Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of learning in shark behaviour

The role of learning in behaviour is well known for many animal taxa, including teleost fishes, insects, birds and mammals. However, its importance to sharks in everyday behavioural processes has rarely been considered. Almost 50 years ago the first learning experiments on sharks were conducted; our first section discusses these studies and places them in a framework of associative and non-associative learning. These experiments showed that sharks were capable of different forms of learning, such as operant and classical conditioning and habituation. Sharks could learn associations as rapidly as other vertebrates and also remember training regimes for several months. However, much of this experimental evidence was based on small sample sizes and few shark orders, such as Carcharhiniformes and Orectobliformes, leaving large gaps in our knowledge of the general learning capabilities of other shark orders. We also examine recent research that has tested for, or inferred learning in behavioural processes. This section reveals that sharks, like teleost fishes use learning to improve prey search and capture to potentially navigate and orientate in their home range and recognize conspecifics, heterospecifics and mates. Learning is also discussed in relation to ecotourism and fisheries. Findings indicated that these activities may lead to conditioning of sharks and that considerable effort should go into investigating what impact this could have on the shark species involved. Finally, we discuss the importance of combining laboratory experiments with field studies, the use of new experimental techniques, the role of model species and research priorities for future work.
Pollen analysis of New Zealand honey

Abstract A pollen analytical study of New Zealand honey provides a basis for identifying the origins of a honey in terms of locality and floral source: The information may be used to develop analytical standards for pollen, contributing to quahty control of a product offered for export or for the home market. General principles outlined by the International Commission for Bee Botany have been used as a guide, although in practice these are considerably modified. Samples were processed by acetolysis, and absolute pollen counts were obtained by spiking with a known number of Lycopodium spores. Most New Zealand honey falls within the “normal” category (20 000-100 000 pollen grains in a standard 10 g sample). Clover honey is in this category. Thyme honey with a pollen content less than 20 000 grams per 10 g sample, and manuka honey where the pollen content exceeds 100 000 grams, are examples of “under-represented” and “over represented” categories respectively. The analyses confirm the importance of white clo.
Secagem e armazenamento de sementes de maracujá amarelo (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Degener)

This study had the following objects: To evaluate the immediate and latent effects of drying-air temperature and compare the influence of two types of seed packaging on the physiological quality of seeds of the yellow passion fruit. Tests were conducted employing four levels of drying-air temperature (ambient temperature under shade, 30, 35, and 40 oC), one level of drying-air airflow (48 m3 min-1 m-2), and initial and final seed moisture contents of 35 and 10% w.b. , respectively. Drying runs were performed in thin layers in a prototype laboratory drier with an upward airflow design. The physiological quality of the seeds was assessed through vigour and standard germination tests. Upon removal from the drier, seeds were cooled to ambient air temperature, placed in glass containers and polyethylene bags and stored in a controlled temperature chamber at 15±1 oC for 90 and 180 days. Results showed that drying-air temperature had no significant effect on passion fruit seeds germination. Storage priods of 90 and 180 days produced seeds with the same vigour based on the count made at the seventh day. Also, the final germination count was not affected by storage time. Results revealed that both seed vigour and germination were the same regardless of whether they were dried at ambient temperature under shade or under controlled temperature in the range from 30 to 40 oC.
A comparison of fox skulls from Wales and South-East England

Seven different measurements of fox skulls from animals of known sex were recorded for 571 fox skulls from Wales and South-East England. A multivariate technique, discriminant function analysis, is used to classify the skulls according to sex and regional origin. Differences detected suggest that male skulls tend to be larger, and that skulls from Wales are larger than those from South-East England. The classifications are presumed to reflect true differences between sexes and regions.
Current status of cucurbit viruses in Venezuela and characterization of Venezuelan isolates of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus

In Venezuela, cucurbit viruses have been associated with important yield losses. Therefore, an extensive survey was conducted to determine the major cucurbit viruses in this country. Leaf samples from 284 cucurbit plants exhibiting virus-like symptoms were collected mainly in 2009–2010 from several states of Venezuela. They were assessed for viral infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Melon chlorotic mosaic virus (MeCMV) and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR for Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Squash mosaic virus (SqMV) and Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV). The most common virus in cucurbit fields, MeCMV, was present in 65·8% of samples. Its associated alphasatellite was found in 78% of samples positive for MeCMV. PRSV, ZYMV and WMV were found with different prevalence: 34·2, 32·4 and 1·1% respectively. CMV was also detected (6·7%) but SqMV and CABYV were not found. Single infections were more frequent than mixed infections (56·4 and 38·6%, respectively). For ZYMV, comparison and phylogenetic analyses of either polymerase and coat protein (NIb-CP) partial sequences or CP complete sequences revealed a low genetic diversity within Venezuelan isolates. Thirty-four ZYMV isolates were used for serological and biological analysis. Thirteen monoclonal antibodies showed a major group of isolates spread in several states and two groups located in Zulia only. Venezuelan ZYMV isolates showed biological variability on cucurbit cultivars susceptible, tolerant or resistant to ZYMV. Resistance to ZYMV in cucumber appears potentially durable, whereas resistance or tolerance in zucchini and melon may be easily overcome.
DETECTION AND VERIFICATION OF QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI AFFECTING TOLERANCE TO LOW PHOSPHORUS IN RICE

Phosphorus (P)-deficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.) may cause yields reductions. This research was conducted to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tolerance to low-P stress in a double-haploid (DH) line, and to verify these loci in another SSD9 population, which is the ninth generation of single-seed-distribution population derived from the same parents. Two populations were cultured solution at different period. By using the linkage map, QTLs for traits associated with tolerance to low-P stress were located. Results indicated that for DH population, one restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) marker located on chromosome 6 was closely associated with relative root dry weight, relative shoot dry weight, and relative total dry weight. Two QTLs affected relative P uptake content. One micro-effect QTL was found to be associated with relative P utilization efficiency. For relative amounts of root exuded acid phosphatase, relative P allocation between shoot and root, relative plant P concentration, and relative shoot P concentration, one micro-effect QTL was detected for each one. Quantitative trait loci for 3 traits were detected for both DH and SSD9 populations, but the loci for each located trait were inconsistent between two populations; the reason for inconsistency in QTLs was analyzed. The main reason could be the difference in solution environment.
Seasonal Effect on Thermostability of Myofibrillar Ca2 + ATPase in Freshwater Fish Muscle

Abstract The effect of season on the thermostability of myofibrillar Ca2 +-ATPase from three species of freshwater fish, silver carp, grass carp and crucian carp, was investigated. The results indicated that the thermostability of myofibrillar Ca2 + ATPase showed significant seasonal changes in these three species and exhibited a maximum stability in summer while a minimum in winter in terms of the inactivation rate constant, Kp. The seasonal change in Kp was related to environmental temperature and a negative linear correlation between the logarithm of KQ and environmental temperature was found (p < 0.001). The results also indicated that the specific activity of myofibrillar Ca2 + ATPase showed a higher value in summer than in winter and was positively correlated with the environmental temperature.
Maturity and growth characteristics of a commercially exploited stingray, Dasyatis dipterura

Maturity and growth characteristics were estimated for Dasyatis dipterura from western Mexico, where it is a common component of artisanal elasmobranch fisheries. Median disc width at maturity was estimated as 57.3 cm for females (n = 126) and 46.5 cm for males (n = 55) respectively. Age estimates were obtained from 304 fishery-derived specimens (169 female, 135 male). An annual pattern of band-pair deposition was validated through modified centrum edge and marginal increment analyses. Gompertz, polynomial and von Bertalanffy growth models were fit to disc width and weight-at-age data. Resulting models were evaluated based on biological rationale, standard error of model estimates, and Akaike’s information criteria. Growth characteristics differed significantly between females and males. Maximum age estimates were 28 years for females and 19 years for males. Three-parameter von Bertalanffy growth models of disc width-at-age data generated the most appropriate fits and produced relatively low estimates of instantaneous growth rates for females (DW∞ = 92.4 cm, k = 0.05, t0 = –7.61, DW0 = 31.4 cm) and males (DW∞ = 62.2 cm, k = 0.10, t0 = –6.80, DW0 = 31.3 cm). These values are the lowest reported for myliobatiform stingrays and indicate slow growth rates in comparison with elasmobranchs in general.
Influence of cryptobiotic soil crusts on elemental content of tissue of two desert seed plants

Soil surface growths dominated by cyanobacteria and the lichen Collema in southeastern Utah are shown to be associated with greater tissue content of several bio‐essential elements in two co‐occurring seed plants (Festuca octoflora, Poaceae, and Mentzelia multiflora, Loasaceae). The elements N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe were present in significantly greater concentrations in Festuca growing on soils heavily encrusted with cyanobacteria and cyanolichens than in plants on the same soil where foot traffic had destroyed the cryptobiotic crusts. With Mentzelia, N, Mg, and Fe were present in significantly greater concentrations in plants from sites with encrusted soil surfaces than on blow‐sand sites. The cryptobiota appeared to compete vigorously with Mentzelia for available P: Mentzelia plants from crusted sites contained significantly smaller concentrations of P than plants grown on soils where wind action precluded development of surface crusts. These cryptobiotic crusts fix considerable amounts of N, which appa.
Changes of gonadosomatic index and plasma levels of cortisol in the male and female captive Caspian brown trout, Salmo Trutta Caspius (Kessler, 1877) during the reproductive cycle

The changes of cortisol and gonadosomatic index (GSI) in male and female Caspian brown trout reared under confinement in the hatchery were determined by radioimmunoassay. When the GSI reached to its maxima (for males: 17.2±1.9 ng/mL; for females: 15.6±4.7 ng/mL), the concentration of cortisol showed a clear peak both in males (10.6±0.8%) and females (10.1±0.9%). This result suggests that the elevated plasma levels of cortisol may not just be due to stresses during the breeding season but also due to its physiological functions in the reproduction of Caspian brown trout.
Seroepidemiology of human fascioliasis and its relationship with anti-Fasciola IgG and liver enzymes as biomarkers of pathogenicity

Background Fascioliasis has never been considered a public health concern in Pakistan, although the increasing numbers of human cases reported in south Asia need a re-consideration in the country. The current study aimed to find the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis, associated risk factors and its relationship with liver enzymes as biomarkers of pathogenicity. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted in different districts of Punjab region from May 2014 to August 2016. A total of 546 respondents were screened by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum biochemical tests. Results Higher seroprevalence was recorded in Muzaffargarh (6.2%) and Bhara kahu (5.9%), while low infection rate in Gujranwala (1.1%) and Islamabad (1.5%). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed rural inhabitants (OR=7.9, 95%CI: 2.5–24.8), females (OR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.7–7.1), family size 3–7 (OR=1.7, 95%CI: 1.0–2.9) and socioeconomic condition (OR=3.9, 95%CI: 1.5–10.4) were the significantly (p<0.005) associated risk factors with disease. The results of liver enzymes i.e. aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol levels were significantly (p=0.001) elevated and associated with fascioliasis pathogenicity. Conclusion The higher prevalence recorded may explain with Fasciola IgG antibodies for both active and past infections and cross reactivity of the assay with other helminthes.
Rearing immature feeding stage of Orius majesculus Reut. (Het., Anthocoridae) on the acarid mite Tyrophagus putriscentiae Schr. as new alternative prey

The acarid mite Tyrophagus putriscentiae was used as prey for mass rearing of the immature feeding stages of the anthocorid predator Orius majesculus. Production of the new prey is clean, simple and cheeper than production of natural preys (aphids, thrips, tetranychid mite, lepidopterous eggs).
Improved speed, specificity, and limit of determination of an aqueous acid extraction thiobarbituric acid-C18 method for measuring lipid peroxidation in beef

The objectives of this study were to improve the speed, specificity, and limit of determination of the aqueous acid extraction thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method for measuring malonaldehyde (MA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation in ground beef. The TBA reaction time was reduced from 30 to 5 min at 94±1 o C by increasing the concentration of TBA from 20 to 80 mM. The TBA-reactive substances (TBARS) in ground beef extracts and MA standard solution were stable for up to 2 and 12 days, respectively, in 5% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at 4 o C
Receptor‐Independent Sporopollenin

Pollen of some species of the genus Quercus shows rod-shaped substructures in fresh or acetolysed exines, while in other species rod substructure is mostly masked by sporopollenin. Oxidation with potassium permanganate removes exine substance (sporopollenin) from between the rod substructures. We propose that the rods include receptors for sporopollenin. The sporopollenin between rods we refer to as ‘receptor-independent sporopollenin’. Pollen of Typha, when mature, has tectal surfaces with concave tops and sides, whereas during development the tectal surfaces are smoothly rounded. After acetolysis treatment followed by potassium permanganate the tectum surfaces again appear rounded. When these exines are subsequently eroded by a fast atom source, rod-shaped substructures are seen to protrude from the tectum. These structures are equivalent in size and shape to the rods of the exine of Quercus. Sporopollenin that accumulates over and masks rod substrucutre is less resistant to our degradative methods than the sporopollenin in rod structures of exines. We suggest that the exine material we call “receptor-independent sporopollenin” be given a simple positive name, such as masking-sporopollenin or abbreviated to masking-spn.
Baseline study of the leaf‐litter ant fauna in a French Guianese forest

Abstract. 1. Leaf‐litter ants represent a major component of biodiversity and are excellent bioindicators reflecting the health of terrestrial ecosystems. This study, conducted in an unspoiled forest near the Nouragues Research Station, represents the first inventory of leaf‐litter ant diversity conducted in French Guiana, and so can be considered as the baseline dataset for ants in this country.
Control of cadmium levels in Holopedium gibberum (crustacea, cladocera) in canadian shield lakes

Cadmium concentrations (Cd-h) of Holopedium gibberum (Crustacea, Cladocera) collected from 26 Canadian Shield lakes with positive alkalinity ranged from 0.9 to 31 μg/g. Levels were positively correlated with aqueous Cd concentrations (Cd-aq) and negatively correlated with clutch size. Animals collected from acidified lakes did not have elevated Cd-h concentrations despite elevated Cd-aq levels. In three intensive study lakes, the presence of eggs lowered Cd-h concentrations and Cd-h levels frequently increased with increases in body size. In two of these lakes, many H. gibberum occupied waters rich in particulate iron just above the anoxic interface. Cd-h levels fell when animals were experimentally confined to this layer, presumably because much of the Cd-aq was adsorbed by the particulate iron and was unavailable for uptake. We suggest that the behavior of animals, specifically their movement to light-scattering layers just above the anoxic interface, influences the accumulation of Cd by H. gibberum in Canadian Shield lakes.
11801 Widyana 2020 E.docx

This study aims to examine the effect of Jolly Phonics and multisensory learning methods, to improve pre-reading ability among preschool children. The research method used was an experiment with two experimental groups and one control group. The Jolly Phonics learning method was applied to the first experimental group. Multisensory learning method was applied to the second experimental group. The mean difference of the post-test between control group and the first experimental group (Jolly Phonics group) is 17,167 (p <0.05). It is shown that there were significant pre-reading ability differences between the control group and Jolly Phonics experimental group. The mean difference of the post-test between control group and the second experimental group is 17,667 (p <0.05). It is shown that there were significant pre-reading ability differences between the control group and the multisensory experimental group. These results indicate that the Jolly Phonics and multisensory learning methods are effective methods for improving pre-reading skills. The post-test score differences between the first experimental group and the second experimental group show a mean difference of 0.500 (p> 0.05). It indicated that there is no difference in pre-reading ability between Jolly Phonics and Multisensory learning group, which means that both learning methods are equally effective in increasing pre-reading skills.
Ghrelin, resistin and insulin in obese diabetic women in Wad-Madani, Sudan

Background Obesity in the Sudan is increasing at alarming rate with the tendency of reaching an epidemic proportion in women. It is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Some adipokine hormones such as resistin are associated with obesity. Objectives To study how the levels of resistin, ghrelin and insulin are associated with obesity,fat distribution and (T2D) and to ascertain any interrelationships between them. Subjects and methods 150 women, age ≥18 years old, resident in Wad-Madani town, Sudan were participated in the study. They were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI) value: I (normal weight), II (overweight) and III (obese diabetic). Fasting serum resistin and ghrelin concentrations were measured using ELISA method. Insulin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay(RIA). Results The mean±SD levels of resistin 5.80±4.91ng/mL,Ghrelin107.60±26.67pg/M and Insulin 11.92±8.54mLU/ml in obese diabetic were found to be greater than in normal or overweight women. In normal weight values were 3.07±2.15 ng/mL 83.30±13.38pg/mL, and 6.62±6.77mLU/ml for resistini, ghrelin and Insulin, respectively. Values for overweight women 3.64±2.63 pg/mL 90±17.35 pg/mL and 8.13±7.54 mLU/ml for resistin, ghrelin and insulin respectively. Conclusions and recommendations Increased BMI, waist circumference (WC) and hormones (ghrelin and resistin) were associated with insulin resistance. Further studies are needed to accept or refute these findings.
Crown reconfiguration and trunk stress in deciduous trees

In light of the risk of litigation following damage related to tree failure in urban and suburban settings, more empirical data related to tree risk assessment are needed. We measured drag and drag-induced bending moment (M) and calculated drag coefficient (CD) and trunk stress (σ) for three deciduous trees at wind speeds up to 22.4 m/s. We measured the modulus of rupture (MOR) of wood samples from trunks and calculated the factor of safety (SF = MOR / σ) for each tree. We also investigated which tree morphometric variables best predicted drag and M and whether simple two- and three-dimensional shapes accurately represented actual tree crowns. Drag, CD, M, σ, and SF differed among species in accordance with physical parameters. More massive trees experienced greater drag and M, but σ was greater for trees with smaller trunk diameters. Tree mass reliably predicted drag and M; crown dimensions, including crown area, were less reliable predictors. Crown reconfiguration varied only slightly among species, and.
Mindfulness and Testing: An Exploration of the Benefits of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Meditation Practice on Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a growing concern for students as it can negatively impact student performance. Mindfulness is a practice of focused breathing meditation intended to increase awareness of oneself and the present moment and decrease anxiety. With the recent increase in mindfulness practices in schools, this research examines the potential impact of mindfulnessbased cognitive practice on anxiety levels, test anxiety, and standardized test scores through the use of the ACT standardized placement test, the TAI-G, a self-administered Test Anxiety Inventory, and the Biodot, a device measuring physiological indications of anxiety. Using analysis of variance and paired samples t-tests, a significant reduction in anxiety levels after mindfulness exercises were identified; however, no differences in standardized test scores or self-reported anxiety emerged. The significant impact of mindfulness on anxiety levels during individual sessions and the potential for significance over time merit further research.
SUGAR INFLUENCE ON DOUGH’S BEHAVIOUR

Sugars, in baking, influence dough’s behaviour, yeast activity and products quality. In this paper we try to study rheological and technological effect of sugar, in different doses, on dough and on product quality. Rheological properties of dough were determinate with Chopin Consistograph and Alveograph and the effect on bread quality was determinate with baking tests.