Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of essential oils as a glazing material for frozen rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss) fillet

In this study, sage, thyme and clove oils were evaluated as a glazing material for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) frozen. One percent sage, thyme and clove oil solutions were used for glazing. Water-glazed (WG) and nonglazed (NG) rainbow trout fillets were used as controls. Fish fillets were glazed and were stored in a freezer at −18C for 6 months. Samples were analyzed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months for moisture content, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid, peroxide value, free fatty acids and sensorial quality. It was determined that glazed samples had higher moisture content compared to NG trout fillet after 6 months storage. Essential oils were effective in controlling lipid oxidation in rainbow trout fillet (P < 0.05). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Freezing is one of the most employed methods used for preserving fresh fish and other seafood products. However, frozen storage does not completely inhibit chemical reactions (e.g., lipid oxidation) that lead to quality deterioration of fish and fish product. The antioxidant property of some essential oils may make it ideal for use as a glazing solution for suppressing lipid oxidation in rainbow trout fillet during frozen storage.
The influence of pasture species and exogenous oestrogen treatment on the live-weight gain and carcass composition of lambs.

Abstract The live-weight gain, carcass weight, and carcass composition of wether lambs grazing two different pasture species have been studied. The 56 lambs (by Dorset Down rams out of Border Leicester × Corriedale ewes) of approximately 8 weeks of age were randomised to four treatment groups. Two of the groups were grazed on pure perennial ryegrass and two on pure lucerne for 7 weeks before slaughter. Seven of the lambs in each of the treatment groups received 336 μg diethylstilboestrol by subcutaneous injection weekly. Carcass composition was determined by chemical analyses. The lambs grazed on lucerne grew at 0.37 kg/day, 76% faster than those on perennial ryegrass (0.21 kg/day). The hot carcasses of the lucerne-grazed group were 7.0 kg heavier than those of the perennial ryegrass group and differed in composition (+ 3.7% fat, -3.1% water, + 0.8% protein, no difference in ash). This difference in carcass composition is explained by the increase in carcass weight. Oestrogen treatment enhanced live-weigh.
Resources driving landscape‐scale distribution patterns of grazers in an African savanna

In order to effectively manage and conserve indigenous herbivores, a good understanding is needed of how resources drive their distribution patterns. This study employed a unique dataset to test a range of ecological theories and hypotheses on free-ranging grazers. Using aerial census data collected over 14 yr across the 2 million ha Kruger National Park (South Africa), this study employs spatial autologistic regression models to explore the spatial relationships that exist between the distribution of eight indigenous grazer species and a set of resource variables. It was found that ecological theories relating to feeding guild, water-dependence, allometric scaling, gut-morphology and vulnerability to predation could explain most of the grazer distribution patterns observed in relation to surface-water, forage quality, forage quantity and habitat openness. All the grazers studied were water-dependent and occurred close to a permanent source of water in the dry season. This was ascribed to the lack of moisture in the diet of grazers during the dry season. Most ruminants' distribution patterns were significantly associated with areas of high forage quality whereas hind-gut fermentors were neutral towards forage quality. Average forage quantity was not a significant predictor of long-term, landscape-scale distribution patterns for any of the grazer species studied. Most small- and medium-bodied grazers preferred open habitats above closed habitats, probably due to higher visibility and a lower predation risk. Large-bodied grazers did not bias their distribution patterns towards open habitats. The way in which grazers distribute themselves with respect to different resources can potentially inform management actions on appropriate scales.
Male reproductive success and pedigree error in red spruce open-pollinated and polycross mating systems

Open-pollinated and polycross mating systems are widely used in forest genetics and breeding to quickly, simply, and inexpensively generate progenies assumed to be related as half-sibs (coefficient of relationship, r = 0.25) from a random mating population. However, nonrandom mating, such as unequal male reproductive success (RS) or selfing, can increase the genetic correlation among offspring, and thus, genetic variance and heritability are overestimated. Conversely, pedigree errors will cause additive genetic variance and heritability to be underestimated. Unequal male reproductive success and three types of potential pedigree errors (volunteers, mishandled maternal identities, and foreign pollen) were detected in operational open-pollinated and polycross red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) progeny tests, through paternity testing using microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) DNA markers. The potential impact of unequal RS and pedigree errors on quantitative genetic parameters is discussed. Paternity and pa.
Production of triploid grapes by in ovulo embryo culture

Triploid grapes were produced by in ovulo embryo culture. Ovules were obtained from 5 crosses: Rosario Bianco ( V. vinifera L. 2x) x Kyoho ( V. vinifera x V. labrusca L. 4x), Katta Kourgan( V. vinifera L. 2x)x Kyoho, Kyoho x Rosario Bianco, Kyoho x Sekirei ( V. vinifera L. 2x) and Kyoho x Rizamat ( V. vinifera L. 2x). Most embryos were obtained from ovules cultured at veraison. The addition of indole-3-acetic acid (2.0 mg·l -1 ) and gibberellic acid (0.4 mg·l -1 to 1/2 MS (half strength macro-elements) medium promoted the formation and growth of embryos. Although only a few embryos germinated directly from ruptured ovules, embryos excised from cultured ovules germinated successfully by in vitro culture. This paper demonstrates that in ovulo embryo culture is expected to be an efficient method to produce triploid grapes.
Limusaurus inextricabilis (Theropoda: Ceratosauria) gives a hand to evolutionary teratology: a complementary view on avian manual digits identities

It is widely accepted that birds are rooted within theropod dinosaurs. However, there is controversy between palaeontological and developmental data regarding manual digit identities of birds and their tetanuran ancestors (I, II and III vs. II, III and IV). To resolve this conflict, the principle of a frame-shift has been considered. Identities of digits I–III would develop on condensations 2–4. Nevertheless, the discovery of the basal Ceratosauria Limusaurus inextricabilis has been used as a reference to define the digital identity of Tetanurae as II–IV. The new concept of evolutionary teratology states that certain anatomical structures identified in evolutionary lineages are viable developmental anomalies (‘adaptive’ or not), becoming part of the considered groups. The features of Limusaurus' forelimb match teratological characterization. This diagnosis, associated with the variations previously identified in derived Ceratosauria taxa (Carnotaurinae), underline an anatomical and developmental independence (regarding evolutionary conserved mechanisms) compared with Tetanurae and therefore birds. Consequently, Limusaurus should not be used as a reference concerning the identity of avian manuals digits. Evolutionary teratology supports identities I, II and III of the tetanuran manus via a frame-shift that did not occur in the Ceratosauria lineage. © 2016 The Linnean Society of London
The pH and display life of chilled lamb after prolonged storage under vacuum or under CO2

Abstract Muscle tissue pH of lamb packaged either under vacuum or in a CO2 atmosphere rose during prolonged storage at chiller temperatures. Hedonic assessments of meat colour at pack opening did not change significantly during prolonged storage, but the colour stability of displayed meat declined with prolonged storage in a manner that suggests a possible relationship with the observed pH increase.
Efeito do fornecimento de ração complementada com semente de linhaça sobre os macronutrientes e colesterol em tecidos de camarões da Malásia (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of shrimp fed with a diet complemented with linseed. 800 post larvae shrimp were divided into two types of treatment: 1) a test group based on casein complemented with linseed, and 2) a casein group. At the end of the experiment, the two treatments showed no significant differences in the mean values of humidity (79.8 ± 0.82; 78.9 ± 1.68), ashes (0.62 ± 0.07; 0.68 ± 0.2), carbohydrates (2.63 ± 0.13; 1.58 ± 0.7) and proteins (15.6 ± 1.02; 16.0 ± 0.58). However, the concentration of total lipids in both groups declined significantly during this study. This decline was more marked in the control group (74%). At the end of the experiment, the lipid content was higher (p < 0.05) in the test group (1.87 ± 0.03) than in the control group (1.12 ± 0.021). However, the cholesterol content in the test group (0.115 ± 0.004) was lower than in the control group (0.1306 ± 0.001), albeit without a statistically significant difference. It was concluded that the addition of linseed to the food seems to increase the shrimps' lipids, which suggests that this increase does not imply heightened cholesterol levels. It is also possible that the increase in lipids is due to the incorporation of a large proportion polyunsaturated fatty acids.
A computer-supported group decision-making system for timber procurement planning in Finland

Abstract A group decision-making model was designed to improve co-operation during the process of making decisions to support timber procurement goals. The model was used in a Finnish forest company with a district team and six local teams. Co-operation among managers in the wood procurement organization was supported by decentralized synchronous groupware (MetaFrame), a computerized system where communication takes place over the Internet. This groupware provided the foundation for the decision-making system. The main research objective was to survey the opinions of the local managers towards the use of the system; it was assumed that co-operation would improve between managerial levels. Another objective was to investigate whether the groupware increased communication efficiency during this co-operation. The results showed that opinions on the computer-supported process were positive. The timber procurement goals were more acceptable to local teams when the goals and opinions of the district managers could be integrated into the decision-making process, and timber procurement planning was also faster (by 2 days). Therefore, the groupware increased communication efficiency and improved timber procurement planning as a consequence of the facilitated group decision-making process.
Sphagnum-dominated peat bog: a naturally acid ecosystem

$Sphagnum$ -dominated peat bogs are naturally acid and cover perhaps 1% of the Earth's land surface. The temporal and spatial variations of pH in a peat-bog in the northern Pennines are used to illustrate the relative importance of different sources of acidity. At this site, where the pH of rain in summer was 4.0-4.2, rain and cation exchange of metal cations in the rain for H $^+$ in the newly grown Sphagnum were of about equal importance, though cation exchange probably dominated on hummocks in summer. Strongly acid `events' are likely to follow heavy rain that follows a dry spell. The effects of interconversion of sulphur- and nitrogen-containing compounds on acidity is obscure.
Genetics, Ecology and the Origins of Incest and Exogamy

The biological consequences of inbreeding are often advanced as the cause of the evolution of incest and exogamy in human societies. This paper attempts to show that genetic analysis does not support such a conclusion. An alternate reconstruction of the origins of incest and exogamy based on cultural and populational consequences of these phenomena is proposed to show that reconstructions of human cultural evolution can contribute to the interpretation of human biological evolution.
Efectos genéticos para características de crecimiento de bovinos Charolais y Charbray mexicanos estimados con modelos alternativos

Genetic effects for growth traits of Mexican Charolais and Charbray cattle estimated with alternative models. Data recorded from 1997 to 2009 by the Charolais-Charbray Herd Book of Mexico were analyzed with six different animal models to estimate genetic parameters for birth weight (n=105,599), weaning weight adjusted to 205 d (n=89,111) and yearling weight adjusted to 365 days (n=55,284). Model 1 included direct additive genetic effects of the animal. Model 2 allowed for a common environmental effect due to the dam, fitting it as an additional random effect. Model 3 included the animal's direct genetic effect, and the dam's maternal genetic effect, assuming a covariance equal to zero between them. Model 4 was the same as Model 3 but it also allowed for a common environmental effect due to the dam. Model 5 is identical to Model 3, but included a covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects. Model 6 was fitted for all three random effects plus the covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects. Compared with any of the other models, the most complete model (Model 6) substantially reduced the -2log L (P<0.05), providing the best fit for the three growth traits. Comparison between Model 1 and Model 6 across traits showed that Model 1 yielded smaller estimates of direct genetic variance, in contrast with results from previous studies. However, estimates of the residual variance for Model 1 were significantly greater than estimates for Model 6.
Lisina em rações para suínos machos castrados selecionados para deposição de carne magra na carcaça dos 110 aos 125 kg

Sixty barrows from crossing between commercial hybrids with an average initial weight of 95.7 ± 0.80 kg and an average final weight of 109.8 ± 1.13 kg were used to evaluate different dietary lysine levels on performance and on carcass characteristics. The experimental design used was a randomized blocks with five treatments, six replicates and two animals per replicate. The treatments corresponded to a basal diet with 13.7% of crude protein, 3367 kcal DE/kg supplemented with five L-lysine-HCl levels, resulting in diets with 0.50; 0.60; 0.70; 0.80 and 0.90% of total lysine. The daily feed intake reduced by linear way with the increase of lysine level in diet. However, it was showed highest lysine consumption with increase of dietary aminoacid concentration. It was verified quadratic effect of treatments on the feed:gain ratio which improved until the level of 0.76% of lysine level and on feed:lean gain that reduced by linear way. However the adjusted data by Linear Response Plateau indicated the level of 0.79% to the best feed:lean gain. The weight gain, carcass lenght, backfat thickness, ham yield, lean growth yield and loin eye area were not influenced by treatments. For the genotype studied, it was concluded that barrows from 95 to 110 kg require 0.76% of total lysine in diet, corresponding to a daily lysine intake of 23.8 g.
Does Large Genome Size Limit Speciation in Endemic Island Floras

Genome sizes in plants vary by several orders of magnitude, and this diversity may have evolutionary consequences. Large genomes contain mainly noncoding DNA that may impose high energy and metabolic costs for their bearers. Here we test the large genome constraint hypothesis, which assumes that plant lineages with large genomes are diversifying more slowly Knight et al. (2005), using endemic floras of the oceanic archipelagos of the Canaries, Hawaii, and Marquesas Islands. In line with this hypothesis, the number of endemic species per genus is negatively correlated with genus-average genome size for island radiations on Hawaiian and Marquesas archipelagos. However, we do not find this correlation on the Canaries, which are close to the continent and therefore have higher immigration rate and lower endemism compared to Hawaii. Further work on a larger number of floras is required to test the generality of the large genome constraint hypothesis.
Effect of Watering Regimes and Water Quantity on the Early Seedling Growth of Picralimanitida (Stapf)

Competing land use pattern has necessitated planting of useful forest trees on marginal lands with varying water status. A study was conducted on the effect of watering regimes and water quantity on seedlings growth of P. nitida. Seedlings were raised from seeds, transplanted in polythene bags and subjected to watering at full capacity daily, once in 3 days, 5 days; 20 ml daily, 3 days, 5 days; 15 ml daily, 3 days, 5 days; 10 ml daily, 3 days, 5 days; and flooding. The growth traits assessed were plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves; shoot, root and leaf dry weights as well as leaf area. The effect of watering regime and water quantity were significant (P ? 0.05) on quantitative morphological parameters of seedlings. Total dry weight and root dry weight were lower in both water-stressed and waterlogging than well-watered conditions, but the lowest values were obtained under flooding. However, specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) were higher in water-stressed conditions than well-watered conditions. Relative growth rate of seedlings is related more to the net assimilation rate values than LAR and SLA. Also, root/shoot ratio was highest under daily full capacity watering. Thus, daily watering at full capacity with water availability or 15-20 ml of water per seedling during scarcity is recommended for raising P. nitida seedlings.
Growth pattern, condition factor, trace metal studies and ectoparasitic load of the blue crab, Callinectes amnicola from Lagos Lagoon, Badore, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria

Aspects of the biology of an economically important crab, Callinectes amnicola (De Rochebrune, 1883), were studied to determine the growth pattern, condition factor, ectoparasitic load and trace metal (Manganese, Zinc, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury) levels. Water and sediment samples were also collected for trace metal analysis and to determine bioconcentration factor in crab samples. Males recorded significantly longer carapace (p 0.05; b=3) and positive allometric growth for female and sex combined (p 3). Males were better conditioned than females and condition increased with size for males. Only male C. amnicola were infected with ectoparasitic barnacles with a prevalence of 13.46%. The ectoparasites select better conditioned crabs for infestation and this colonization subsequently reduces the condition with increased size. Mean trace metal values recorded for C. amnicola, water and sediment were in the order Manganese>Zinc>Lead>Cadmium>Mercury. The gills had the highest mean values for all the trace metals measured and also had the highest bioconcentration factor with lead recording a factor of 42 from water. However, the edible portion such as muscle, chelipeds and carapace bioaccumulated Manganese, Zinc and Cadmium from water by a maximum factor of 4. Carapace length, growth pattern, condition factor and ectoparasitic infestation may be used to discriminate among sexes of C. amnicola. This study shows relatively low concentrations of trace metals compared to the WHO limits and C. amnicola may be used to monitor the bioavailability of trace metals in
Influence of Salt Stress on the Nutritional State of Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge: Chloride, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus

This trial was carried out to study the nutritional and productive behavior generated by modifications in the salt concentration in the nutrient solution for Cordyline fruticosa var. Red Edge plants. The anions studied were chloride (Cl), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Four treatments were tested: T1 [control, 1.5 dS m−1, 14.3 mmol L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl)], T2 (2.5 dS m−1, 22.2 mmol L−1 NaCl), T3 (3.5 dS m−1, 32.7 mmol L−1 NaCl), and T4 (4.5 dS m−1, 38.2 mmol L−1 NaCl). At the end of the cultivation, leaf, petiole, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, elemental extractions, and elemental concentrations were determined. Nutrient concentrations and total plant uptake (extraction) were calculated from the dry matter. The treatment T2 induces a blade protection mechanism, which consists on the accumulation of chloride (Cl−) in root and vessels; so, leaf storage is reduced, avoiding damages. Petiole also contributes to this protection, acting as a salt pool. As NaCl concentration in the nutritive solution arises, N plant concentration increases significantly although there are no significant differences between T1 and T2. With high salinity levels, P in vessels is reduced, whereas root extraction and concentration increases. The greatest N and P extractions are observed in T2, which is due to its higher dry matter. Chloride extractions are lower in T1 than in the other treatments.
Efecto de la alta temperatura en la germinación y supervivencia de semillas de la especie invasora Pinus contorta y dos especies nativas del sur de Chile

Estudios en Sudamerica han reportado aumentos en la invasividad de Pinus spp. despues de eventos de fuego. Esto se debe a adaptaciones morfologicas y fisiologicas a incendios que presentan algunas especies de este genero. Pinus contorta es uno de los pinos mas invasores en ecosistemas templados y se encuentra invadiendo los bosques de Araucaria araucana y Nothofagus antarctica en la Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello, Chile. Para comprender la respuesta potencial de la regeneracion post-incendios en arboles, es necesario conocer la respuesta y tolerancia de la semilla a altas temperaturas. Semillas de P. contorta, A. araucana y N. antarctica fueron sembradas en bandejas con arena y sometidas a 80, 100 y 120 °C por cinco minutos, despues fueron llevadas al invernadero para evaluar la germinacion y supervivencia de las plantulas. La germinacion para N. antarctica fue nula incluso en el control. Las altas temperaturas no presentaron efectos negativos en la germinacion de P. contorta, pero si en A. araucana inhibiendo la germinacion a temperaturas mayores a 100 °C. Estos resultados sugieren que, en incendios de alta intensidad, las semillas de P. contorta tiene una ventaja competitiva sobre A. araucana y N. antarctica, ya que el banco de semillas tendra mayores posibilidades de sobrevivir ante un incendio forestal.
Diagnosing secondary students' misconceptions of photosynthesis and respiration in plants using a two-tier multiple choice instrument

A two-tier multiple-choice instrument is described which reliably and validly diagnoses secondary students' understanding of photosynthesis and respiration in plants. The first tier of each item relates to content based on propositional knowledge statements. The second tier consists of reasons based on students' responses to interviews, open-ended questions, and/or previous research. These reasons include identified misconceptions and a scientifically acceptable answer. The results of the study highlight the consistency of students' misconceptions across secondary year levels and indicate that a high percentage of secondary students do not comprehend the nature and function of respiration and have little understanding of the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in plants. Recommendations are made for use of the instrument by classroom biology teachers.