Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of videogrammetry to estimate length to provide population demographics of dwarf minke whales in the northern Great Barrier Reef

Commercial swim-with-whale programmes, based on the dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), have been conducted in Great Barrier Reef waters since 1996 and under permit since 2003. Evaluating the effectiveness of management requires information on the biology of the whales, including possible impacts on their critical life stages, such as mating or calving. In this study, length measurements have been used as the best available proxy for age and thus state of sexual maturity. Underwater videogrammetry was used to estimate the lengths of dwarf minke whales interacting with boats and swimmers during June/July 2003 and 2004. The calibrations used to correct systematic biases in distance and length estimates are presented and other sources of error associated with the methodology and the behaviour of the whales are discussed. Mean lengths (from replicate measurements of individually identified whales) ranged 4.82-6.61m in 2003 (n=23, from five encounters) and 4.48-7.18m in 2004 (n=56, from 29 encounters). The overall mean length (2003: 5.90m; 2004: 5.73m) did not differ significantly between years. In both years, the mean lengths of the majority of whales (2003: 57%; 2004: 59%) were less than 6m, which is regarded as sexually immature based on available life history data. The size ranges within a single encounter were broad; no encounter was dominated by one size class. Segregation by size was not observed. This paper presents the first field measurements of dwarf minke whales on their tropical wintering grounds. While most whales interacting with vessels or swimmers were immature, adult whales, including cow-calf pairs, also were involved. More information, especially on cumulative effects, is needed to assess the impact of these swim-with programmes.
SOME PRO- AND MESOTHORACIC STRUCTURES IMPORTANT FOR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF HYMENOPTERA, WITH A REVIEW OF TERMS USED FOR THE STRUCTURES

Abstract The character-state distribution of various external and internal pro- and mesothoracic structures of Hymenoptera is described. Structures discussed are the transscutal articulation, axillae, notauli, median mesoscutal sulcus, parapsidal lines, pronotal lobe, postspiracular sclerite, prepectus, netrion, epicnemium, basalare, pronotal-mesothor-acic attachment mechanism, and 2 mesothoracic muscles, viz. mesotrochanteral depressor and second-phragmal flexor. Ancestral state and transformation of the characters are hypothesized, and shared derived states of higher taxa are determined. Hypotheses of synapomorphy are based on the shared derived states, and these hypotheses used to test previous hypotheses of relationship and classification. Relationships of Symphyta to Apocrita and of Aculeata to Terebrantes are discussed, and various aspects of classification of Symphyta and Terebrantes are examined. Finally, prior use of terms is reviewed for the thoracic structures studied. A single set of terms is selected for use throughout the order based on original use of each term and on hypotheses of homology. Résumé L'auteur décrit les profils de distribution des diverses structures internes et externes du prothorax et du mésothorax. Il s'agit notamment de l'articulation transscutale, des axilles, des notaulices, du sulcus mésonotal médian, des rainures parapsidales, du lobe pronotal, du sclérite postspiraculaire, du prépectus, du nétrion, de l'epicnemium, de la basalaire, de l'attache pronotum–mésothorax et des deux muscles mésothoraciques (le dépresseur mésotrochantéral et le second flexeur phragmien. On pose l'hypothèse d'un état ancestral servant de départ à une transformation des caractères et on dégage les états dérivés des taxons supérieurs. Des hypothèses de synapomorphie sont échafaudées sur les états dérivés, puis utilisées pour vérifier les hypothèses antérieures sur les plans de la phylogenèse et de la taxinomie. Les rapports entre les Symphytes et les Apocrites et entre les Aculéates et les Térébrants sont examinés. Enfin l'auteur passe en revue la terminologie antérieure des structures thoraciques étudiées et retient un seul jeu de termes à utiliser pour l'ensemble de l'ordre d'après l'usage original de chaque terme et d'après des hypothèses d'homologie.
EVALUATION OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF CRUDE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF Ocimum gratissimum L.

Methonolic extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L. was investigated for its phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins and terpenoids in high concentrations (+++). Reducing sugars, glycosides and tannins occurred in moderate amounts (++) while saponins, flavonoids and steroids were present in low concentrations (+). The leaf extract was devoid of alkaloids, resins, oils and acidic compounds (-). Bacillus subtilis was the only microorganism sensitive to the leaf extract and had an inhibition zone diameter of 12.5mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract against B. subtilis was 100 mg/ml. The antibacterial potential of this plant part which can be exploited in the future for its bioactive constituents has thus been demonstrated.
Temperature sensitivity and substrate quality in soil organic matter decomposition: results of an incubation study with three substrates

Kinetic theory suggests that the temperature sensitivity of decomposition of soil organic matter should increase with increasing recalcitrance. This ‘temperature–quality hypothesis’ was tested in a laboratory experiment. Microcosms with wheat straw, spruce needle litter and mor humus were initially placed at 5, 15 and 25 °C until the same cumulative amount of CO2 had been respired. Thereafter, microcosms from each single temperature were moved to a final set of incubation temperatures of 5, 15 and 25 °C. Straw decomposed faster than needle litter at 25 and 15 °C, but slower than needle litter at 5 °C, and showed a higher temperature sensitivity (expressed as Q10) than needle litter at low temperatures. When moved to the same temperature, needle litter initially incubated at 5 and 15 °C had significantly higher respiration rates in the final incubation than litters initially placed at 25 °C. Mor humus placed at equal temperatures during the initial and final incubations had higher cumulative respiration during the final incubation than humus experiencing a shift in temperature, both up‐ and downwards. These results indicate that other factors than substrate quality are needed to fully explain the temperature dependence. In agreement with the hypothesis, Q10 was always higher for the temperature step between 5 and 15 °C than between 15 and 25 °C. Also in agreement with the temperature–quality hypothesis, Q10 significantly increased with increasing degree of decomposition in five out of the six constant temperature treatments with needle litter and mor humus. Q10s for substrates moved between temperatures tended to be higher than for substrates remaining at the initial temperature and an upward shift in temperature increased Q10 more than a downward shift. This study largely supports the temperature–quality hypothesis. However, other factors like acclimation and synthesis of recalcitrant compounds can modify the temperature response.
An Assessment of the Accumulation Potential of Pb, Zn and Cd by Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. in Vamleshwar Mangroves, Gujarat, India

The study deals with the accumulation of Pb, Zn and Cd in an important mangrove species, Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. , in the Vamleshwar mangrove ecosystem, near Narmada estuary, West coast of Gujarat, India with height differences of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 meters and carried out under field conditions during October, 2009. The site was located on 21 °30´11.55´´ N latitude and 72°43´53.68´´ E longitude. Mangrove receives heavy metal pollution from upstream areas of Narmada estuary and highly populated settlements. However, little is known about the capacity of mangrove plants to take up and store heavy metals in them. Water, sediment and plant parts such as roots, stems and leaves were analyzed for finding the trace metal accumulation of different height groups by Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyser (ICPA). Amount of the content of metals found in the water, sediment and plant parts were in the order of Pb>Zn>Cd. The average contents of heavy metals in the waters were 57.83 mg l -1 for Pb, 3.89 83 mg l -1 for Zn and 0.42 mg l -1 for Cd. It was observed that the average contents of Pb (73.6 mg l -1 ), Zn (8.1 mg l -1 ) and Cd (0.73 mg l -1 ) in the sediments were below the critical soil concentrations. The concentrations of heavy metals in different parts of Avicennia marina were in the order Roots>stem>leaf except for Cd, but Cd found higher in leaf. The ranges of the content of heavy metals in plants were 18.5-102.2 mg l -1 for Pb, 3.5-19.5 mg l -1 for Zn and 0.2-4.1 mg l -1 for Cd. The concentrations of all heavy metals in Avicennia marina except Pb were falling within the normal range and were much more in the plants have the highest height. The present study has shown the potential of Avicennia marina as a phytoremediation species for selected heavy metals in many mangrove ecosystems.
Rapid Formation of Biologically Active Neoglycoprotein from Lysozyme and Xyloglucan Hydrolysates through Naturally Occurring Maillard Reaction

Hen egg-white lysozyme was conjugated with 7~9 mers xyloglucan hydrolysates (MW=1,400) at 60℃ and 79% relative humidity for 3 days. SDS-PAGE showed that the conjugation between lysozyme and the oligosaccharide began from 1-day incubation, and three molecules of carbohydrate chains were attached to a protein molecule after 3-day incubation. The enzymatic activity of lysozyme was totally conserved in the neoglycoprotein, when measured by using glycol chitin as substrate. Besides, the emulsifying properties of lysozyme were vastly improved by the conjugation with the oligosaccharide, in which emulsifying activity of the neoglycoprotein was five times higher than that of native one.
Genetic variability in the population of the endemic bee Anthophora pauperata in St Katherine Protectorate

The genetic diversity and spatial genetic population structure of the solitary bee Anthophora pauperata Walker 1871, a species endemic to St Katherine Protectorate, were studied by RAPD markers in seven wadis in the St Katherine Protectorate, South Sinai, Egypt. High levels of genetic diversity were found, mostly within rather than among wadis, but there were highly significant genetic differences among sites, unrelated to geographic distances between them. Reasons for these patterns may lie in the territoriality and mating behaviour of these bees. Keywords : genetic differentiation, gene flow, RAPD Egyptian Journal of Biology Vol. 10 2008: pp. 77-86
Ozonation of corn and potato starch in aqueous solution: effects on the thermal, pasting and structural properties

Summary Starch–water suspensions were exposed to ozone gas for 1 h at 5 °C. The concentration of dissolved ozone gas in the suspension was kept at 4.2 mg ozone/L−1 water. Polarised light and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to examine the birefringence and surface characteristics of the samples, respectively. A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to measure the gelatinisation properties, while a rapid visco analyser (RVA) was used to examine pasting properties. The structure of corn and potato starch showed very little change after treatment with ozonated water. The DSC gelatinisation temperatures (i.e. onset, peak and conclusion) of starch samples increased as a result of ozonation. However, a decrease in gelatinisation enthalpies was observed for ozonated starch samples. A dramatic decrease in the RVA viscosities of ozonated starch samples was observed after ozonation, which are explained by the partial cleavage of the glycosidic linkages in the starch granules during ozonation.
Predictive distribution modeling with enhanced remote sensing and multiple validation techniques to support mountain bongo antelope recovery

Understanding endangered species' spatial ecologies is fundamental to designing effective recovery strategies. Transferable predictive distribution models (PDMs), based on predictors describing the ranges and scales of relevant environmental gradients, can provide this understanding. Using such models for rare species such as the mountain bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci, an endangered antelope being restored within its endemic range in Kenyan montane forests, is difficult because the species' rarity and challenging terrain complicate data collection. To help overcome data limitations, we used advanced remote sensing (RS) and multiple validation techniques to improve bongo PDMs, which were developed using logistic regression and the information‐theoretic approach. We derived predictors using RS, including a new technique for measuring micro‐scale vegetation structure, and assessed predictive performance using bootstrapping and independent observations. Terrain ruggedness was the strongest habitat‐use predictor, followed by soil moisture availability, distance from law enforcement outposts, vegetation structural complexity, and vegetation edge density. Prediction accuracy generally ranged between 73 and 89%, but terrain ruggedness limited model transferability. The more direct RS‐based vegetation predictor improved model transferability. Bongo restoration efforts should focus on high probability areas delineated via a composite of all tested models. The techniques used – particularly RS – enhanced inference quality and the transferability of distribution models, and can be applied to other critical species and ecosystems.
Using structural equation modeling to investigate change in health-related quality of life

Structural equation modeling (SEM) can be used to investigate different types of change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes, among which so-called ‘response shift’. Response shift refers to a change in the meaning of one’s self-evaluation, caused by a change in internal standards of measurement (i.e., recalibration), values regarding the relative importance of subdomains (i.e., reprioritization), or definition of the target construct (i.e., reconceptualization). Response shift effects may cause changes in observed scores that are not directly caused by changes in the construct of interest (e.g., HRQL). Therefore, taking into account possible response shift is important for a valid assessment of change. This thesis focused on several methodological issues with regard to the SEM approach for the detection of response shift and the assessment of change in HRQL outcomes. We compared the SEM approach to the ‘then-test’ approach, which is one of the most commonly applied methods for the detection of response shift (Chapter 2). We extended the SEM approach for detection of response shift to the situation in which there are many measurement occasions (Chapters 3, 4 and 5), and for the analysis of discrete data (Chapters 6 and 7). Finally, we explained how to calculate and interpret effect-size indices of change to enable interpretation of the clinical significance of response shift (Chapter 8). The overall aim of this thesis is to facilitate applications of response shift detection, and thereby contribute to a better understanding of response shift phenomena and thus change in HRQL.
Apparent Availabilities of Amino Acids and Minerals from Several Protein Sources for Fingerling Rainbow Trout.

We have reported in previous papers that the combina tion of multiple alternative protein sources for fish meal or the supplementation of crystalline essential amino acids to the protein sources improved the nutritional quality of fish diets.1-5) In those studies, only the amino acid composition of the protein sources was focused on and little attention was paid to the availability of amino acids in the protein sources. In contrast to numerous studies on protein digestibility of test diets or feed ingredients, amino acid availability (digestibility) for dietary proteins has been less intensively studied.6-13) Among them, studies on the comparative ami no acid availability for several feed ingredients are limited to channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus,7) common carp Cyprinus carpio,9) Atlantic salmon Salmo salar,10-11) and yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata.13) These studies have rev ealed that not only protein digestibilities vary among pro tein sources and fish species, but also amino acid availabili ties of a protein source show intravariation. This means that both protein digestibility and individual amino acid availabilities of a protein source for individual fish species should be determined to formulate efficient and economi cal fish feeds. Studies on the comparative mineral availability for feed ingredients are few compared with those of amino acid availability. Availability of phosphorus (P) in fish meals and some feed ingredients was examined in channel catfish,14) common carp,15,16) black sea bream Acan thopagrus schlegeli,15) and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.16) Satoh et al.17) examined the availability of zinc (Zn) in different kinds of fish meal for rainbow trout. Since mineral availability studies are relatively limited to P and Zn in fish meal, further research is necessary on the availability of minerals from various protein sources. In this study, we determined the apparent digestibility of protein and availabilities of amino acids and minerals for defatted soybean meal (SBM), malt protein flour (MPF), and corn gluten meal (CGM) in comparison with those for white fish meal (FM) for fingerling rainbow trout.
A phylogenetic analysis of Tubificinae and Limnodriloidinae (Annelida, Clitellata, Tubificidae) using sperm and somatic characters

Marotta, R. , Ferraguti, M. & Erséus, C. (2003). A phylogenetic analysis of Tubificinae and Limnodriloidinae (Annelida, Clitellata, Tubificidae) using sperm and somatic characters. —Zoologica Scripta, 32, 255–278.
Modeling socio-economic characteristics and involvement in Non Wood Forest Products exploitation in AJK, Pakistan's.

NWFPs believed to have a significant part in the family economy of poor as well as rich people (Nguyen, 2006). Various NWFPs including the edibles have a potential to support livelihoods and development in the socio-economic status (Negi et al., 2010) and such factors are important in formulating development and conservation strategies (Kar and Jacobson, 2012). Reported sustenance of livelihood of communities might result in collection of wild NTFPs that leads towards direct consumption as well as marketing. The non wood forest products (NWFPs) entail all tangible products of forest origin, except wood encompassing various products for instance, rattan, resin, essential oil, nuts, latex, spices, seed, fruit, leaves, birds, fish, game, gum, lac and honey (Saha and Sundriyal, 2012). NWFPs in Pakistan are grouped into morels (Iqbal, 1991), honey, wild fruits and nuts (EPB, 2001; Iqbal, 1991), wild vegetables, condiments and spices (Iqbal, 2002; Daud, 1994), silk casings, vegetable tanning and oil, resins, medicinal plants and grasses etc. (Iqbal, 1993). Researchers found out that various socio-economic factors are important in the extraction, utilization, processing and marketing. Besides physical capital, economic growth is also reflected through human capital, nonetheless, development in the latter would encompass economic and social stability and economic growth. Various human factors such as age, education, social status in addition to land have a positive effect on adoption and continuation of development interventions. Ogundele et al. (2012) revealed that age, education, gender and income level significantly influenced utilization of NWFPs. Income from NWFPs might be dependent on various factors such as number of household members and value of household implements and furniture (Kar and Jacobson, 2012). Famuyide et al. (2013) analyzed age, education, occupation and income as predictor of effectiveness of NTFPs as medicinal properties perceived by the respondents. Similarly, according to Mutie et al. (2006) family participation to extract forest products for income generation mainly depends on size of household and proximity to forest based industries. It was observed by Yemiru et al. (2010) that forest products remained important income source and helpful in poverty alleviation amongst the poor, especially during financial crisis. AJK has a rich diversity of NWFPs, comprising of different ethnic groups with traditional NWFPs-related practices and trade, and accounts for 0.3% of the forestry sector’s contribution to the country’s economy (Govt. of AJK, 2011). In view of the importance of socio-economic variables in various stages of NWFPs like exploitation, utilization and marketing, present study was designed with the aim to find out the relationship between people’s involvement in NWFPs and various socio-economic variables thereby Pak. J. Agri. Sci., Vol. 52(2), 477-480; 2015 ISSN (Print) 0552-9034, ISSN (Online) 2076-0906 http://www.pakjas. com.pk
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Growth Responses of Several Ornamental Plants Grown in Soilless Peat-based Medium Amended with Coconut Dust (Coir)

Coconut fi ber dust (coir) is being used as a peat substitute or amendment to potting mixes with varied results. However, its microbial composition and compatibility with benefi cial microbes that might be added to growth media in the nursery, such as mycorrhizal fungi, has not been determined. In this study, coir was amended to a peat-based medium (15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% by volume) to determine its effects on growth of several ornamental plants and on the formation and function of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices. Mycorrhizae formed as well, and usually better, in all the coir-amended peat treatments as in peat alone. The magnitude of growth enhancement due to mycorrhizae was small for the plants tested in these media compared to that which usually occurs in soil-based media. In this experiment, plant growth responses appeared to be independent of level of mycorrhizal colonization and were plant species dependent. Consistent growth enhancement from mycorrhizae only occurred with marigold (Tagetes patula). With germander (Teucrium fruticans), growth was depressed with mycorrhizal inoculation in the medium composed of 60% coir. Growth of lavender (Lavandula augustifolia) was depressed in all coir-amended media, with or without AM inoculation, compared to the nonamended control. These results confi rm previous reports of varied response of plant species to coir, and indicate the lack of any detrimental effects of coir on mycorrhiza formation.
A Spatial and Temporal Evaluation of PHABSIM in Relation to Measured Density of Juvenile Atlantic Salmon in a Small Stream

Abstract We evaluated the relationship between weighted usable area (WUA) predicted by the physical habitat simulation (PHABSIM) model and the population density of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick, Canada. Various temporal and spatial scales of study were used to establish whether a positive linear relationship existed. The PHABSIM model was applied to 19 sites representing four habitat types, and various streamflow scenarios were used to calculate the amount of available WUA. Maximum WUA values for different habitat types and different reaches usually occurred at flows representing 85% of mean annual flow. Fish densities at the 19 sites were estimated by electrofishing in the summer and late autumn for 3 years. Few positive, significant relations were established between Atlantic salmon density and WUA; r 2 values ranged from 0.18 to 0.95, with the best relations occurring at the scale of habitat type (5 of 16 comparisons were significant, P < 0.05). The WUA values .