Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Song of the snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) in areas with and without sympatric passerines

The acoustic-competition hypothesis predicts that in areas with low species diversity, bird song will vary more from one individual to another and the song of each individual will be less complex than those of conspecifics in areas with more species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this prediction also applies to the snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), which is the only passerine species that breeds regularly in Svalbard, whereas on the Scandinavian mainland it breeds sympatrically with several other species. Songs of 22 and 19 male snow buntings from study areas at Longyearbyen in Svalbard and on the Varanger peninsula in northern Norway, respectively, were analysed with respect to the number and type of syllables and motifs, syllable and intersong diversity, song length, maximum, minimum, and range of frequency, and sharing of song features between individuals. None of the variables differed significantly between the two areas with respect to song variation between individuals. It is .
Ecology and Bioproduction in the Microphytobenthos of the Chain of Shallow Inlets (Boddens) South of the Darss-Zingst Peninsula (Southern Baltic Sea)

The significance of epipsammic microphytobenthos bioproduction in a shallow estuary was investigated by the oxygen method. Bioproduction reached a maximum in May or June. A close correlation was found between the gross production rate and algal biomass at station K. The biomass and production rates were distinctly lower at station B than at station K as station B was more exposed. Circadian variations and depth profiles of the gross production rate correlated best with irradiation intensity. Mean gross production from April to October was 1761 O2.m−2 and 75 g C·m−2.
Alterações fisiológicas e enzimáticas durante a maturação de sementes de pimenta (Capsicum annuum L.)

Physiological and enzymatic changes in sweet pepper seeds obtained from fruits harvested at different maturation stages and submitted to post-harvest storage were assessed. Pepper fruits, 'Amarela Comprida' cultivar, were harvested at 40, 50, 60 and 70 days after anthesis (DAA) and stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days before seed extraction. Seeds were evaluated by the germination, first count, controlled deterioration and electrical conductivity tests. Changes in the enzymatic systems malate desidrogenasis (MDH), alcohol desidrogenasis (ADH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (PO) were also determined. Pepper seeds obtained from fruits harvested at 60 DAA presented better germination and vigor and higher activity of enzymes involved in respiration and protection against free radicals, and post-harvest storage of these fruits was not necessary.
Improvement of Eri Silkworm (Samia ricini D.) Tolerant to High Temperature and Low Humidity Conditions by Continuously Regime

Improvement of eri silkworm tolerant to high temperature condition was carried out by selection and continuous rearing (1 – 12 generation) under high temperature (42±1 °C) and low relative humidity (50±5%R.H.). The eri silkworm rearing at a normal temperature (25±2 °C; 80±5%R.H.) served as control treatment. The result revealed that eri silkworm was continuously tolerant to high temperature of 42±1˚C with low relative humidity (50±5%R.H.) up to 12 generations. Among treated generations with high temperature, the silkworm survived from larva stage (1st – 5th instar) to adult in all generations ranking 16.67 – 54.17%. Between F12 and F1, survival rate of larva – adult stage of F12 was 43.33% less than F1 (54.17%), but not significantly different (P<0.05). For cocoon yields, fresh cocoon weight, pupa weight and cocoon shell weight of F12 were lower than F1. Shell ratio of F12 (11.84%), total cocoon shell weight (5.72g) and fresh cocoon/10,000 larvae (9.39 kg) were not significantly different to F1(11.61 %, 5.72 g and 10.55 kg, respectively). It was clearly, if the egg yields were considered, egg laying/moth, hatchability, total egg laying and total hatchability increased from F1 to F12. The result indicates that the thermotolerant property of eri silkworm SaKKU1 is heritable by high temperature up to F12. This study is a first report on continuously heat tolerant improvement of eri silkworm in Thailand and elsewhere.
Biological components of Greek lagoonal ecosystems: an overview

The paper summarises the available information on the main biological components – phytoplankton, zooplankton, phytobenthos, zoobenthos and fish – of Greek lagoonal ecosystems. Meiobenthos was also studied in one of the lagoons. All components show great variability both in space and time, which is attributed to the variability of environmental conditions. The most important variable influencing species distribution and diversity is the degree of communication with the sea and the nutrient load introduced through fresh water inputs. Certain new methods, which have been applied for evaluation of the ecological quality state of the lagoons, are also presented.
High Rates of Extinction and Threat in Poorly Studied Taxa

Abstract: Mass extinctions in the past have been characterized by abnormally high species extinction rates within almost all taxa. Attempts to estimate relative rates of extinction and threat among modern taxa, such as insects, plants, and vertebrates, are impeded by differences in the quality of information about each group. Insects and marine groups, for example, have much smaller percentages of known threatened species but also have many more undescribed species than do plants or vertebrates. I tested the possibility that all major groups have equally high rates of extinction and threat. The first test was a model assuming that differences in apparent global extinction and threat rate are caused by two sampling biases that produce artificially low rates in understudied taxa: (1) a common‐species bias in which taxonomists tend to record common (more extinction‐resistant) species first and (2) evaluative neglect, which is a tendency to spend relatively less effort evaluating the extinction and threat status of recorded species in understudied taxa. Global extinction and threat data from a number of groups generally follow the pattern predicted by this model. The second test shows that in direct measurements of extinction and threat between taxa in well‐studied regions, such as the United States and United Kingdom, the apparent global disparity among taxa is greatly reduced. Indeed, many globally understudied taxa, such as insects and other invertebrates, have higher rates of threat than many other taxa, including mammals, in these well‐studied areas. These two tests provide quantitative support for previous suggestions that the wide disparity in rates of species extinction and threat among groups represents an artifactual distortion of the actual rates. Specific suggestions for improved estimates of actual threat include (in order of increasing accuracy): use of well‐studied proxy taxa such as mammals; comparison of threat data among taxa only in well‐studied regions; and, especially important, increased efforts to evaluate the threat status of recorded species of understudied taxa.
Inhibitory Effect of Spermidine with Antioxidant Activity on Oxidative Stress in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Spermidine is a ubiquitous polycation that is synthesized from putrescine, which serves as a precursor of spermine. In recent years, spermidine was found to be a polyamine that plays an important role in longevity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radical, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide have been shown to be involved in various pathogenic processes as well as aging. The direct scavenging effect of spermidine on DPPH radical, and hydroxyl radical, and its protective effect against DNA oxidation related to oxidative stress were evaluated in vitro. It was observed that spermidine exhibits scavenging activities on DPPH radical and H2O2 above 500 . Spermidine was especially effective in exerting a scavenging activity on hydroxyl radical. In addition, spermidine at 1000 showed a clear protective effect against DNA oxidation. Furthermore, the expression level of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase in humam dermal fibroblasts increased in the presence of spermidine compared with blank group. These results suggest that spermidine can be used as an antioxidant to prevent ROS-related diseases including inflammation, cancer and aging.
Symbiotic competence, genetic diversity and plasmid profiles of Egyptian isolates of a Rhizobium species from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) Dewit

L.D. KUYKENDALL, D.M. SWELIM, F.M. HASHEM, S.M. ABDEL‐WAHAB AND N.I. HEGAZI. 1996. There is considerable interest in improving nitrogen fixation in tropical legume trees to increase soil fertility, particularly in developing countries. To provide information needed for the development of improved strains, characterization of strains of Leucaena‐nodulating Rhizobium was performed. Thirteen strains were isolated from root nodules of Leucaena leucocephala grown in different geographical regions in Egypt. Plasmid DNA profile groups, including identification of symbiosis‐controlling plasmids, were defined. Symbiotic competence was determined in plant tests and some strains were perhaps more symbiotically proficient at fixing nitrogen with L. leucocephala than were reference strains. The genetic diversity of these strains was determined by RFLP analysis of total DNAs using, as probes, six arbitrarily selected cosmid clones from a gene library of strain TAL 1145, a well‐characterized reference strain. There were four plasmid profile groups which did not correlate with either symbiotic competence or RFLP analysis. RFLP analysis, unlike plasmid profiles, permitted a determination that all 13 Egyptian strains were evidently homogeneous and quite distinct from previously studied Leucaena‐nodulating Rhizobium as represented by reference strains.
Organic Matter Dynamics in Sycamore Creek, a Desert Stream in Arizona, USA

1 Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-4004 USA. and Schumann 1968). Precipitation in the Sycamore Creek watershed averages only 34 and 58 cm/y in lower and upper elevations, respectively, and nearly all falls as rain (Thomsen and Schumann 1968). Evapotranspiration is quite high (pan evaporation = 310 cm/y); consequently mean annual discharge from this 5thorder river is only 0.8 m3/s (US Geological Survey 1989-1993), and on average only 8% of precipitation runs off (Grimm 1993). Rain at higher elevations in the watershed feeds permanent flow in lower-elevation reaches of Sycamore Creek. High-elevation precipitation recharges aquifers that drain into porous alluvium. Lower-elevation permanent reaches occur where geologic faulting brings impervious bedrock to the surface. Downstream from these "sources," surface flow may exist for a few m to several km before water seeps back into sediments. Rain is bimodally distributed with peaks during winter (January-March) and the summer "monsoon" of late July through September. Winter precipitation is usually gentle and spans one or more d, whereas summer rain occurs as short, localized thunderstorms. Runoff from storms produces spates (flash floods) in streams of the Sonoran Desert that are among the most severe in North America (Baker 1977, Ely et al. 1993). Winter storm flow typically remains elevated for some time. In contrast, summer thunderstorms frequently produce flash floods during which discharge rises rapidly then recedes within hours. Stream flow is lowest in summer
VARIABILITY AND CORRELATION STUDY OF SOME ADVANCED LINES OF Brassica rapa

Variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation were assessed in eleven advanced lines of Brassica rapa obtained through inter-varietal crosses along with three popular check varieties at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Significant variations were found in yield per hectare and all the yield components that were taken under the study. Highest yield per hectare (2111.33 kg) was found in SAUSR 14 (TORI-7×BARI Sarisha-9). The advanced line SAUSR 08 (BARI Sarisha-6×TORI-7) matured early (83.67 days) and produced moderate yield (1662.00 kg). It could be assumed from the mean performance that SAUSR 14 and SAUSR 08 showed better performance over the popular check varieties in respect of yield and maturity. Highest GCV (20.06%) and PCV (31.71%) were observed in number of siliquae per plant. Genotypic variance was lower than phenotypic variance for all characters except yield per hectare. High heritability in broad sense (91.14% and 79.25%) was observed for days to 50% flowering and days to 80% flowering. Highest genetic advance (36.56%) was found for number of siliquae per plant. Low heritability (29.27%) with high genetic advance (23.14%) was observed for yield per hectare. Highly positive significant phenotypic correlation with yield per hectare was seen in days to 80% maturity and number of secondary branches per plant. Days to 50% flowering and siliquae length showed negative highly significant phenotypic correlation with the yield per hectare
Florae Malesianae Praecursores LXVII. Meliaceae (Divers genera)

Skeletal revisions (generic delimitations, keys, specific distinctions, synonymy and typifications) are presented of the Malesian genera Anthocarapa (1 or 2 species with one new combination), Aphanamixis (3 species), Lansium (3 species with one new combination), Reinwardtiodendron (7 species with two new combinations) and Sandoricum (5 species of which one is new, S. caudatum ). Special attention is given to the problems of taxonomy in the cultivated races of Sandoricum koetjape and Lansium domesticum and in the complex which is Aphanamixis polystachya. All names published in these genera and Pseudocarapa are disposed of, two in the last being transferred to Dysoxylum, leaving. Pseudocarapa monotypic.
Physiological and Biochemical Characterization for Drought Stress at Seedling Stage in Wheat Genotypes

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the cultivated wheat genotypes of middle Gujarat region for tolerance to drought, artificially created by the application of 0, 5, and 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG). During screening, data were recorded for various physiological and biochemical parameters of the wheat genotypes. Decrease in percent germination was observed with the increase in the level of PEG at 5% and 10% in all the genotypes. However, percent germination was significantly higher in the genotypes LOK 1, HW-2004, AR-06-1, AR-07-33, AR-07-30 and GW-1 reflecting the drought tolerance characteristics. Overall, with increased concentration of artificial drought stress inducer, PEG, reduction in germination percentage, root length, shoot length and seedling vigor index was observed. Proline content increased during stress condition induced by 5% and 10% PEG. Isozymes study of peroxidase, catalase under normal and drought stress conditions showed specific banding pattern which appeared only after PEG induce stress where as esterase showed unaltered banding pattern. The study of protein banding pattern through SDS-PAGE identified induced proteins involved in drought stress response. The protein bands of 158 kDa and 196 kDa were induced under the 5% and 10% PEG concentrations, respectively. From this primary screening, the wheat genotypes were characterized on the basis of response to PEG induced drought. Among all the irrigated aestivum genotypes, LOK-1, HW-2004 were found to be highly tolerant while the genotypes, GW-496, GW-173 and GW-322 were moderately susceptible and the genotypes, GW-273, GW-366 were found to be highly drought susceptible. Among the durum genotypes, rainfed genotypes A-206, DR-08-07, AR-06-1, A-9-30-1, AR-07-7, AR-07-30, AR-07-33 and DR-08-06 were highly tolerant. Among the irrigated genotypes of durum wheat, GW-1245, GW-1255, GW-1260, GW-1265 and HI-8498 were moderately susceptible whereas GW-1139 was found to be highly drought susceptible.
Frond development and phenology of Thelypteris limbosperma, Athyrium distentifolium, and Matteuccia struthiopteris in Western Norway

Odland, A. 1995. Frond development and phenology of Thelypteris limbosperma, Athyrium distentifolium, and Matteuccia struthiopteris in Western Norway. — Nord. J. Bot. 15: 225–236. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X. The pattern of growth and phenology of Thelypteris limbosperma, Athyrium distentifolium, and Matteuccia struthiopteris fronds has been investigated, with particular emphasis on height increments of the sporophytes and the development of fertile fronds. In order to study both interspecific and intraspecific differences, fern stands along altitudinal gradients have been monitored. To investigate the initiation of fertility, fronds representing different developmental stages have been sampled. Climatic data have been collected with a data-logger during the study periods. The ferns show significant differences in growth pattern and phenology. Matteuccia struthiopteris has a growth curve that is best described as monomolecular, characterised by high growth rates during the early developmental stage, while the development of Thelypteris limbosperma and Athyrium distentifolium follow a logistic growth curve. The species need different periods of time to develop their fronds. The main frond elongation does not start before soil temperature has reached 7 C. After that, the growth is mainly controlled by air temperature. Within the interval when mean maximum temperatures are 8–20 C, all three ferns showed increased growth rates with increasing air temperatures, but the increase was greatest in M. struthiopteris. At higher temperatures, the growth rate of M. struthiopteris and T. limbosperma decreased. Athyrium distentifolium is characterised by producing sori at an early developmental stage. Fertile Matteuccia strurhiopteris fronds are developed at a much later developmental stage. Thelypteris limbosperma needs a longer period of time to produce mature fronds than the other species. The investigation indicates that plant growth and development are determined by both internal and external factors. It is concluded that growth rate, phenology, and the ability of ferns to produce mature fronds reveal close similarities with their response to environmental variables, and hence with their broad-scale geographical distributional patterns.
Temporal fluctuations of the phytoplankton community in an isolated floodplain lake (North Mollaköy Lake) of the Sakarya River (Northern Turkey)

The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal variation of phytoplankton and water quality in response to the hydrological regime in an isolated floodplain lake (North Mollaköy Lake) of the Sakarya River. Variations in the composition, biomass and functional groups of phytoplankton and environmental parameters were monthly analyzed in sub-surface samples collected from the pelagic zone at four stations from July 2012 to June 2013. A total of 109 taxa were identified, and the species which contributed the most to the phytoplankton biomass were grouped into 14 functional groups (FGs). The distribution of FGs was linked to the transition (T1 and T2), high (HW) and low (LW) water periods in North Mollaköy Lake. FGs J, MP, N, G, X1, X2, Y, W1, W2, S1, H1, B and C were the contributors to the phytoplankton biomass during the low-water period (LW) and the transition periods (T1 and T2), while Lo contributed the most during the high-water period (HW). RDA revealed that the most important factor affecting the temporal distribution of FGs was the water discharge and that there are some differences between stations in terms of Si, pH values and the distribution of FGs.
Seasonal genetic structure in Beijing populations of the grain aphid Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi): an investigation using microsatellites

The grain aphid Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi) is a major pest of cereal crops in China. Sexual reproduction is rarely found in this species, and the reproductive strategy is expected to be reflected in the population genetic structure. Using five microsatellites, we analyzed four populations of S. miscanthi sampled during the 2005–2006 wheat season (from October to May) from a Beijing suburb. Substantial allelic diversity was found, with an average 9.8 alleles per locus, but there were only 45 five-locus genotypes detected among the 143 aphid samples. Of the six commonest five-locus genotypes, four were found in all the seasonal populations, and must have reproduced by continuous parthenogenesis through the seasons (including a winter) because of the big differences between their observed and expected frequencies. All populations showed extremely high heterozygosity and heterozygosity excesses, and significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium even in data sets including one individual per genotype. Those genetic features occur because S. miscanthi is almost anholocyclic. The population collected immediately after the winter significantly differentiated from the other three populations collected earlier or later (FST=0.059–0.064), while differentiations among the other three populations were not significant (FST=−0.016–−0.004). The probable causes of this seasonal variation were discussed.
Seasonal Variation in the Incidence of Trypanosoma vivax in Glossina palpalis (R.-D.).

Over 3,000 examples of G. palpalis were age-grouped and dissected for T. vivax over a period of a year. The incidence of infection throughout was highest in Age-group 3 and lowest in Age-group 1. There was a marked seasonal fluctuation, the incidence being highest during the months of heavy rainfall, i.e. , August to October, and lowest in the driest. It has been suggested that the rise in the rate of infection during the rains is merely due to the increasing average age of the fly population, but by the method of age grouping it is shown that this is not the case. The degree of infection in G. palpalis in Sierra Leone is comparable with that of G. tachinoides in Nigeria. It is not thought that the seasonal variation in the incidence of infection can be ascribed to changes in the type and abundance of food. The true cause of the fluctuating incidence of infection like the source of infection is unknown. The failure to recognize seasonal differences in the rate of infection has led to some important practical misconceptions.
VOLATILITY ESTIMATORS WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY DATA FROM BUCHAREST STOCK EXCHANGE

In this paper, we have focused on accurately volatility estimation due to its crucial importance in investment and risk management activities. Based on tick by tick data, provided by Thomson Reuters, we have realized a comparative study among different high-frequency volatility estimators for some of the most important three companies listed on Bucharest Stock Exchange. Our findings emphasize that the presence of jumps or microstructure noises affect the efficiency of realized volatility estimator. So, based on data architecture, we have used adequate estimators jump and noise robust. We concluded that for less liquid markets, the presence of more visible jumps leads to higher intra-day volatilities comparing with more liquid markets.