Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of isolates of fibre degrading bacteria on body weight changes, milk production and its composition, nutrient intake and nutrient utilization in lactating Murrah buffaloes

Fibrolytic bacterial strains were isolated from the rumen liquor of permanently fistulated buffaloes kept on high fibre diet (roughage: concentrate: 60:40; w/w) on the basis of in vitro true dry matter digestibility study on pure neutral detergent fibre isolated from wheat straw and on high fibre based diet (wheat straw: concentrate: 80:20; w/w). Based on enzyme activity, the most potent fibre degrading bacterial isolate was selected which was further characterized on the basis of its morphology, biochemical properties and molecular properties and was found to be Ruminococcus flavefaciens strain FD-1 which was finally used as feed supplement for in vivo trial on lactating Murrah buffaloes. 12 lactating buffaloes divided into treatment and control groups of six animals each were fed with experimental diets and live and autoclaved culture of best selected fibrolytic bacterial isolate (NB-1) that is, R. flavefaciens strain FD-1; 300 ml orally alternate day continuously for one month period. No significant difference was observed in the mean body weight changes and daily milk yield between the treated and control groups although the live body weight and daily milk yield was increased in live culture supplemented treated group. There was no effect on milk composition of the animal. The difference in mean dry matter intake was significant ( P <0.05) between control (11.11 kg/day) and treated groups (11.77 kg/day) during the experimental period. The digestibility of NDF and ADF was found to be higher in treated group by 9.66 and 19.20% over that of the control group although the effect was not significant. Thus, the bacterial culture of R. flavefaciens strain FD-1 showed the potential to be used as feed additive in the diet of ruminants for improving live body weight gain, daily milk yield as well as utilization of nutrients from lignocellulosic feeds. Keywords : Fibrolytic bacterial culture, lactating buffaloes, milk yield, nutrient utilization African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(21), pp. 3302-3308
Chemical and Antimicrobial Studies of Platycladus orientalis Essential Oils

The essential oils of fresh fruits and terminal branchlets with adherent leaves (leaves) of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, growing wild in Iran, were analyzed by GC-MS, and screened for bacteriostatic and fungistatic activities (MIC determination). Eighteen components were identified in the essential oils. The major constituents of both cases were a-pinene, sabinene, 3-carene, limonene and cedrol. The essential oil of leaves has no antimicrobial activity, while the essential oil from fruit showed a modest and slightly antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The defatted ethanol extract of leaves and fruits were rich in flavonoids and tannins.
Embryonic respiration in the dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula L.)

Dogfish eggs would appear to be eminently suitable for physiological study because of their large size, easy availability (egg laying seems to be continuous throughout the year except for a break during the autumn (Craik, 1978)); their long lasting development (between 240 and 300 days from laying to hatching (Foulley & Mellinger, 1980a)); the clear separation between yolk-sac and embryo, and the fact that eggs are normally laid in pairs (opening up the possibility of keeping one of them as control whilst experimenting upon the other).
Analyses of physico-chemical characteristics and phytoplankton communities of Lake Nasser during the last two decades

Lake Nasser is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. The creation of Lake Nasser, due to the impoundment of the River Nile in Southern Egypt, was accompanied by alterations in the environmental conditions that consequently affect the biota. Such alterations lead to corresponding changes in the diversity, abundance and distribution of the phytoplankton community. Therefore, the phytoplankton populations were followed and investigated in Lake Nasser. The phytoplankton community structure revealed a floristical diversity and is composed of various planktonic algal taxa appertaining to the divisions: Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta (diatoms), Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria), Dinophyta (Dinoflagellates) and Euglenophyta. Chlorophyta contribute more taxa to the phytoplankton than any other groups. However, diatoms and cyanobacteria are numerically the main components and alternate in dominance of the community. Dinoflagellates persist as frequent forms and the euglenoid algae are very scarcely represented. Re.
Human Neuroblasts Migrate to the Olfactory Bulb via a Lateral Ventricular Extension

The rostral migratory stream (RMS) is the main pathway by which newly born subventricular zone cells reach the olfactory bulb (OB) in rodents. However, the RMS in the adult human brain has been elusive. We demonstrate the presence of a human RMS, which is unexpectedly organized around a lateral ventricular extension reaching the OB, and illustrate the neuroblasts in it. The RMS ensheathing the lateral olfactory ventricular extension, as seen by magnetic resonance imaging, cell-specific markers, and electron microscopy, contains progenitor cells with migratory characteristics and cells that incorporate 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine and become mature neurons in the OB.
Performance of layers submitted to different forced-molting methods and different temperatures

This study was carried out to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens, in their second laying cycle submitted to different forced-molting methods and three environmental temperatures. Six hundred layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 15 treatments with five replicates of eight birds each, according to 5x3 factorial arrangement (molting methods vs. temperatures). The following forced-molting methods were applied: 90%, 70%, 50% dietary alfalfa inclusion, addition of 2,800 ppm zinc, and feed fasting. Temperatures were: 20 oC, 27 oC and 35 oC. At the end of each period of the second laying cycle, bird performance and egg quality were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The highest alfalfa inclusion level (90% alfalfa and 10% basal diet) proved to be efficient as compared to the other methods, independently of temperature.
Callus regeneration from stem explants of Pseudarthira viscida (L.) Wight and Arn. - a vulnerable medicinal plant.

An in vitro propagation protocol has been developed for Pseudarthira viscida (L.) Wight and Arn. (Papilionaideae), a vulnerable medicinal plant from stem callus was used for axillary shoot multiplication. The plant was standardized by using MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, supplemented with a cytokinin (BAP, KN) maximum number of shoot (29.87±5.34) were observed on the medium containing 0.6 mg/l BAP after three weeks of culture. Single shoots were induced and elongated on MS medium supplemented with BAP+NAA (0.4 + 0.04 mg/l). The elongated shoots were rooted in half MS medium with 0.4 mg/l IBA, and then were successfully hardened and transferred to the field.
Effect of method of Imperata cylindrica management on maize grain yield in the derived savanna of south-western Nigeria.

Field studies were conducted in 1991 and 1992 on a sandy loam soil in the derived savanna zone of south-western Nigeria to assess the effect of the underground organs of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel on maize grain yield. Total dry matter of I. cylindrica in abandoned arable land averaged 16 t ha -1 and rhizomes contributed 56% of this. Rhizome removal from soil before planting maize significantly increased maize yield relative to hoe tillage or slashing of I. cylindrica shoots before planting maize. Digging up rhizomes before planting maize and weeding the crop twice gave a yield reduction of only 23% compared with weed-free crops with rhizomes removed. Grain yield reduction was 51% in plots where rhizomes were only fragmented by hoe tillage and the crop was weeded twice. Grain yield was 62% less when maize was grown in slashed plots with intact rhizomes that were weeded four times (farmers' practice). Slashing without additional weeding resulted in crop failure in maize.
Physical properties of egg shells

Synopsis A method of recording the stress distribution in egg shells about an applied force is described. Results indicate that the axes of stress can be predicted by a theoretical analysis, assuming the shell is spherical. The force required to fracture a shell was not predictable. From a theoretical approach, shell thickness, ultimate tensile strength and curvature were the important factors in shell strength. An external force produced tension at the inner shell surface and compression at the outer surface at the point of contact. The maximum tensile stress was at the point of application of force and diminished radially from this point. Because the shell material is brittle and therefore weaker in tension than in compression, the shell must fracture initially at the inner surface under the point of contact. It was concluded that shell behaviour in tension is a major factor contributing to shell strength.
Greek-Cypriot pupils' representations of national others : a study of the impact of 'Europe' in a primary school curricular intervention

Over the last three decades the term ‘European dimension in education’ has been used by the European Union and the Council of Europe to denote some of their educational initiatives to prepare young people for an increasingly integrated Europe. Cyprus, a country at the margins of Europe and characterised by ethnic conflict and division, has had to respond to such demands as a condition of EU membership. The ‘European dimension’ was conceptualised as a subtle approach for a curricular intervention, to alleviate the ethnocentrism of primary curricula and to shift Greek-Cypriot pupils’ extreme views. This study showed that there were some interesting shifts which point to the potential of curricula in providing children with a wider range of ‘tools’ with which to represent national others.
Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Nucellar Frost 'Marsh' Grapefruit on Fifteen Rootstocks in Cyprus

Tree growth, yield, and fruit quality of nucellar 'Frost Marsh Seedless' grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) on 15 rootstocks were evaluated under Cyprus conditions. Over the 9-year production period, trees on Palestine sweet lime, the group of rough lemon, and Citrus volkameriana Pasq. were more productive per unit of tree size, and their cumulative yields per tree were significantly higher than those of trees on sour orange, which is the standard rootstock commercially used in Cyprus. Rootstocks affected fruit size and weight, rind thickness, juice content, total soluble solids concentration (SSC), and total acids, but the differences were not large enough to affect the market value of the fruit, On the basis of the results of this trial and because sour orange is highly susceptible to tristeza, the C. volkameriana and rough lemon group, which are tolerant to tristeza, should be included in further trial plantings as a potential commercial rootstock.
The development of harmful social behaviour in pigs with intact tails and different enrichment backgrounds in two housing systems.

The present study compared the performance and development of adverse behaviours of pigs with intact tails, when housed in a straw-bedded system or a part-slatted system enriched with a commercial device. The pigs had previously received different enrichment treatments (rooting box, liquid dispenser, straw bedding or none), either in the farrowing crate or with their lactating dam or post weaning. The pigs were mixed in groups at 10 weeks of age and from then on, every 2 weeks, behavioural observations were performed, focusing mainly on harmful social behaviour and enrichment use. The study showed that pigs with undocked tails can be at high risk of tail biting in part-slatted systems, whereas the straw bedding prevented the development of tail biting. The immediate effects of the environment seemed to exert a greater influence on the development of adverse behaviour than early life enrichment and adding a simple enrichment device could not compensate for the deficiencies in the barren environment of the part-slatted system. In order to prevent vice, functional design of environmental enrichment is required.
REVISION OF GREWIA ( MALVACEAE–GREWIOIDEAE ) IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA AND BORNEO

Two keys to distinguish the genera Grewia and Microcos are presented, one based on macromorphological characters and the other on micromorphological characters. Grewia is revised for Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Despite the 33 names published under Grewia for the region only four species are recognized here. Grewia multiflora is newly recorded from Borneo and attention is drawn to its curious distribution; G. huluperakensis is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia; G. polygama is found in limestone forest in northern Peninsular Malaysia, and G. laevigata is common in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. A key, descriptions and illustrations are provided for all four species. A list of excluded species names is included: all are referable to Microcos.
Combining ability analysis for yield and yield components in basmati rice

Twenty eight F1’s produced from diallel cross excluding reciprocals among eight parents, were studied along with the parents for combining ability for yield and 15 yield components. The study revealed importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in governing yield and yield components with preponderance of nonadditive gene action for most of the yield components. Additive gene action was found important for 1000-grain weight. The parental genotype UPR 2845-6-3-1 and Pant Sugandh Dhan 15 were found good general combiners. The hybrids namely Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/Basmati 370, Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/Type 3, Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/Pant Sugandh Dhan 17, Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/Pusa Basmati 1, Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/Pusa Sugandh 4, Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/UPR 2845-6-3-1, Pant Sugandh Dhan 15/UPR 3003-11-1-1, Basmati 370/Pant Sugandh Dhan 17, Basmati 370/Pusa Basmati 1, Type 3/Pusa Basmati1, Type 3/UPR 2845-6-3-1, Pant Sugandh Dhan 17/Pusa Sugandh 4, Pant Sugandh Dhan17/UPR 2845-6-3-1, Pant Sugandh Dhan 17/UPR 3003-11-1-1, Pusa Basmati 1/Pusa Sugandh 4, Pusa Sugandh 4/UPR 2845-6-3-1 and UPR 2845-6-3-1/UPR 3003-11-1-1 have shown significant favourable sca effect for yield and different yield components.
Bioaccumulation patterns of polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides in Northwest Atlantic pilot whales

Contaminant exposure is widespread among marine mammals but is of unknown significance. This study characterized organochlorine bioaccumulation in pilot whales, and these bioaccumulation patterns are proposed as representative of Northwest (NW) Atlantic cetacea. Samples were collected from whales stranded in Massachusetts and caught in nets. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and chlorinated pesticide concentrations were determined via GC/ECD and found to be similar to those reported for other NW Atlantic odontocetes. The organochlorine in highest concentration was 4,4′‐DDE, followed by trans‐nonachlor, 4,4′‐DDD, dieldrin, cis‐chlordane, Cl4(52), Cl5(95), Cl5(101), Cl5(118), Cl6(138), Cl6(149), Cl6(153), Cl7(180), and Cl7(187). The concentration of 19 pesticides was higher in blubber (21 ± 26 μg/g lipid “ppm”) than liver (5.0 ± 7.1 ppm). The concentration of 26 PCB congeners was also greater in blubber (7.6 ±7.1 ppm) than liver (0.4 ± 7.3 ppm). Principal component analysis and ANOVA indicated that blubber accumulated proportionately more of the most recalcitrant compounds, such as 4,4′‐DDE and nonmetabolizable PCBs, compared to liver. Whales that stranded together had more similar bioaccumulation than animals of the same gender or maturity. The high variation among individuals in tissue concentrations and the similarity within a stranding group suggest that pilot whale pods are exposed to a large range of pollutant sources, such as through different prey and feeding locations.
Population estimates of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) in valley thicket and coastal bushveld–grassland habitat

Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are usually nocturnal, solitary, secretive and inhabit thick bush, making it difficult to estimate its density and abundance. The present study assessed simulated drive counts, distance sampling from sighting efforts, and mark-resighting as estimators of bushbuck population size in valley thicket and coastal bushveld–grassland habitat for management purposes. Sighting efforts using distance sampling during spring were found to be the most effective estimators of bushbuck density and abundance at Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve. Furthermore, the method had high repeatability and simplicity, and low costs. However, continued estimations are required over several years to determine whether these estimations are useful for monitoring population trends of bushbuck.
The behaviour of populations of potato cyst eelworm Heterodera rostochiensis Woll. Towards resistant potato varieties derived from Solarium tuberosum ssp. andigena Juz & Buk

SUMMARY Many populations of Heterodera rostochiensis mostly from the main potato growing areas of England and Wales, were tested with eelworm-resistant potato varieties (andigena hybrids). Except in the Eastern Region, where resistant varieties were planted alongside commercial varieties in infested fields, tests were done in pots inoculated with a standard number of cysts extracted from a single soil sample from each field. The tests showed that England and Wales could be divided into areas according to the percentage of cysts( 70%) produced on the resistant compared with a commercial non-resistant variety. On the peat soils of the East Anglian fens and in Bedfordshire, Essex and Kent (area A) most populations produce few cysts on resistant varieties. In much of the East Midlands and Yorkshire (area D), populations produce many cysts on resistant varieties which behave much as ordinary susceptible potatoes. Populations in the rest of England and Wales (areas B, C) vary and in many districts every field must be tested separately. If the pathotypes occurring in Britain had separate origins in South America, the present distribution in England and Wales is probably due to chance introductions dispersed with seed and following the patterns of trade in seed potatoes. As all commercial varieties, before the release of eelworm-resistant ones, were about equally susceptible to the different pathotypes, the varieties themselves probably played little part in determining the present distribution of pathotypes.
Endosymbiotic Methanogenic Bacteria In Anaerobic Ciliates: Significance For the Growth Efficiency of the Host

Endosymbiotic methanogenic bacteria of three species of anaerobic ciliates (Plagiopyla frontata, Metopus conforms, and M. palaeformis) were inactivated with the specific methanogen inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid. the absence of endosymbiont methanogens reduced growth rate and growth yield by about 30% in P. frontata and M. contortus, while no significant change in fitness was observed in M. palaeformis. In Plagiopyla the growth rate constant is not affected by an artificially increased pH2 neither in normal nor in methanogen-free ciliates. the energetic advantage conferred by endosymbiont methanogens in Plagiopyla and in Metopus contortus probably is due to excretion of organic material from the bacteria at the expense of bacterial reproduction. It is unlikely that the maintenance of a low pH2 within the cells due to H2-consumption by the bacteria is important to the ciliates.
Historical and contemporary biological diversity of Minnesota caddisflies: a case study of landscape-level species loss and trophic composition shift

Abstract The biological diversity reflected by nearly 300,000 caddisfly specimens collected throughout Minnesota since 1985 was compared with that of 25,000 specimens recorded prior to 1950 and was analyzed based on the 5 caddisfly regions of Minnesota. In the Lake Superior, Northern, and Southeastern regions, >90% of species known historically from each region were recovered and additional species were discovered. In the Northwestern and Southern regions—the most disturbed areas of Minnesota—species recovery ranged from 60 to 70%. Historical and contemporary assemblages were similar to each other in the former 3 regions and markedly different in the latter 2. Prior to 1950, species in all trophic functional groups were widespread in all regions. A similar pattern still exists in the Lake Superior, Northern, and Southeastern regions, whereas the Northwestern and Southern regions are now dominated by filtering collectors in all sizes of lakes and streams. Over 65% of species extirpated from any region were in the long-lived families Limnephilidae and Phryganeidae, and 70% of these same species were in the shredder functional group. Almost 30% of the statewide fauna has been found from <5 localities since 1950, suggesting a degree of imperilment on par with that of freshwater bivalves, gastropods, and fish. These observed losses of biodiversity and changes in trophic composition have probably occurred as a result of anthropogenic disturbance throughout most of the northcentral US.
Integral projection models perform better for small demographic data sets than matrix population models: a case study of two perennial herbs.

Summary 1. Matrix population models are widely used to describe population dynamics, conduct population viability analyses and derive management recommendations for plant populations. For endangered or invasive species, management decisions are often based on small demographic data sets. Hence, there is a need for population models which accurately assess population performance from such small data sets. 2. We used demographic data on two perennial herbs with different life histories to compare the accuracy and precision of the traditional matrix population model and the recently developed integral projection model (IPM) in relation to the amount of data. 3. For large data sets both matrix models and IPMs produced identical estimates of population growth rate (k). However, for small data sets containing fewer than 300 individuals, IPMs often produced smaller bias and variance for k than matrix models despite different matrix structures and sampling techniques used to construct the matrix population models. 4. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that the smaller bias and variance of k estimates make IPMs preferable to matrix population models for small demographic data sets with a few hundred individuals. These results are likely to be applicable to a wide range of herbaceous, perennial plant species where demographic fate can be modelled as a function of a continuous state variable such as size. We recommend the use of IPMs to assess population performance and management strategies particularly for endangered or invasive perennial herbs where little demographic data are available.
Elimination of Citrus psorosis virus by somatic embryogenesis from stigma and style cultures

Somatic embryogenesis was used to eliminate Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) from three citrus species (common mandarin, sweet orange and Dweet tangor), all of which regenerated somatic embryos with different embryogenic potential from stigma and style explants. CPsV was detected by double antibody sandwich-indirect-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DASI-ELISA) in explants and embryogenic callus, but was not detected in any of the plants obtained from somatic embryos, even 24 months after regeneration. Loss of juvenile characters (disappearance of thorns) was observed in the first year of growth and was retained in plants propagated by grafting from thornless stems. Somatic embryogenesis appears to be a very promising technique for the production of healthy citrus stocks.