Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetics and Hybridization Assessment of Acanthodactylus scutellatus species group in North Africa

Geological and paleoclimatic events are two main forces driving evolutionary processes in nature. These are poorly studied phenomena in North Africa, despite its great diversity of habitats, heterogeneous landscapes, and complex climatic and geological histories. Modern biodiversity patterns of the Sahara and the adjacent arid Sahel likely resulted from strong oscillations in climate and land-cover. Acanthodactylus scutellatus species group comprises important elements of the herpetofauna of arid ecosystems in North Africa, and well adapted to xeric conditions. Despite their remarkable diversity, the taxonomy within the complex is controversial, and with the exception of morphological data, little is known about these organisms. Observations of morphologically intermediate individuals in sympatry areas suggested hybridization between taxa. The present study aims to infer: 1) phylogenetic relationships within this group and identify major lineages; and 2) contemporary gene flow in a contact zone in Mauritania. Phylogenetic analyses were based on 466 specimens that were sequenced for both 12S and Cyt-b mitochondrial genes (756 total bp), and for the Cmos nuclear gene (513 total bp). A total of 208 individuals of the contact zone were genotyped for 15 microsatellites. Our results show that recovered major lineages do not match with current systematics, suggesting that taxonomy and systematics need revision. Genotyping analyses confirmed the historical lineages found in the studied contact zone and show absence of gene flow between them, with no hybrids detected despite the large sampling and broad geographic coverage. Lack of observed gene flow raises questions about the putative role of reproductive barriers and habitat selection in preventing admixture. Finally, the molecular tools applied allowed for insights on the species boundaries, relationships, history and diversity of this group, in addition to contributing to the knowledge about gene flow in the Sahara-Sahel.
Nonstructural Carbohydrate Concentrations in Dormant Grapevine Scionwood and Rootstock Impact Propagation Success and Vine Growth

Objectives of this study were to quantify starch and soluble sugar concentrations in wine grape (Vitis sp.) scionwood and rootstock material, and to examine relationships between carbohydrate (CHO) metrics and both grafting success and shoot growth. CHOs of three wine grape scionwood cultivars [Merlot and Riesling (Vitis vinifera) and Vidal blanc (Vitis sp.)] harvested from four separate vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario were analyzed for starch, total CHOs, total sugars, sucrose, monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), and oligosaccharides (raffinose, stachyose) to determine if CHO differences existed between scionwood cultivar and site, and whether these impacted propagation success when grafted to two different rootstocks [‘3309 Couderc’ (3309) and ‘101-14 Millardet et de Grasset’ (101-14) (V. riparia · V. rupestris)]. Differences in CHOs existed between vineyards for all cultivars, and their relationship with propagation success was most evident with ‘Vidal blanc’. Differences were also observed between sites for some cultivars in terms of grafting success and shoot length of grafted vines. Hot water treatment (HWT)of rootstock increased total sugars, glucose, fructose, and stachyose in 3309, and led to lower starch, total CHOs, and higher sucrose in 101-14 when measured immediately following HWT. At time of grafting, HWT 3309 had lower starch sucrose and raffinose, and higher glucose, fructose, and total sugars compared with non-HWT material, whereas HWT 101-14 contained lower total sugars, raffinose, and sucrose and higher stachyose and glucose. Stachyose, raffinose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and total sugars in scionwood at time of grafting were correlated with propagation success. However, CHOs at time of scionwood collection in February did not correlate to successful propagation. Relationships between scion viability of all cultivars vs. stachyose and total sugars for both rootstocks suggested a possible relationship between these CHO metrics and propagation success. Differences likewise existed between propagation success on rootstocks 3309 and 101-14 on most occasions with 3309 displaying higher percent scion viability and shoot growth. Thismay be of particular importance in graftingdifficult-to-propagate rootstock cultivars.
Costs of reproduction in the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata: Manipulation of brood size in the laboratory

Brood size of Zebra Finches Taeniopygia guttata was manipulated in an attempt to identify a trade-off between current and subsequent reproduction in a laboratory situation with ad libitum food availability. The birds were able to raise a larger brood than the most frequent brood size under the same conditions. Initiation of the subsequent clutch was advanced after raising a small brood, and delayed after raising a large brood. The size of the subsequent clutch was not affected by the previous, experimental brood size. Thus, a cost of reproduction was observed in modification of the reproductive interval. Brood size also affected the prospects of the current, experimental brood. Both nestling survival and nestling weight at independence decreased with brood size. It has often been suggested that food availability limits reproduction in the field. This study shows that under unrestricted access to food, other factors restrain reproduction. Time allocation, energy expenditure and nutrient reserves of the parents are discussed as potential alternative constraints.
Understanding the factors that influence Emirati women career development in Higher Education: Case Study from United Arab Emirates

IN ENGLISH Several studies have discussed the position of women in higher education institutions internationally through investigating her career progression and the factors that influenced their advancement to senior leadership positions either in academic or administrative paths, yet, this body of literature lacks any studies on Emirati women’s career development in higher education in United Arab Emirates. The purpose of this research project is to explore the success trajectories of a representative sample of first generation Emirati women in a university case study who are currently in academic and administrative senior leadership positions in order to design a career development model that both accurately describes these paths and inspires Emirati women to pursue leadership positions in higher education institutions in United Arab Emirates. This study uses the perspectives of Super’s Life Span Life Space theory, Lent, Brown, and Hackett’s Social Cognitive Career theory, and Savickas’s Career Construction theory to explore early childhood and adulthood experiences, role model influence, mentoring and networking, and education system critical factors in shaping their career development journey, and the nature of their successful leadership experiences using a qualitative exploratory case study approach. The new model includes family, society, institutional, and governmental influencers. It also investigates other influences like religion, culture, extended family, and self-
Purification and characterization of an endoxylanase from solid-state culture of alkalitolerant Aspergillus fumigatus MKU1

A novel high molecular weight endoxylanase (XylF1) from the solid state culture of Aspergillus fumigatus MKU1 strain was purified to homogeneity by a combination of tube gel electrophoresis and electroelution methods. The purity of XylF1 was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE, which has the molecular mass of 43 kDa. The optimal pH and temperature for enzyme activity were 7.0 and 70° C, respectively. Further, the apparent Km and Vmax values of XylF1 with oat spelt xylan as substrate were 6.25 mg/mL and 0.05 mmol/mL/min (2.5 mmol/min/mg protein), respectively. The enzyme showed high activity on oat spelt xylan, while only trace of activity was observed on carboxy methylcellulose. The activity of XylF1 was strongly inhibited by Hg 2+ , Cu 2+ , Fe 3+ and NBS, whereas stimulated by DTT, DTNB and L-Cysteine. The hydrolysis of oat
Bacterial communities in Asian dust-containing snow layers on Mt. Tateyama, Japan

Asian dust particles transported from Asian desert areas are trapped in spring snow on the western plateau of Mt. Tateyama, Japan. We investigated bacterial communities in snow layers containing Asian dust, and other underlying snow layers, on Mt. Tateyama during 2008 and 2009. Several genera of bacteria were present among isolates obtained from Asian dust-containing snow layers, including the presumed dust-associated bacterial genus Bacillus. In particular, we detected isolates with identical 16S rDNA sequences (AB500941) over 2 consecutive years, and these isolates were most closely related to Bacillus subtilis. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis showed that bacterial community profiles in the Asian dust-containing snow layers were similar over the 2 years. The bacterial communities differed between the Asian dust-containing layers and other layers. Total bacterial cell counts ranged from 6.85×10² to 2.39×105 cells ml-1, with higher values in the Asian dust-containing layers than in the other layers. A backward trajectory analysis showed that the possible source of Asian dust was similar each year. The bacterial community composition of the Asian dust-containing layers presumably reflected the long-distance transportation of microorganisms from dust source regions.
Collective detection of predatory attack by birds in the absence of alarm signals

to predatory attack as long as at least one flock member detects it. This presumes that the individual(s) detecting attack somehow signal unambiguously that an attack is in progress. Alarm calls may provide such unambiguous signals, but for the many bird species lacking such calls, departures from the flock may be the main source of information on predator detection. These departures might themselves be considered alarm signals, but as such they are ambiguous, since departures may not be predatordriven. Thus non-detectors must decide whether to initiate escape behavior based upon the anti-predator information available in the departures. A mathematical exploration of this "departure information" reveals that multiple departures over a short time interval may be effectively required to sound the alarm in a flock. In fact, single detections (or departures) may usually go unheeded by other flock members. The information available to non-detectors in multiple departures varies considerably with the rate of non-predator-driven departures, attack rates, and flock size. In general, however, a good predator detection rule-of-thumb is likely to be: flee to safety with the simultaneous departures of two or more individuals, otherwise assess the reason for
Heart and Respiratory Rates in Crocodilian Reptiles under Conditions of Minimal Stimulation

Heart rates reported for Alligator mississippiensis at laboratory temperatures include those given by Blackford (1956) as 35 and 50 beats/minute; Obrist and Chow (1956) as 25-30 beats/minute; Wilber (1960) as 40 beats/minute; Andersen (1961) as 2441 beats/minute; Akers and Preiss (1963) as 18 beats/minute; Coulson and Hernandez (1964) as 26-43 beats/ minute, Campos (1964) as 22-30 beats/minute; and Boyer (1966) as 40 beats/minute. Rates from early unpublished data in this laboratory averaged about 31 beats/minute with a range of 20-48, but later in long-continued studies much lower rates were seen. Em-
The biogeography and conservation of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Northwestern North America has been repeatedly glaciated over the past million years, with the most recent glaciation occurring between 60,000 and 10,000 years ago. Where species survived glaciation and what dispersal routes they used during recolonization most likely had a profound effect on their intraspecific genetic variation. In this study, molecular techniques were used to investigate biogeographical, taxonomic and conservation issues in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Allozyme data were consolidated from the literature to assess relationships of rainbow trout throughout its range, and a divergence between coastal and inland populations from California to Kamchatka in eastern Siberia was supported. For greater detail, a mitochondrial D N A analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism was done, focusing mainly on British Columbia and the northern distribution of the species. Two phylogenetically distinct mitochondrial lineages were found with an average of 1.03% sequence divergence, with overlapping distributions that included both coastal and inland populations. Diversity and distributional analyses strongly suggested that both a coastal and an inland refuge were used during the last glaciation with extensive post-glacial gene flow and secondary contact. The Queen Charlotte Islands and the Columbia River were most strongly supported as refuge locations. A n additional refuge may have existed in Beringia, but post-glacial dispersal from Beringia was most likely quite limited. Sequencing analysis of mitochondrial haplotypes revealed higher diversity in California than in the northern part of the species range, indicating a more ancient presence of rainbow trout in California relative to the north. The phylogeographic divergence in British Columbia among coastal and inland groups predates adaptive variation in the species as indicated by two life history characters in this
Reproductive potential of Acacia species in the central wheatbelt: variation between years

SUMMARY In a study at Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve aimed at discovering how rainfall variation between years affects reproductive potential in Acacia species, the effect of phyllode number and branch position in the crown and seed quality were investigated. High rainfall in 1999 allowed heavier fruiting. More inflorescences set pods and more pods were produced. In 2000, pod yields were reduced by drought. The extent of flowering depends on good winter rainfall and fruit production depends on moisture availability in spring. Although all species suffered from drought in 2000, there were differences in their degree of susceptibility: A. fauntleroyi, A. neurophylla, A. acuminata and A. steedmanii were the least affected whereas A. stereophylla failed to develop pods; A. hemiteles did not flower, and less than 1% of inflorescences developed a pod in both A. saligna and A. lasiocalyx. Late spring frost in 1998 limited seed development. All species produced few seed; many pods were empty; many immature and infected seed were found; and there was poor germination. Of 13 species, only three had more than 40% germination. In six species there was no germination, while all others had less than 30% germination. Plants bearing more phyllodes had more flowers and fruits, and fewer inflorescences dried off. Generally, branches in the upper part of the crown initiated more inflorescences. In some species there were more pods in central parts of the crown. The difference in the form or architecture of branches among species presumably affected resource partitioning and consequently reproductive potential.
Activity and reproductive patterns of lizards in the Chaco of Argentina

We studied the activity and breeding pattern of dominant lizard species in the Arid Chaco, the southernmost subregion of the Chaco ecoregion (Chancaní Reserve, Córdoba province, Argentina). Lizards were captured with pitfall traps over a 4-year period. In total, 1449 individuals belonging to 11 of the 12 lizard species recorded in the area were trapped. Of these, we selected six species for a detailed analysis: Teius teyou and Stenocercus doellojuradoi accounted for 63% of the captures, Tropidurus etheridgei, Liolaemus chacoensis and Homonota fasciata accounted for 32%, and 5% comprised Leiosaurus paronae and the remaining five species. All the studied species were active during the warm–rainy season (September to March). Monthly lizard captures were highly correlated with monthly mean temperature and rainfall. No captures occurred during the remaining months of the year. All reproductive tactics known for the Chaco lizards were observed in Chancaní, including single clutch in a short breeding season in summer or autumn, as well as an extended breeding season with multiple clutches. Stenocercus doellojuradoi and L. paronae showed a singular reproductive timing, suggesting the occurrence of egg retention. Compared with sub-tropical Chaco sites, the Arid Chaco only differs in the lack of winter activity, resulting from the lower temperature and rainfall regime of our study site.
Parasitic association of root-knot nematode, meloidogyne incognita on guava

The root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. are considered to be one of the most important pest problems with a wide host range of crops throughout the tropics and subtropics. They reduce crop yield and quality of guava. Nematode infestation is one of the most important factors contributing to low productivity of crops. Recently rootknot nematode was observed to attack guava roots in orchards growing in and around Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Nematode attacked plant exhibited stunting, yellowing, dieback and patchy growth. However, root system showed numerous small to big size galls. The specific identity of the nematode was determined by cutting perineal pattern of the females. The present investigations have clearly indicated that the association of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita with guava is highly pathogenic in nature. Parasitic association of Meloidogyne incognita may pose a serious threat to guava trees, if the management practices are not governed to keep the population under check. Therefore, it needs immediate attention of the growers and researcher to manage the damage to guava trees infested with nematodes.
In Vitro Mutagenesis and Somaclonal Variation Assisted Salt Tolerance in 'Rough Lemon' (Citrus jambhiri Lush.)

In vitro mutagenesis and somaclonal variation are the important tissue culture techniques for fruit crop improvement. We carried out a study to induce salt tolerance in a commercial citrus rootstock, ‘Rough Lemon’ (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) using these techniques. For in vitro mutation induction, physical mutagen (gamma rays) and chemical mutagens viz., ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and methyl methane sulphonate (MMS) were used. For physical mutagenesis, 40 and 60 days old calli (DOC) were irradiated with gamma rays (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 Gy). The chemical mutagenesis was carried out on 45 and 60 DOC by culturing them directly (control I) or prior to culturing, shaked in liquid medium without (control II) or with mutagens (EMS and MMS) treatment at different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 %). Based on the survival and the regeneration potential, 10–20 and 20– 30 Gy were observed to be the optimum mutagenic doses of gamma rays for 40 and 60 DOC, respectively. For chemical (EMS and MMS) mutagenesis, 0.1 % each was the most suitable dose for 45 DOC, whereas 60 DOC did not regenerate after mutagens treatment. Salt concentration of ≥ 25 mM (NaCl) was found to be optimum for in vitro salt screening of the somaclones and mutants. Four somaclones at 25 mM and one each at 50 and 100 mM were obtained after exposing 170 DOC to different concentrations of NaCl (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM).
Influence of Biofertilizers and Homobrassinolides on Nodulation, Yield and Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A pot culture experiment was conducted during the pre-kharif season of 2008 and 2009 to find out the nodulation, yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in response to biofertilizers and homobrassinolide. The experiment was laid out in compete randomized design (CRD) with four levels of biofertilizers [no inoculation, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM)] and two levels of homobrassinolides spraying [flowering and (flowering + pegging stage)]. Results revealed that inoculation of biofertilizers significantly improved nodulation and yield attributes like number of pods plant−1, number of kernels plant−1, kernel yield and oil content. Among the biofertilizers, combined inoculation of PSB + VAM resulted in 113.77, 51.81 and 31.21% higher kernel yield in first year and 114.60, 53.68 and 26.21% in second year over no inoculation, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae, respectively. With increase in levels of spraying of homobrassinolide, increased growth and productivity of hybrid was observed. Spraying of homo-brassinolide at flowering+pegging stages gave 29.74% higher kernel yield in first year and 43.43% in second year than application of homo-brassinolide at flowering alone.
In vitro anthelmintic activity of stem and root barks of Alstonia boonei De Wild

Alstonia boonei De Wild ethanol extracts of the stem bark (ABSB) and root bark (ABRB) were evaluated for possible anthelmintic activity. Three different concentrations of each extract (50, 100 and 150 mg/ml) were evaluated for in vitro anthelmintic activity by determining the effects of the extracts on the paralysis and death times of Pheretima posthuma. Mebendazole (MBZ) 15 mg/mg was used as reference anthelmintic. ABSB and ABRB demonstrated a concentration dependent anthelmintic activity with a reduction in paralytic and death times upon increase in the concentration of the extracts. ABSB revealed better anthelmintic activity than ABRB at all concentrations tested. ABSB also revealed a significant paralytic time (p<0.01) at 150 mg/ml with reference to MBZ. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids saponins and glycosides in ABSB and ABRB. Key words: Alstonia boonei, anthelmintic, Pheretima posthuma, death time, paralytic time.
Water mites of the genus Protzia Piersig, 1896 (Acari, Hydrachnidia: Hydryphantidae) from Iran

Five water mite species of the genus Protzia Piersig, 1896 (Acari: Hydrachnidia, Hydryphantidae) are reported from Iran. Redescriptions are given for P. alborziensis Bader & Sepasgozarian, 1980, P. zagrosiensis Bader & Sepasgozarian, 1980, and P. persica Bader & Sepasgozarian, 1980. The first records from Iran are given for P. rotunda Walter, 1908 and P. halberti (Walter, 1920). The following synonyms are proposed: P. cabardinica (Sokolow, 1940) = P. rotunda Walter, 1908; P. durmitoris Pesic, 2003 = P. halberti (Walter, 1920).
A comparative study of the efficiency of bumble bees and an electric bee in pollinating unheated greenhouse tomatoes

SummaryThe efficiency of an electric bee in pollinating tomatoes grown in an unheated greenhouse was compared with that of bumble bees. Two years of experiments show that under the moderate climatic conditions of autumn and early winter, the two methods had similar effects on fruit set, seed number, fruit size and yield. Under more severe winter conditions, however, bumble bees were more efficient than the common agricultural practice of using the electric bee 2–3 times a week. Even in the presence of relatively low amounts of pollen grains per flower, a high percentage of fruit set was obtained by the bees. Under these adverse climatic conditions, flower vibration with the electric bee and with bumble bees achieved equal degrees of fruit set, only when the electric bee was operated every day. It may be concluded, therefore, that bumble bees are efficient pollinators as long as the flower organs are functional and a minimum number of pollen grains is available. For achieving similar pollination efficacy w.