Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION OF POMEGRANATE SEEDS (PUNICA GRANATUM L.): EFFECT OF FREEZING PRE-TREATMENT

ABSTRACT The osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds was compared using fresh and frozen seeds. The process was carried out at 50C in a 55°Brix solution of sucrose. Freezing pomegranate seeds before osmotic dehydration involved an increase of effective diffusivity and a reduction in dehydration time. The most significant changes of water loss (WL) (46 g/100 g of fresh seeds [FS]) and solids gain (SG) (7 g/100 g of FS) took place during the first 20 min for frozen seeds. After this period, seeds WL and SG ranged on average close to 43 and 8 g/100 g of FS, respectively. Osmotic dehydration was slower starting from fresh fruits but led to a higher rate of WL (62 g/100 g of FS) at the end of the process. Both scanning electron microscopy and texture analysis showed a destruction of cell structure and seed texture during the pretreatment (freezing). The same techniques also revealed a texture/structure modification induced by the osmotic dehydration process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In Tunisia, the research of addition value to pomegranate seeds is very limited and presents a traditional feature such as jam preparation or direct consummation of fruit during the crop season (between September and December). However, other perspectives of transformation and exploitation of the pomegranate seeds should be undertaken to give an added value to this typical fruit. Osmotic dehydration can be an alternative process to increase the conservation time of fruit and to give a new osmodehydrated fruit that can be included in some food formulation such as ice cream, cereals, dairy, confectionery and bakery products.
CORRELATION STUDIES IN CLUSTERBEAN

Correlation studies with 29 genotypes in clusterbean conducted during kharif season revealed that number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod weight and number of pod clusters per plant showed positive association with vegetable pod yield. These characters are to be given due consideration in selection for yield improvement of the crop.
Comparative Temperature-Dependent Development of Nephus includens (Kirsch) and Nephus bisignatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Preying on Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae): Evaluation of a Linear and Various Nonlinear Models Using Specific Criteria

Abstract The effect of temperature on the development of the predators Nephus includens (Kirsch) and Nephus bisignatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was studied. The duration of the development of immature stages and the pre-oviposition period of the two predators, reared on Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) at eight constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, and 37.5 ± 1°C), have been recorded. The developmental zero (lower temperature threshold) was estimated to be 10.9 and 9.4°C, and the thermal constant was 490.5 and 614.3 DD for N. includens and N. bisignatus, respectively, using the linear model. Data were fitted to various nonlinear temperature-dependent models, and the thermal developmental thresholds (lower and upper), as well as the optimum temperature for development, have been estimated. Evaluation of the models took place, based on the following criteria: fit to data (residual sum of squares and coefficient of determination or coefficient of nonlinear regression), number and biological value of the fitted coefficients, number of measurable parameters, and accuracy on the estimation of the thresholds. Conclusively, linear and Lactin models are highly recommended for the description of temperature-dependent development of these two predators and possibly of other coccinellids.
Yield and Growth of Globe Artichoke under Saline–Sodic Conditions

Terom' globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) plants were propagated vegeta- tively and grown for 2 years in soil-filled pots in the greenhouse under saline-sodic conditions. Plants were irrigated with water containing from 1 to 10 g NaC1/liter. Growth and yield responses were evaluated with a two-line response model. The aim of this work was to determine the salt tolerance threshold and slope for artichoke yield and growth expressed in terms of electrical conductivity (EC) of irrigation water (EC isaturated- soil extract (ECe). The thresholds for yield and plant fresh weight (PFW) were the same— 2.7 and 4.8 dS·m -1 for ECi and ECe, respectively. The slopes for yield—14.4% and 10.7% per dS·m -1 for ECi, and ECe—were greater than those for PFW. These data indicate that PFW was less sensitive to soil and water salinity than yield. Plants survived and produced suckers at an ECe of 21.8 dS·m -1 , but 'Terom' yield was much more sensitive to saline-sodic conditions.
Effect of growth regulators on flowering and corm production in gladiolus

The effect of foliar spray of brassinosteroids (BR), N-2-chloro 4-pyridyl N-phenyl urea (CPPU) and jasmonic acid (JA) along with traditional growth regulators like GA3, benzyl adenine (BA) and NAA on growth, flowering and corm and cornmel production of two gladiolus varieties Jyotsna and Shabnum were investigated. Jyotsna recorded maximum plant height, number of leaves and leaf area over cv. Shabnum. GA3 treatment recorded maximum plant height, number of leaves and leaf length over other treatments. Jyotsna was superior over Shabnum in respect of spike length, spike field life and number of days taken for flowering. GA3 and jasmonic acid increased spike length, number of florets per spike and spike field life over other treatments. All the growth regulators except NAA recorded maximum leaf area during vegetative growth resulting early flowering. The two cultivars did not differ in the number of corms produced per plot but the cv. Shabnum was superior in producing more number of big cormels. Corm size, corm weight and corm volume were maximum in Jyotsna than Shabnum. Propagation coefficient was highest in the Shabnum. Foliar sprays of jasmonic acid and brassinosteroids significantly increased the number of corms and cormels produced per plot and propagation coefficient.
Caracterización de la diversidad de moluscos bentónicos sublitorales en Isla Carlos III y áreas adyacentes, Estrecho de Magallanes, Chile.

RESUMENA pesar del conocimiento existente sobre ecologia del bentos marino en el estrecho de Magallanes, pocos estudios han sido enfocados a la malacofauna. Durante abril y junio de 2007 se realizaron cam-panas en una extensiva zona ubicada en la Isla Carlos III y areas adyacentes, en el marco del proyecto “Diagnostico del Macrobentos en el Area Marina Costera Protegida de Multiples Usos Francisco Coloane”. Mediante buceo autonomo se recolectaron muestras bentonicas sublitorales (5–20 m de profundidad) en 37 sitios, dentro de cuadrantes de 0,25 m 2 . La fauna obtenida fue tamizada, fijada y preservada en etanol. Los moluscos fueron separados, contabilizados e identificados a nivel de especie. A partir de matrices de datos se evaluo la riqueza, abundancia y diversidad, y se analizaron sus agrupamientos y ordenamientos en ensambles o grupos, estudiando sus especies mas comunes y preferentes, y las que mas contribuyeron a la similitud. A partir de los 4613 ejemplares estudiados, se identificaron 101 especies: 11 Polyplacophora, 59 Gastropoda y 31 Bivalvia. Las especies mas abundantes fueron el gastropodo
Potential distribution of American black bears in northwest Mexico and implications for their conservation

Abstract Defining areas of potential distribution for large carnivores is a critical step for generating conservation strategies. Ecological niche modelling is an important tool for identifying potential areas for conservation of carnivores, such as American black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Sierra Madre Occidental (SMOcc) and the Sky Islands (SI) region of Northwest Mexico. Our objective was to define areas and environmental factors that influence bear distribution and understand the causes of their absence. We used GARP (genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction) to define the potential area of distribution using historical and current records of black bear (n = 582) and 23 bioclimatic and physical variables. We obtained a consensus model with a high probability of occurrence and power prediction representing 80% of the SMOcc (221,078 km2), including the SI region (Sonora and Chihuahua deserts). The ecological dimensions of the model include temperate dry and mixed forest, low rainfall, low temperatures, and elevation above 1,500 m, with considerable slope variation. Information provided by residents of Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, and Zacatecas indicate that the species was extirpated in central and southwest Durango and Zacatecas about 50 years ago, coinciding with the use of 1080 poison (sodium fluoroacetate) to eradicate livestock predators, combined with habitat loss, fragmentation, and excessive hunting in the region. These factors precipitated the regional extirpation of the species. Areas such as those we have identified may be important sites for the reintroduction of black bears.
Natal Dispersal by Pygmy Rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Abstract Multiple factors likely influence natal dispersal behavior of juvenile mammals, which is typically male-biased. Because of their small body size and specific habitat requirements, pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are expected to exhibit limited dispersal. We predicted that dispersal would be male-biased, that juveniles born later in the year would disperse farther, and that juveniles would be more likely to disperse away from areas of higher habitat saturation. We used radiotelemetry to study dispersal of 61 juvenile pygmy rabbits (31 males and 30 females) from shortly after emergence from natal burrows (April–July) to the beginning of the next breeding season (mid-March) during 2004–2006. Juveniles dispersed before 12 weeks of age, and typically completed dispersal movements within 1 week. Both sexes exhibited a high rate of dispersal (males = 90%; females = 80%); however, juvenile females settled more than 3 times farther from their natal areas than males. Median natal dispersal distances for males and females were 1.0 km (range = 0.03–6.5 km) and 2.9 km (range = 0.02–11.9 km), respectively. Dispersing juveniles crossed gravel roads and perennial streams; however, rabbits tended to initiate dispersal movements away from nearby streams. Mortality rates for male and female juvenile rabbits were 69.2% and 88.5%, respectively, and were highest during the first 2 months after emergence from the natal burrow. We found no evidence that date of emergence, body condition, or habitat saturation influenced dispersal frequency or distance in juvenile pygmy rabbits. Results indicate that pygmy rabbits are capable of dispersing long distances and suggest that their conservation will require land management at broader spatial extents.
Ferox Trout (Salmo trutta) as ''Russian dolls'': complementary gut content and stable isotope analyses of the Loch Ness foodweb

1. Conventional collection methods for pelagic fish species (netting, trawling) are impractical or prohibited in Loch Ness, U.K. To investigate trophic relationships at the top of the Loch Ness food web, an alternative strategy, angling, provided samples of the top predator, the purely piscivorous ferox trout (Salmo trutta). 2. The gut contents of these fish provided further samples of prey-fish, and subsequent examination of prey-fish guts revealed their dietary intake, analogous to the famous nested `Russian dolls'. Each trophic level separated by gut content analysis provided further complementary samples for stable isotope analysis and thus information on the longer term, assimilated diet. 3. Ferox trout exhibited considerable cannibalism to supplement a diet of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). However, conspecifics stemmed from a lower isotopic baseline in relation to charr, so ferox trout exhibited a lower trophic level than predicted (4.3) by using the δ15N values. Charr displayed dietary specialisation with increasing length, and isotopic values supported by the gut data placed the charr at a trophic level of 3.5. The isotope data also indicated that charr carbon was primarily autochthonous in origin.
RAPD and virulence analyses of Rhynchosporium secalis isolates from barley

Scald caused by Rhynchosporium secalis has been the major yield-reducing factor for barley production during the last decade. Information on the variability of genetic and virulence in R. secalis is essential for the development of scald-resistant barley cultivars. Fifty–five monosporic isolates collected during 1996-2009 from major barley growing areas in Syria were analyzed to determine whether estimation of molecular variability would be of value for predicting a potential pathogenic change in R. secalis. The percentage of polymorphic loci and gene diversity of the population was estimated using 20 RAPD primers. High level of molecular variability existed within the population (H = 0.129). However, based on cluster analysis the 55 isolates were placed in six virulence and three RAPD groups. Poor relationship (0.042) between molecular and pathogenic variability was found. RAPD groups generally were not associated with geographic regions. The results indicate that DNA polymorphisms are independent of virulence, and that DNA fingerprinting has little value for monitoring the development of new virulent genotypes of this pathogen, nor does the presence of high levels of molecular variability necessarily suggest a high potential for evolution of new pathtypes.
EFFECTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE ON MIGRATION AND RANGE USE OF WILD REINDEER

Abstract We studied reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) distribution in relation to possible travel barriers (roads and power lines) in south-central Norway, 1997–2000, using lichen biomass as an indicator of reindeer use. We recorded lichen cover on both sides of potential barriers within comparable habitat in 42 sites for 3 different reindeer herds. We used cover–biomass regressions to assess the relationship between lichen cover and biomass. In 2 of the regions, lichen biomass was 5.3 times and 2.8 times higher in areas isolated by 2 parallel power lines and an adjacent winter-closed road compared to biomass on the other side of the potential barrier. In a third region, lichen biomass did not vary significantly between areas on either side of a single winter-closed road. Lichen biomass data suggested that wild reindeer used both sides of a closed road in winter, whereas 2 parallel power lines and a winter-closed road in combination reduced reindeer migration and resulted in very different grazing pressures on either side of the power lines, even 30 years after the power lines were constructed. Construction of power lines, and particularly parallel power lines, should thus be avoided in wild reindeer habitat. Fragmentation of wild reindeer ranges in Norway results in a substantial reduction in available ranges and traditional migration routes between important seasonal ranges, with a likely overall reduction in carrying capacity.
Host Selection and Reproductive Performance of Phloeosinus bicolor (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Indigenous and Exotic Cupressus in Tunisia

Abstract Host preferences and reproductive performance of the juniper bark beetle, Phloeosinus bicolor (Brulle), on logs from different parts of the bole of indigenous Cupressus sempervirens L. (Cupressaceae) and exotic C. arizonica Greene and C. sempervirens var. atlantica (Gaussen) Silba were experimentally studied in the field and laboratory in Tunisia. Attack densities were around 1/dm2 in the field, fecundity was 10–25 eggs per female's gallery, with a sex ratio close to 1. There was no effect of cypress taxon or log category on host selection or attack parameters (attack density, density of systems, density of galleries, rate of successful attacks), although values for C. sempervirens tended to be higher than those for C. arizonica. Reproductive performance (gallery length and fecundity) was highest in C. arizonica and lowest in C. sempervirens var. atlantica, with C. sempervirens in an intermediate position; egg densities did not differ. Gallery length and fecundity showed a significant linear correlation but were lower in C. sempervirens var. atlantica than in the other two taxa. Thus there seems to be no relationship between host preference and host suitability in P. bicolor: its ability to choose and oviposit in various cypress taxa fits with its polyphagous status.
Effect of Enzyme Addition in Maize and Bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) Based Diets on Carcass Traits and Economics of Broiler Production

The experiment was conducted to assess meat production potentiality and economics of broiler raising on bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) based diet with and without mixed enzyme preparation. Accordingly, two hundred day-old broiler chicks were distributed into 30 groups of 6–7 each. The birds were allotted to 10 dietary treatments in triplicate groups (replicates). The dietary treatments include a control diet (containing 53.45 maize and 30.35 soybean meal), and other diets in which 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent of maize was replaced incorporating 14, 32, 51 and 73.2 per cent of whole bajra grain at fixed calorie-protein ratio. Each diet was offered with or without addition of mixed feed grade enzyme preparation containing amylase and non-starch polysaccharidases activity in a factorial design and fed upto 6 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of age, 6 birds were sacrificed. Live weight, defeathered yield and heart yields were influenced (P<0.05) by the levels of bajra, while neither enzyme nor interaction had any effect on these traits. Live weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in broilers fed 32 per cent bajra replacing 50 per cent of maize. Cost of feed and cost of feed required either for body weight gain or for production of unit eviscerated meat reduced with the increased level of bajra in diet being significantly lower in all bajra-based diet. It could be concluded that replacement of maize with whole bajra reduced the cost of feed for production of unit gain or eviscerated weight being lowest at all bajra diet. However, for optimum yield of meat, the effective level of incorporation was 32 per cent (w/w) replacing 50 per cent of maize in broiler diets (0–6 weeks of age). Supplementation of enzyme reduced the cost of feed for unit gain marginally but did not prove to be economical when feed cost per unit meat was considered.
Adaptive Responses of Field-Grown Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) to Variable Light Quality and Quantity Environments

Abstract Field experiments were conducted to determine whether exposure to reduced red : far-red light ratios (R : FR) typical of crop–weed environments was associated with adaptive changes in morphology, productivity, and fecundity of common lambsquarters. Plants were grown in reduced or ambient R : FR environments (both in full sunlight) until initiation of flowering, after which plants were grown in full sunlight or partial shade. At initiation of flowering, plants that had been exposed to reduced R : FR exhibited greater specific leaf area, stem elongation, main stem leaf area, specific stem length, and main stem mass compared with plants exposed to ambient R : FR. However, biomass allocation to stems, leaves, and roots did not differ between vegetative-stage R : FR treatments. At the end of flowering, morphology and productivity of plants exposed to partial shade did not differ between vegetative-stage R : FR treatments. In contrast, plants exposed to full sunlight during flowering after exposure to reduced R : FR during the vegetative stage had less total plant mass, less total leaf area, greater stem elongation, greater specific stem length, and a greater ratio of main stem to total stem mass compared with plants exposed to ambient R : FR during the vegetative stage. At physiological maturity, plants exposed to reduced R : FR during the vegetative stage and to partial shade during the reproductive stage had less total seed mass and fewer seeds compared with plants exposed to ambient R : FR during the vegetative stage and to partial shade during the reproductive stage. Fecundity of plants exposed to full sunlight during the reproductive stage did not differ between vegetative-stage R : FR treatments. These results indicate that exposure of common lambsquarters to reduced R : FR during the vegetative stage was maladaptive at later stages of growth in competitive environments, and suggest that interactions of light quality and quantity are important determinants of common lambsquarters fecundity. Nomenclature: Common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL.
DURATION OF MOVEMENT AS A LIZARD FORAGING MOVEMENT VARIABLE

Studies of lizard foraging modes and their correlates have led to major advances in our understanding of the evolution of lizard taxonomic, morphological, physiological, ecological and behavioral diversity. Although two basic foraging modes, ambush and active foraging, have been recognized, variability in foraging movements among species has led to controversies about their existence and the complexity and continuity of foraging behaviors. The variables central to the controversies are number of movements per minute and percent time moving. A third variable, the average duration per bout of movement, has been neglected. For 80 species I show that average duration, like the other variables, is continuous, unimodal, and lognormally distributed. Average duration is highly correlated with percent time moving, but only weakly with number of movements per minute. In discriminant function analysis and cluster analyses, average duration performed slightly worse at separating species by mode than percent time moving as a single variable and in combination with movements per minute. Because it is so highly correlated with percent time moving, average duration cannot be used as a third axis of a multivariable foraging space, but a variable indicating the variability of movement duration might provide new insights. Species for which modes were misclassified had percent time moving close to 10%. Average duration data support earlier reports that some gekkonids have unusually long-lasting movements for ambush foragers, yet remain immobile for long intervals between movements.
Mate Choice And Reproductive Biology Of Hypsiboas Albomarginatus (Anura: Hylidae) In The Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract We studied the reproduction of Hypsiboas albomarginatus in the Atlantic forest on the north coast of São Paulo State, southeast Brazil. Males called from May to February and egg bearing females were registered from August to February. Males began calling after sunset and remained active for up to 8 hours. Hypsiboas albomarginatus exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size, with females being larger and heavier than males. We found a positive correlation between mass of males and females found in amplexus, but not for snoutvent length. This indicates that heavier females choose heavier males than do lighter females. However, the mass ratio of amplectant pairs was not constant; rather, it was inversely correlated with female body mass. This may reflect differences in the choice context between heavier females, which may have difficulty in finding heavier males, and lighter females, which should avoid excessively heavy males. Egg-laying occurred only after calling activity ceased, about 5 to 6 hours after amplexus began. This may prevent clutches from being disturbed by passing frogs, including those of different species. Females swam in circles before egg laying and immediately deposited a long mass of ova that floated on the water surface.