Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Centipede (Chilopoda) richness, diversity and community structure in the forest-steppe nature reserve “Bielinek” on the Odra River (NW Poland, Central Europe)

Abstract Well-preserved habitats provide us with insights into natural Chilopoda communities, which is an important reference point for comparison, bioindication, and protection purposes. The forest-steppe nature reserve “Bielinek” is one of the most precious natural sites in Poland. The plant cover of the reserve is of a relict type – it has survived since the postglacial climatic optimum. Qualitative and quantitative studies on Chilopoda resulted in the collection of 2,690 specimens of 14 species from three orders: Lithobiomorpha (7 species), Geophilomorpha (6), and Scolopendromorpha (1). The diversity of habitats to a small extent affect the species composition of Chilopoda – the number of species reported from wetter sites (elm forest, beech forest) was 12, whereas in the dry xerothermic slope 9 species were found. The most numerous and the most common species were Schendyla nemorensis, Lithobius forficatus, Geophilus truncorum, G. flavus, and Lithobius agilis. The superdominant position in the community was occupied by S. nemorensis, whereas eudominants included G. flavus, G. truncorum, L. agilis, and Cryptops hortensis. The dominance structures were subject to seasonal changes, and they were the most distinct in summer and winter. The average density of centipedes was 59.8 specimens m−2 (min 10 – max 207). The centipede community in the “Bielinek” should be considered as relict. The obtained results significantly expand our knowledge on the Central European centipede communities. They constitute valuable material for bioindication and environmental protection purposes.
Growth and hematological responses of tambaqui fed different amounts of cassava (Manihot esculenta)

ABSTRACT Tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum is a fish of primary importance in Brazilian aquaculture and in the Amazon region in particular. The aim of this work is to analyze the combined effects of physical training and levels of dietary cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) on the hematological parameters, food intake, conversion efficiency, growth ratio and swimming performance of this fish. A diet for tambaqui consisting of 30% cassava caused decreases in weight gain and specific growth rate compared with the control group. Diets containing 15% or 45% cassava did not affect these indices and did not cause hematological changes in tambaqui juveniles, indicating that some amount of cassava can be used as an alternative energy source for this important aquaculture species. Keywords: teleosts, growth, feed evaluation, stress, blood RESUMO Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum , e um peixe de importância fundamental na aquicultura do Brasil e, em particular, na Regiao Amazonica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito combinado do treinamento fisico com diferentes niveis de macaxeira
Effect of adenine sulphate, casein hydrolysate and spermidine on in vitro shoot multiplication of two banana varieties (FHIA-21 and PITA-3)

A highly reproducible and efficient in vitro shoot regeneration system was developed for two banana varieties (FHIA-21 and PITA-3) using shoot tip as explant. Shoot tip was inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS, 1962) medium supplemented with cytokinins [benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (Kin) and 2-isopentenyl (2-iP)] and additives [Adenine sulphate (Ads), spermidine (Spd) and casein hydrolysate (CH)] for shoot multiplication. In all varieties, the maximum number of shoots and shoot length was obtained with 3 and 4 mg/L BAP, respectively. This rate was further enhanced by adding Ads (25 mg/L), CH (25 or 50 mg/L) and Spd (100 or 200 mg/L). In vitro raised shoots were successfully rooted on 1 mg/L 2-iP in combination with 0.5 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Rooting was significantly enhanced by adding casein hydrolysate (25 or 50 mg/L). The well rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized on different substrates (compost, forest soil, sand, forest soil + sawdust from dead tree and sand + sawdust from dead tree). The compost substrate was found to be preferable. Finally, after one month in the greenhouse, the hardened plants were transfered to the field environment for utmost survivability. Key words: Additives, banana, cytokinins, in vitro shoot multiplication, rooting, shoot tip.
Karyological Studies on Seven Cephalopods

Karyological studies were made on the embryos of seven cephalopods using chopping method. Two sepiids (Sepia esculenta and Sepia lycidas) and three loliginids (Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Heterololigo bleekeri and Photololigo edulits) were all 2n = 92). Their karyotypes and total length of chromosomes were slightly different from each other. Two octopuses (Octopus ocellatus and O. vulgaris) were both 2n=60. Their karyotypes and total length of chromosomes were, however, remarkably different from each other.
A theory about the evolutionary history of Lachnidae and comments on the results of some molecular phylogenetic studies of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea)*

Abstract Several characters of the Lachnidae are discussed, and it is explained why some of them are not plesiomorphies as previously believed, but apomorphies. This applies e.g. to the absence of host alternation in the extant genera, to the short cauda and to the presence of compound eyes in the nymphs and the apterous adults. Some characters are adaptations to attention by ants or ways of feeding. It is concluded that many characters show that the family is relatively young and probably originally had host alternation of the same kind as Aphididae, which is regarded as the sister group. The results of some molecular phylogenetic studies are discussed.
Enhancement of maize growth and alteration of the rhizosphere microbial community by phosphate-solubilizing fungus Aspergillus aculeatus P93

Over-application of phosphatic fertilizers is adversely impacting agricultural sustainability resulting in the need for alternative strategies for plant phosphorus nutrition such as the use of phosphate-solubilizing microbes. The fungus Aspergillus aculeatus P93 excreted organic acids and IAA into Pikovskaya’s broth and solubilized phosphorus from insoluble tricalcium phosphate and rock phosphate in this broth. Treatment of maize seeds with P93 resulted in increased levels of certain organic acids in calcareous soil, increased soil available phosphorus in the non-amended and amended soil, increased total plant phosphorus of maize grown in the non-amended soil, and increased dry plant weight of maize grown in non-amended calcareous soil or this soil amended with rock phosphate relative to the control in greenhouse pot studies. DGGE-based analysis of maize rhizosphere demonstrated alterations in microbial community structure due to the introduction of P93. This plant growth promotion of maize by P93 is likely due, at least in part, to the production of IAA and increased phosphorus availability resulting from the excretion of organic acids into, and the resulting acidification of, this soil. However, consideration must be given to the altered rhizosphere microbial community in this plant growth promotion.
The effect of chloride and nitrogen on nitrate accumulation and yield in beetroot (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva)

A pot and a field experiment were conducted to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen and chloride fertilizer levels on the nitrate content ofbeetroot. The yield and dry matter content were also determined. Sulphate fertilization was used as a control to chloride fertilization. There was a considerable decrease in the nitrate content of beetroots during the growing season. High nitrogen fertilization caused nitrate accumulation in both experiments. Chloride had a significant decreasing effect on the nitrate accumulation towards the middle of the growing period in the pot experiment. In the field experiment, chloride also decreased nitrate accumulation towards the middle of the growing period, soon after additional application of ammonium nitrate limestone (13.8 % NH4-N; 13.7 % NOj-N). Chloride tends to decrease nitrate accumulation only at an early stage of root development when nitrate is not the only source of nitrogen in the soil. The yield was higheron high nitrogen supply, in the pot experiment also on chloride application. Nitrogen decreased the dry matter content, but chloride had this effect only in the field experiment.
Pleistocene Grey Kangaroos from the Fossil Chamber of Victoria Fossil Cave, Naracoorte, South Australia

Summary Craniodental characteristics of Pleistocene grey kangaroos from the Fossil Chamber deposit in the Victoria Fossil Cave (VFC-FC), Naracoorte are herein described and compared with South Australian samples of the two extant species, Macropus giganteus Shaw and M. fuliginosus (Desmarest), as well as Pleistocene Macropus material from Tight Entrance Cave in Western Australia. The VFC-FC fossil kangaroos are significantly larger than modern South Australian material in all craniodental attributes, but do not differ significantly in size from Tight Entrance Cave Macropus. Characteristics previously used to identify the extinct megafaunal species M. titan in VFC-FC are here deemed unreliable as diagnostic tools. It is suggested that M. titan is not represented in VFC-FC and that only one species is present. This species more closely resembles extant M. fuliginosus than M. giganteus.
Physiology and Pathology of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Phage-Related Therapy

Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) are spreading rapidly across the world that outpace development of new antibiotics. Options other than antibiotics treatment are urgently needed. In this chapter, we review the current status of nonantibiotics-based strategies including phage therapy and phage-derived protein therapy for targeting Gram-positive strains (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ) and MDR Gram-negative strains ( Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ).
Enhancing fish productivity through pen culture: a case study in Sareni wetland of Uttar Pradesh

India is bestowed with vast freshwater wetland resources (0.55 million ha), locally known as beels, mauns, chaurs, pats, tals and jheels in various states of the country. These habitats are integral part of the river complex. Irrigation projects and flood control measures have destroyed many of these water bodies which were nursery and breeding grounds of Indian major carps (IMCs) (Sinha and Khan, 2001). A number of wetlands got permanently disconnected from the parent river (closed beels) while some of them still maintain their connectivity (open beels). It is estimated that freshwater wetlands support 20% of the known range of biodiversity in India (Deepa and Ramchandra, 2000). This huge biodiversity reserves provide necessary launching platforms for increasing fish production. The ecology and productivity of wetlands in different parts of the country has been extensively studied (Pathak et al.,1985, 2002, 2004; Jha, 1989, 1997; Pathak,1989, 1990; Sugunan, 1995, 1997; Vass, 1997; Kumar and Joshi, 2008; Joshi and Kumar, 2009). The state of Uttar Pradesh has sizeable area of 1.52 lakh ha under wetlands (Pathak et al., 2004), but the level of interventions to enhance productivity of these water bodies remained almost nil or insufficient due to non-existence of location ABSTRACT
Evaluation of Ground - Sundried Cassava Leaf Meal as Protein Source for Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L) Juvenile’s Diet

Ground and sun dried cassava leaf meal (CLM) was evaluated as a protein source for Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Biochemical analyses, digestibility study and growth trial were undertaken. Biochemical analyses showed that grinding followed by sun drying resulted into 60% reduction of hydrogen cyanide while saponins, phenols, tannins and phytic acid were slightly affected. Crude lipid and crude fibre contents were also reduced. Digestibility trial showed that CLM has low apparent digestibility of protein (44.5%) and energy (44.2%). Increased inclusion of CLM from 0, 15, 30, 45 to 60 g100 g-1 of total dietary crude protein resulted into a significant reduction of growth, nutrient utilisation and whole body composition after an eight week growth trial. SGR declined from 3.17% in fish fed CLM0 to 1.15% in those fed CLM60. Similarly, FCR increased from 1.45 in fish fed CLM0 to 5.02 in those fed CLM60. Whole body lipid declined from 8.29% fed CLM0 to 2.61% in those fed CLM60. Histopathological examination of liver and small intestine did not show any changes that could be linked to dietary treatment. Therefore, there is need to improve digestibility of CLM in order to realise its potential as a protein source in Nile tilapia diets. Key words : Nile tilapia, cassava leaf meal, digestibility, nutrient utilisation
Criteria to identify old-growth forests in the Mediterranean: A case study from Sicily based on a literature review and some management proposals

Old growth forests are increasingly considered and studied all around the world. However, the knowledge of such important forest systems is still limited in some bioclimatic regions, such as in the Mediterranean Basin. Starting from the knowledge acquired elsewhere, our research was carried out with the aim to select the most effective criteria to identify potential old-growth forests in Mediterranean ecosystems (Sicily, Italy). Four key proxy indicators were considered: deadwood amount, tree size, structural traits, and tree species richness. A preliminary classification of the local forest stands level in three classes of old-growthness (high, medium and low) has also been proposed. The main threats to woods conservation, as well as their biological value were considered. Twenty-one forest stands have been detected and characterized; among them, seven forest stands were close to old growth conditions. Although the selected forest stands are located in protected areas, browsing due to farming and feral ungulates represent a widespread threat. The information provided for each forest stand may represent a starting point for further and in-depth investigations in similar Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
Proximate composition and micronutrient profile of different size groups of hilsa Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) from river Ganga

The Indian shad hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) is an important food fish in South-east Asian countries. The fish is rich in oil and known for its high omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content; however information available on the micronutrient profile of this commercially important food fish is limited. The present study investigated the detailed micronutrient profile (mineral and fat soluble vitamins) of different size groups of hilsa. Proximate composition analysis revealed that besides being rich in crude fat (7.91-14.61%), the protein content of this fish is also very high (19.44-21.86%). The macro-minerals potassium, calcium and micro-minerals iron, zinc and the fat soluble vitamins A and E are the dominant micronutrients in different size groups of hilsa. Comparative nutritional evaluation of different size groups of hilsa showed that medium size fish is nutritionally superior to both small and large size groups.
Comparative Anatomy of Tribes Cereeae and Browningieae (Cactaceae)

Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the phylogenetic relationships between tribes Cereeae and Browningieae in the cactus subfamily Cactoideae. During field trips to Venezuela, Ecuador and Chile, tissue samples were collected from representative specimens in natural populations. Monvillea* diffusa, M. maritima, and M. smithiana were virtually identical anatomically and, although similar to Cereus hexagonus, they were distinct in having large druses in their outer hypodermis and extremely small wall crystals in their cortex. Pilosocereus mortensenii was indistinguishable from the samples of Subpilocereus* (S. ottonis, S. repandus, S. russelianus) but was very different from other pilosocerei (P. lanuginosus, P. moritzianus, P. tillianus). Samples of Subpilocereus, including P. mortensenii, were similar to those of C. hexagonus in having no hypodermal crystals, no druses in pith or cortex, few or no mucilage cells in pith or cortex. Anatomical characters supported a hypothetical close relationship between Armatocereus (A. brevispinus, A. cartwrightianus, A. godingianus) and Jasminocereus (J. thouarsii), but Jasminocereus had few distinctive features that could be used to link it strongly to any genus in this study. Both tribes were variable, but members of each resembled each other more than they resembled any member of the other tribe. Leptocereus quadricostatus (tribe Echinocereeae) did not obviously share more characters with one tribe versus the other. Pachycereeae are more similar to Cereeae than to Browningieae.
Short communication: Concentrate supplementation strategies in ryegrass pasture for productive performance in lambs

This study evaluated the effect of two concentrate supplementation strategies on performance, metabolic profile and economic evaluation of suckling lambs and ewes in ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum ) pasture. Twenty-seven ewes and 45 lambs were divided into three groups: (1) ryegrass pasture without supplementation - control (CON); (2) CON plus supplemented ewes and lambs at 1% of live weight (SEL), and (3) CON plus creep feeding supplemented lambs at 1% of live weight (CSL). Concentrate use increased ( p <0.05) average daily gain (ADG) by 19.95% over CON (21.6 and 18.3% for SEL and CSL, respectively). Concentrate use contributed to minimizing forage quality fluctuation and provided greater ADG stability, mainly when ryegrass nutritional content and digestibility decreased. Blood metabolites profiles did not differ between groups, with exception of phosphorus which was higher for CON than SEL, and calcium which was higher for CSL than CON ( p <0.05). Compared to CON, stoking rate values were greater to SEL ( p <0.05). Compared to CSL, ewe and total stocking rate were greater ( p <0.05) to SEL. Considering the control group as break even feed investment, SEL strategy had a positive economic return, while CSL showed economic losses. Concentrate use increased ADG of lambs and decrease the impact of nutrient quality changes of forage on daily gains, but must be considered that supplemental strategy used could affect negatively economic return.
Ellagitannin and Anthocyanin Retention in Osmotically Dehydrated Blackberries

The objective of the work was to examine changes in the content of ellagitannins and anthocyanins, which are the main polyphenolic fractions of blackberries, during osmotic dehydration of the fruit in 50 – 65°Bx sucrose solutions. Frozen blackberries were found to be readily dehydrated under mild temperature conditions (30°C), with dry matter content more than doubling after 1 h, and reaching 48% after 3 h in 65°Bx solution. Total ellagitannin retention after 1 h of processing amounted to at least 80%, while after 3 h it ranged from 63.6% to 82.4%. The concentrations of the two main ellagitannins, lambertianin C (a trimer) and sanguiin H-6 (a dimer), revealed similar patterns of variation. The greatest losses, reaching up to 50% after 1 h of dehydration, were recorded for ellagic acid. After the same treatment time, the decrease in anthocyanin concentration was approx. 30 – 40%. The loss of polyphenolic compounds from fruit was attributable to their migration to the syrup. After 3 h of osmotic dehydration, ellagitannin concentration in the syrup amounted to 13.6 – 22.1 mg/100 mL, and that of anthocyanins was 6.7 – 11.2 mg/100 mL.
Iran’s roads: mitigating the most serious threat to the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah Acinonyx jubatus venaticus

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are an important cause of mortality for many species, and the number of collisions is expected to grow rapidly as the global road network quickly expands over the next few decades. Wildlife-vehicle collisions also have the potential to be extremely detrimental to small wildlife populations, such as the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), with only 43 individuals remaining in the wild. We assessed the spatial distribution of road mortalities between 2004 and 2016 to identify roadkill hotspots involving Asiatic cheetahs in Iran using network kernel density estimation. A total of sixteen cheetah fatalities due to wildlife-vehicle collisions were recorded, and we identified six road fragments as roadkill hotspots. Efforts to reduce wildlife-cheetah collisions should be targeted in the densest hotspots. We review the options available to achieve this, and we recommend a strategic shift away from the ineffective warning signage currently used, and instead suggest adopting an evidence-based approach focusing on installing wildlife crossing structures in conjunction with fencing in roadkill hotspots. These measures will help to enhance the conservation status of the Asiatic cheetah, as the current high level of mortality of Asiatic cheetahs on Iran’s roads could have potentially dramatic impacts on this critically endangered subspecies.
Diferenciación morfológica de Carollia brevicauda y C. perspicillata (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) de Perú y Ecuador

En el genero Carollia, Carollia brevicauda y C. perspicillata son las especies mas abundantes y ampliamente distribuidas del genero en America del Sur, ademas de tener distribuciones casi complemente sobrepuestas. Debido a que estas especies son morfologicamente similares en algunas localidades son frecuentemente mal identificadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las diferencias morfologicas y morfometricas de C. brevicauda y C. perspicillata. para esto, se empleo un analisis morfologico detallado y diversos metodos estadisticos y multivariados. Se evaluaron 26 variables craneo-dentales con distribucion normal de 375 especimenes adultos entre ambas especies procedentes de poblaciones peruanas y ecuatorianas. Ademas, para efectos de comparacion se incluyeron a 54 especimenes entre Carollia benkeithi, C. manu y Carollia sp. Se encontro que C. brevicauda y C. perspicillata son diferentes en 28 caracteres discretos y significativamente diferenciables en 25 variables morfometricas. Ademas, los analisis multivariados sugirieron que C. brevicauda, C. perspicillata y C. manu forman un grupo morfologico distinto del grupo de C. benkeithi y Carollia sp. Estos resultados son concordantes con estudios previos y adicionan varios caracteres que diferencian a C. brevicauda de C. perspicillata, los cuales necesitan ser probados en otras regiones.
OIDDE Learning Model through Integrated Field Studies Abroad to Develop Ethical Decision Skills of Candidate Biology Teachers: Indonesian Perspective

This study aimed to describe the ethical problems, valuable experience, and ethical decision-making abilities about the environment by students through the application of OIDDE models on integrated field studies abroad. Descriptive data analysis techniques were used on existing data. Environmental ethical problems that arose are the use and exploitation of natural resources, pollution, lack of public facilities’ cleanliness, poaching, and environment arrangement problems. Valuable experiences gained by students were: 1) Malaysia Highway Rest Area: plants flourish and the birdlife is undisturbed; 2) Malacca River: transformed into a clean and beautiful area; 3) Putrajaya: concerns raised about environmental balance and sustainability; 4) Sentosa Island: various modern amusement rides prepared for enjoyment in line with environmental principles. Ethical decisions taken were: 1) environmental functions and sustainability should be referenced in development; 2) amusement rides developed in line with environmental consideration; 3) pattern of consumption and human activities to avoid resultant pollutants as much as possible; 4) use of environmentally friendly facilities should become a lifestyle choice; and 5) consistently implement environment regulations.