Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Porcine Somatotropin (PST) Administration to Growing Pigs: Effects on Adipose Tissue Composition and Processed Product Characteristics

Fatty acid profiles and proximate composition were determined at seven carcass locations from 64 pigs. Fatty acid composition was not altered by PST treatment (P > 0.05). The more unsaturated outer layer of subcutaneous fat was present in a greater proportion in the PST-treated pigs. Adipose tissue fat content was decreased (P < 0.01), whereas percentage moisture and protein was increased (P < 0.01), by PST. Boneless ham characteristics did not differ among treatment groups (P < 0.05). Pepperoni from PST pigs dried more efficiently and was harder than control pepperoni. Bacon from PST pigs contained less fat and was softer than control bacon. Difference in texture of products, particularly bellies for bacon from PST-treated pigs, seemed to be a result of an altered proximate composition.
Blood protozoan parasites of rodents in Jos, Plateau State, Nigerai

One hundred and thirty rodents, comprising nine different species caught from seven different locations in Jos, Nigeria, were examined for blood protozoan parasites, and 82(63.08%) were positive, with Plasmodium 63(48.46%), Trypanosoma 4(3.08%), Toxoplasma 6(4.62%), Babesia 7(5.38%) and Anaplasma 2(1.54%). The distribution of the hemoparasites in the nine different species of rodents were 81.82% each in Steatomys pratensis (fat mouse) and Thryonomys swinderianus (cane rat), 80.77% in Thamnomys rutilans (thicket rat), 75.00% in Rattus rattus (black rat), 72.22% in Mus musculus (house mouse), 36.36% in Hystrix cristata (porcupine) and 50.00% in Cricetomys gambianus (Gambian giant rat). No blood parasite was encountered in Cavia aperea porcelus (guinea pig) and Xerus erythropus (ground squirrel). The differences between the prevalence rates were significant (p 0.05). The public health significance of the parasites encountered is discussed. Keywords : Rodents, parasites, protozoa, blood, Nigeria > Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2 (4) 2006: pp. 202-207
Are Dolphins Reciprocal Altruists?

We believe that when taken in its totality, the very scattered and often anecdotal literature on dolphins suggests the existence of a system based to a considerable degree on reciprocal altruism. The evidence of epimeletic behavior, though based wholly on anecdotes, is so common as to be overwhelming in its broad detail. The data on school structure, based on reliable marking studies at sea, clearly shows much fluidity of relationship, except in the larger dimorphic, polygynous species; but in both, intergeneric and interspecific cooperative behavior is clear. Reciprocal altruism carries with it the opportunity for the development of complicated social relationships involving, in addition to altruism, deceit, punishment of those who violate social rules, and complicated communication systems between school members. While we could cite isolated anecdotes supporting this or that development of these sorts, we prefer not to at this point, but instead to conclude that in dolphins we are surely dealing with complicated social systems whose outlines we are now just beginning to understand.
Testing the applicability of the SASS5 scoring procedure for assessing wetland health: a case study in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, South Africa

A study was undertaken between 29th January and 17th February 2004 to test the applicability of the South African Scoring System Version 5 (SASS5) scoring and calculation procedure in nutrient-enriched palustrine wetlands in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Four reference wetlands and three dairy-effluent impacted wetlands were sampled. Six macroinvertebrate samples were collected with a SASS net from each wetland. For each sample, the macroinvertebrates were identified and assigned a predetermined SASS5 tolerance score. Data for selected physico-chemical variables, macrohabitat condition, biotope suitability and organism detectability were collected to assist in interpretation of results. Thirty-eight taxa, identified to family level, were collected during sampling. Total SASS5 scores ranged from 15 to 82. Five of the wetlands had mean SASS5 scores of between 46 and 59. Five of the wetlands had an intra-wetland SASS5 score range of greater than 30. Average score per taxa (ASPT) values ranged from 3.3 to 5.5, and few high scoring (≥ 8) taxa were collected. There was no significant difference in SASS5 scores between samples collected above, at, and downstream of, an effluent discharge point within the same impacted wetland. SASS5 scores for reference wetlands were also not significantly higher than those recorded for impacted wetlands. Comparison of ranked SASS5 scores and environmental data did suggest a relationship between the variables, but this was not significant. Based on the SASS5 score water quality guidelines, all sampled wetlands were considered to have impacted water quality. However, this was not supported by the macrohabitat and physico-chemical results. There are a number of possible reasons for the low SASS5 scores: the lack of biotopes present in wetlands compared to rivers (most notably the absence of the stones-in-current biotope), lower levels of dissolved oxygen present compared to rivers, limited habitat availability due to low rainfall during the sampling season, and the limited detectability of organisms due to large amounts of substrate in the samples. Without modification, SASS5 appears unsuitable for assessing wetlands. However, variation in taxon composition — within impacted wetlands and between reference and impacted wetlands, revealed through multivariate analysis — suggests that macroinvertebrates are responsive to changes in wetland condition, and thus show potential as indicators of wetland water quality. It is recommended that a habitat or biotope index be further developed and used in conjunction with any future wetland macroinvertebrate bioassessment protocols.
Anthropogenic Nesting Sites Allow Urban Breeding in Burrowing Parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus

Summary. How birds adapt to urban life is a key question in evolutionary and conservation biology since urbanisation is one of the major causes of habitat loss worldwide. Some species are able to deal with these anthropogenic changes but a shortage of nesting sites may preclude them from breeding in cities. We conducted a baseline survey of the cliff-nesting burrowing parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus around Bahía Blanca (Argentina), estimating a minimum total of 1,361 pairs breeding at 24 sites (colonies) in 2013. The species showed facultative colonial behaviour, colony size varying between 1 and 300 pairs. Most colonies (68%) and pairs (74%) occupied human-made substrates, mostly quarries but also water wells. Colony size was strongly correlated to the extent of both natural and anthropogenic nesting substrates, suggesting an ideal free distribution of pairs according to the availability of nesting resources. Anthropogenic substrates have certainly allowed population expansion in what is a rather flat landscape with a shortage of cliffs and ravines, as well as urban breeding by a large part (61%) of the surveyed population. This is currently one of the largest populations of burrowing parrots, a previously abundant species that is progressively threatened by persecution and nest poaching for the international pet trade.
Effects of NaCl on 4-Hydroxy-2-hexenal Formation in Yellowtail Meat Stored at 0 °C

Changes in the 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (HHE) and malonaldehyde (MA) contents were investigated in the meat of the yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiate containing 0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 M NaCl stored at 0 °C for 7 days. After 7 days of storage, the HHE content was significantly lower and the MA content significantly higher in the meat containing NaCl than in the control without NaCl.
Optimisation of process parameters for the degradation of caffeic acid in sugar solutions

Summary Fenton oxidation has been used to study the degradation of caffeic acid (CA), a colour precursor in sugar cane juice, in water and sucrose solutions. Central composite design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the relationships between % CA degradation and the process parameters (i.e. CA and sucrose concentrations, pH, reagent dosages, reaction temperature and time). A quadratic polynomial model was developed for CA degradation and indicated that the initial sucrose and CA concentrations significantly affected the amount of CA degraded. Numerical optimisation was used to determine the optimum process parameters. It showed that in water at 35 °C, 80% CA was degraded at pH 5.49, 0.72 mm Fe2+ and 9.44 mm H2O2. However, in a synthetic sugar solution under similar conditions to that of factory mixed cane juice containing 13 mass% sucrose, only 61% of CA was degraded.
Earliest South American paucituberculatans and their significance in the understanding of 'pseudodiprotodont' marsupial radiations

We describe the oldest Paucituberculata marsupials, from the La Barda and Las Flores localities (Argentina; Late Palaeocene, and Early–Middle Eocene), as well as from the Itaborai Basin (Brazil; Late Palaeocene). The new taxa are represented by very scarce, although well-preserved, dental remains. A parsimony analysis was performed in order to evaluate the phylogenetic affinities of these taxa. Representatives of both Riolestes capricornicus gen. et sp. nov. and Bardalestes hunco gen. et sp. nov. appear to be basal paucituberculatans, and their molar features give clues on the early evolution of the representatives of this order. Within the Paucituberculata we recognize two major clades: Caenolestoidea and Palaeothentoidea. We conclude that ‘pseudodiprotodont’ marsupials of the traditional literature (i.e. Polydolopimorphia + Paucituberculata) do not form a natural group. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 155, 867–884.
Reproduction in the viviparous South African clinid fish Fucomimus mus

Description of the reproductive anatomy, histology and seasonality of reproduction of the viviparous clinid fish, Fucomimus mus, was based on a collection of 227 specimens from various intertidal localities off the south-east coast of South Africa. Males produce sperm throughout the year and have an efficient sperm transmission system consisting of a muscular intra-abdominal ampulla and a prominent urogenital papilla. Paired ducts pass sperm from the testes to a highly coiled epididymus located within the ampulla. Gestation occurs within the ovarian follicles. The follicular epithelium consists of an outer squamous layer and a hypertrophied inner columnar layer. A capillary network between these layers supplies the follicle with compounds required for egg maturation and for the nutrition and maintenance of developing embryos and young. Histological sections show that sperm is stored in pockets within the ovarian stroma. Parturition occurs at regular intervals throughout most months of the year, with an apparent minimum in April. Young are 16–17mm long at birth. The number of broods ranged from one to eight and the number of young per brood from one to 24, a maximum total number of 80 young was found in the largest females. There was a positive relationship between female length and the standing stock of maturing eggs and between female length and the average number of young per brood.
Spatial segregation and similar trophic-level diet among eastern Canadian Arctic/north-west Atlantic killer whales inferred from bulk and compound specific isotopic analysis

Killer whales in the Eastern Canadian Arctic (ECA) prey on narwhal, beluga, bowhead whales and seals, while further south in the north-west Atlantic (NWA), killer whales off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador prey on both marine mammals and fish. Bulk and amino acid (AA) specific isotopic composition of dentinal collagen in teeth of 13 ECA/NWA killer whales were analysed to assess the degree, if any, of dietary specialization of killer whales across the region. Dentine was sampled from within annual growth layer groups (GLGs) to construct chronological profiles of stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotopic compositions for individual whales spanning 3–25 years. Interannual isotopic variation across GLGs was less than that among individuals, and median bulk δ15N values differed by up to 5‰ among individuals. Significant correlation between bulk δ15N values and baseline (source AA) δ15N values indicates much of the observed isotopic variation among individuals reflects foraging within isotopically distinct food webs, rather than diet differences. This interpretation is supported by consistent differences in bulk δ13C values between the two individuals with lowest source AA δ15N values and the remaining whales. After accounting for baseline isotopic variation, comparable δ15N values among individuals indicates similar trophic-level diet, although uncertainties in relative trophic 15N enrichment of individual AAs currently limits trophic position estimates for top consumers. Further research is required to clarify seasonal movement patterns and possible diet shifts of ECA/NWA killer whales to better define their role in marine ecosystems across the region.
Integrated Nutrient Management by Using Target Yield Equations for Rice-Jute System in Eastern India

ABSTRACT Field studies on target yield equation (TYE)-based integrated nutrient management in rice (Oryza sativa) and jute (Corchorus capsularis) were conducted to investigate its value in achieving target yields, improving nutrient utilization and soil nutrient status. The study was conducted for 3 years consecutively during 2001 to 2003 under on‐farm rainfed conditions growing rice variety Padmini in sequence with jute variety JRO 524 during wet season (April to December). Requirement of nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for achieving target yield of 4 t ha−1 for rice and 3 t ha−1 for jute was estimated following a soil test crop response (STCR)-based TYE. Four sets of treatments included farmyard manure (FYM) as organic source and synthetic fertilizers as chemical source applied to both rice and jute, compared with an untreated crop (no NPK) usually followed in farmers' practice. Results showed marginal deviation from specified target yield, achieving 96% of the target yield in rice and 95% in jute. Integrated nutrient management resulted in significantly higher yield of both rice (3.84 t ha−1) and jute (2.85 t ha−1), treated with 100% INM combined with 75% fertilizer NPK + 25% organic N. As a result, the system productivity aggregating rice and rice equivalent yield of jute was also highest (8.97 t ha−1) with 100% INM. A benefit:cost ratio was also derived, showing a maximum of 1.04 in rice with 100% INM, compared with 0.96 with the application of fertilizer alone. Nutrient uptake and nutrient productivity were also higher in crops with 100% INM. In addition, sustained availability of soil N, P, and K (and thereby, improvement in soil nutrient balance), was pronounced more with 100% INM. Therefore, the 3-year on-farm study showed that TYE-based INM not only helped achieve near-target yields but also promoted nutrient utilization and sustainable soil NPK status.
Comparison of gastrotrich fauna on elodeids and in bottom sediments of lakes of different trophic status (the region Polesie Lubelskie, Eastern Poland)

Species diversity of gastrotrich communities on elodeids and in bottom sediments of lakes of different trophic status was compared. Thirty-eight species of Gastrotricha (34 in bottom sediment and 21 on elodeids) were found, which belong to the only family of Chaetonotidae Zelinka, 1889. Species diversity of both habitats was reflected in the diversity indices ranging from 2.02 (a dystrophic lake) to 2.67 (a strongly eutrophic lake) for bottom sediment, and from 2.01 (a mesotrophic lake) to 2.54 (a strongly eutrophic lake) for elodeids. The similarity of gastrotrich fauna from the two habitats was low, and varied from 17% (a mesotrophic lake) to 38% (a strongly eutrophic lake). Low similarity of elodeid fauna from lakes of different trophic status was also found, in spite of similar plant species composition. The lowest similarity in elodeid fauna (23%) was recorded for dystrophic and mesotrophic lakes, whereas the highest one (68%) was observed for eutrophic and strongly eutrophic lakes. That allows to conclude that the diversity of epiphytic fauna is affected by trophic status rather than by vegetation type. The comparison of the gastrotrich fauna from elodeids and bottom sediments in lakes of different trophic status provides additional autoecological characteristics of Heterolepidoderma ocellatum (Mečnikow, 1865) and allows to recognize this species as belonging to a group of species closely related to macrophytes.
Effects of selected illumination levels on circadian periodicity in the rhesus monkey (Macaca Mulatta)

Abstract Aschoff (1960) recently stated a generalization called Aschoff's Circadian Rule which describes the effect of light intensity on circadian activity rhythms. The rule states that in light‐active animals the frequency of an activity rhythm, gross activity and the ratio of active to rest time should all increase with increasing light intensity. The research supporting Aschoff's Circadian Rule was based primarily on insects, birds, and rodents. The little research available on primates suggested that they may be exceptions to Aschoff's Circadian Rule. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of light intensity on circadian activity rhythms of nonhuman primates. This was accomplished by subjecting four male Rhesus monkeys to a L/D 12/12 ratio, six different levels of constant illumination and constant darkness. The monkeys’ activity was monitored by ultrasonic motion detectors. The results clearly demonstrated that the Rhesus monkey is an exception to Aschoff's Circadian Rule. The per.
Nutrient Density and Mycotoxin Contamination in Corn Screenings of Different Bushel Weights

Abstract This study examined nutrient levels and mycotoxins in corn screening (CS) samples of three bushel weight (BWT) ranges. Cs samples were grouped into BWT categories defined as light (35-40 lb/bu), medium (40-45 lb/bu), or heavy (45+ lb/bu). Proximate analyses were determined for each 23 samples as were levels of aflatoxins, T-2 toxin, fumonisin, and zearalenone measured by ELISA analysis. TME analyses were completed on three samples from each of the light and heavy BWT groups. There were differences between BWT groups in protein, fat, fiber, and ash (P
TESTE "IN VTTRO" DE EFICÁCIA DO CINAMOMO (MELIA AZEDARCH, L.) SOBRE FÊMEAS INGURGITADAS DO BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS, CAN. (ACARI:IXODIDAE)

A eficacia do extraio oleoso do fruto do cinamomo (Melia azedarach,L.)foi avaliada em femeas ingurgitadas do Boophilus microplus colhidas em cincopropriedades rurais da Microrregiao de Goiânia, Go. A inibicao da postura variou de65,7% a 99,8%, enquanto que a inibicao da eclodibilidade variou de 84,2% a 100,0%. As medias das eficacias foram de 99,1%, 99,2% e 100,0% para as diluicoes de 0,25%,0,50% e 1.00%, respectivamente.
Suppressive Effect of Sulfate on Establishment of Rice Seedlings in Submerged Soil May be Due to Sulfide Generation around the Seeds

Abstract Direct seeding is a labor-saving rice cultivation method, but poor establishment is a major obstacle to the widespread use of this practice. This study examined the suppressive effect of ammonium sulfate, a nitrogen fertilizer, on seedling establishment in submerged soil. Establishment was impaired even at 20ºC by the application of sulfate salts, including ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate, but not by ammonium chloride. Impairment by ammonium sulfate did not occur in autoclaved soil. In addition, the redox potential in the soil near the seeds decreased rapidly to levels that allowed sulfide ion generation, even at 20ºC. The sulfur concentration in the soil near the seeds decreased with the decline in redox potential, suggesting that sulfide ions were transformed from soluble sulfate ions into insoluble iron sulfide through binding with ferrous ions near the seeds. These results imply that sulfate ions may be transformed into sulfide ions by bacteria only around the seeds if sufficient sulfate ions are present in the soil, thereby impairing the establishment of seeds sown directly in submerged soil, even under cool springtime conditions and in paddy fields that do not dry out prior to submergence.
UV-induced change in quercetin antioxidant activity toward benzophenone initiated lipid peroxidation

The aim of this work is to estimate the degradation and change in antioxidant activity of quercetin in the presence of two different mixtures of phospholipids in methanol solution, under continuous UV-irradiation from three different sub-ranges (UV-A, UV-B and UV-C), in the presence and in the absence of selected UV-absorbing photosensitizer, benzophenone. Quercetin is employed to control lipid peroxidation process generated by UV-irradiation, by absorbing part of the UV-incident light, or/and by scavenging the involved, created free radicals. The results show that quercetin undergoes to irreversible destruction, highly dependent on UV-photons energy input, more expressed in the presence than in the absence of benzophenone. In the same time quercetin expresses suppression effect on lipid peroxidation processes in UV-irradiated phospholipid mixtures in both cases - absence or presence of benzophenone (more or less effective, respectively). In UV-C-irradiated mixtures, benzophenone photosensitizing function is significantly reduced due to its strong absorption in the same UV-C spectral range, therefore affecting less antioxidant activity of the remained quercetin.
Natural variability and distribution of trace elements in marine organisms from Antarctic coastal environments

Abstract In an attempt to improve the understanding of the natural variability and distribution of trace elements in Antarctic organisms, the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, vanadium and zinc in representative benthic species from two pristine coastal environments were measured and compared with literature data for other uncontaminated coastal ecosystems. Correlations between the elements, differences between the species and between the sampling sites were examined by principal component analysis. Metal accumulation was particularly evident in the tissues of the sea star Odontaster validus, the bivalve mollusc Laternula elliptica and in the red alga Phyllophora antarctica. However, metal accumulation was not the same for all the analytes, but, rather, depended on the organism characteristics. In particular, the soft tissues of Odontaster validus were characterized by high concentrations of cadmium, zinc and copper, those of Phyllophora antarctica by high concentrations of manganese and nickel, and the tissues of Laternula elliptica by high concentrations of all measured elements, particularly in its digestive gland. The Antarctic data as well as those reported for other pristine coastal ecosystems showed remarkably high natural variability in metal content, which must be taken into account when interpreting results from biomonitoring programmes.