) groups were retrieved from medical records. In our center, sphinctrerotomy was performed for 103 patients of non-stent group and successful pancreatic stent placement was done in 86 patients of stent group in a standard fashion. In stent group, a 5F, 4 centimeter pancreatic stent was emplaced over a guide wire under fluoroscopic guidance. All post–ERCP pancreatitis and major complications of all patients were retrieved too. Results: Of 255 enrolled patients, 195 were at high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis allocated in two groups of this study. Successful pancreatic stent placement was done in 86 patients (95.6%) of stent group. There was no major complication during procedures. The migration of pancreatic duct stent was diagnostic in 3 (3.5%) patients. The overall post ERCP pancreatitis was 4.0% and 16.6% in stent and non-stent groups, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our findings in this study, we strongly recommended pancreatic duct stent placement in high-risk patients; although the experience of endoscopist plays a crucial role. [GMJ.2015;4(2):67-71]
Picky hitch‐hikers: vector choice leads to directed dispersal and fat‐tailed kernels in a passively dispersing mite

Dispersal is a central life-history trait for most animals and plants: it allows to colonize new habitats, escape from competition or avoid inbreeding. Yet, not all species are mobile enough to perform sufficient dispersal. Such passive dispersers may use more mobile animals as dispersal vectors. If multiple potential vectors are available, an active choice can allow to optimize the dispersal process and to determine the distribution of dispersal distances, i.e. an optimal dispersal kernel. We explore dispersal and vector choice in the neotropical flower mite Spadiseius calyptrogynae using a dual approach which combines experiments with an individual-based simulation model. Spadiseius calyptrogynae is found in lowland rainforests in Costa Rica. It inhabits inflorescences of the understorey palm Calyptrogyne ghiesbreghtiana and is phoretic on a number of flower visitors including bats, beetles and stingless bees. We hypothesised that the mites should optimise their dispersal kernel by actively choosing a specific mix of potential phoretic vectors. In a simple olfactometer setup we showed that the flower mites do indeed discriminate between potential vectors. Subsequently we used an individual-based model to analyse the evolutionary forces responsible for the observed patterns of vector choice. The mites combine vectors exhibiting long-distance dispersal with those allowing for more localized dispersal. This results in a fat-tailed dispersal kernel that guarantees the occasional colonization of new host plant patches (long distance) while optimizing the exploitation of clumped resources (local dispersal). Additionally, kin competition results in a preference for small vectors that transport only few individuals at a time. At the same time, these vectors lead to directed dispersal towards suitable habitat, which increases the stability of this very specialized interaction. Our findings can be applied to other phoretic systems but also to vector-based seed dispersal, for example.
Line X Tester analysis for early yield components in vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Combining ability effects were estimated for different characters of vegetable pea in a line x test mating design, comprising of 20 lines and 3 testers and their resultant 60 F1 hybrids. Parents and F1 crosses differed significantly for gca and sca effects for all the characters, respectively. Lines viz. PMR-31 and PMR-43 were the best general combiners for days to first flowering, number of first flowering node and days to first green pod picking whereas, the best specific crosses were PMR-31 x Arkel, Early Felthum First x Arkel and NDVP-250 x PSM-4 for early maturity traits. Lines PSM-3, VL-7, PMR-31 and PMR-43 were the best general combiners for early yield and the cross KS-168 x Punjab Ageta-6 showed highest sca for this trait.
The Mediating Effect of Employee Engagement between Its Antecedents and Consequences

The aim of this study was to identify the mediating effect of employee engagement in the relationship between its antecedents and consequences (i.e. job satisfaction). A random sample comprising 250 subjects from academic institutions in Jordan was used to collect the required data. Of the250 questionnaires distributed, 238 were returned and considered valid for analysis. The findings showed that all mediation conditions were verified. That is, employee engagement mediated the relationship between employee communication, clear career growth opportunities, employees’ pride in their organization, managers’ trust and integrity, rewards and recognition, feedback and mentoring, work motivation, psychological empowerment, internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, organizational and supervision support and organizational justice, as well as organizational culture and job satisfaction. Hence, managers should take these antecedents into account to keep their employees engaged and satisfied.
Geographic Variation in the Endemic Skink, Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus from the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Variation in 28 quantitative characters and one qualitative character in the endemic Ryukyu skink Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus was analyzed. Multivariate analysis of the quantitative characters revealed extensive variation among the insular populations. Branching topology in the neighbor-joining phenogram deriving from Mahalanobis distances among island samples coincides well with their geographic arrange- ment, suggesting a great contribution of geohistory to the branching pattern. By contrast, branch length in the phenogram does not seem to reflect the paleogeography well, presumably due to noise from rapid morphological changes in small island populations. None of our analyses demonstrated distinct divergence between populations on islands northeast and southwest of the Tokara Tectonic Strait Accepting the current paleogeographical hypothesis that this strait has consistently existed since its initial formation in the Plio- cene, we interpret this result as indicative of recent oversea dispersal across the strait Results of the analyses also suggested that in A. pellopleurus primary divergence occurred between populations of the Okinawa Group and the remainder. Nevertheless, because of the absence of even a single discriminant character between these two groups, we reject taxonomic subdivision of the species proposed by a few previous authors.
Quantifying the effect of drought on carbon dioxide‐induced changes in competition between a C3 crop (tomato) and a C4 weed (Amaranthus retroflexus)

Valerio M, Tomecek MB, Lovelli S & Ziska LH (2011). Quantifying the effect of drought on carbon dioxide-induced changes in competition between a C3 crop (tomato) and a C4 weed (Amaranthus retroflexus). Weed Research51, 591–600. Summary Recent and projected increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and subsequent effects on climate are likely to alter competitive outcomes of weeds and crops. Rising [CO2] per se could increase the competitive ability of C3 crops relative to C4 weeds. However, such an outcome may depend on other climatic variables. In this study, tomato, a C3 crop species, was grown from emergence to anthesis using replacement series mixtures with Amaranthus retroflexus, a C4 weed species at three different [CO2], 400, 600 and 800 μmol mol−1, with and without water stress. Under well-watered conditions, leaf photosynthetic rates and plant height, leaf area and biomass all increased with elevated [CO2] for tomato relative to A. retroflexus, consistent with the kinetics of C3 photosynthesis. However, if water was limiting, a significant positive effect of [CO2] was noted for plant height and biomass of A. retroflexus with increased competition. This result may be related to a greater increase in leaf water potential with rising [CO2] for A. retroflexus relative to tomato under water stress. Overall, these are the first data to suggest that increases in atmospheric CO2 could still exacerbate crop losses from a C4 weed, even with a C3 crop, if drought occurs.
Effects of Water Velocity, Group Size, and Prey Availability on the Stream-Drift Capture Efficiency of Blacknose Dace, Rhinicthys atratulus

In laboratory flow-tank experiments, I determined the effects of water velocity, group size, and prey arrival rate on the proportion of drifting prey a group of blacknose dace, Rhinicthys atratulus, captured. Water velocity, group size, and the interaction between the two accounted for significant proportions of the variance found in the stream-drift capture efficiency of the fish. Neither prey arrival rate nor any of the interactions which included prey arrival rate explained a significant proportion of the variance in the capture data. I present a regression relating water velocity and group size to the proportion of drift items fish capture that should be valuable for future studies offish habitat selection. Further analysis of the regression found an optimal water velocity for drift-feeding blacknose dace at between 24 and 27 cm∙s−1. Because of the significant interaction between water velocity and group size, the advantage of foraging in sites with optimal water velocity decreased as the number of in.