Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Assessment of Watermelon Germ plasm using the AFLP Technique

Amplifi ed fragment length poly mor phism (AFLP) analyses were used to as sess genetic diversity among 30 genotypes of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf. ) representing a broad genetic base, including breeding lines and commercial germ plasm. Eight AFLP primer com bi na tions se lect ed from 64 primer combinations were poly mor phic. The polymorphism was 13.0% to 31.9% within the 28 cultivars examined, and 45.3% to 64.2% among all the genotypes. Each genotype could be suc cess ful ly dis tin guished based on AFLP scor ing. Cluster grouping of accessions based on the AFLP analysis was consistent with that from classifi cation by pedigrees and ecotypes.
TRANSFORMATION AND CRYOPRESERVATION OF EMBRYOGENIC AVOCADO (Persea americana Mill.) CULTURES

of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy TRANSFORMATION AND CRYOPRESERVATION OF EMBRYOGENIC AVOCADO (Persea americana Mill.) CULTURES By Darda Efendi December, 2003 Chair: Richard E. Litz Major Department: Horticultural Science The avocado fruit is climacteric and ethylene acts as a natural triggering mechanism for the induction of ripening. Genetic transformation of avocado with a gene construct that could block ethylene biosynthesis would extend on-tree storage and shelf life of avocado fruit. The samK gene encodes SAM hydrolase, which converts SAM (Sadenosylmethionine) to methylthioadenosine and homoserine so that it is not available for ethylene biosynthesis. Embryogenic avocado cultures were genetically transformed using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated protocol. Transformed embryogenic avocado cultures harboring AGT01/NPTII::ACP/SamK were selected in MS3:1P medium supplemented with 100 to 300 mg l kanamycin sulfate. Further selection was accomplished on somatic embryo development medium supplemented with 200 mg l kanamycin sulfate, which completely inhibits development and maturation of nontransformed somatic embryos.
ROOT GROWTH OF UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES AS INFLUENCED BY NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

The plant root system is an important organ which supplies water and nutrients to growing plants. Information is limited on influence of nitrogen fertilization on upland rice root growth. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization on growth of root system of 20 upland rice genotypes. The N rate used was 0 mg kg−1(low) and 300 mg kg−1(high) of soil. Nitrogen X genotype interactions for root length and root dry weight were highly significant (P < 0.01), indicating that differences among genotypes were not consistent at two N rates. Overall, greater root length, root dry weight and tops-roots ration were obtained at an N fertilization rate of 300 mg kg−1compared with the 0 mg N kg−1soil. However, genotypes differ significantly in root length, root dry weight and top-root ratio. Nitrogen fertilization produced fine roots and more root hairs compared with absence of N fertilizer treatment. Based on root dry weight efficiency index (RDWEI) for N use efficiency, 70% genotypes were classified as efficient, 15% were classified as moderately efficient and 15% were classified as inefficient. Root dry weight efficiency index trait can be incorporated in upland rice for improving water and nutrient efficiency in favor of higher yields.
REPRODUCTION AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF THE PALAEMONID SHRIMP MACROBRACHIUM HAINANENSE IN HONG KONG STREAMS

Abstract Macrobrachium hainanense is a large palaemonid shrimp (total length up to 7 cm) present at high densities (>2 individuals m−2) in pools of low-order forested streams in Southern China. The present study investigated the reproductive biology and sexual dimorphism of this shrimp in Tai Po Kau Forest Stream (TPK) and Tai Shing Stream (TSS), Hong Kong. Recruitment occurred during the wet season (May to August). Macrobrachium hainanense, a truly freshwater species, has abbreviated larval development, and the study populations had smaller broods than euryhaline species of this genus. Most females probably produced only a single brood of 20–75 eggs each breeding season. They showed no size-specific fecundity. Egg development in the laboratory took over 53 days, and eggs grew larger during development. The reproductive output (RO) of females was 11% for each brood, lower than for most other species of Macrobrachium. Lifetime RO was 21%, assuming a single brood in each of two seasons. The population male-biased sex ratio was 1.7:1, although the size-specific sex ratio was 1:1. Females reached maturity at 15–17 mm carapace length (CL) while males matured later at 18–22 mm CL. Females bred at two and three years of age, while males bred three times at two, three, and four years. Interstream variation in size at onset of sexual maturity was found, with shrimps at TPK maturing later than at TSS. Discriminant Analysis revealed that mature males and females were distinct in their abdominal depths and carapace lengths with females having deeper abdomens (for egg brooding) and smaller carapaces. Juvenile males could be distinguished from females by the presence of the appendix masculina. The minimum lifespan for females of M. hainanense was approximately 29 months and for males, 48 months. Competition for females may be responsible for the longer lifespan and larger size at maturity of males.
Phylogenetic Relationships among Bullhead Catfishes of the Genus Ameiurus (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae)

Abstract Catfishes of the genus Ameiurus are a well-known component of the North American ichthyofauna. J. G. Lundberg estimated phylogenetic relationships among species of Ameiurus according to morphological variation. Two clades containing the extant species were recovered: the natalis clade (Ameiurus natalis, Ameiurus melas, and Ameiurus nebulosus) and the catus clade (Ameiurus serracanthus, Ameiurus catus, Ameiurus platycephalus, and Ameiurus brunneus). Original nucleotide sequence data were collected from mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear (recombination activation gene 2) genes and used to test the predictions of the hypothesis based on morphological data. The monophyly of both natalis and catus clades was rejected by the nucleotide dataset and an alternative phylogenetic hypothesis is provided.
In Situ Assessment of Ruminal Dry Matter Degradation Kinetics and Effective Rumen Degradability of Feedstuffs Originated from Agro-Industrial By-Products

In the tropical Asian countries, information on nutrients availability from various by-products of agro-food industries remains scarce and even less is known about their application in the feed evaluation systems. The objective of this study was to generate renewed data on in situ rumen dry matter (DM) degradability of byproducts from oilseeds, cereal grains, and animal origin, commonly fed to animals in tropical Asian countries. The data were used to derive regression equations to understand the relationships between effective rumen degradability of DM (EDDM) and the rumen degradation characteristics of the by-products. Sixty four samples of five oilseed by-products, seven cereal grain by-products and four animal byproducts were used. From each feed, 4 samples (~1 kg each) were collected from dairy farms (n=1), local markets (n=1) and different agro-industries (n=2). The feeds were incubated in the rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h, using nylon bag technique. There was a significant (P
A vertical life table approach to zooplankton mortality estimation

Zooplankton mortality is commonly estimated from time series of abundances (horizontal life table approach) with the assumption that transport processes are of minor influence. This assumption is commonly violated in the marine environment. We provide equations appropriate for analysis of stage distributions in zooplankton samples at a single time (vertical life table approach) that, in certain circumstances, facilitate mortality estimation without requiring time series of abundances. A primary assumption is that daily recruitment to a particular stage should not be characterized by a strong upward or downward trend. To improve the accuracy of parameter estimates, however, knowledge about such trends may be taken into account. The accuracy and precision of mortality estimation were assessed with an individual-based simulation model. Results obtained from application of the vertical approach to the copepod Pseudocalanw newmani are comparable to those obtained independently by a horizontal method. We conclude that the vertical approach may provide mortality estimates under conditions in which horizontal techniques are inappropriate. In contrast to estimates obtained with horizontal techniques, vertical estimates represent snapshots of the population.
DNA BARCODING OF FISH SPECIES FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF ISRAEL

Accurately-classified genomic data in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) database is vital to the protection and conservation of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. The taxonomic classifications of 468 fish of 50 Mediterranean species were analyzed using the BOLD Identifier tool for variation in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Within species, nucleotide maximum composite likelihood was low with a mean of 0.0044±0.0008. Three presumptive species had significantly higher values e.g., Arnoglossus spp. (0.07), Torquigener flavimaculosus (0.013) and Boops boops (0.028). However, samples of Arnoglossus species were sub-classified into two groups that were finally identified as two different species e.g., Arnoglossus laterna and Arnoglossus thori . For the different species, BLAST searches against the BOLD database using our DNA barcoding data as the query sequences designated the most similar targets into groups. For each analyzed species, the similarity of the first and second threshold groups ranged from 95 to 99% and from 83 to 98%, respectively. Sequence based classification for the first threshold group was concordant with morphology-based identification. However, for 34 analyzed species (68%) overlaps of species between the two threshold groups hampered classification. Tree-based phylogeny analysis detected more than one cluster in the first threshold group for 22 out of 50 species, representing genetic subgroups and geographic origins. There was a tendency for higher conservation and lower number of clusters in the Lessepsian (Red Sea) migrant versus indigenous species.
SHORT COMMUNICATION Antimicrobial activity of organic solvent extracts of three marine macroalgae from Chilika Lake, Orissa, India

In vitro study of antibacterial activity of organic solvent extracts of three marine macroalgae viz., Chaetomorpha linum (Mell) Kuetzing, Enteromorpha compressa (L) Greville and Polysiphonia subtilissima Mont. showed specific activity in inhibiting the growth of three Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella flexneri, Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli) and two Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus brevis). The results revealed that the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were active against most of the pathogens whereas methanol and ethanol extracts were active only against S. flexneri.
Symposium Tillage and weed management effects on weeds in barley–red clover cropping systems

Abstract The main study objective was to measure the effects of tillage (moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no-till) and weed management (intensive, moderate, and minimum) on weeds and crops in a spring barley monoculture compared with a spring barley–red clover rotation. The study was initiated in 1987 and conducted at two sites. Residual effects of treatments were measured in a wheat test crop at the loam site in 1994 and at the clay site in 1995–1996. Weed seed bank densities ranged from less than 300 to nearly 30,000 seeds m−2 and plant densities from 30 to 6,000 plants m−2. Seven species were recorded on average per plot aboveground and 10 species per plot in the seed bank. Species number in the seed bank varied little with treatments compared with species numbers aboveground. Crop rotation and tillage had little effect on weed species diversity but affected relative species dominance. The presence and abundance of species was also influenced by their degree of tolerance to the herbicides used in each system. Annual dicots largely dominated in minimum weed management treatments. Their relative importance in each rotation varied with their level of susceptibility to the different postemergence herbicides. Perennials were not exclusively found in reduced tillage systems. The relationship between perennials and tillage was dependent on the response of perennating structures to the type and frequency of soil disturbance. For example, quackgrass dominated in chisel and moldboard plow systems where rhizomes would be frequently fragmented. Field horsetail, also a rhizomatous species, dominated in the monoculture/direct-seeded no-till treatment under minimum weed management. Its absence from the rotation was explained by the regular removal of aboveground biomass during the forage production year. Overall, weed response was regulated by agronomic factors but was largely determined by specific biological attributes and environmental conditions. Nomenclature: Field horsetail, Equisetum arvense L. EQUAR; quackgrass, Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski AGRRE; barley, Hordeum vulgare L. HORVX; red clover, Trifolium pratense L. TRFPR; wheat, Triticum aestivum L.
Effects of application rates of some plant materials on the control of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on stored millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of leaf powders of six plants (Spider plant, Basil, Hyptis, Sugar apple, Desert date and Negro coffee) and a synthetic insecticide Pirimiphosmethyl (Actellic Dust) in controlling Tribolium castaneum Herbst in stored millet grain (Variety-Sosat). The leaf powders of each plant and the pirimiphos-methyl were tested at 2.5g, 5.0g and 7.5g/25g of sound millet grain. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated three times. Although both the plant product and synthetic treatments were significantly higher than control, Pirimiphos-methyl at all the tested concentrations caused significantly higher adult mortality of 3.17 at 22 hours after treatment (HAT) and 1.83 at 72 hours after treatment (HAT) than all the plant materials, with complete suppression of larval development and adult emergence at 15 and 45 days after treatment (DAT), respectively. Among the other treatment, desert date and sugar apple caused adult mortality of 1.00 and 1.29 at 22 and 72 HAT, respectively. This resulted into significant reduction in larval development, adult emergence and grain weight loss at 15, 45 and 63 DAT, respectively. Basil was next to sugar apple and desert date in terms of effectiveness, with grain weight loss of 1.98% and grain damage of 22.2%. Although, 5.0g and 7.5g concentration of plant powders were equally effective in reducing larval development and adult emergence, however, maximum grain protection was obtained with Sugar apple in 7.5g concentration/ 25g millet grain at 63 DAT, i.e. adult mortality was highest (1.29), while grain weight loss (2.82) and grain damage (10.6) were lowest at this concentration. Therefore, use of Sugar apple at the concentration of 7.5g/25g (i.e. 30% w/w) is recommended for the maximum protection of millet grain against damage by T. castaneum in storage.
Types d’innovation et intensité de l’engagement de responsabilité sociale des entreprises (RSE) : Aspects analytiques et empiriques

By considering together the kind of CSR a firm builds up and the type of innovation it implements the paper provides a fresh look on the relationship between CSR and Innovation. Three kinds of CSR (defensive strategic, ethic) are outlined. With respect to innovation behaviour besides product and process technological innovation, we suggest to retain non-technological innovation as well. We put the emphasis on the complexity of innovation conduct by defining two basic types of innovators: single and complex. Using data from two French surveys (Enqu? te nationale sur le d? veloppement durable de 2011, CIS 2012) we estimate diverse Probit models with Heckman correction. Our main findings show strategic CSR set up a strong determinant of complex innovation. By contrast, defensive CSR is a poor vector of innovation. JEL Codes: O30, O00, M2
Competition between Formica cinerea Mayr [Hymenoptera: Formicidae] and co-occurring ant species, with special reference to Formica rufa L.: direct and indirect interferences

Formica cinerea Mayr is sup- posed to be the top dominant of ant communities in successional sandy habitats, whereas wood ant species, e.g. F. rufa L. , play this role in forests. These species often co-occur in overlapping habitats. The aim of the study was to recognize competitive in- terrelations between them in the broad ecological aspect of relations with local subordinate species, including F. fusca L. , Tetramorium caespitum (L.) and Myrmica schencki Viereck. Study area was a sand dune slope surrounded by pine forest at Tvarminne, S Finland, where F. cinerea nest com- plexes were encircled by F. rufa colonies. Baiting experiments, preceded by 'nudum' observations were carried out. The presumption that F. rufa would influence the activity of F. cinerea was not supported by the results. No-ant zones separated the territories of these two species almost through the total length of the boundary of the F. cinerea range. The outcome of interspecific interactions within the multi-species community studied cor- responded with the species competitive status generally. The results are discussed in the context of interspecific competition hierarchy in ants and succession of ant communities.
INFLUENCES OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON GROWTH AND MINERAL ELEMENT ABSORPTION OF CHENGLU HYBRID BAMBOO SEEDLINGS

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance mineral nutrient and growth of host plants. In the paper, growth and mineral element absorption of Chenglu hybrid bamboo (Bambusa pervariabilis × B. grandis) seedlings inoculated with four AM fungi strains(Glomus intraradices, BEG Number193 and 141; G. mosseae, BEG Number167; G. etunicatum, BEG Number168) were studied. The results showed that AM fungi promoted the growth of bamboo seedlings. The biomass of Chenglu bamboo inoculated by AM fungi increased 1.84 (BEG167), 1.73 (BEG193), 1.59 (BEG168) and 1.54 times (BEG141) than that of the control respectively. Shoot number and diameter, total leaf area per plant, P and K concentration in plant as well were significantly increased by the inoculation of BEG167 and 193, which had better mycorrhizal effect and could make an important contribution to Chenglu bamboos production.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE OLENELLINA WALCOTT, 1890 (TRILOBITA, CAMBRIAN)

Abstract Phylogenetic analysis was used to evaluate evolutionary relationships within the Cambrian suborder Olenellina Walcott, 1890; special emphasis was placed on those taxa outside of the Olenelloidea. Fifty-seven exoskeletal characters were coded for 24 taxa within the Olenellina and two outgroups referable to the “fallotaspidoid” grade. The Olenelloidea, along with the genus Gabriellus Fritz, 1992, are the sister group of the Judomioidea Repina, 1979. The “Nevadioidea” Hupé, 1953 are a paraphyletic grade group. Four new genera are recognized, Plesionevadia, Cambroinyoella, Callavalonia, and Sdzuyomia, and three new species are described, Nevadia fritzi, Cirquella nelsoni, and Cambroinyoella wallacei. Phylogenetic parsimony analysis is also used to make predictions about the ancestral morphology of the Olenellina. This morphology most resembles the morphology found in Plesionevadia and Pseudojudomia Egorova in Goryanskii and Egorova, 1964.
PTC&B Plant Regeneration from Leaf Explants of Plumbago rosea L.

Leaf explants of Plumbago rosea L. an important medicinal plant inoculated on MS supplemented with 6.66 µM BAP and 2.69 µM NAA produced numerous (105 ± 0.3) shootlets with an average length of 3.1 ± 0.0 cm. Small shootlets were transferred to shoot elongation medium supplemented with 1.11 µM BAP plus 1.44 µM GA3. The elongated shootlets transferred to half strength MS basal medium without any plant growth regulator produced 4.3 ± 0.2 rootlets per plants with average root length of 4.0 ± 0.0 cm after 25 days of culture. Rooted plantlets were transferred for hardening showed 80 ‐ 90 per cent of plantlets success‐fully established in the field. Potentially more than 50,000 plantlets could be produced within five subcultures from without callus phase obtained from leaf explant. Maximum root differentiation from leaf explants was obtained on MS supplemented with 5.38 µM IBA. The roots developed by the above method is an alternative for the controlled production of secondary metabolites.
Tissue culture and evaluation of some active constituents of Ruta graveolens L. II: Effect of plant growth regulators, explant type and precursor on coumarin content of Ruta graveolens L. callus cultures

The effect of plant growth regulators and explant type on the coumarin constituent and yield in Ruta graveolens L. callus cultures was studied. Identification of coumarins in different callus cultures by thin layer chromatography showed variation in number of coumarin spots and revealed the presence of bergapten, xanthotoxin, herniarin, isopimpinellin, isoimperatorin, umbelliferone, scopoletin, psoralen and marmesin. The coumarin contents were estimated spectrophotomerically. The stem callus cultures on medium III (MS +0.5mg/l 2,4-D+ 0.5mg/l kinetin) produced yield (0.43 mg%) higher than that of the aerial parts (0.32 mg%) of the plant. The effect of different concentrations of cinnamic acid (as a precursor) on coumarin contents was investigated. The highest percentage was produced in the stem explant cultures grown on medium I (MS+ 1mg/l 2,4-D) supplemented with 25 mg/l cinnamic acid (0.79mg%). It is about 8 times of stem explant cultures on the same medium without cinnamic acid (0.1mg%), and more than double the coumarin percent of the aerial parts of the cultivated plant (0.32mg%). Isolation and identification by spectroscopic methods of some coumarins from stem and root callus cultures were performed.
Plum Pox Virus Coat Protein Gene Intron-hairpin-RNA (ihpRNA) Constructs Provide Resistance to Plum Pox Virus in Nicotiana benthamiana and Prunus domestica

Constructs with self-complementary sequences separated by an intron produce ''hairpin'' RNA (intron- hairpin-RNA (ihpRNA)) structures that efficiently elicit posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS). In the current study, the authors use this technology to confer resistance to plum pox virus (PPV) in herbaceous and woody perennial plants by silencing the PPV-coat protein (CP) gene. The authors confirmed the high capacity of ihpRNA constructs for inducing RNA silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana Domin. , as more than 75% of the transformants displayed PTGS as evaluated by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) production. The authors demonstrated that ihpRNA constructs provided PPV resistance, and they found a correlation between the length of the PPV sequence introduced in the ihpRNA constructs and the frequency of transgenic-resistant plants. Plants transformed with the full-length sequence produced a higher percentage of resistant lines. The authors further demonstrated for the first time that ihpRNA technology is applicable to a woody perennial species. A transgenic plum (Prunus domestica L.) PPV-CP ihpRNA line showed gene silencing characteristics (hypermethylation of the transgene sequence and specific siRNA production) and resistance to PPV infection 16 months after inoculation.