Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High pressure processing of meat batters with added walnuts

Summary Various model systems were designed in order to analyse the way in which addition of different levels of walnut (0, 10, 20%) and processing by high pressure (HPP) (400 MPa for 10 min at 10 °C) influenced the physico-chemical properties of cooked (70 °C for 30 min) meat batters. The addition of walnut increased the fat level and decreased the moisture content in the meat batters. All of the meat batters exhibited good water and fat binding properties. The hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness of cooked products were reduced by addition of walnut but were unaffected by HPP. Incorporation of nuts in meat products can potentially be used to confer cardiac health benefits.
State of environment indicators of ‘river health’: exploring the metaphor

Summary 1. Indicators are crucial to many socio-political schemes for portraying environmental influences of society. For example, the OECD model for State of the Environment Reporting uses three different sorts of indicators (pressure, condition, response) to differentiate the present condition of the environment from the anthropogenic pressures upon it and from any societal responses made to alleviate those pressures (thereby improving aspects of the overall condition). 2. These sorts of indicators have a fundamental technical basis in the science supporting their exposition and usage. However, the criteria used in interpreting the indicator values are likely to be set by considerations that go beyond scientific grounds. That is, indicators are socially determined in the end. However, many scientists find it difficult to involve the public in such reporting. 3. Scientists who are uncomfortable with this non-technical use of their indicator constructs should recognize that it is merely another manifestation of the overall broadening of environmental concern termed ‘ecosystem health’. The emerging field of ecosystem health seeks to take our technical understanding of how the environment functions and combine it with socio-economic goals, using a human health metaphor and an ethical underpinning. 4. River health might be better served by adopting a veterinary approach rather than the model of human health. This is because, like animals, riverine environments come in many different forms and cannot complain of ill health. Desirable interventions will vary with the uses to which we wish to put a river and our reasons for being concerned about a river’s health. A framework for this diagnostic approach is presented. 5. An enormous challenge lies ahead in integrating the various measurements of riverine attributes that might together constitute ‘river health’. We need ways to cater for the pluralism of modern societies, and we need more dynamic assessments of river condition, possibly founded on studies of key ecological processes.
Variation in the demographic characteristics of yellow-phase Japanese eels in different habitats of the Hamana Lake system, Japan

– Yellow-phase Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) were investigated in the Hamana Lake system, Japan, from 2003 to 2004 to understand how their demographic attributes vary within the lake system. A total of 779 yellow eels were collected during sampling in two inlet rivers and two brackish/saltwater lakes within the lake system. Female eels predominated, constituting 84% of the 75 sex-determined eels in the river, and 50% of the 151 sex-determined eels in the lakes. Total lengths (TL) of all eels examined ranged from 54.2 to 715.0 mm (mean = 320.4 ± 145.4 SD). In the inlet river, the TL of eels showed a significant positive relation with the distance from the river mouth. The estimated relative abundances of eels ranged from 0 to 1.8 eels·m−2 effort (mean: 0.3 ± 0.41) in the river and was negatively correlated with the distance from the river mouth. This suggested that larger eels might tend to be distributed at lower abundances in upstream reaches of the river. Mean age of yellow eels determined by their otolith annuli was younger in the lake (N = 117, 3.3 ± 1.4 years) than in the river (N = 214, 4.3 ± 1.7 years). Growth rate was higher in the lake than in the river at age 1–2 years (131.9 and 104.4 mm·year−1, respectively). The results of this study suggest that, although Japanese eels can adapt to various types of environments, significant differences can occur in population structures and growth patterns among habitats.
Mountainous genus Anterastes (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae): autochthonous survival across several glacial ages via vertical range shifts

Although the high‐latitude range margins in Europe and North America are intensively studied, attention is gradually turned towards the taxa/populations inhabiting glacial refugia. Here, we evaluate the genealogical history of the cold‐adapted Anatolio‐Balkan genus Anterastes especially to test the possible effects of intrarefugial vertical range shifts during climatic oscillations of the Quaternary. Using concatenated data from sequences of COI+16S and ITS1–5.8S–ITS2, intrageneric relationships and the time of speciation events were estimated. Thirteen different demographic analyses were performed using a data set produced from sequences of 16S. Different phylogenetic analyses recovered similar lineages with high resolution. The molecular chronogram estimated speciation events in a period ranging from 5.60 to 1.22 Myr. Demographic analyses applied to 13 populations and five lineages suggested constant population size. Genetic diversity is significantly reduced in a few populations, while not in others. Fixation indices suggested extremely diverged populations. In the light of these data, the following main conclusions were raised: (i) although glacial refugia are the biodiversity hotspots, species level radiation of the cold‐adapted lineages is mainly prior to the Mid‐Pleistocene transition; (ii) heterogeneous topography provides refugial habitats and allows populations to survive through vertical range shifts during climatic fluctuations; (iii) prolonged isolation of refugial populations do not always result in reduced intrapopulation diversity, but in high level of genetic differentiation; (iv) the cold‐adapted lineages with low dispersal ability might have not colonised the area out of Anatolian refugium during interglacial periods; and (v) populations of invertebrates may have restricted ranges, but this does not mean that they have small effective population size.
The impact of individual Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) trees on agricultural soils and pastures of the north-western slopes of NSW, Australia

Woody vegetation thickening occurs in agri-ecosystems worldwide, often with negative consequences for production. Dense Callitris glaucophylla (Joy Thomps. & L.A.S. Johnson) stands affect landscapes across NW NSW, Australia, and strategies to reduce tree density to levels which maintain biodiversity values alongside agricultural production are currently being sought. We investigated soil chemical and groundcover patterns associated with individual small and large C. glaucophylla trees at six sites of variable management history and lithology in NW NSW, Australia. We posed two questions: (1) do individual C. glaucophylla trees impose patterns on soil and groundcover (soil extractable P, C, N, S and pH, litter biomass, litter P and pasture cover), and, (2) if patterns exist, do they differ between tree sizes? Results showed that extractable P, C and pH decreased away from trees of both sizes, but significantly higher values were recorded adjacent to the stem of large trees. Litter biomass exhibited a strong site-related trend independent of soil variables. Positive correlations between litter and soil variables existed for some sites and not others, indicative of processes such as grazing which contribute to the transport of litter away from the tree. Irrespective of tree size ground-storey vegetation cover increased significantly away from the stem, presumably as a consequence of competition for soil water. Further results indicated that single C. glaucophylla trees enrich soils in patterns analogous to other species in similar environments worldwide. However, localised soil improvements must be weighed up against the negative effects of decreased groundcover associated with trees, and the potential for the species to re-seed prolifically into managed paddocks. Future research will discern the impact of individual C. glaucophylla trees at higher densities, where soil patterning may be modified by intense within-stand competition.
The relationships between abdominal temperature and some thermoregulatory responses in male broiler chickens

This study was conducted to determine the relationships between abdominal temperature (Tabd) and some thermoregulatory responses, such as heat production (HP), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), temperature of external ear tract (Tee), comb surface temperature (Tcs) and shank skin temperature (Tss), for revealing the role of deep body temperature in the thermoregulation of broiler chickens. Tabd was divided into 5 zones of 40-41, 41-42, 42-43, 43-44 and 44-45°C, and maintained fbr 3 hours in each zone by varying environmental temperature from 11 to 33°CHP and HR had a greater increase with Tabd above 42.5°CRR increased markedly with Tabd above 41.5°C, and reached a maximum when Tabd was at 42.5 C, then began to decrease. In addition, HP and HR increased significantly with decreased RR during the decreasing phase of panting. Tcs and Tss changed rapidly with Tabd when Tabd was below 41.5°C, and increased more slowly above 41.5°CTee was lower than Tabd, and its increase was less than that of Tabd. These results suggest that changes in thermoregulatory responses are induced by an increase in abdominal temperature. Tabd increases to adjust the ratio of sensible and evaporative heat loss when Tabd is below 42.5°C, while the ability in body temperature regulation gradually disappears when abdominal temperature exceeds 42.5 C and heat balance can not be maintained. (
The Epidemiology and Zoonotic Transmission of Thermophilic Campylobacter lari

Thermophilic campylobacters, including Campylobacter lari , are the most common cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis in the developed world. Although C. jejuni and C. coli account for the majority of these cases, C. lari has been described from about 30 cases in several countries over the last 20 years and this species has been shown to be a severe and potential pathogenic agent for humans, manifesting as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, septicemia and bacteremia. Campylobacter lari is most prevalently isolated from seagulls in the natural environment, followed by water and shellfish in several European countries and in one Asian country, Japan. The prevalence of poultry with C. lari has been demonstrated in Japan, the USA, England, Poland, Tanzania, Peru, Denmark, Kenya and Northern Ireland, indicating that contamination of poultry with this species is common and widespread. Moreover, C. lari has also been distributed in dogs, cats, pigs, cattle and sheep in several countries. Thus, the natural environment including wild birds and some domestic animals, mainly poultry, may be considered as important reservoirs of C. lari . This review aims at describing (i) the historical evolution of C. lari , (ii) its reservoirs for human infection, including the natural environment and zoonotic hosts, (iii) cases of human infection reported and (iv) its pathogenesis. Review Article
Geometric isomers of sex pheromone components do not affect attractancy of Conopomorpha cramerella in cocoa plantations

The cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen), sex pheromone was previously identified as a blend of (E,Z,Z)‐ and (E,E,Z)‐4,6,10‐hexadecatrienyl acetates and corresponding alcohols. These pheromone components were synthesized by modification of an existing method and the relative attractiveness of synthetic blends that included different levels of non‐target pheromone components and chemical purities was tested in a cocoa field using Delta traps. Male captures were not significantly different among traps baited with pheromone blends containing 5% to 47% (based on four identified pheromone components) of other geometric acetates [(E,Z,E)‐, (Z,Z,Z)‐, (Z,E,Z)‐ and (Z,E,E)‐4,6,10‐hexadecatrienyl acetates], indicating that C. cramerella males did not discriminate among the pheromone components and other geometric isomers in the blends. Therefore, neither antagonistic nor synergistic effects from other pheromone geometric isomers were observed. The modified synthetic pathway offers the prospect of more economical production of CPB sex pheromone. During 17 weeks when C. cramerella monitoring coincided with the main cocoa pod harvest period in 2013–2014, CPB trap catch data from some blends showed a good correlation with the number of pods with C. cramerella infestation symptoms.
Comparative Assessment of Cow Manure Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizers and on the Growth and Production of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) Flower

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative effect of cow manure vermicompost and NPK fertilizers on the growth and flower production of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans). An air dried sandy loam soil was mixed with four rates of NPK fertilizer equivalent to 0 (control), 0.5 dose (N-P-K = 69-16-35 kg·haǃ), 1 dose (recommended) (N-P-K = 137-32-70 kg·haǃ), 2 doses (N-P-K = 274-64-140 kg·haǃ) and 4 doses (N-P-K = 548-128-280 kg·haǃ) and three rates of vermicompost equivalent to 5%, 10%, 20% by oven dry weight. Two plants were grown in each pot. After blooming of flowers, the plants were harvested at 50 days of growth and leaves and stems were separated. The growth parameters (shoot height, root length, leaf number, total number of flower, flower diameter, fresh and dry weight of flower) of Zinnia plant increased by the application of vermicompost and the effect of NPK fertilizer was not found effective. The growth performance was similar between 10% and 20% and hence 10% vermicompost should be taken into consideration when ornamental plants are grown in potting media.
Comparison of techniques of back-calculation of growth and settlement marks from the otoliths of three species of Diplodus from the Mediterranean Sea

We developed a model of back-calculation of fish size from otoliths that could accommodate both changes in the relationship between otolith and somatic growth that occur through time and variation in growth rates among individuals. We used this model to back-calculate estimates of size and growth from otoliths of three species of Diplodus from the Mediterranean Sea. The outcomes of our model were compared with those of three other models and with growth curves estimated directly from populations of fish in the field. We found that our new model produced estimates of size-at-age that were closer to those observed in the field than the biological intercept, time-varying growth, and body proportional models. Comparison of profiles of increment width from otoliths of newly settled and juvenile Diplodus puntazzo and Diplodus vulgaris showed that these species formed a settlement mark, where increment width declined at settlement. In contrast, a settlement mark was not evident in the otoliths of Diplodus sargus.
An unexpected find of the western Atlantic shrimp, Farfantepenaeus aztecus (Ives, 1891) (Decapoda, Penaeidae) in Antalya Bay, eastern Mediterranean Sea

Twelve specimens of the western Atlantic shrimp, Farfantepenaeus aztecus (Ives, 1891), were caught between December 2009 and June 2010 by bottom trawl off Serik in Antalya Bay, Turkey. The species has probably been introduced in the eastern Mediterranean with ballast water. This is the first record of F. aztecus , and the second of a western Atlantic shrimp in the Mediterranean Sea. Douze specimens de la crevette de l'Atlantique ouest, Farfantepenaeus aztecus (Ives, 1891), ont ete captures entre Decembre 2009 et Juin 2010 par chalutage au large de Serik dans la baie d'Antalya, Turquie. Cette espece a probablement ete introduite dans l'est de la Mediterranee avec des eaux de ballast. Il s'agit de la premiere signalisation de F. aztecus , et la seconde d'une espece de crevette atlantique en mer Mediterranee.
Ecosystem Succession and Nutrient Retention: A Hypothesis

velopment of ecosystems were presented in Odum's very important paper, "The Strategy of Ecosystem Development" (1969). This series of hypotheses has helped to organize thinking on ecosystem dynamics and to focus further research. In this paper, we wish to examine one of these hypotheses, which suggests that as ecosystems mature their ability to conserve nutrients increases. Our objective is to show through logical examination of characteristics of succession, and through presentation of critical field data, that this hypothesis cannot be stated quite so simply. We also intend to show that uncritical utiliza-
Distribution pattern of Galeus atlanticus in the Alborán Sea (south western Mediterranean) and some sexual character comparison with Galeus melastomus

Abstract Galeus atlanticus is a small-sized deepwater catshark living on the slope bottom of the Alborán Sea. Given its external similarities with Galeus melastomus, both species are often confused, which makes G. atlanticus a very poorly understood species both in terms of catches and biological aspects. For this study, a total of 741 G. atlanticus specimens, caught during scientific surveys from 1997 to 2003, were analysed. The distributional patterns were described and the reproductive status estimated. Galeus atlanticus occurred throughout the Alborán Sea, between the Strait of Gibraltar and Cape Gata, including the slope of the Island of Alborán. Its bathymetric range extended from 330 to 790 m and no size–depth trends have been observed. Mature specimens, both males and females, were caught in all seasons of the year. Size at first maturity was significantly different between sexes, with estimates of 32.9 cm for males and 36.9 cm for females. The differential growth of some secondary sexual characteristics, such as clasper length in males and oviducal gland diameter in females, were compared with those of G. melastomus.
Front Individuals Lead in Shoals of Three-Spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus Aculeatus) and Juvenile Roach (Rutilus Rutilus)

Fish shoals are usually seen as anonymous leaderless groups in which all individuals have the same influence on swimming velocity and direction. This hypothesis was tested by investigating swimming directions of shoals of roach (Rutilus rutilus) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In roach, the influence of front and rear fish on the shoal's swimming direction was compared by analysing video recordings. Front fish initiated new directions significantly more often and were followed by rear fish. In a second experiment two shoals of sticklebacks were released from two channels which were positioned at an angle relative to each other. The shoals usually appeared with a short time difference at the opening of the channels and then merged. Initially the two shoals faced in different directions based on the orientation of their respective channel and it was recorded which direction prevailed after the shoals had merged. The shoal that left the channel first, and therefore formed the front part of the merged shoal, clearly dominated the direction. Thus, both experiments gave evidence for front fish having a dominant influence on the direction of the shoal. In the context of sustained position preferences of individual fish, recently observed in roach, this suggests that fish shoals may have leaders over extended time periods.
Issues in Diallel Analysis

Critical issues in the use of diallel analysis are reviewed. From a statistical point of view the critical issue concerns the choice of a model with fixed or random genotypic effects. From a genetical point of view, two assumptions are critical in attempts to interpret the resuits of diallel analyses. The assumption concerning the independent distribution of genees in the parents is most critical to proper interpretation and seems to be least acceptable in actual practice. The second assumption, that there is no epistasis, may frequently be incorrect. Epistasis affects estimates of general and specific combining ability mean squares, variances, and effects in an unpredictable manner. As an alternative to genetic interpretation, the statistical description provided by dialiel analysis can be used to help answer questions concerning the importance of specific combining ability and the predictability of hybrid performance using general combining ability or parental performance
Desempenho animal e produtividade de pastagens tropicais no noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul

Productivity of dwarf elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Mott) and tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon x Cynodon nlemfuensis) pastures was evaluated under continuous grazing, in the Northwest area of Rio Grande do Sul. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows, at 100 days of lactation were evaluated and the put-and-take technique was used to regulate the stocking rate to maintain 4% of leaf lamina on offer. In the first year, dwarf elephantgrass and tifton 85 were different in leaf accumulation rates (31.2 vs 22.6kg/ha/day) and animal production (17.4 vs 20kg of milk/cow/day). In the second year, tifton 85 had higher leaf accumulation rates (38.8 vs 21.9kg/ha/day), stocking rate (2,157 vs 1,084kg of live weight/ha), and production per area (70 vs 41.3kg of milk/ha/day) than dwarf elephantgrass. Comparing the second to the first years, tifton 85 maintained 88% of stocking rate and 80% of production per area, while dwarf elephantgrass only 46% and 56%, respectively. Average individual production of 17kg of milk/cow/day indicates an unexplored potential of tropical grasses in dairy production systems, especially in the South of Brazil.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN PREGNANCY: THE DEGRADATION OF INSULIN BY EXTRACTS OF MATERNAL AND FETAL STRUCTURES IN THE PREGNANT RAT1

Cell-free extracts have been prepared from livers, placentas, and fetuses of pregnant rats on day 12, 15, 18 and 21 of gestation and from livers of nonpregnant control animals. With the use of I13l-insulin and nitrogen reference standards, the insulin-degrading capacities of these structures have been compared on the basis of activity per unit mass (specific activity) and activity per total tissue (total potential activity). It has been demonstrated that mechanisms for the proteolytic degradation of insulin are present within the conceptus throughout gestation. Placental specific activity remained constant and at all times equal to that of maternal and control liver. Thus, for pooled placentas, total potential activity paralleled the increase in placental mass to reach onethird the value of maternal liver at term. Fetal specific activity increased late in pregnancy to approximately twice the level found in the other tissues. In isolated fetal parts, activity was greatest in feta skin. At term, the total p.