Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crescimento, partição de biomassa e fotossíntese em plantas jovens de Genipa spruceana submetidas ao alagamento

Genipa spruceana Steyerm (Rubiaceae) e uma especie frequentemente encontrada em ambientes alagados na Amazonia central. Neste estudo, objetivou-se elucidar possiveis estrategias adaptativas que permitem a especie ocupar ambientes sujeitos ao alagamento, visando ao potencial da especie para a restauracao de areas alagadas. No sentido de atingir tais objetivos foram investigadas caracteristicas de crescimento, numero de folhas, expansao foliar, acumulo de biomassa, assimilacao de carbono e condutância estomatica de plantas jovens de G. spruceana submetidas aos tratamentos: 1- controle (SA - sem alagamento), 2- plantas parcialmente alagadas (PA) e 3- plantas totalmente alagadas (TA) durante 90 dias. Os tratamentos de alagamento PA e TA induziram menores incrementos em todas as variaveis de crescimento em altura e diâmetro quando comparados ao tratamento controle. Com o aumento do nivel de inundacao, a alocacao de biomassa para a folha diminuiu ate a completa abscisao foliar em TA, enquanto aumentou a massa caulinar. No tratamento PA, foi observada reducao nas taxas de assimilacao de carbono da ordem de 58% e 64% aos 60 e 90 dias, respectivamente, e de 96% aos 60 dias no tratamento TA. Entretanto, ao final do experimento todos os tratamentos apresentaram 100% de sobrevivencia. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a perda de folhas e o ganho de biomassa no caule podem ser estrategias para atenuar o efeito prejudicial do alagamento. Por outro lado, as maximas taxas de sobrevivencia sugerem que G. spruceana exibe alto potencial para estabelecimento em ambientes frequentemente alagados.
Agricultural education and damn statistics I: Graduate completions

This paper describes the confusion surrounding the use of the official Field of Education (FoE) categories to describe the graduate completion levels of recent graduates in agriculture. Official FoE categories have agriculture and environment in the same category which, when used as a whole, results in a misrepresentation of agriculture by up to 9x. The importance of asking the right question in order to obtain the answer needed is demonstrated. This remains an ongoing issue for the industy sector if the public is to be correctly informed about key educational matters in agriculture.
The Ant Fauna of Inland Sand Dune Communities in Worcester County, Maryland

Abstract Ants inhabiting inland dune and ridge woodlands in Worcester County, MD, were surveyed in 2008 and 2009 using a combination of pitfall traps and litter samples. We employed both methods in 2008 and pitfall traps only in 2009. Thirty dune sites were targeted for survey work. We collected and identified a total of 44,930 ants representing 67 species. Data on annual and seasonal variation in the ant community are reported, as is variation in species composition based on trapping method. Expanding survey efforts to include multiple years, seasons, and trapping methodology served to increase the overall number of species encountered primarily through documenting the presence of rare or infrequent species. We provide a list of ant species collected from inland dune and ridge woodlands and discuss the significance of apparent habitat-restricted species.
Allelopathic effect of some essential oils and components on germination of weed species

Abstract In this study, allelopathic effects of some essential oil plants (Carum carvi L., Coriandrum sativum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Lavandula stoechas L., Mentha spicata L.,Origanum onites L., Pimpinella anisum L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L. and Thymbra spicata L.) were investigated against some common weed species (Alcea pallida Waldst. & Kit., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Centaurea salsotitialis L., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Rumex nepalensis Spreng., Sinapis arvensis L. and Sonchus oleraceus L.) that grow in field and horticultural crops. Different concentrations (3, 6, 10 and 20 µl) of the essential oils were tested against weed seeds in vitro and their effect on germination was determined. Inhibitory effects of essential oils and concentrations were analysed with Freadman's test and they were found significant. Essential oils from Carum carvi, Mentha spicata, Origanum onites and Thymbra spicata showed high inhibitory effect against weed seeds at lower concentrations. The main components (carvacrol, thymol, carvone, limonene) of these four essential oils were tested for seed germination at four different concentrations (500, 250, 125 and 62.5 µg/ml) against the same weeds.Thymol, carvacrol and carvone showed high inhibition even at low concentrations against weed seeds. Only Alcea pallida seeds showed resistance against all essential oils and components.
Response to severe water stress of the almond (Prunus amygdalus) ’Ferragnès’ grafted on eight rootstocks

Abstract The behaviour of almond (Prunus amygdalus) ’Ferragnès’ grafted on eight rootstocks (GF‐677, Stylianidis C., GN‐15, GN‐22, M‐51, 3–7, 3–8, and Drepanoto), as regards certain agronomical and physiological responses, was studied under water stress conditions. From the results it is concluded that scions on GN‐22 were better adapted to water stress conditions as they had higher growth, higher pre‐dawn leaf water potential, and lower leaf shedding. However for some parameters measured, GN‐22 was not significantly different to GN‐15, GF 677, and Drepanoto. A suitable rootstock adapted to water stress may also have the characteristic for high nutrient uptake. Regarding nutrient status, under the specific experimental conditions of water stress and low fertiliser input, scions on Drepanoto maintained most nutrients in leaves in the adequate range (except nitrogen, potassium, and boron) followed by GF 677, 3–8, and M‐51. Furthermore, scions on Drepanoto showed a tendency for higher uptake of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) and therefore this rootstock is appropriate for soils with low Mn and Zn availability.
Architecture, Light Interception, and Distribution of Larrea Species in the Monte Desert, Argentina

This paper analyzes the correlation between leaf orientation and the environmental conditions that prevail within the biogeographic range of each of the four South American Larrea species (L. ameghinoi, L. cuneifolia, L. divaricata, and L. nitida; Zygophyllaceae). Data on the distribution of Larrea species were gathered from herbarium specimens. Measurements of leaf orientation were made throughout the Monte Desert, and in more detail in northern Patagonia, where the four species coexist. The direct solar radiation intercepted by the unshaded leaves of each species was estimated through a computer model and plotted as a function of the hourly time for the summer and winter solstices. L. ameghinoi presents horizontal leaves and prostrate growth, characters which allow its development on sites that are exposed to the Patagonian westerlies. The species, however, is an inefficient light interceptor in winter and early spring, when moisture conditions are adequate in Patagonia. Its architecture is the result of selection for cushion—type, wind resistant forms, at the expense of light interception. It is restricted to windy, open areas of the Patagonian steppe. L. cuneifolia shows erect, east—facing leaves and branches, which maximize interception in the early morning and late afternoon, keeping noon interception at a minimum. It can tolerate very hot environments by physically evading the midday sun and intercepting more early morning and late afternoon light. It colonizes the hotter and drier parts of the Monte Desert. L. divaricata has divaricate leaves with folioles uniformly distributed in all azimuthal directions, and showing an inclination of around 70°. Although it never shows maximum light interception efficiencies, it preforms relatively well in all seasons and at all hours of the day. Its distribution is wide, not only in the arid Monte, but reaching also the Chaco woodlands and the Pacific coastal deserts. L. nitida shows erect, north—facing leaves and branches. Its leaf orientation distribution allows the gradual warming of the leaf surfaces during the morning, with a maximum light interception near winter noons. The species grow in the Patagonian Monte and on the slopes of the Andes. Its general affinity with the colder west side of the Patagonian and Monte Deserts links its distribution with winter—type rains of Pacific origin. The results suggest that the contrasting leaf orientations of the four South American Larrea species reflect the prevalent selective conditions endured under long periods in isolation, and that leaf orientation is an adaptive character that influences the habitat specificity of the different species.
Using strains of Propionibacteria to mitigate methane emissions in vitro

Abstract Sixteen strains of propionibacteria were inoculated into in vitro ruminal incubations to evaluate their potential to reduce methane (CH4) production from concentrate and forage diets. Propionibacterium freudenreichii T114, Propionibacterium thoenii T159, and Propionibacterium thoenii ATCC 4874 lowered (p < 0.05) CH4 production from both substrates compared to control. Compared to control, Propionibacterium jensenii T1, Propionibacterium freudenreichii T31, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii T54 lowered (p < 0.05) CH4 production only with corn. Propionibacterium propionicus T83 caused higher (p < 0.05) propionate percentage and lower (p < 0.05) acetate:propionate than the control with corn; however, this did not result in a decline in CH4 production. Results demonstrate that some strains of propionibacteria have the potential to lower CH4 production from mixed ruminal cultures and that this reduction is not always associated with an increase in propionate production.
Non-Dose-Dependent Changes in Liver Enzyme Levels of Children With Epilepsy on Treatment With Sodium Valproate

Background: Sodium valproate (VPA) is considered as the drug of choice for the treatment of generalized epilepsy in children. Sodium Valproate may be hepatotoxic. Aim: To assess the level of derangement of liver enzymes in children with epilepsy on treatment with sodium valproate. Methods: A cohort study. One hundred fifty-three children, comprising 51 with epilepsy on treatment with VPA (group I), 51 with epilepsy on treatment with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) but not VPA (group II), and 51 with nonconvulsive disorders (group III) had liver function tests performed for them. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.0. Results: There were 85 males and 68 females, aged 6 months to 14 years (median = 7.0 years). There was no significant difference in the mean plasma levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyl transferase across the three groups of children. The mean aspartate transaminase level was significantly higher in children in group III. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the duration of AED therapy and the mean serum level of AST (r = −0.266, P = 0.016). The serum ALT level showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the duration of AED therapy (r = 0.268, P = 0.015). Conclusion: Sodium valproate monotherapy does not appear to be associated with significant hepatotoxicity in children in our cohort.
REEVALUATION OF THE NITROGEN FIXATION BEHAVIOR IN THE MARINE NON‐HETEROCYSTOUS CYANOBACTERIUM LYNGBYA MAJUSCULA 1

Lyngbya majuscula Harvey ex Gomont is a common marine cyanobacterium in tropical and subtropical near‐shore waters. A few reports have indicated that L. majuscula fixes nitrogen only in the light. Because this feature is uncommon among non‐heterocystous cyanobacteria, we attempted a reevaluation. Nitrogenase activity, regulation, and localization were examined over diel cycles on natural populations of L. majuscula growing in subtidal zones off Zanzibar in the western Indian Ocean. The data show that L. majuscula fixed nitrogen and synthesized nitrogenase in all cells during the dark phase of a diel cycle. During the light phase, nitrogenase was degraded to undetectable levels.
The Effect of a Drying Top Soil and a Possible Non-hydraulic Root Signal on Wheat Growth and Yield

Research has shown that plants are adversely affected by a drying top soil and that this effect may be caused, at least partly, by a non-hydraulic (hormonal) root signal in response to soil water status and/or soil strength. Most studies done to elucidate root signal effects were limited to the short-term, typically 2 to 3 weeks of plant growth. This study was done to detect a possible non hydraulic root signal in response to a drying top soil and to measure its effect on plant growth and production from emergence to maturity. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were established in the growth chamber in soil-filled polyvinyl chloride tubes, 120 cm long and of an internal diameter of 10-2 cm. Soil was well fertilized and wet to field capacity at emergence when three treatments were imposed: (1) tubes were watered from the top as needed to eliminate stress (IR); (2) tubes had a constant water table at a soil depth of 100 to 120 cm, with no applied water (WT); and (3) plants grew on stored soil moisture and were rewatered when water stress developed (SW). Soil moisture profiles, soil strength, shoot water status and different shoot developmental traits as well as yield were measured. The upper part of the soil column in WT became dry and hard while roots reached the water table in less than 30 d. There was no significant difference in midday leaf water potential (LWP) and relative water content (RWC) between IR and WT, while SW plants developed comparatively lower LWP and RWC. WT as compared with IR, resulted in earlier heading, smaller flag leaf area, reduced shoot weight, reduced plant height and greater leaf epicuticular wax content. The earliest effect was seen at 20 d after emergence. Tillers developed after this date had less dry weight in WT than in IR. WT also resulted in smaller biomass but a greater harvest index than IR, so that both treatments had the same grain yield per plant. Since IR and WT treatments did not differ in leaf water status, the effect of WT on the plant was intepreted to result from a non-hydraulic root signal in response to the dry and hard top soil.
Litter Fall and Leaf Decomposition in a River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Swamp

Litter fall and leaf decomposition rates were measured in Murrumbidgil Swamp, a river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) swamp near Booligal, New South Wales. Total litter fall, excluding large branches, was about the same as in other eucalypt and overseas hardwood forests (369-580 g m-2 year-1), but the proportion of leaf fall (21-29%) was lower. Litter fall was greater after the swamp dried out following a prolonged period of flooding than during the flood period. Ionic concentrations in the leaf litter were higher than in other eucalypts, but accessions were similar because leaf fall was lower in the red gum forest. The order of nutrient input was Ca > N > Mg ≈ Na ≈ K > S > P > Fe. Decomposition of red gum leaves submerged in the swamp was rapid at first (up to 19.2% loss in weight in 24 h) and then slowed down. The half life of the leaves decomposing over 4 months was 80 days. It is suggested that E. camaldulensis litter may provide an important food source for detritivorous invertebrates and hence for waterfowl in red gum swamps.
IPJ Vol. 7 body_IPJ Vol. 7 No. 1

This paper outlines the features of mass imprisonment and introduces an emerging field of research focusing on the ‘unintended’ or ‘collateral’ effects of the over-use of imprisonment. While recognising the differences in the scale of imprisonment between the US and the Republic of Ireland,1 the paper argues that the questions raised in relation to the secondary effects of mass imprisonment are appropriate for any society in which imprisonment is not evenly distributed among the general population. A brief overview of theoretical approaches and empirical research on the secondary effects of imprisonment is presented, underscoring the dearth of knowledge on the subject area in the Irish case.
The future of the savannah ecosystems: ecological islands or faunal enclaves?

ummary Various savannah reserves are examined to determine whether they are likely to lose substantial numbers of large herbivores if they become isolated. The relationship between the number of ungulate species and the size of each reserve is examined and compared to predictions established from existing island biogeographic studies. In the case of the savannah reserves, no significant relationship was found. However, when the data were re-analysed for reserves of similar habitat, significant though low z-values of 0.04 and 0.08 were established. For discrete ecosystems rather than reserves a steeper z-value of 0.14 was found. It is suggested that the z-value for the savannah ecosystems is lower than the typical value of 0.22 for other land mass islands because of the ubiquitous distribution of most large herbivore species and their long history of co-evolution. The significance of island biogeographic theory to the design of nature reserves is limited, at least in the savannahs. Most of the variation in the number of species in areas which can be practically established as reserves can be explained by habitat and landscape diversity. Whether the savannah reserves became faunal islands will be decided by political and economic policies and practices rather than the principles of ecological design. The design of reserves in the past is considered to have been based on sound ecological principles in most cases, even though these were not recognized at the time. Resume Diverses reserves a savane sont examinees afin de determiner si elles sont susceptibles de perdre un nombre important de grands herbivores si elles deviennent isolkes. La relation entre le nombre d'especes d'ongules et la taille de chaque reserve est examinee et comparee aux predictions etablies a partir d'etudes sur des ilots biogeographiques isoles. Dans le cas des reserves e savane, aucun type de relation significative n'a ete trouve. Cependant, lorsque les donnees furent analysees a nouveau pour des reserves a habitat similaire, des valeurs significatives bien que faibles de z= 0.04 a 0.08 ont eteetablies. Pour des ecosystemes discrets au lieu de reserves, une valeur plus raide de z= 0.14 fut trouvee. Il est suggere que la valeur de z pour les ecosystemes de savane est plus faible que la valeur typique de 0.22 pour les autres ilots de massifs terrestres a cause de la distribution uniquiste de la plupart des especes de grands herbivores et la longue histoire de leur co-evolution. L'application de la theorie des ilots biogeographiques au cas de reserves naturelles est limitee, du moins en ce qui concerne les savanes. La plupart des variations du nombre des especes dans les zones qui pourraient etre erigees en reserve peuvent etre expliquees par la diversite des habitats. Les reserves a savane deviendront des ilots faunistiques davantage selon les decisions politiques et economiques que les principes ecologiques. On considere que la gestion des reserves fut base dans le passe sur les principes ecologiques de base, meme si ceux-ci n'etaient pas encore reconnus a cette epoque.
Interpopulation variation in the prevalence and intensity of parasitic mite infection in the land snail Arianta arbustorum

The parasitic mite Riccardoella limacum sucks blood in the lung of its host, the land snail Arianta arbustorum. The infection of various host populations was examined in Switzerland. In a lowland snail population, prevalence of infection did not vary among seasons. However, intensity of mite infection in dissected individuals of A. arbustorum was high in autumn, but low in winter and spring when ≤100 mite eggs were found attached to the lung epithelium. A novel, non-invasive parasite screening method was used to estimate the number of mites on living host snails. An analysis of repeatability revealed that 92.9% of the snails were correctly classified as infected or non-infected with this non-invasive method. Prevalence of mite infection was examined in 997 adults of A. arbustorum from 11 natural populations distributed over an altitudinal gradient ranging 335–2360 m. No infected snails were found in 7 populations, while in the remaining 4 populations the prevalence of mite infection ranged 45.8–77.8%. Intensity of infection also differed among the 4 host populations. No geographic pattern in prevalence of infection was found. However, parasitic mites did not occur in snail populations situated at elevations of 1290 m or higher. A possible explanation for this finding could be that the host's hibernation period may be too long at high elevations for mites and their eggs to survive. At low elevations, other factors may affect the presence of R. limacum in the lung of A. arbustorum.
Growth and some carcass traits of adult rabbits under high ambient temperature

Forty-two medium sized crossbred rabbits, born and kept at a constant temperature (30oC), were divided into two groups. The first group remained under the same conditions, while the second group was allocated at weaning to a conventional building with an average minimum temperature of 20oC. The rabbits were weighed at 70, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 280 days, at which point they were slaughtered. The growth of the animals reared under the higher temperature was lower throughout the observation period. Their carcasses were lighter and thinner than the carcasses of the control group. The differences between other carcass traits were due to differences in liveweight or carcass weight.
Environmental control of floral induction and development in Kentucky bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) floral induction requires a lengthy, uninterrupted period of cold temperature with a short photoperiod. Our objective was to develop an efficient artificial vernalization procedure to facilitate breeding experiments. The stage of plant development and length of vernalization period necessary for floral induction was determined for six cultivars: Abbey, Aspen, Midnight, Park, Rugby, and Trenton. Plants were exposed progressively to three temperature and light-controlled environments: (i) seedlings were grown in a 12-h photo- and thermal period with a 20°C day/14°C night temperature regime and high irradiance of 30 W m -2 from germination until 3, 5, 9, or 13 wk after emergence (approx. 8, 26, 145, and 198 leaf stage, respectively); (ii) plants were then vernalized for an 8-h photoperiod at 5°C constant temperature and low irradiance of 7 W -2 for 4, 8, or 12 wks; and (iii) plants were transferred to panicle development conditions of 18-h photoperiod and 12-h thermal period with a 18°C day/15°C night temperature regime and high irradiance of 30 W -2 for 16 wk. No panicles were observed on plants with the 4wk vernalization treatment. For all cultivars except Midnight, the 9-wk plant development and 12-wk vernalization treatment resulted in floral induction of all plants. The same four cultivars responded to this treatment with a mean panicle number greater than five panicles per plant and the time from seedling emergence to 75% of the panicles emerged was approximately 28 wk. This study has demonstrated that an artificial vernalization procedure could be developed that would make reproductive material of Kentucky bluegrass available throughout the year independent of season or climate.