Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toxicological effects of neem (Azadirachta indica), Kanair (Nerium oleander) and spinosad (Tracer 240 SC) on the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) (Herbst.)

The persistence and insecticidal activity of a commercial biological insecticide Spinosad, based on fermentation product of Actinomycetales bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa (Actinomycetales: Actinomycetaceae) and two plant extracts, namely Neem (Azadirchta indica) and Kanair (Nerium oleander) were evaluated against Tribolium castaneum (Hbst) on stored wheat grains. Five concentrations, namely 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% of each insecticide were used at different exposure times, that is, 24, 48, 72 and 168 h. Filter paper dip method was used. Results revealed that Spinosad (Tracer 240 SC) was the best against target pest, with maximum mortality, that is, 55% at 2.5% dose in 168 h exposure time and minimum 16.66% with 0.5% concentration at 24 h exposure time. Neem showed 45% mortality at 168 h exposure time with 2.5% concentration and 16.67% at 0.5% dose at 24 h exposure time followed by Kanair with 38% mortality at maximum application rate and exposure time, that is, 2.5% and 168 h and minimum 15% at minimum application rate, that is, 0.5% at 24 h exposure time. LC50 values were also calculated using Probit analysis technique. LC50 values of Neem, Knair and Spinosad after 24, 48, 72 and 168 h interval were determined. LT50 values of these bioinsecticides interval were also calculated at 2.5% concentration. Results revealed that bio-pesticides are better ways to manage Red flour beetle infestation in stored wheat grains. Key words: Tribolium castaneum, Spinosad, Azadirchta indica, Nerium oleander, efficacy, LC50 and LT50
OPPORTUNISTIC POLYGYNY IN THE LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH

Abstract We monitored the nesting biology of color-banded populations of the Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) at up to 25 sites across Pennsylvania from 1996–2001. Opportunistic polygyny in this species was documented for the first time during our study. Four out of 283 paired males were polygynous; one male and female were involved in a polygynous trio during two successive years. Opportunistic polygyny may have occurred primarily as a result of female territory fidelity and a locally skewed sex ratio in two cases, but appeared to be actively pursued as a mating strategy in the case of the male who was bigamous during two successive years. His aggressive territorial behavior was consistent with that reported for polygynous birds having naturally and experimentally elevated plasma levels of testosterone. The rate of nestling provisioning by this male at a failed secondary nest was substantially lower compared to his successful primary nest and compared to mean provisioning rates for monogamous males. In addition to reduced male parental care, protraction of the renesting interval following nest failure was another possible component cost of polygyny observed for one of the mates of this male. In this instance, both costs were borne by the first mated female, who was relegated to secondary status after her initial nest was depredated.
EFFECTS OF FEED RESTRICTION AND ASCORBIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS, BREAST MEAT CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDES OF MARSHALL BROILER CHICKENS

To determine the effects of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on carcass characteristics, breast meat cholesterol and triglycerides of broiler chickens, 252 two-week old Marshall broiler chickens were used in a 4 x 3 factorial experiment. The birds were weighed and randomly distributed into 12 treatments with 3 replicates of 7 birds each, subjected to four feed restriction levels: full feeding (AD), skip a day feeding (SAD), skip two days feeding (S2D) and skip three days feeding every week (S3D) for 24 hours from days 15 to 35 and three levels of ascorbic acid supplementation (0, 150, 300 mg/kg feed). Feed was provided ad libitum to all the birds from days 36 to 56. Birds on full feeding regime containing 0 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the highest (P 0.05) different from other treatments. In conclusion, feed restriction regimes and ascorbic acid supplementation did not improve carcass characteristics in the feed-restricted birds; however, 150 mg/kg ascorbic supplementation improved the breast weight of the fully fed Marshall broiler chickens.
Soil bulk electrical resistivity and forage ground cover: nonlinear models in an alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) case study

Alfalfa is a highly productive and fertility-building forage crop; its performance, can be highly variable as influenced by within-field soil spatial variability. Characterising the relations between soil and forage- variation is important for optimal management. The aim of this work was to model the relationship between soil electrical resistivity (ER) and plant productivity in an alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) field in Southern Italy. ER mapping was accomplished by a multi-depth automatic resistivity profiler. Plant productivity was assessed through normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) at 2 dates. A non-linear relationship between NDVI and deep soil ER was modelled within the framework of generalised additive models. The best model explained 70% of the total variability. Soil profiles at six locations selected along a gradient of ER showed differences related to texture (ranging from clay to sandy-clay loam), gravel content (0 to 55%) and to the presence of a petrocalcic horizon. Our results prove that multi-depth ER can be used to localise permanent soil features that drive plant productivity.
Response Pattern of Antioxidants to Lipid Peroxide Concentration in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepato-Toxicity Is Tightly Logistic in Rabbits

Logistic response of antioxidants to lipid peroxide concentration in carbon tetrachloride toxicity in rabbit liver was evaluated. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), ethanol extracts of Chromolaena odorata (ETECO), sylimarin (a known hepatoprotective agent) and water, were used to induce variations in the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the test and control animals. This was used as a model to study the delicate balance between the activities and/or the intracellular concentrations of these antioxidants and lipid peroxide. Concentrations of lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde) were estimated to access the degree of oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver tissue. Glutathione (GSH) concentration was estimated to capture the non-enzymatic antioxidant concentration, while glutathione-s-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were assayed in the liver to assess the enzymatic antioxidant activities. Results obtained from this study showed that the concentrations of lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde) varied in a logistic fashion with the nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione) and the enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione-stransferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). The concentration of the peroxidation product and the concentration/activity of the antioxidants were inversely related, maintaining a highly logistic relationship (R
Effects of Pulsed Electric Field Processing on Microbial, Enzymatic and Physical Attributes of Milk and the Rennet-Induced Milk Gels

xvi CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION. 1 1.1 A Brief History of Pulsed Electric Field Technology ······························· 2 1.2 Rationale and Objectives of the Study··················································· 5 1.3 An Overview of the Study ······································································ 5 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE . 7 2.1 The Pulsed Electric Field System . 7 2.1.1 Pulse Generator, Capacitors and Discharge Switches. 9 2.1.2 PEF Treatment Chambers. 10 2.1.3 Electrodes . 14 2.2 Mechanism of Microbial Inactivation by PEF: Electroporation and Electrical Breakdown. 15 2.3 Factors Affecting Microbial Inactivation in PEF Treatment. 19 2.3.1 Type and Growth Stage of Microorganisms . 19 2.3.2 Processing Parameters . 21 2.3.2.1 Field Intensity . 21 2.3.2.2 Pulse Wave Shape and Polarity . 21 2.3.2.3 Treatment Time and Total Specific Pulsing Energy Input. 23 2.3.3 Environmental Parameters. 25 2.3.3.1 Treatment Temperature. 25 2.3.3.2 Effect of pH. 25 2.3.3. 3 Conductivity and Ionic Strength of the Medium . 27 2.4 Microbial Inactivation Studies on PEF-Treated Milk and SMUF. 28 2.5 Effects of PEF on Enzymes in Milk or SMUF. 34 2.6 Enzymes and Their Significance in Dairy Technology . 38 2.6. 1 Alkaline Phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1). 38 2.6. 2 Lipases (EC 3.1.1.1-) . 38
GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND EXPECTED GENETIC ADVANCE AS INDICES FOR YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS SELECTION IN COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)

The present study was conducted at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, during the 2009 growing season and were evaluated four hybrid population: (Ami x SEA13)F2, (Starter x SEA13)F2, BC1 -1(F1 x Ami), BC –2( F1 x Starter). The aims of this work were to estimate the variance components, phenotypic and genotypic coefficients, heritability for seed yield and its components (pods number per p lant, seeds number per pod, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant) and e xpected genetic advance as indices for yield selection in common bean. The highest proportion of genetic variance presented a number of seed per pod in both crosses (crosses 1 Vg = 40%; crosses 2 Vg = 50%). Amongst the yield characters, a very small difference between GCV% and PCV% was observed for the character seeds number per pod in both crosses and both generations. Large difference between GCV% and PCV% was observed for the number of seed characters per plant, 1000-seeds weight and seed yield per plant. This indicated the role of environmental influence on this characters. Moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for pod number per plant, seed number per pod and seed yield per plant in both generations and both crosses.
Characterization of Hawaiian freshwater and terrestrial cyanobacteria reveals high diversity and numerous putative endemics

Fifty samples of cyanobacteria were collected and characterized as part of the Hawaiian Freshwater Algal Biodiversity Survey. Fifty‐two percent of the samples originated from Oahu, while the remainder were collected from Kauai (14%), Maui (20%) and Hawaii (14%). A diversity of habitats (e.g. streams, wet walls, taro fields, terrestrial areas and ditches) was represented by the collection sites, which is reflective of the abundance of suitable non‐marine algal substrata in these isolated, humid, subtropical islands. Most samples were isolated and cultured for observation of morphological features, and all were sequenced for both the Universal Plastid Amplicon (UPA) marker (partial 23S rRNA) and 16S rRNA gene. Alignments of both markers (separately and concatenated) with additional GenBank sequences for phylogenetic representation were analyzed using Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian and Maximum Parsimony approaches. Nodal support was highest for the concatenated UPA+16S rRNA gene alignment, and phylogenetic analyses indicated a monophyletic Nostochophycidae, and monophyly, although with low support, for the Oscillatoriophycidae and Synechococcophycidae. A conservative estimate is that 11 of the taxa are putative endemics to the Hawaiian Islands, further highlighting the uniqueness of this isolated and understudied flora, and the potential for discovery of novel taxa through taxon‐focused biodiversity surveys.
Effect of sowing dates, varieties and weather factors on the occurrence and severity of Alternaria leaf blight and yield of Indian mustard

Field experiments were undertaken to determine the effect of sowing dates and weather parameters on the disease progression or severity of Alternaria blight of rapeseed mustard and their impact on yield for the two consecutive years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Disease severity gradually increased with delay in sowing irrespective of three different varieties (Binoy, Seeta and Bhagirathi). The crop sowing from 20th October to 5th November recorded significantly less disease severity with the highest seed yield irrespective of varieties and enhanced in subsequent sowing dates. Bhagirathi showed significantly less disease severity with maximum yield followed by Binoy and Seeta on leaf and siliqua infection on all sowing dates. 90 days old plants showed highest disease severity. From 20th October to 5th November, sowing only minimum temperature (9.69 to 12.04°C) had significant negative correlation, while minimum relative humidity (44.9 to 60.2% RH), wind velocity (during morning) (0.55 km to 1.04 km/h.) and total rainfall (5.74 mm) had positive significant correlation with disease progression upto 59%. Whereas in 20th November sowing minimum temperature (9.69 to 15.74°C, minimum(39 to 88%) and maximum (96 to 99%) relative humidity, wind velocity (during morning)(0.4 to 1.29 km/h), bright sunshine hours (3.8 to 9.0 h) and total rainfall (69.6 mm) had positive significant correlation and vapour pressure (noon, morning)(9.7-29.2 mb and 9.2-14.2 mb respectively), wind velocity (evening) (0.4 to 1.3 km/h) had negative significant correlation on disease progression upto 62%. In 5th December sowing, vapour pressure (noon)(9.7 to 17.5 mb), bright sunshine hours (3.8 to 9.2 h), total rainfall (73.7 mm) and minimum temperature(9.7-18.2°C) had positive significant correlation on disease progression upto 73%. In the West Bengal condition the suitable sowing date of mustard will be last week of October with tolerant variety Bagirathi could be cultivated to avoid loss from Alterania blight and increase the seed yield. Key words: Alternaria blight, mustard, sowing date, variety, weather, yield.
ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE OF BALUCHI SHEEP BY MICROSATELLITE MARKERS (ANÁLISIS DE DIVERSIDAD Y ESTRUCTURA GENÉTICA DEL BORREGO BALUCHI MEDIANTE MARCADORES MICROSATELITALES)

SUMMARY Allele diversity, genetic variability and population structure in two subpopulations of Baluchi sheep were estimated using seven microsatellite markers. A total of 503 individuals from two subpopulations were genotyped. Average number of alleles per locus for all loci was 5.57. The range of alleles per locus was from 4 in BM1853 and BMS1714 loci to 7 in MCM200 and RM0006 loci. The seven tested loci were all polymorphic in both subpopulations. The average observed heterozygosity over all the loci in each subpopulation was less than the expected heterozygosity. Test of genotype frequency deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at each locus, over all the population, revealed a significant departure from HWE. A slightly low rate of inbreeding within the two subpopulations was noticed ( F is = 0.003). Low genetic differentiation was detected based on the estimated F st index between the two subpopulations. The genetic structure (AMOVA) analysis showed that about 2.4% of the total genetic variation was explained by population differences and 97.6 percent was corresponded to differences among individuals. The mean of polymorphism information content (PIC) value for all loci in Baluchi population was 0.65. In addition, the analysis of segregation in the populations showed that 85% of the individuals were informative, indicating the relatively high polymorphism in selected marker in Baluchi sheep.
Pre-eclampsia

as a sex-speci ﬁ c, women-sensitive CV stress test, and the necessity to use novel methods in order to detect early stage abnormalities in the twilight zone between health and disease. Future studies should focus on the predictive value of cardiac strain abnormalities in pregnancy outcome, long-term CV outcome and the effect of different antihypertensive drug on normalizing cardiac function and with it, short- and long-term female health prognosis.
REMARKS ON THE FRESHWATER CRABS OF ANGOLA, SOUTHWESTERN AFRICA, WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF POTAMONAUTES KENSLEYI, NEW SPECIES (BRACHYURA: POTAMOIDEA: POTAMONAUTIDAE)

Abstract A recent collection of freshwater crabs of the family Potamonautidae from central Angola included two species of Potamonautes MacLeay, 1838, P. anchietae (Brito-Capello, 1871), and P. kensleyi, new species, which are described. In addition, Potamonautes adeleae Bott, 1968, is recognized as a valid species, and the taxonomic status and biogeographic affinities of other species of freshwater crabs that have been reported from Angola are discussed. The addition of P. kensleyi and P. adeleae raises the number of species of freshwater crabs known to occur in Angola to seven.
GWAS of 126,559 Individuals Identifies Genetic Variants Associated with Educational Attainment

Genetic College Many genomic elements in humans are associated with behavior, including educational attainment. In a genome-wide association study including more than 100,000 samples, Rietveld et al. (p. 1467, published online 30 May; see the Perspective by Flint and Munafò) looked for genes related to educational attainment in Caucasians. Small genetic effects at three loci appeared to impact educational attainment. Three genetic loci are found to explain variation associated with educational achievement. [Also see Perspective by Flint and Munafò] A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of educational attainment was conducted in a discovery sample of 101,069 individuals and a replication sample of 25,490. Three independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are genome-wide significant (rs9320913, rs11584700, rs4851266), and all three replicate. Estimated effects sizes are small (coefficient of determination R2 ≈ 0.02%), approximately 1 month of schooling per allele. A linear polygenic score from all measured SNPs accounts for ≈2% of the variance in both educational attainment and cognitive function. Genes in the region of the loci have previously been associated with health, cognitive, and central nervous system phenotypes, and bioinformatics analyses suggest the involvement of the anterior caudate nucleus. These findings provide promising candidate SNPs for follow-up work, and our effect size estimates can anchor power analyses in social-science genetics.
Prevalence of nemathelminth parasites in sheep of Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley

Studies on prevalence of nemathelminth parasites based on faecal examination in sheep was carried out in Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. A total of 600 faecal samples were examined of which 457 (76.16%) were found positive for Haemonchus spp. with highest prevalence (41.50%), followed by Ostertagia spp. (28.00%), Trichostrongylus spp. (24.83%). Chabertia spp. (20.83%), Bunostomum spp. (14.66%), Nematodirus spp. (13.16%). Oesophagostom spp. (11.83%). Trichuris spp. (7.00%), Gaigeria spp. (3.33%) and Marshallagia spp. (3.00%). Nemathelminth parasites showed non significantly (p>0.05) higher prevalence in summer season (84.66%), followed by spring (80.00%), winter (72.00%) and autumn season (68.00%). Age wise prevalence was observed non significantly (p>0.05) higher in adult sheep (85.47%) as compared to young sheep (61.70%). Sex wise prevalence was also found non significantly (p>0.05) higher in females (77.26%) as compared to males (74.46%). Out of 600 faecal samples, 405 (67.50%) were found infected with more than one nemathelminth parasite.
Fire and Shade Effects on Ground Cover Structure in Kirtland's Warbler Habitat

Abstract Researchers and managers have suggested that a narrow range of ground-cover structure resulting from fire might be necessary for suitable Kirtland's warbler nesting conditions. Yet, Kirtland's warblers have bred successfully in numerous unburned stands and there is little direct evidence to indicate that ground cover structure is a limiting factor for nest sites or habitat suitability within appropriate landform-ecosystems. We documented the range of percent cover for dominant ground-cover structural components in burned and unburned habitat (stand ages 7–23 y) occupied by Kirtland's warblers. The mean percent cover for the dominant ground-cover structural components was lichen/moss (12.1%), blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) (9.5%), bare ground and litter (5.6%), sedge/grass (5.2%), deadwood (4.3%), sand cherry (Prunus pumila) (3.3%), sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina) (2.3%), coarse grass (1.8%) and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursai) (1.2%). Burned sites had significantly more deadwood, sweet fern and lichen/moss cover, while unburned sites had significantly more bare ground and sedge/grass. We also investigated how fire, shade-history (i.e., pre-fire tree crown cover approximated by tree height and density) and succession influenced the percent cover of the dominant ground-cover structural components from 1 to 5-y after wildfire disturbance. The magnitude of differences in percent cover among shade-histories changed through time for the ground-cover components sand cherry, deadwood, grass/sedge and coarse grass. The percent cover of sweet fern, bearberry and bare ground was significantly different between some shade-histories. All dominant ground-cover components showed significant difference between at least one shade-history when compared to an unburned harvested reference stand. This suggests that more similarities exist among the three burned sites than between the burned sites and the unburned reference site. Our results suggest that fire, shade-history and succession influence ground-cover, but that various ground-cover components are affected differently by these factors. Because of the complex role disturbance history plays in maintaining ground-cover in Kirtland's warbler habitat, optimal management prescriptions are difficult to specify, especially when aspects of Kirtland's warbler ecology other than nest location are also considered. Although suitable ground cover structure can result without fire, maintaining prescribed fire is still desirable because this is a historically fire-regulated system. However, the range of ground-cover structures accepted by the Kirtland's Warbler and its resilience to disturbance suggests that suitable ground-cover for Kirtland's warbler could be maintained in some stands without burning after every timber harvest.
The Sex Ratio, Gonadosomatic Index, Diet Composition and Fecundity ofAfrican Pike, Hepsetus odoe (Bloch, 1794) in Eleyele Lake, Nigeria

The Sex ratio, Gonadosomatic index, Fecundity and Diet composition of Hepsetus odoe in Eleyele lake, Southwest, Nigeria were investigated to document aspect of biology and population dynamic of the species. This will serve as baseline information necessary for bringing the species to culture. Samples (n=205) of H. odoe were collected on a bimonthly basis from Eleyele Lake using gill nets and baited long line over a period of 3 months (June to August, 2012). Specimens were measured for Length (cm) and Weight (g) using graduated metre rule and Top load weighing balance (Model) respectively. The Stomach was opened for Gonad examination and Food content analysis. The total length ranged from 20.3-31.9 cm (males), 21.8-35.8 cm (females) while the total body weight ranged between 51.0-219.0 g (males) and 95.0-250.0 g (females) Sex ratio of 1: 2.73 (â:â) was observed. Gonadosomatic index ranged from 0.64 to 15.54% with a mean of 4.4 ± 0.12%. Three stages (Immature, Maturing and Matured) Ovary were observed for females. Fecundity ranged from 245 to 3,920 eggs with a mean of 2082.5 eggs. The relationships of fecundity with body weight and gonad weight were highly significant (P<0.05), while those between fecundity and standard length was not significant (r2=0.026, P<0.05). Out of 205 stomach examined, 71 (34.63%) was empty while 134 (65.37%) contained various food items. The dominant food items were Fish (tilapia), Daphnia, Copepods and Insects, and occurred in 51.0%, 14.2%, 12.0 and 10.5% stomach respectively. Cyclops, Mysis, Chydorus, Euplypha and Hemisiriella had the least occurrences of 1.5%, 1.5%, 0.75%, 0.75%, and 0.75% respectively suggesting the species to be Carnivorous. This study gives relevant clues on reproductive biology and feeding habits required for artificial propagation of H. odoe.