Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer-simulated evaluation of insect phenology models developed in the tropics: Chilo suppressalis (Walker) as an example

Computer-simulated studies were conducted to see if lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations could be estimated for tropical insects through field studies. In addition, computer-simulated studies were conducted to see if the use of such estimates, in phenology models, would provide for more reliable (less variable) predictions of insect phenological events than the use of calendar-based methods. Finally, we wished to see if predictions of tropical insect phenology, when using phenology models that had 'low quality' estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations, would give predictions that are just as reliable as those from phenology models that make use of 'high quality' estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations. Our results indicate that it is possible to estimate lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations of tropical insects from studies that are conducted in the field. They also indicate that predictions of insect phenology in the tropics, when made by using some phenology models, might be more reliable than the use of calendar-based methods. Finally, our results indicate that predictions of insect phenology in the tropics, when using phenology models that made use of low quality estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations, are just as reliable as predictions that are made when using phenology models which made use of high quality estimates. From these results we conclude that the development and use of insect phenology models may prove beneficial for predicting insect phenological events in the tropics.
Biological farming for sustainable agricultural production

In 1989, funding was provided to establish a large-scale (16-ha), long-term trial at Roseworthy campus. The trial aims to compare organic, biodynamic, integrated, and conventional broadacre farming systems for attributes of sustainability. It is overseen by a 13-member management committee comprising farmers with experience in each practice, agronomists, and soil scientists. Through the monitoring of indicators such as soil physical, chemical, and biological changes, product quality, economics, crop water usage, and energy requirements, the comparative advantages or disadvantages of each system are being evaluated in terms of productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. After 6 years, significant differences between systems are apparent in economic returns and soil available phosphorus (P) levels. The biodynamic treatment has the highest gross margins, followed by conventional, organic, and integrated. Conversely, available P levels on the biodynamic and organic treatments have declined 12 and 9%, respectively, since the start of the trial, while both the integrated and conventional treatments have increased soil P levels. In summary, it is too early in the trial to state categorically that any one system is more sustainable than another, although trends are now emerging. Weed management remains the main impediment to high production levels on the organic and biodynamic treatments, while input costs, variable yields, and low returns for grazed pastures are major constraints to high economic returns on the integrated and conventional systems.
Longitudinal Growth Differences and the Influence of Diet Quality on Atka Mackerel of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Using a Bioenergetics Model to Explore Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Atka mackerel Pleurogrammus monopterygius make up the single largest biomass of groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and are an important component of this marine ecosystem. Atka mackerel show a significant decrease in size from east to west. We compared fish from two study areas reflecting this size cline: Seguam Pass in the eastern Aleutians and Amchitka Island in the western Aleutians. At any given age, the Atka mackerel at the former location are larger than those at the latter (e.g., 5-year-old fish average 732 g and 39 cm fork length at Seguam Pass but only 575 g and 36 cm at Amchitka Island). Our objectives were to determine the mechanisms underlying the observed differences in growth, such as prey availability, prey quality, and thermal experience. We used a bioenergetics model to examine the effects of diet and temperature on growth. The model estimates of consumption fell within the range of those observed for Atka mackerel, suggesting that the model was an appropriate tool for exploring these effects. The results obtained with the model suggest that prey quality is the main factor in the observed size differences. At Seguam Pass Atka mackerel ate a more energetically rich diet consisting of euphausiids and fish, whereas at Amchitka Island copepods dominated the diet and there was little to no fish consumption. The model results also suggest that thermal experience contributed less to the observed differences in growth than did the composition of the diet. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the growth of Atka mackerel will improve predictions of biomass and yield within the framework of a dynamic ecosystem and a changing climate.
Phosphorus geochemistry of recent sediments in the South Basin of Lake Winnipeg

Lake Winnipeg supports the largest commercial fishery on Canadian Prairies. It has been influenced by a variety of environmental forces and anthropogenic activities. To gain a better understanding of recent changes in nutrient status of the lake, it is important to reconstruct its previous history from sedimentary records. Lacustrine sediments are known to be an important sink of many dissolved and suspended substances, including phosphorus, hence, they provide a permanent historical record of changes occurring in the lake. These changes may be induced by natural factors or by anthropogenic activities in the watershed. Phosphorus profiles from dated sediment cores collected in 1999 and 1994 from the South Basin of Lake Winnipeg were investigated to determine phosphorus enrichment in recent sediments. To interpret the nutrient status and depositional conditions responsible for the trends in total phosphorus, three operationally defined forms of phosphorus (P) were determined: non-apatite inorganic P, apatite P, and organic P. Significant increases in sediment phosphorus concentrations were observed in the uppermost 20 cm of the cores and several anomalies were observed at depth. A doubling in total phosphorus relative to aluminum over the last fifty years is largely due to increases in the non-apatite inorganic fraction, suggesting that much of sedimentary phosphorus increase is attributable to changes in the nutrient status of the water column related to anthropogenic inputs. Organic phosphorus exhibits a subtle increase in the upper 20 cm of the gravity cores, likely due to increases in the primary productivity of the lake. Except for the slight increase in deeper sediments, apatite phosphorus, which is thought to be of detrital origin, remained fairly constant over the length of the cores. Anomalous spikes in phosphorus concentrations deeper in the cores, comprised mainly of the non-apatite inorganic phosphorus fraction, likely resulted from natural variation in local oxidizing conditions, possibly induced by changes in water circulation and/or changes in sediment deposition rates due to climatic variation. The results of this investigation contribute to increased understanding of the depositional history of phosphorus in the lake over the last millennium.
Determination and Involvement of Aqueous Reducing Compounds in Oxidative Defense Systems of Various Senescing Leaves

A method for determining different types of reducing activity in aqueous leaf extracts of various edible herb species [watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), and sage (Salvia officinalis L.)] was developed. This method, based on kinetics of the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II), was employed to study the correlation between leaf senescence rates under darkness and their relative reducing capacity in aqueous extracts, which represents an oxidative defense mechanism. Evidence is presented showing that the total reducing capacity is negatively correlated with the relative senescence rate of these four herb species and thereby provides a means to predict their storage potential. Also, the initiation of senescence processes was associated with a weakening of the oxidative defense systems. Exogenous application of active reducing agents (morin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, and glutathione) inhibited significantly chlorophyll degradation of detached parsley leaves to an extent related to their in vitro effectiveness of reducing activity. The results further emphasize the correlation between decreasing senescence rate and increasing reducing activity, thereby confirming the possible involvement of reducing compounds in oxidative defense systems of various edible senescing leaves.
Taxonomic studies on the Dryinidae of Mozambique (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea)

Abstract Only three species of Dryinidae were known so far from Mozambique. In 1985 and 1992 the author collected and reared several species there, resulting in the discovery of three new species (Gonatopus festivus, G. amoenus and Paradicondylus australis) and 9 known species of which 7 are new records from Mozambique (Anteon afrum Olmi, Echthrodelphax migratorius Benoit, Gonatopus varipes Brues, G. ochreus Olmi, G. incognitus Olmi, G. ridens Olmi, and G. communis Olmi). Gonatopus festivus, sp. nov. and Paradicondylus australis, sp. nov. were reared from Nisia nervosa (Mots.) (Meenoplidae), reporting dryinids parasitizing Meenoplidae for the first time. Also the male of Gonatopus varipes is described for the first time.
Predicting the past distribution of species climatic niches.

Predicting past distributions of species climatic niches, hindcasting, by using climate envelope models (CEMs) is emerging as an exciting research area. CEMs are used to examine veiled evolutionary questions about extinctions, locations of past refugia and migration pathways, or to propose hypotheses concerning the past population structure of species in phylogeographical studies. CEMs are sensitive to theoretical assumptions, to model classes and to projections in non-analogous climates, among other issues. Studies hindcasting the climatic niches of species often make reference to these limitations. However, to obtain strong scientific inferences, we must not only be aware of these potential limitations but we must also overcome them. Here, I review the literature on hindcasting CEMs. I discuss the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling, i.e. the stability of climatic niches through time and the equilibrium of species with climate. I also summarize a set of ‘recommended practices’ to improve hindcasting. The studies reviewed: (1) rarely test the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling such as the stability of species climatic niches through time and the equilibrium of species with climate; (2) they only use one model class (72% of the studies) and one palaeoclimatic reconstruction (62.5%) to calibrate their models; (3) they do not check for the occurrence of non-analogous climates (97%); and (4) they do not use independent data to validate the models (72%). Ignoring the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling and using inadequate methods for hindcasting CEMs may well entail a cascade of errors and naive ecological and evolutionary inferences. We should also push integrative research lines linking macroecology, physiology, population biology, palaeontology, evolutionary biology and CEMs for a better understanding of niche dynamics across space and time.
Embryogenesis and larval differentiation in sponges

Having descended from the first multicellular animals on earth, sponges are a key group in which to seek innovations that form the basis of the metazoan body plan, but sponges themselves have a body plan that is extremely difficult to reconcile with that of other animals. Adult sponges lack overt anterior–posterior polarity and sensory organs, and whether they possess true tissues is even debated. Nevertheless, sexual reproduction occurs as in other metazoans, with the development of embryos through a structured series of cellular divisions and organized rearrangements of cellular material, using both mesenchymal and epithelial movements to form a multicellular embryo. In most cases, the embryo undergoes morphogenesis into a spatially organized larva that has several cell layers, anterior–posterior polarity, and sensory capabilities. Here we review original data on the mode of cleavage, timing of cellular differentiation, and the mechanisms involved in the organization of differentiated cells to form the .
Consequências da deriva de clomazone e sulfentrazone em clones de E. grandis x E. urophylla

This research aimed to develop accurate information about the effects of two simulated herbicide drift (clomazone and sulfentrazone) on the growth of Votorantim Celulose e Papel Eucalyptus grandis x E. urohylla comercial clones (VCP1 and VCP2). This research imposed doses to clomazone ranging between 0 and 2000 mL ha-1 and 0 to 1500 mL ha-1 to sulfentrazone. One cutting of each clone was planted in 5.0 liter plastic pots filled with sandy soil. 80 days after the planting, the herbicide applications were carried out. The treatments were applied to plots with completely randomized blocks with a 2x8 factorial design and replicated three times. The clomazone effects resulted in yellowish, pinkish young leaves and, in some cases, a whitening effect between leaf veins and strongly green and thicker older leaves. The growth parameters were reduced between 13 and 57% and the critical doses of clomazone were from 800 to 1200 ml ha-1, for the clones VCP1 and VCP2, respectively. For sulfentrazone, the drift symptoms included speckling and spotting of younger and older leaves, and purple rings around the spots. High deformation of younger leaves, regular deformation of older leaves, and apical dominance also occurred. The growth parameters indicated a reduction between 9 and 66%. The critical doses to sulfentrazone were 75 - 1200 ml ha-1, for the clones VCP1 and VCP2, respectively. We may conclude from this research that clomazone and sulfentrazone drift could affect the development of the clones evaluated.
Persistence and productivity of Medicago sativa subspecies sativa, caerulea, falcata and varia accessions at three intermittently dry sites in south-eastern Australia

The persistence and productivity of a diverse range of Medicago sativa germplasm including representatives of subspecies sativa, caerulea, falcata and varia were examined at 3 field sites in south-eastern Australia over 4 years. Sites were located at Tamworth, Barmedman and Hamilton, forming a 1200 km north–south transect with rainfall distribution varying from predominantly summer dominant in the north to winter dominant at the most southerly site. Several entries of subspecies varia and caerulea had herbage yields and persistence equivalent to that of M. sativa subspecies sativa cultivar Sceptre, a highly winter-active type that was used as a standard. The cultivar Cancreep, a cross of M. falcata and M. sativa, had a total yield over 3 years equivalent to 84–91% of Sceptre at the 2 sites where it was sown. Individual lines of subspecies varia demonstrated good persistence under grazing and were ranked 2nd and 6th out of 35 accessions for frequency in year 4 at Barmedman, the driest site, and 5th, 7th and 9th out of 33 accessions at Tamworth, the more summer-dominant rainfall site. Entries of subspecies falcata were among the least productive and persistent. The study indicated that germplasm from subspecies caerulea and varia offered hitherto unexploited potential for selection as persistent and drought-tolerant perennial legume alternatives to M. sativa for extensive low management grazing systems of south-eastern Australia.
Jasmonic acid induces the production of gerbera volatiles that attract the biological control agent Phytoseiulus persimilis

Jasmonic acid (JA) is a plant hormone that is involved in the induction of plant defence in response to herbivore attack. We studied the effect of exposure of gerbera leaves to JA on indirect plant defence, i.e. attraction of natural enemies of herbivores. Treatment of gerbera leaves with JA or feeding damage by the herbivorous spider mite Tetranychus urticae, both induced the production of a complex odour blend that attracts the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. This phytoseiid predator is a very effective biological control agent of the spider mite T. urticae. Comparison of headspace composition of gerbera leaves exposed to either JA or T. urticae revealed a large degree of resemblance, but some quantitative and qualitative differences were recorded. The major chemical group in both treatments is formed by the terpenoids which quantitatively comprised up to 80% of the total odour blend. These terpenoids included (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene, (E)‐β‐ocimene and linalool that are known to attract P. persimilis. Aldehydes, alcohols, esters and ketones, together with nitrogenous compounds formed the remaining constituents of the odour blend. The induction of predator attractants in plants by JA may be applied in biological control programs, which is discussed in this paper.
Nautiliniellidae (Annelida) from Costa Rican cold seeps and a western Pacific hydrothermal vent, with description of four new species

Four genera and five species of Nautiliniellidae (Phyllodocida; Annelida), representing four new species and one new record, were found in association with bivalves belonging to Mytilidae (Bathymodiolus spp.), Solemyidae (Acharax sp.) and Vesicomyidae (Calyptogena and Vesicomya) from hydrothermal vents of the western Pacific (Lau back-arc basin) and cold seeps of the eastern Pacific (Costa Rica). Iheyomytilidicola lauensis n. sp. is characterized by the presence of unidentate hooks; Laubierus alvini n. sp. has long dorsal cirri and notoacicula not protruding in any segment; Natsushima sashai n. sp has bifurcate chaetae with distal teeth markedly different in length and width between each other; and Shinkai fontefridae n. sp. differs in having posterior hooks with subdistal spines. Sexual dimorphism is described for Shinkai and Natsushima species and confirmed by DNA sequencing (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences). In addition, one specimen of N. bifurcata Miura & Laubier, 1990 from the Gulf of Cádiz has been studied to compare it morphologically and genetically with N. sashai n. sp. Scanning electron and optical microscopy images are provided for each species, as well as pictures of live animals. Morphological features described and documented for the first time include the presence of internal longitudinal chambers within chaetae and possible evidence that the simple chaetae, characteristic of nautiliniellids, may be derived from compound chaetae.
Speciation and spectrophotometric determination of uranium in seawater

A series of ion-exchange and extraction procedures for the separation of uranium from seawater samples and subsequent spectrophotometric determination of uranium in seawater by means of arsenazo(III) is described. According to the measurements performed by means of traced samples at every stage of separation, the yield of the pre-analytical procedures is generally over 90% and the separation of uranium very selective. The mean uranium concentration in seawater samples collected from five different coastal areas in Cyprus was found to be 3.2 p 0.2 & micro; g L-1. Uranium in seawater is stable in its hexavalent oxidation state and UO 2 (CO 3 )34- is the predominant species under normal coastal conditions (pH ≥ 8, EH ≥ 0.35 mV, 1 atm and 0.03% CO 2 ).
New records of Grania (Clitellata, Enchytraeidae) in the Northeast Atlantic (from Tromsø to the Canary Islands), with descriptions of seven new species

Previous northeast Atlantic records of Grania have been mainly from Germany, southern Scandinavia, and the Atlantic shores of France, Spain and Ireland. They were referred to eight species, with one, G. atlantica, reported from the continental slope. We have examined various unpublished collections from sources spanning from the Canary Islands to the Norwegian Arctic. Apart from new information on morphology, taxonomy, and distribution of known species, we describe seven new taxa (G. canaria, G. fortunata, G. mauretanica, G. aquitana, G. vikinga, G. torosa, and G. papillinasus). The collection of G. papillinasus from 2630-2885 m represents a new depth record for Enchytraeidae. Twenty-five of the now 57 Grania species occur in the North Atlantic. The North Atlantic drift moderates sea temperatures along the northeast Atlantic coasts, probably facilitating the wide latitudinal range of some taxa, as well as actual dispersal within the region. A "chaetal index" (chaetal length : chaetal foot length) is proposed to differentiate L-shaped chaetae at the species level. Complex relationships within the "type 6 group" of Grania suggest that groupings established using certain combinations of penial, chaetal and spermathecal patterns may not be monophyletic. For a better phylogenetic resolution, additional morphological details of these and other characters are needed.
Phylogenetic relationships of Biebersteinia Stephan (Geraniaceae) inferred from rbcL and atpB sequence comparisons

Phylogenetic analysis of rbcL and atpB gene sequences from Biebersteinia Stephan (represented by B. orphanidis Boiss.) and from selected taxa of the rosids I and II clades does not support traditional grouping of this genus in Geraniaceae s.s. nor in Geraniales, but indicates strong support for a position nested within Sapindales (as recently delimitated). The rbcL and atpB phylogenies obtained were congruent but differently resolved and do not link Biebersteinia to any other clade within Sapindales. Biebersteinia is on a long branch on its own which, given the particular combination of apomorphic morphological characters, justifies familial status
Predicting nutritional condition in black bears and polar bears on the basis of morphological and physiological measurements

Thirty-eight black bears (Ursus americanus) and 43 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were dissected to determine equations for predicting body weight (BW) and nonfat body weight (NFBW). Nutritional condition was estimated by calculating a fat to nonfat (FNF) ratio, equalling (BW – NFBW)/NFBW. For each species, BW and NFBW were accurately predicted by multiple regression equations based on morphological measurements. The FNF ratio was independent of body size and thus comparable between sexes and among age-classes. The accuracy of predicting the FNF ratio is limited, and reliable comparisons of nutritional condition among individual bears will require the development of more accurate techniques. Physiological measurements of marrow and intramuscular percent lipid content were also evaluated as potential indicators of nutritional condition, but were determined to be unreliable.