Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Did the elephant and giraffe mediate change in the prevalence of palatable species in an East African Acacia woodland?

Abstract: We report on a 2009 survey of Acacia woodlands in the Seronera area of central Serengeti, Tanzania, and compare the results to previous surveys from the 1970s–1980s. We document a substantial change in woodland structure and composition. From 1978 to 2009, woody plant density (mean ± SD) declined from 255 ± 35 trees ha−1 to 147 ± 14 trees ha−1. Canopy cover declined from 15.1 ± 1.9% to 5.7 ± 0.6%. Canopy volume declined from 1810 ± 207 m3 ha−1 to 1410 ± 121 m3 ha−1. A 19% increase in the relative canopy volume of Acacia robusta, a species avoided by the giraffe, represents a sharp decline in the quality of the giraffe's food supply, which was last comprehensively assessed in 1978. We examine these changes in the context of Pellew's 1983 woodland dynamics model describing the impacts of elephant, giraffe and fire on an Acacia tortilis tree population and determine that our data are qualitatively consistent with this model. We hypothesize that selective elephant and giraffe browsing has contributed to an increase in the relative dominance of unpalatable species, consistent with Pellew's predictions.
Time-varying parameters: New test tailored to applications in finance and macroeconomics

Many economic theories imply a linear relationship with constant parameters between financial or macroeconomic variables. While the linear model with constant parameters is often disputed in the literature, this model specification is rarely tested. This paper proposes a new and intuitively appealing test for model specification tailored for applications in finance and macroeconomics. Importantly, the test allows for autocorrelation, which is often present in these applications. We demonstrate impressive properties of the test in a realistic simulation study and obtain important insights from empirical applications.
Photosynthetic Light Requirements and Effects of Low Irradiance and Daylength on Phalaenopsis amabilis

Phalaenopsis has become one of the most important potted plants around the world. Thus, we used a key commercial Phalaenopsis amabilis cultivar, TS97, as a model to determine the light requirements for maximal carbon fixation and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency in its leaves and to investigate the effects of low irradiance and daylength on photosynthesis and flower development. In mature 'TS97' leaves, the daily total CO2 uptake capacity and net acid fixation increased with increasing photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) and saturated at '200 mmolm L2 � s L1 , whereas the fluorescence ratio values were significantly reduced to 0.68 to 0.75 above 325 mmolm L2 � s L1 PPF, indicating photoinhibition of PSII. Positive assimilation of the nocturnal CO2 uptake occurred at a very low PPF (less than 5 mmolm L2 � s L1 ), suggesting highly efficient use of light energy by 'TS97' plants. Leaves developed under 30 mmolm L2 � s L1 PPF exhibited lower light requirement of 125 mmolm L2 � s L1 PPF to reach maximal CO2 uptake, below which the daytime CO2 uptake declined dramatically. Under a 12-hour daylength, exposing the leaves to a low PPF for 4 hours at any time during the day did not affect the photosynthetic capacity in 'TS97' leaves, suggesting that 8 hours of optimal irradiance is required for high-level photosynthesis, whereas the 12-hour daylength resulted in a higher CO2 uptake rate and the daily total CO2 uptake than the 8-hour daylength. Moreover, the 12-hour daylength promoted earlier flower formation and higher flower count compared with the 6- to 8-hour daylengths. Longer daylengths neither accelerated flowering formation nor enhanced total flower count. In conclusion, 8 hours of saturatingPPFat 200 mmolm L2 � s L1 and a 12-hourdaylengthare sufficient for maximizing photosynthesis andflower production in 'TS97' plants.
Color Variation among Habitat Types in the Spiny Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae: Apalone) of Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila, Mexico

Abstract Ground coloration is highly variable in many reptile species. In turtles, ground color may correspond well to the background coloration of the environment and can change over time to match new surroundings in the laboratory. Variable carapace and plastron coloration across three habitat types were investigated in the Black Softshell Turtle, Apalone spinifera atra, by measuring individual components of the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color system. In general, A. s. atra carapaces were darker in turtles from lagoons than in turtles from playa lakes. Red and green values were significantly different among all pairs of habitat types, but blue values differed only between the playa lakes and lagoons. Mean color components (RG only) for each population were significantly correlated with corresponding values for the bottom substrate, indicating a positive association of carapace and habitat substrate color components. In contrast, plastron ground color RGB channels showed no significant differences between habitat types and no significant correlations with substrate RGB. These results suggest that dorsal background matching in A. s. atra may be responsible for some of the variation in this key taxonomic trait.
Estimates of the complete genetic covariance matrix for traits in multi-trait genetic evaluation of Australian Hereford cattle

Estimates of covariance components among all 22 traits considered in the current multi-trait genetic evaluation of Australian Hereford cattle were obtained. Traits included 5 weight traits, 8 traits measured through live ultrasound scanning, 3 traits related to reproductive performance, and 6 carcass traits. Estimates were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood, carrying out a series of bivariate analyses. Data for each analysis were selected attempting to maximise the number of animals or animal-parent pairs that had both traits recorded. Estimates were pooled using a weighted 'iterative summing of expanded part matrices' procedure, which ensured positive semi-definite covariance matrices. Models of analyses for individual traits closely resembled those used in genetic evaluation. Results generally agreed with literature results, although estimates of genetic parameters for carcass traits that had few records available tended to fluctuate. Except for 'days to calving', heritability estimates were moderate to high for all traits. Genetic parameters for early growth were different to those for other breeds, with maternal effects for weaning weight being considerably more important and the heritability somewhat lower. AR K. M eyer et al Hera
Genetic analysis of the psbA gene from single cells indicates a cryptomonad origin of the plastid in Dinophysis (Dinophyceae)

Abstract Among all organisms, the dinoflagellates display the highest diversity in their plastids, indicating multiple plastid origins from a broad variety of algae by replacing the common peridinin-containing plastid. One such replacement seems to have taken place in the genus Dinophysis, where the plastids show characteristics of a cryptomonad. Natural populations of D. acuminata. D. acuta and D. norvegica were collected from the Baltic Sea, North Sea and northern Atlantic Ocean. We sequenced a 430 bp fragment of the psbA gene from 16 thoroughly washed single cells of three Dinophysis species from different regions to monitor the variation between species and regions. There was no sequence variation between species or regions, indicating either slow evolution or the highly specific engulfment of a narrow range of cryptomonad species. A larger region (799 bp) of the psbA gene was sequenced from D. norvegica cells and four cryptomonads to determine the phylogenetic position of the plastid sequence. In the resulting phylogeny the psbA sequence of D. norvegica appeared as a sister to those from Chroomonas sp. M1312, Cryptomonas sp. M1094 and Rhodomonas sp. KAC 30 with Guillardia theta as the most ancestral sequence.
Binucleate Rhizoctonia (Ceratorhiza spp.) as non-mycorrhizal endophytes alter Pinus sylvestris L. seedling root architecture and affect growth of rooted cuttings

The main aim of this study was to assess critically the effects of binucleate Rhizoctonia (BnR) inoculation on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedling and hypocotyl root architecture and early plant growth in tree seedling nursery soil, Sphagnum peat and forest humus. The BnR isolates (251, 266, 268, 269) stimulated early seedling growth in the nitrogen-limited nursery soil 86 days postinoculation (p.i.). These seedlings exhibited significantly higher root length and reduced root width, although percentage root infection levels were <6%. At a harvest 240 days p.i. , no significant plant and root growth differences were identified, although short root numbers were significantly increased. BnR infection detected in roots was characterized by the presence of intercellular fungal hyphae and subtending intracellular monilioid fungal cells located in outer cortical cells of long roots. Similar endophytic infection morphology was detected in adventitious roots generated in prerooted hypocotyl cuttings [Kaparakis, G. & Sen, R. (2006). Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 21] exposed to all BnR isolates in nursery peat and forest humus, although isolate-specific cutting growth was detected. In conclusion, these BnR isolates, known to be genetically related to orchid mycorrhizal Ceratorhiza spp. , are non-pathogenic and have the capacity to stimulate significantly early Scots pine root development in nursery soils and forest humus.
Suppression of Rhizoctonia and Pythium damping-off of radish and cucumber seedlings by addition of fish emulsion to peat mix or soil

The efficacy of fish emulsion in enhancing plant growth and suppressing seedling damping-off diseases caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium aphanidermatum was investigated on peat mix and soil. Fish emulsion (1%–4%; m/m peat mix) or equivalent inorganic fertilizer (N–P–K) was incorporated into pathogen-infested peat mix and incubated in plastic bags for 1, 7, 14, and 28 days prior to planting radish or cucumber seeds. Plants were rated 14 days later for incidence and severity of damping-off. Negligible protection of seedlings from damping-off occurred in peat mix incubated for 1 day with fish emulsion. After 7 days incubation, however, 70%–80% of the seedlings remained disease-free in peat mix amended with 4% fish emulsion. After 28 days, equivalent levels of disease protection were found with all concentrations of fish emulsion. As the inorganic N–P–K treatment was adjusted to reflect N–P–K levels in the fish emulsion, no disease control was obtained, indicating that disease protection was not due to increased plant nutrition. Incorporation of 0.5% (m/m soil) fish emulsion into soil 5 days before planting radish provided effective control of damping-off disease. Fish emulsion (2% and 4%; m/m muck soil) also effectively and consistently suppressed damping-off of cucumber seedlings in muck soil naturally infested with damping-off pathogens. Pasteurization of the peat mix followed by re-infestation with R. solani resulted in a much higher level of disease than that obtained in unpasteurized infested peat mix. Addition of fish emulsion resulted in restoration of disease suppression within 7 days. These results suggest that fish emulsion may not be toxic to the pathogens but may create a biological climate in peat substrate or soil that is suppressive to the disease. Fresh and dry mass measurements of plants produced in 4% fish emulsion were 2 to 3 times greater than in nonfertilized peat but were comparable with those receiving equivalent N–P–K. The results suggest that fish emulsion has both nutritive value for plant growth as well as disease suppressive properties. Thus, it may be an ideal product for use in organic or conventional transplant production.
The differentiation of the leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus papatasi from the suspected vector P.bergeroti (Diptera: Phlebotominae)

ABSTRACT. The inability to distinguish females of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and P.bergeroti Parrot reliably is of considerable epidemiological significance since papatasi is a well‐known vector, and bergeroti is a suspected vector, of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Previous methods for distinguishing them are either vague (pharyngeal armature) or unreliable (sper‐mathecae). Detailed evaluation of the relative length of the ascoid on the fourth antennal segment shows it to be an unambiguous and reliable character for distinguishing both sympatric and allopatric populations. The biological differentiation of the two species is reviewed.
Conspecific density biases passive auditory surveys

Abstract Surveys of vocalizing individuals are useful in detecting widely dispersed species that are hard to locate visually. We determined whether conspecific density affects spontaneous vocalizations of territorial Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) and thus creates a bias in passive auditory surveys. We mainly listened to dusk call displays of 17 males breeding in two areas of high and low density from the beginning of call activity in October to the start of egg-laying in February. We detected differences in call behavior between males breeding in high density vs. low density. The nearest neighbor distance between breeding males strongly and positively affected call duration. Low density caused low detectability of male Eagle Owls, and later timing of the first call after sunset. Failing to incorporate conspecific density and nearest neighbor distances in surveys of territorial species may reduce the accuracy of population estimates.
The effects of Propiscin [etomidate] on the behaviour, heart rate, and ventilation of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Background. The use of anaesthetics in aquaculture requires conducting specific studies of their effects on fish. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Propiscin (Polish agent containing etomidate) on common carp behaviour, heart rate, and ventilation. Material and methods. Carp were anaesthetised with Propiscin at the concentrations of 1 and 2 ml·l-1. An electrocardiograph was used to record the heart rate and the amplitude and rate of the opercular movements. The effects of atropine and forced water flow over the gill system on the anaesthetised carp’s heart rate were also studied. Results. At either concentration, Propiscin caused general anaesthesia manifesting itself in: a loss of equilibrium, faded responses to external stimuli, gradual ventilation failure, and bradycardia. A high correlation between respiration rate and heart rate was found in the anaesthetised fish. Conclusion. The hypoxia was the direct cause of bradycardia, and the regularity and amplitude of breathing were the most important indicators of the level of Propiscinevoked anaesthesia.
Influência do substrato, tamanho de sementes e maturação de frutos na formação de mudas de pitangueira

The experiments were carried out at Embrapa Temperate Climate and the seedlings conducted in polystyrene trays with 72 cells, placed in a greenhouse with manual irrigation. The experimental design used in the experiments was completely randomized in a factorial design, using four replicates with 12 seeds each (Experiment 1) and three replicates of 18 seeds each (Experiment 2). The treatments of experiment 1 were the seed size (medium and small) and substrate (Plantimax®, vermiculite, coconut fiber). In the second experiment the treatments were the selections of Surinam cherry (67 and 172) and fruit ripening (partially and fully mature). The parameters were evaluated: emergency percentage, shoot length and the longest root (cm), number of leaves per plant, dry mass of root and shoot (g), brocade seeds, dormant and not emerged. The seeds of medium size were higher than little seeds in all variables. The substrate Plantimax® provided greater total dry matter than the coconut fiber, but no difference from the vermiculite. The selection 172 had a higher percentage of emergency and lower dormancy than 67. Seeds from fully ripe fruits showed higher dormancy and fewer leaves than partially ripe fruit seeds. It is concluded that the use of medium size seed and the substrate Plantimax® improve seedling development of Surinam cherry. The degree of ripeness of the fruit affects the process of seeds dormancy and initial seedling of Surinam cherry.
Circadian rhythm in males of Aegla schmitti (Decapoda, Anomura, Aeglidae) under laboratory conditions

A study of the daily activity pattern of male Aegla schmitti was carried out in the laboratory. Animals were acclimated in aquaria with a water temperature of 18.5 °C and a photoperiod of 12:12 (day/night) for seven days. Two experiments were then performed. The first consisted of observing animals during the daytime when subjected to a natural photoperiod (NP); the second consisted of observing animals during the daytime hours but in the dark, whilst they were living under an inverted photoperiod (RP). The animals spent more time in active behaviors in the light and the time spent in these behaviors decreased during the night. By contrast, swimming and grooming showed peaks at 9:00 pm and midnight. This study is the first to evaluate the biology of behavioral aspects of A. schmitti, providing valuable information about feeding habits, mechanisms and patterns of agonistic activity in this crustacean family.
Linking commercial success of tour operators and agencies to conservation and community benefits in Costa Rica

SUMMARY Throughout the world tourism is a tool for economic growth, conservation and improved quality of life for local residents, yet negative environmental impacts and economic leakages are common. Since the impacts of tourism are variable, it is important to understand which businesses are providing conservation and community benefits. Commercial success is often cited as an important determinant of sustainable behaviour, however, little research examines relationships between commercial success and provision of conservation and community benefits. Tour operators (businesses that organize and run tours) and agencies (businesses that sell tours operated by others) offering nature-based tours and travel services in Costa Rica were surveyed to answer the following questions: is commercial success in tourism ventures associated with conservation behaviour and the provision of benefits to local communities? If so, what factors are most associated with commercial success? Commercially successful entrepreneurs provided environmental education to visitors, supported conservation groups or initiatives, reduced, reused and/or recycled waste, used environmentally friendly equipment, and built formal partnerships with community members. Typically, these entrepreneurs had larger businesses, greater perceived success (relative to other similar businesses), and more growth (both in terms of visitors and employees). However, the extent to which entrepreneurs educated and employed local people, purchased supplies locally, and patronized local hotels and lodges was not related to commercial success. Overall, a relationship existed between an entrepreneur's level of commercial success and the provision of conservation benefits, but there was little evidence supporting a relationship between commercial success and community benefits. Nevertheless, most tourism businesses reported that they do provide benefits to local communities regardless of their level of commercial success. Therefore, in a country like Costa Rica, with a long history of using tourism as a conservation and community development tool, this study showed that tourism can benefit the environment and local people.
Relation of Color, Size, and Canopy Placement of Prism Traps in Determining Capture of Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Abstract In 2008 we compared numbers of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, captured on glue-coated prism traps of different sizes (standard, double-length narrow, and quarter), colors (green and purple), and height in relation to the canopy of ash host trees (mid-canopy (10–13 m) and ground level (1.5 m)). Standard-size prism traps caught more A. planipennis than did quarter-size prism traps, but catch per square metre of surface area did not differ significantly among the three trap sizes. Twenty percent of quarter-size prism traps failed to catch a single beetle, while all traps of the two larger sizes were successful. The larger traps therefore appear to be more useful as detection tools. In 2009 we compared purple and green standard-size prism traps at three heights: midcanopy (13 m), lower canopy (6 m), and ground (1.5 m). Green traps caught more adult emerald ash borers than did purple traps in the mid and lower canopy, but there was no difference between traps hung at 1.5 m. The ratio of male to female adult emerald ash borers was also higher on green than on purple traps at all three heights.
Variability in starch physicochemical and functional properties of yam (Dioscorea sp) cultivated in Ivory Coast

An Erratum has been published for this article in Journal Of the Science of Food and Agriculture 85(5), 889 (2005). Native starches were extracted from 21 cultivars of four yam species representative of the yam population of Ivory Coast. They were first characterized for their proximate composition, starch physico-chemical properties (amylose content, particle size distribution, crystallinity, thermal properties and intrinsic viscosity). Some functional properties (swelling, solubility and pasting behaviour and paste clarity) were then determined. Analysis of variance and principal component analysis showed that three homogenous groups could be distinguished, mainly based on starch physico-chemical properties. The first group contained all yam starches of the D alata and the D cayenensis-rotundata complex species. It was characterized by a large diameter grain (approximately 25 µm), a high amylose content (around 25% db), a high intrinsic viscosity (mean of 190 cm3 g−1), and a high apparent viscosity and clarity of the paste. The second group contained the D esculenta varieties, characterized by a small granule size (diameter 6 µm), a low intrinsic viscosity (121 cm3 g−1), a high gelatinization enthalpy change (19 J g−1) and a low paste viscosity. The D dumetorum sample differed from the D esculenta group by having a pure A-type crystalline form and an opaque paste. A multiple regression showed that the volume fraction of the dispersed phase and native granule size (or amylose content) could account for close to 80% of the variability of paste apparent viscosity. Gel clarity appeared mainly linked to granule size, small granules from D dumetorum and D esculenta giving the most opaque gels. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Cytotaxonomy of the large Asteliads (Liliaceae) of the North Island of New Zealand

Abstract Five species of Astelia, as defined by Skottsberg in 1934, and two species of Collospermum were studied. Results show that the present names do not adequately reflect relationships, but, since the nomenclatural problems extend beyond the group of species studied, names as defined by Skottsberg are retained. In section Desmoneuron, A. trinervia is hexaploid and stands apart from the diploid A. solanderi in some morphological characters and also in ecological tolerances. Two subspecies of A. solanderi are recognised on the basis of morphological and phenological criteria. Natural hybrids are recognised between A. solanderi and A. banksii, the latter a diploid species of section Isoneuron. This indicates a genetical relationship between two sections which had, on morphological grounds, been placed in separate subgenera. In section Tricella, A. nervosa, A. nervosa var. silvestris, and A. cockaynei form a polyploid series, and they differ ecologically as well as in some morphological characters. They .