Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Ecology of Communal Breeding: The Case of Multiple-Queen Leptothoracine Ants

Multiple-queen societies of ants are key subjects in the study of communal breeding. Societies of leptothoracine ants may be obligately monogynous (contain a single reproductive queen), functionally monogynous (only one of several mated queens lays eggs), or facultatively polygynous (some colonies contain more than one egg-laying, mated queen). This paper presents a framework for understanding these diverse social systems as a function of leptothoracine ecology. The framework is derived from a synthesis of empirical information - in particular, a link between the social system and the degree of habitat patchiness - with three bodies of theory. These are ecological constraints theory, ESS (evolutionarily stable strategy) models of dispersal, and kin selection models predicting the stable reproductive skew (allocation of reproduction). In contrast to several previous ecological hypotheses, multiplequeening in leptothoracines almost certainly results from high costs to single queens of dispersal and colony foundation (high ecological constraints), which select for queens to seek adoption in their natal colony. Factors raising these costs include nest-site limitation, cold climate, and habitat patchiness. ESS models suggest that high dispersal costs lead to a larger stable fraction of non-dispersers and hence to higher relatedness between queens. Skew models predict that high ecological constraints and high relatedness promote high skew (one or a few individuals dominate reproduction) and high within-colony aggression. Therefore, (i) extensive habitats with moderate costs of solitary colony foundation should promote multiple-queening with high dispersal levels, moderate queen relatedness, low reproductive skew, and low queen aggression. By contrast, (ii) patchy habitats should induce multiple-queening with less dispersal, higher queen relatedness, higher skew, and higher aggression. In addition, (iii) habitats with small or widely spaced nest-sites, or with low costs of founding colonies alone, should lead to universal dispersal without multiple-queening. These associations of traits occur in facultatively polygynous, functionally monogynous and obligately monogynous leptothoracines respectively. Therefore, the framework in this paper explains a substantial amount of the social and ecological diversity of leptothoracine ants.
An Improved Stability Criterion for Load Frequency Control of Power Systems with Time-Varying Delays

This paper aims at developing a novel stability criterion to access the influence of the time-varying delay on the stability of power systems equipped with a proportional-integral (PI)-based load frequency control (LFC). The model of the LFC scheme considering time-varying communication delays is established at first. Then, an improved stability condition related to the information of delay bounds is deduced by constructing an augmented Lyapunov–Krasovski functional and using a matrix inequality, and it is expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for easily checking. Finally, case studies for one-area and two-area LFC systems are carried out to show the relationship between delay margins ensuring the stability and the PI gains of the LFC, and also verify the superiority of proposed stability criterion compared with the previous ones.
Meiotic Abnormalities Induced by Gamma Rays in Vinca rosea Linn

Various meiotic abnormalities were studied in PMC's of plants raised from seeds irradiated with various doses of gamma rays. The timing of onset of meiosis is highly disturbed in these plants. In Prophase chromosomes exhibit stickness and clumping and towards the end of prophase irrespective of the dosage, the cells contain fragments of chromosomes, univalents and disturbed bivalent association resulting in different configurations of chromosomes. The number of fragments and chromosome chain appearing as multivalents become more apparent towards the end of diakinesis. Chromosomes of different configurations including fragments are delayed ins Metaphase orientation and they are seen laying scattered or in groups in cytoplasm. The disturbed formation of spindle and the orientation of chromosomes in groups in metaphase are remarkably high in PMC's. In anaphase formation of micronuclei of different numbers and sizes, lagging chromeomes, fragrpents of chromosomes and chromatids, bridges with or without fragments are also very common. These abnormalities are carried forward and are also very commonly observed during second meiotic division. The frequency of occurrence of fragments is proportional to the dosage of gamma rays and also the presence of multivalents increases with the dose. These abnormalities seem to induce pollen sterility which is proportional to dose of gamma rays. This pollen sterility seems to be the cumulative result of various aberrant meiotic stages as well as physiological and genetic damages induced probably by the breakage of chromosomes through the formation of antimetabolic agents in these cells.
The dynamics of egg production, oviposition and resorption in a parasitoid wasp

1. The extent to which parasitoid wasps are limited by their egg supply is very important in understanding their reproductive strategies. Egg reserves are dynamic, with most wasps maturing new eggs throughout their life (synovigeny) and many species resorbing eggs that are not used in oviposition. We investigated the extent to which a parasitoid modulates its egg reserves in the light of its experience in finding hosts. 2. The egg dynamics of the Encyrtid Wasp Leptomastix dactylopii, a solitary parasitoid of mealybugs, were studied in the laboratory. This species is synovigenic and practises egg resorption. 3. We allowed newly emerged wasps to experience one of four environments of increasing value in terms of reproductive opportunities. We proposed that wasps that experienced good quality environments would maintain more mature eggs ready for oviposition. Dissection of wasps subject to different periods of host deprivation after the experimental treatment failed to confirm the hypothesis: egg load was independent of experience. 4. We also proposed that any adjustment of egg supply to make up for eggs oviposited would be effected through a reduction in egg resorption. Instead, we found that the wasp quickly made up for eggs oviposited by increased egg production.
Effects of germination time and kilning temperature on the malting characteristics, biochemical and structural properties of HomChaiya rice

Effects of germination time (3, 5 and 7 days) and kilning temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C) on the malting characteristics, biochemical properties and structural properties of HomChaiya rice were examined. Malting potential in terms of germination rate and germination capacity increased as the germination period of rice was prolonged. Diastatic potential, hot water extract and malting loss of rice gradually increased with germination time and with kilning temperature; in contrast, malting yield and viscosity of the samples decreased. Germination time significantly increased the α-amylase activity, but β-amylase activities increased when kilned at different temperatures. Total starch decreased and reducing sugar increased in rice with prolonged germination, and furthermore, the kilning temperature significantly influenced these changes. Higher kilning temperature and prolonged germination period increased the protease activity in rice, and consequently, soluble protein and free amino acids also increased. Among the twelve identified amino acids in the HomChaiya rice, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, serine, arginine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine increased with germination time and kilning temperature. FTIR results showed that increased germination time and kilning temperature unfolded the carbohydrates, which is consistent with the enzymatic (α- and β-amylase) activities. XRD results also found higher peak intensities for rice when germinated longer and kilned at a higher temperature. The crystallinity of malted rice decreased with germination time. Ultrastructural changes showed that starch granules are more vulnerable to enzymatic attack upon extended germination time and at higher kilning temperatures.
Identity, Lifestyle and Survival: Value Orientations of South Australian Pastoralists.

Australia's rangelands are experiencing a rapid shift from dominantly commodity values towards a mix of commodity and (broadly defined) amenity values. The former hegemony of pastoralism is now being displaced by a diverse array of resource uses, strongly influenced by national aspirations concerning Aboriginal land rights, preservation of biodiversity and of valued semi-natural landscapes, sustainable management, tourism and recreation. This diversification in resource value is fostered by the highly differentiated value-orientations of influential interest-groups, including Aboriginals, welfarists, conservationists, pastoralists and a disparate array of tourists and recreationists. Simplistic modes of resource allocation are being replaced by complex, often contradictory modes of politicised decision-making, shaped by the demands of interest-groups, with decisions being focussed more on values than on facts. Accordingly, more effort needs to be spent in developing an understanding of value-orientations and their influence on the perceptions, needs and expectations of these various groups. A postal survey of 67 South Australian pastoralists reveals that they comprise a cohesive reference group with a strong sense of identity and self-worth. They closely identify with their distinctive way-of-life and its equally distinctive (and challenging) environment. They are very conscious of their role, not only as producers, but also as custodians of the rangelands, capable of making the pivotal decisions towards sustainable management. Their strong orientation towards intrinsic, expressive and social values provides partial compensation for continuing economic and social hardships. Above all they place high value on their independence, and they regard intervention by conservationists, urban interests, Aboriginal interests and governments as presenting a greater threat to their future than does prospective further economic decline. This distinctive value orientation has for long proved highly adaptive in ensuring survival in periods of economic and environmental stress, but may be less effective in meeting emerging challenges in which pastoralism has to adjust to a more complex decision context, in which other interest groups have values and goals markedly at variance with those held by pastoralists.
Foraging Ecology of the Globally Threatened Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) in the Western Ghats, India

Foraging ecology of the globally endangered Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) was investigated in the Western Ghats, India, using faecal sampling and direct observations. The birds fed on fruits of 39 plant species, on seeds of 11 species, flowers and leaf buds of four species and a few ground invertebrates. Direct observations across seasons showed nine plant species were selected more often (47% of observations), with fruits of the members of the family Lauraceae the most preferred. Gleaning accounted for 76% of feeding methods throughout the year. Feeding was mainly from twigs at the edges on the upper and middle canopy (＞ 6 m). Frequency of feeding on fruits correlated significantly with fruit abundance, which depended on rainfall. The present study indicates that the pigeon requires a wide variety of diets from different forest environments. Conservation of this species depends on preserving all habitat types required to meet their resource needs throughout the year.
Distribuição espacial da matéria orgânica, grau de floculação e argila dispersa em água em área de vegetação natural em regeneração e pastagem

This experiment aimed to analyze changes in spatial behavior of the attributes of soil: clay dispersed in water (CDW), degree of flocculation (DF) and organic matter (OM) in areas occupied by native vegetation in natural regeneration and pasture. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0.0-0.2 m in a grid with 64 sampling points, spaced at 10 m. The data were submitted to descriptive and geostatistics analysis. The highest values were observed for the CDW and the lowest values of DF in the pasture. All attributes show spatial dependence for the two areas of study, with adjustment of the spherical and exponential models. The preparation of thematic maps using the ordinary kriging allowed better visualization of the spatial variability of soil attributes.
The Effect of Glutathione on The Quality of Aceh Local Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Spermatozoa After Cryopreservation

The cryopreservation process might reduce the quality of spermatozoa due to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compounds during cooling, freezing, and thawing. The quality of spermatozoa can be maintained by adding glutathione as an exogenous antioxidant into cryo-diluent. This study aimed to examine the effect of the addition of different doses of glutathione in cryopreservation of Aceh Local catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) spermatozoa after freezing. The method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. Fresh semen was diluted in Ringer, 15% DMSO, and 20% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and then added with glutathione antioxidants of 0.0 mgL -1 , 0.5 mgL -1 , 1.0 mgL -1 , and 2.0 mgL -1 . The parameters observed in this study were motility, integrity of the plasma membrane, fertility, and DNA integrity. The results showed that the concentration of glutathione had no effect on motility, integrity ofthe plasma membrane, or fertility, but had an effect on DNA integrity. The highest percentage of motility and plasma membrane integrity respectively was 40.50% (P3) and 70.87% (P2). Furthermore, the assessment of DNA integrity showed that there was no DNA fragmentation both treatments and fresh spermatozoa. This research is the first study regarding glutathione supplementation in cryo-diluent of Aceh Local catfish spermatozoa. Finally, the results obtained can provide information about the exact concentration of glutathione in the extender on the quality of spermatozoa of Aceh Local catfish ( C. gariepinus ) after the cryopreservation process. These results can also increase the success of fertility be used by the seed hall unit and the aquaculture industry to increase the productivity and supply high quality seeds.
Panchagavya and Andrographis paniculata as Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoter on Broiler Production and Carcass Characteristics

A biological experiment was conducted to study the effect of panchagavya and Andrographis paniculata as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoter on broiler production and carcass characteristics with one hundred and eighty commercial, straight run day-old broiler chicks. The chicks were fed basal diet (T ), 1 basal diet with virginiamycin -20 mg/kg (T ), basal diet with panchagavya -7.5 g/kg (T ), basal diet with 2 3 A. paniculata -2.0 g/kg (T ), basal diet with probiotics -0.5 g/kg (T ) and basal diet with 4 5 mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) 2.0 g/kg from 1 to 28 days and 0.5 g/kg from 29 to 42 days growing period (T ) for 6 weeks period. The result revealed that the mean body weight and weight gain of T , T and T groups 6 6 5 3 were significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to the body weight of T and T groups at 6 weeks of age. The 2 1 feed consumption did not show any difference between treatment groups. The FCR was (P<0.05) better in T (1.87) compared to T and T groups, which recorded inferior FCR (2.04 each) at 6 weeks of age. Livability 4 1 2 did not differ between treatment groups from 1 to 6 weeks of age. The carcass characteristics, cut-up parts of carcass and sensory qualities of meat did not differ due to dietary supplements.
Critical swimming velocities of juvenile sockeye salmon and kokanee, the anadromous and non‐anadromous forms of Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum)

In streams tributary to the North Pacific, anadromous sockeye salmon and non-anadromous kokanee, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum), occasionally spawn sympatrically and male kokanee may act as 'sneaks’to spawn with the larger female sockeye. Despite this interbreeding, sockeye and kokanee exhibit persistent biochemical genetic differences at several enzyme loci. Genetic differences between forms may be maintained by selection against‘hybrids’due to the different life histories of sockeye and kokanee; sockeye make extensive smolt, oceanic, and spawning migrations while kokanee reside permanently in fresh water. We tested the sustained swimming abilities of juvenile sockeye, kokanee, and sockeye (female) × kokanee (male) hybrids to see if hybrids were inferior to sockeye in a trait that is probably under stronger selection in an anadromous life history. Sockeye had significantly greater mean critical swimming velocities (Ucrit) than kokanee of the same size raised under identical conditions (8.3 v. 7.3 body lengths s−1 respectively). When tested 1 month later the mean Ucrit of sockeye was only marginally greater than that for sockeye × kokanee hybrids (both c. 6.6 body lengths s−1). Sockeye swimming performance was also less variable than that of either kokanee or hybrids. Sockeye tended to have slimmer bodies and longer caudal regions than kokanee or sockeye × kokanee hybrids of the same size. Sockeye also had significantly more vertebrae than kokanee and hybrids, while hybrids had more vertebrae than kokanee. These morphological differences may have contributed to the differences in swimming performance. We concluded: (i) that juvenile sockeye and kokanee have diverged with respect to sustained swimming performance and that reduced performance by kokanee may be due to relaxed selection for sustained swimming performance associated with their non-anadromous life history, (ii) that sockeye × kokanee hybrids appear to have modestly lower swimming capabilities than pure sockeye, and (iii) if the variability in swimming performance is associated with differences in survival in nature, then such differences may promote divergence between sympatric sockeye and kokanee.
Causes and consequences of complex population dynamics in an annual plant, Cardamine pensylvanica

The relative importance of density-dependent and density-independent factors in determining the population dynamics of plants has been widely debated with little resolution. In this thesis, the author explores the effects of density-dependent population regulation on population dynamics in Cardamine pensylvanica, an annual plant. In the first chapter, she shows that experimental populations of C. pensylvanica cycled from high to low density in controlled constant-environment conditions. These cycles could not be explained by external environmental changes or simple models of direct density dependence (N{sub t+1} = f[N{sub t}]), but they could be explained by delayed density dependence (N{sub t+1} = f[N{sub t}, N{sub t+1}]). In the second chapter, she shows that the difference in the stability properties of population growth models with and without delayed density dependence is due to the presence of Hopf as well as slip bifurcations from stable to chaotic population dynamics. She also measures delayed density dependence due to effects of parental density on offspring quality in C. pensylvanica and shows that this is large enough to be the cause of the population dynamics observed in C. pensylvanica. In the third chapter, the author extends her analyses of density-dependent population growth models to include interactions between competing species. In the final chapter, she compares the effects of fixed spatial environmental variation and variation in population size on the evolutionary response of C. pensylvanica populations.
Effects of supplementary Aspergillus niger phytase on the availability of plant phosphorus, other minerals and nutrients in growing pigs fed on high‐pea diets

Zusammenfassung Der Einflus von Aspergillus niger-Phytase auf die P-Verwertung und die Verwertung der anderen Nahr- und Mineralstoffe aus Erbsen-Rationen bei wachsenden Schweinen Der Einflus einer Aspergillus niger-Phytase auf die Phosphorverwertung in Gersten-Erbsen-Rationen wurde an acht Schweinen im Gewichtsbereich von 28 bis 75 kg in Verdaulichkeits- und Bilanzversuchen untersucht. Variiert wurden die Faktoren Erbsenanteil, P-Gehalt und Phytase-Supplementierung. Die Rationen bestanden aus 500 g oder 750 g gemahlener Gerste und 250 g oder 500 g Erbsen der Sorte ‘Pika’ und waren erganzt mit Methionin, Vitaminen und Mineralstoffen. Der errechnete Gesamtgehalt an P betrug 6,5 g/kg Futter (bei einem geschatzten Gehalt an verdaulichem P von 4,0 g/kg) in der P-reichen Ration und 3,9 g/kg Futter (1,4 g/kg) in der P-armen Ration. Der Ca-Gehalt betrug 8,0 g/kg Futter. Als Phytase wurden 1000 PU/g Futter uber Finase® FP500 zugesetzt. Die Verdaulichkeit der Rohasche wurde durch die Phytase-Erganzung um 0,05 Punkte in P-armen und um 0,02 Punkte in den P-reichen Rationen erhoht. Auserdem wurde durch die Phytase die Verdaulichkeit der Trockensubstanz (p < 0,01), der organischen Substanz (p < 0,05), des Rohproteins (p < 0,05), des Rohfetts (p < 0,001) und der Saure-Detergentien-Faser (p < 0,05) bei den P-armen Rationen erhoht. Sie verbesserte die P-Absorption (p < 0,001) von 0,40 auf 0,55 und erniedrigte die P-Exkretion uber den Kot um 0,25 (p < 0,001). Diese Effekte waren fur die P-reichen Rationen nicht so stark ausgepragt. Bei den P-armen Rationen erhohte die Phytase-Supplementierung die Ca-Absorption um 0,08 Punkte, und die Ca-Retention um 0,09 Punkte (p < 0,01). Der Einsatz der Phytase hatte keinen Einflus auf die Ca-Bilanz bei P-reichen Rationen. Die P-Verdaulichkeit aus Erbsen lag hoher als aus Gerste (0,47 vs. 0,36) und wurde durch den Phytase-Einsatz verbessert (0,22 vs. 0,12). Die Verdaulichkeit der organischen Substanz betrug fur die Erbsen 93%, der Gehalt an verdaulichem Rohprotein lag bei 194 g/kg TS. Der NE-Gehalt der Erbsen betrug 11,11 MJ/kg TS. Aus den Untersuchungen geht hervor, das der Einsatz von mikrobieller Phytase die P-Verwertung erhoht und die P-Ausscheidung erniedrigt und, das Erbsen der Sorte ‘Pika’ eine gute Energie- und Proteinqueile fur wachsende Schweine darstellen.
Endophytic algae of Chondrus crispus (Rhodophyta). V. Fine structure of the infection by Acrochaete operculata (Chlorophyta)

The sequence of events taking place during infection of the algal host Chondrus crispus by the algal endophyte Acrochaete operculata was characterised at the ultrastructural level. Infection required settlement of quadriflagellate zoospores on the outer cell wall of the host. The host outer cell wall did not represent a barrier against penetration by the endophyte, which digested its way through. The extent of further spread of A. operculata in C. crispus was determined by the life-history phase of the host. In sporophytic fronds, colonisation of inner tissues occurred by digestion of the intercellular matrix, and infection spread throughout the frond. In gametophytic thalli, infection remained localised, forming a characteristic papule. In spite of these differences, degenerative changes at the cellular level were similar in the two phases of the host. Damage was caused by compression and by penetration of host cells. Final breakdown of the host resulted from the combined effects of A. operculata and bac.