Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotype by environment interaction in variety trials

Data sets from official variety trials carried out in Croatia from 1992 to 1998 were analyzed using EM-AMMI models. Amount of missing cells in all four data sets (winter wheat, spring barley, winter barley, spring oats) was more than 60%. Only for spring oats data sets cross validation procedure detected AMMI1 as the best model, while for remaining three data sets detected best models were either too complex or too noisy.
Interaction between Domestic and Foreign Direct Investment in Thailand

This paper has investigated interdependency between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic investment in Thailand for period 1975-2013. Following the model which comprises FDI, Investment (INV) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and estimated through ADF unit root, Cointegration and Granger Causality. The empirical outcome of this study suggests that FDI, INV and GDP have long run association. The Causality findings also indicate that FDI causes INV, while both FDI and INV are causing GDP, which implies that FDI and Domestic Investment mutually promoting each other and hence reject the crowding out Hypothesis in this case of Thailand. Government should make necessary reforms in order to make sufficient inflow of FDI which will also contribute to economic growth.
A review on activity patterns, reproduction, and feeding habits of Brazilian chelid turtles (Testudines, Chelidae)

The knowledge on natural history of some Brazilian chelonian species is still scarce what makes it difficult to ascertain ecological and evolutionary histories. Data like this, however, can be used as fundamental tools for species management and conservation. A survey was made on the activity patterns, reproduction, and feeding behavior of Brazilian Chelidae species (freshwater side-necked turtles) available in the literature. A clear lack of information regarding natural history is evident for most species. The species diversity and the biological importance of this taxon regard it as an interesting target to be studied. Since several Chelidae behaviors (including those reported in this study) are considered stereotyped, I suggest that laboratory studies should be encouraged as a way of complementing the field research.
Host plant constituents as oviposition stimulants for a generalist herbivore: European corn borer

Oviposition response of the polyphagous European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to chemical constituents in host plants was investigated in the laboratory using two‐choice bioassays. Foliar extracts of corn (Zea mays L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were prepared using the solvents pentane, acetone and methanol. In all three host plants, chemicals soluble in pentane stimulated oviposition. In potato, chemicals extractable in acetone also elicited a positive oviposition response. When presented with a choice between pentane extracts of corn and pepper, females preferred corn. No preferences were exhibited between pentane extracts of corn and potato or pepper and potato. Pentane extracts of corn husks, tassels, silk, and corn leaves from plants at early whorl and tassel (pre‐pollen shed) stages of development also stimulated oviposition. Similar extracts from plants at 2‐leaf and blister (when kernels resemble blisters) stages were not stimulatory. This indicates that plant phenology affects chemically mediated oviposition response in European corn borer. The potential use of plant chemicals for management of O. nubilalis in the field is suggested.
Status of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in the Coyote Lake Basin, Southeast Oregon

Abstract Lahontan cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi occur in streams flowing north through the Trout Creek and Oregon Canyon mountains into pluvial Coyote Lake in southeast Oregon. The Coyote Lake basin has the only native population of Lahontan cutthroat trout in Oregon that is without threat of hybridization and is broadly distributed throughout a drainage. In October 1994, the number of Lahontan cutthroat trout in the basin was estimated at 39,500 fish, and fish were limited to 56 km of the potential 114 km of stream habitat available. Distribution was limited by dry channels and thermal and physical barriers to movement, which created two disconnected populations in the Willow Creek and Whitehorse Creek drainages and influenced population density, structure, and life history. Lahontan cutthroat trout in the Coyote Lake basin would be more secure if aquatic habitat were improved to allow the two populations to expand their current distributions and become more connected.
Some freshwater and brackish water species of the diatom genus Thalassiosira Cleve

Abstract Twelve freshwater and/or brackish water species of the generally regarded marine planktonic diatom genus Thalassiosira are known. The morphology based on light and electron microscopy, taxonomy, and distribution of six of them are discussed. The new combinations Thalassiosira faurii (Gasse) Hasle and T. rudolfii (Bachmann) Hasle are proposed, and T. guillardil sp. nov. including Guillard's clone 7–15 is described. While the areola array is of the same type, the process pattern of these species, particularly number of labiate processes and number and arrangement of central strutted processes, varies greatly.
Fungos ectomicorrizicos no desenvolvimento de mudas de Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento de mudas de eucalipto inoculadas com fungos ectomicorrizicos produzidas em diferentes substratos e de disponibilidade de fosforo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado num trifatorial (4 x 3 x 2) sendo quatro especies de fungos ectomicorrizicos, tres tipos de substratos, dois niveis de fosforo, com tres repeticoes. Os resultados mostram que as mudas de eucalipto responderam a inoculacao com os fungos ectomicorrizicos e ao tipo de substrato. O efeito do substrato sobre as mudas de eucalipto se verificou quando nao se adicionou fosforo ao substrato. Sugerindo que niveis mais baixos de disponibilidade de fosforo poderao favorecer a eficiencia micorrizica. UNITERMOS: Ectomicorrizas, Eucalyptus grandis, Fosforo, Substrato.
Factors influencing the floristic composition of a hill forest in West Sumatra

The floristic composition of a tropical hill forest in Ulu Gadut, West Sumatra, Indonesia, was studied. High species diversity and differences in the floristic composition compared to other forests in West Malesia were observed. Based on the tree numbers of common species in 20 × 20m quadrats, habitat axes representing floristic composition were determined by detrended correspondence analysis. Axis 1 was significantly related to the slope convexity and stand height of a quadrat, indicating that the floristic composition is influenced not only by topography but also by growth stage and disturbance. The major disturbance in this forest prior to the study was local logging, the influence of which was found not only in the variation in floristic composition but also in vegetation development after disturbance. We concluded that the harvest of upper layer trees by local loggers enhanced the growth of lower layer tree species in this forest. The estimated original vegetation without logging differed from that of other forest stands in West Malesia because of its relatively low dominance of Dipterocarpaceae and high dominance of Fagaceae. This might have been caused by the lower temperature of the plot compared with other forests at similar altitudes in West Malesia regions. This climatic feature is also thought to contribute to the high diversity of the plot.
Birch and conifer deadwood favour early establishment and shade tolerance in yellow birch juveniles growing in sugar maple dominated stands

Small-seeded tree species such as yellow birch (YB, Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) require deadwood or mineral soil for their establishment. Although much research has been done comparing YB germination on leaf litter vs. exposed mineral soil, less is known about deadwood as a seedbed and how different seedbeds affect YB early growth along light availability and size gradients. We examine how three common seedbeds (deadwood, moss cover on deadwood, and mineral soil) affected establishment and growth, biomass partitioning, and morphological traits of YB juveniles growing in the understory of temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous forests in southern Quebec. A total of 274 YB were sampled in four sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) dominated northern hardwood stands where selective cuts had been applied 6 and 15 years prior to sampling. Over 75% of the YB found on deadwood were on material of birch and conifer origin, although these species made less than 40% of the basal area. YB juveniles growing on dead.
Is life history a barrier to dispersal? Contrasting patterns of genetic differentiation along an oceanographically complex coast

Extreme variation in early life-history strategies is considered a moderately good predictor of genetic subdivision and hence dispersal for a range of marine species. In reality, however, a good deal of population differentiation must reflect historical effects, more subtle variation in life histories, and, particularly, the interaction of larvae with oceanographic processes. Using a combination of allozyme and microsatellite markers, we show that the large-scale genetic structure of populations of three species (direct and planktonically developing cushion stars and a planktonic developing sea anemone that is also asexually viviparous) varies consistently, in line with the predicted capacity for dispersal within three geographic regions. We detected high levels of genetic subdivision for the direct developing cushion star (FST = 0.6), low levels for the planktonically developing cushion star (FST = 0.009), and intermediate levels for the sexual/asexual sea anmone (FST = 0.19). These patterns are exhibited despite the highly variable patterns of current movement and the presence of biogeographic barriers. Our results suggest that, although there is large scale genetic differentiation for two species, patterns of population connectivity are remarkably consistent within major regions and do not reflect variation in major oceanographic processes or genetic discontinuity coincident with biogeographic boundaries.
Composição centesimal e conteúdo de aminoácidos, ácidos graxos e minerais de seis cultivares de soja destinadas à alimentação humana

Six soybean cultivars (Glycine max L. Merrill): IAS-4, EMBRAPA-4, Davis, BR-16, IguaAu and IAS-5, for human consumption were characterized regarding their proximate composition and amino acid, fatty acids and mineral contents. Significant differences were observed among these varieties concerning their contents of protein, oil and fiber. However, their ash content did not show significant differences. Regarding the mineral composition, the cultivars IguaAu and EMBRAPA-4 presented, respectively, the highest levels of potassium (1824.02 mg/100 g) and calcium (313.93 mg/100 g). It was observed that the cultivar IAS-5 presented the highest level of unsaturated fatty acids (87.45%), while the cultivar Davis, the lowest one (83.93%). The cultivar EMBRAPA-4 presented the highest level of oleic acid and levels of linoleic and linolenic acids lower than the ones obtained for the other studied cultivars (39.93%, 42.46% and 4.64%, respectively). The results ob- tained for the other fatty acids levels are in agreement with the ones reported for soybean oil in the literature. All six cultivars studied presented an excellent balance of essential amino acids (EAA). The contents of each EAA were higher than those presented in the reference pattern established by FAO/WHO with the total EAA ranging from 39.5 to 45.0 g/100 g of protein.
Granivore seed-size preferences

Abstract Although seed-size preference by granivores is relative to the sizes of seeds offered by researchers, preferences are often inappropriately discussed and interpreted as if they are for absolute seed sizes. Granivores often prefer relatively small seeds in forests and relatively large seeds in herbaceous communities, although the absolute size of preferred seeds in each is often similar. These results are consistent with predictions of optimal foraging theory. Researchers are encouraged to take heed of optimal foraging theory and both relative and absolute seed size when interpreting seed-size preferences.
Pupping season, perinatal sex ratio and natality rates of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) from the Cabo Blanco colony

Pupping seasonality, annual pup production, reproductive rate and sex ratio at birth were determined for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus colony at Cabo Blanco, the only surviving population of the species which still shows a colony structure. Data were collected by means of a monitoring programme that operated continuously in the main reproductive areas of the population during the period March 1993–May 1997. Most (84%) of the pups observed were born in two caves separated by a short distance. Although both caves were used by females to bear the pups, preferences greatly fluctuated from season to season with no apparent trend. Reproduction occurred throughout the year with a small peak of births in October. This unusual lack of seasonality is associated with the low latitudinal location of the colony and the effect of the upwelling that provides constant food throughout the year. The neonatal sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 and the estimated annual productivity ranged from 44–58 pups. Taking into account population numbers, the annual birth rates were estimated to range from 0.3 to 0.43 pups per reproductive female, an extremely low rate when compared to other pinniped populations, particularly those of a similar size. Such low rates may be either an evolutionary determined characteristic of the species or a demographic consequence of the low population density over the last few centuries. Coupled with high pup mortality rates, this may account for the observed non-recovery of the population.
Diversity in Mediterranean farm ponds: trade-offs and synergies between irrigation modernisation and biodiversity conservation

SUMMARY 1. Agricultural intensification has caused dramatic biodiversity loss in many agricultural landscapes over the last century. Here, we investigated whether new types of farm ponds (made of artificial substrata) in intensive systems and natural-substratum ponds in traditional farming systems differ in their value for aquatic biodiversity conservation. 2. We analysed the main patterns of environmental variation, compared a-, b- and c-diversity of macroinvertebrates between ponds types and evaluated the role of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Generalised additive models (GAM) were used to analyse the relationships of a- and b-diversity with environmental predictors, and variation partitioning to separate the effect of environmental and spatial characteristics on the variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Moran’s eigenvector maps (MEMs) were used to define spatial variables. 3. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) detected a primary environmental gradient that separated nutrient-rich ponds from those dominated by SAV; a secondary morphometric gradient distinguished natural-substratum ponds, with large surface area and structural complexity, from artificial-substratum ponds with steeper slopes. Natural-substratum ponds had almost twice the a- and c-diversity of artificial-substratum ponds, and diversity significantly increased when SAV was present, particularly in artificial-substratum ponds. Total phosphorus (TP) strongly contributed to explain the patterns in diversity, while SAV was a significant predictor of assemblage composition and diversity. GAMs revealed optima of both a-diversity at intermediate SAV covers and b-diversity at intermediate–high TP concentrations. 4. These findings have important implications for conservation planning. Adaptation of artificialsubstratum ponds by adding natural substratum and smoothing the gradient of pond margins would improve their conservation value. Development of SAV with occasional harvests and certain cautionary measures to control nutrient levels may also improve both the agronomical and environmental function of ponds.
Influence of breeds genetic composition on the quality of milk from primiparous cows

Forty-four crossbred primiparous cows participated in this study, namely: 15 1/2 animals corresponding to 1/2 Holstein (HO) x 1/2 Gyr; 15 3/4 animals corresponding to (3/4 HO x 1/4 Gyr) and 14 7/8 animals corresponding to (7/8 HO x 1/8 Gyr) raised under similar handling and feeding conditions. The sample collection was carried out between January and March 2013. To compare the quality of milk among breeds genetic compositions, the study was set up in a completely randomized design. Data of variables fat, protein, lactose contents, fat free dry matter (DDE), urea, somatic cell count, electrical conductivity, pH, titratable acidity and production were submitted to analysis of variance using the Tukey test at 5% probability for comparison of means between treatment 1 (1/2 HO x 1/2 Gyr), treatment 2 (3/4 HO x 1/4 Gyr) and treatment 3 (7/8 HO x 1/8 Gyr). Statistical analyses were performed using the SISVAR® - UFLA software. Correlation analysis between variables was performed using the ASSISTAT software. The results demonstrate that the genetic makeup of the different races holstein / Gyr primiparous cows did not affect the quality of the milk produced. The values of the chemical constituents of milk have been considered suitable for human consumption. Titratable acidity and milk production were higher for 3/4 Holstein/Gyr animals. Key words: Protein, electrical conductivity, titratable acidity, Holstein, Gyr.
Rice Fortified with Iron in School Meals Improves Cognitive Performance in Cambodian School Children

Objectives: Nutritional status can have a large impact on schoolperformance in children, with micronutrient deficiencies affecting cognitive performance and school attendance through increased morbidity. The FORISCA-UltraRice+NutriRice Trial in Cambodia tested impact of multi-micronutrient fortified rice (MMFR) through the WFP school meal program (SMP) on micronutrient status, health and cognitive performance. Methods: The FORISCA-UltraRice+NutriRice study was a cluster-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 9500 schoolchildren. Sixteen schools participating in WFP-SMP were randomly assigned to receive either MMFR including vitamin A (MMFR+VA), MMFR without VA (MMFR-VA) or unfortified rice (placebo) as breakfast distributed 6 days/week for 6 months. Four additional schools not participating in SMP were randomly selected as control group. Cognitive performance (Raven's Colored Matrices, Block Design and Picture completion), and vitamin A and iron status were determined in 25% of the schoolchildren. Results: Cognitive performance was significantly correlated to stunting (P<0.05) and total body Abstract
Epidemiological aspects of proliferative kidney disease amongst rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson in Northern Ireland

The epidemiology of PKD is described as it relates to one affected farm in Northern Ireland. From 1972–1976 stocking and management practices led to mortality of 10–15% amongst the 0+fish. 1+or older fish were never affected. In 1977 and 1978, however, delaying the stocking of the farm until July eliminated deaths in the 0+fish, and mortality in these 1977-moved fish the subsequent year remained at an absolute minimum. Preliminary observations suggest that a means of controlling the disease has been found. Experimental work demonstrates that the resistance of 1 +or older fish is due to previous exposure and is not an age-related immunity. Experimental work also suggests the presence of an incubation period of 6–7 weeks and that the peak time of infectivity is probably around May. None of the evidence detracts from the possibility that an infectious agent is involved although an attempt to transmit the disease failed.
The relationship between intracellular pH, growth characteristics and calcium in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC7120 exposed to low pH

summary Changes in various cell functions were examined during a shift of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC7120 to acidic external pH (pHex) in the presence and absence of added calcium. In the presence of 0–25 mM Ca (the standard Ca concentration of the growth medium), growth and O2 evolution were inhibited at pH values lower than 6. The cyanobacterium was unable to maintain a relatively constant internal pH (pHi) at pH 6 and below, which led to acidification of the cytoplasm. In the absence of Ca, the acidification found at acid pH values was even more pronounced. The elimination of Ca did not affect pHi at pHex of 6–5 and above. Increased acidification of the internal cell contents correlated well with a general impairment of growth in Ca-deficient cells exposed to external acid pH values. On the other hand, Ca enrichment of cells grown under acidic conditions resulted in a significant improvement of several physiological processes. The protein pattern of cell extracts of Anabaena sp. strain PCC7120 was altered by acidity. The most significant modifications of the protein profiles induced at low pH were not evident in the presence of high concentrations of Ca. Increasing concentrations of Ca allowed Anabaena sp. strain PCC7120 to perform better at lower pH.
Methods of assessing population increase in aphids and the effect of growth stage of the host plant on population growth rates

Realistic values of population growth rates are needed when used in forecasting programmes, e.g., in a programme of integrated control. Therefore, comparisons were made in a chrysanthemum – aphid system between different methods of assessing population growth rates. The reproductive performances of the aphid species Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae were measured on two chrysanthemum cultivars using three plant growth stages (young vegetative, budding and flowering). In the first set of experiments, development time and reproduction were used to estimate the population growth rate rm. The mean relative growth rates (MRGR) were also assessed. It was shown for the first time that the relationship between rm and MRGR was influenced by aphid species. In a second experiment, the aphid population increase on a whole plant was measured and rm was estimated by calculating the slope of the (ln transformed) population increase. It is shown that population growth rate is affected by the growth stage of the plant, and that cultivar and aphid species interact with plant growth stage in influencing population growth rate. Thus, no single growth stage of chrysanthemum for maximal aphid population growth can be assigned, but the budding and flowering stage are the most suitable in three out of four aphid × cultivar combinations. Comparison between the results from both experiments demonstrates clearly that more realistic values for rm are obtained when measured on whole plants.
The Half-Life of Biological Activity of Antimycin Determined by Fish Bioassay

Abstract The half-life of biological activity of antimycin, a powerful fish toxicant, was determined using fish bioassays at different test temperatures and pH's. The species exposed in decreasing order of sensitivity to the toxicant include rainbow trout, bluegill, green sunfish, goldfish, channel catfish, and black bullhead. Antimycin is deactivated more rapidly at higher temperatures, but the high temperatures did not influence the deactivation as greatly as high pH levels. The half-lifes at the different pH's are as follows: pH 6 and 6.5 = 310 hours, pH 7.5 = 120 hours, pH 8 = 100 hours, pH 8.5 = 46 hours, pH 9.0 = 9.7 hours, pH 9.5 = 4.6 hours, and pH 10 = 1.5 hours.