Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluación de indicadores productivos en conejas mestizas con una dieta basada en forraje y pienso criollo

Con el objetivo de evaluar el comportamiento productivo de conejas mestizas se utilizaron un total de 24 reproductoras, entre 10 y 18 meses de edad, con un peso promedio superior a los 3,0 kg durante cuatro meses. Las reproductoras consumieron una dieta constituida por: forraje de morera ( Morus alba ): 0,30 kg; cana ( Saccharum officinarum ) molida: 0,25 kg, glycine ( Neonotonia wightii ): 0,40 kg y pienso criollo: 0,06 kg. Las crias se pesaron al nacimiento, a los 20 y a los 45 dias de edad. En las reproductoras se controlo las crias nacidas vivas y destetadas por parto. Se obtuvo como promedio 6,4 gazapos vivos por parto con 0,054 kg de PV al nacimiento y se destetaron 5,4 crias a los 45 dias de edad con un peso de 0,694 kg. Ademas, se encontro un 84,4% de supervivencia durante la etapa de lactacion. La ganancia media diaria durante la lactancia fue de 0,014 kg/animal/dia. Los resultados evidenciaron que con la dieta propuesta se obtuvieron indicadores productivos alentadores en reproductoras mestizas.
The Returns and Limits to Relative-Value ETF Arbitrage

Several studies have demonstrated that pairs trading with single stocks achieved significant excess returns, with decreasing profits in recent years. However, practitioners expanded pairs trading to ETFs. I discuss potential benefits of ETF over stock pairs and compare their risk and return characteristics using NYSE data over a time span of January 2001 to June 2016. I find that like stock pairs, ETF pairs also yield significant excess returns and alphas, albeit at a much lower level, since arbitrage opportunities occur less frequently and are smaller in magnitude. Nevertheless, ETF pairs outperform stock pairs with respect to downside risk, which is due to a smaller share and magnitude of non-converging, loss-making pairs. A sub-period analysis reveals that this is especially the case for recent periods. However, in recent times arbitrage opportunities are scarce for ETF pairs and probably too tiny to cover transaction costs.
Growth, suppression, death, and self-pruning of branches of Scots pine in southern and central Finland

Branch development of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was studied in 19 thinning experiments in southern and central Finland. Data were collected from 229 trees on sites of different fertility with different stand density, age, and canopy position. Stem sections that included the thickest branch or knot of the whorl were sawn out from the whorls below the lowest living and dead whorl. The stem sections were dissected and the years of birth, suppression, death, and occlusion of the branches were determined. Diameter growth of the branches continued for a longer time in older trees. Branch growth was also prolonged by rapid radial growth of the stem. On average, branches died 7 years after their growth cessation. The number of years that branches stayed alive after growth cessation was independent of the tree or stand characteristics. After the death of a branch, more than 40 years elapsed before the branch was occluded. Large branch diameter and rapid radial growth of the stem increased the width of the l.
Forest management optimization in Eucalyptus plantations: a goal programming approach

In Galicia (Spain), many Eucalyptus plantations are managed using the area-control method. The ultimate goal is to guarantee an even flow of wood in perpetuity by reaching the normal age-class distribution of the fully regulated forest by the end of a given planning horizon. However, given that the productivity of coppice stands differs throughout the suc- cessive rotation intervals, the application of this method triggers excessive fragmentation of the forest area. We present a model with the same long-term goal that does not force plantations into any given final age-class distribution. The model permits the plantations to reach a final structure with fewer harvest units of larger average size. To illustrate this approach, we developed two models and applied them to a case study. The first model used the principle of area control to achieve the fully regulated structure in each site and rotation interval of one full plantation cycle. The second model guaranteed a con- stant yield beyond the planning horizon without imposing any specific final age distribution on the plantation area. Both models considered objectives such as a constant yield during the planning horizon and the net present value of harvests. Resume ´ : En Galice (Espagne), plusieurs plantations d'eucalyptus sont amenagees par la methode du controle de la super- ficie. Le but ultime de cette methode est de garantir un flux constant et perpetuel de bois par l'atteinte d'une distribution normale des classes d'age, correspondant a une foret pleinement regularisee, a la fin d'un horizon donnede planification. Cependant, puisque la productivitedes taillis varie d'une rotation a l'autre, l'application de cette methode entraoˆne une fragmentation excessive de la superficie forestiere. Nous presentons un modele dont l'objectif along terme est le meme, mais qui ne necessite pas que les plantations atteignent une quelconque distribution finale des classes d'age. Le modele permet aux plantations d'atteindre une structure finale caracterisee par un plus petit nombre d'unitesd e recolte, mais dont la taille moyenne est plus grande. Pour illustrer cette approche, nous avons mis au point deux modeles qui ont eteappli- quesaune etude de cas. Le premier modele utilisait le principe du controle de la superficie pour atteindre une structure pleinement regularisee dans chaque station a la fin d'une rotation correspondant au cycle complet d'une plantation. Le sec- ond modele garantissait une production constante au-delade l'horizon de planification sans imposer de distribution finale d'age specifique sur la superficie plantee. Les deux modeles tenaient compte d'objectifs tels qu'un rendement constant pendant l'horizon de planification ainsi que de la valeur actualisee nette des recoltes. (Traduit par la Redaction)
The Role of Isolated Trees in Facilitating Tree Seedling Recruitment at a Degraded Sub‐Tropical Rainforest Site

Successional development at abandoned farmlands in southern Queensland, formerly occupied by sub‐tropical rain forest is centred around scattered, isolated trees. Soil seed banks contain few woody plants and most tree species appear to be recruited from seed dispersed into the site by birds or bats. Scattered, low‐growing trees <3 m in height act as the initial focus for the activities of seed‐dispersing birds, but this process is accelerated by the development of taller trees> 6 m in height that act as bird perches. The identity of these trees and whether or not they offer a fruit reward appears to matter less than their structure and suitability as a bird perch. The process of seedling recruitment may be accelerated when two or more trees form a cluster. The proportion of seedlings that survive and grow beyond 150 cm in height appears to be very small. Most of those that do can be classed as secondary rather than primary forest species, even though many primary forest species initially colonize the site. These observations were used to develop guidelines to accelerate the recovery of rainforest at degraded sites. The guidelines promote the early establishment of species that are usually poorly dispersed (e.g., large‐fruited species), planted in scattered clumps. The guidelines should be suitable for situations where relatively large areas are in need of rehabilitation.
MIGRATION ACROSS THE MEDITERRANEAN OBSERVED BY RADAR

SUMMARY Bird migration across the Mediterranean was studied by radar from an aircraft carrier for brief periods during the springs of 1961, 1962 and 1963 and in the autumn of 1963. The radar displays were photographed and analysed to give intensity (scales 0 to 6) and tracks have been plotted on the accompanying Maps together with Tables setting out the weather data and records of bird sightings. Most echoes that could be measured were between 4,000 and 6,000 ft. Small (passerine) echoes usually moved at 20–30 knots, large ones (presumed to be waders, ducks, etc.) at up to 47 knots. The analyses of each of the nine sets of observations are discussed in detail from the Atlantic to the south of Crete, including the Aegean. There is clear evidence, within the limitations of the stated methods used and the dates of observations, that migration takes place along the whole length of the Mediterranean at almost uniform density except across the Ionian Sea, where it is greatly reduced. This is possibly because the long desert crossing and the long sea crossing are separated by only a very narrow coastal strip of vegetation and there is obvious survival value in crossing further east or west. There is no evidence for concentration across the Sicilian narrows, through Malta or across the Straits of Gibraltar. The direction of migration west of the Ionian Sea is N.E. /S.W. and to the east is N.N. W. /S.S. E. A large-scale movement was observed coasting 20 miles offshore from Portugal in autumn tracking S.W. off Cape St. Vincent. This area in particular deserves further investigation as also does the area south of Crete. Migration is considerable at least from 18 August-24 October. The main departure of small migrants from land starts 40–50 minutes after sunset and tails off with the dawn. The diurnal pattern of intensity observed at sea is noted and it is suggested that the shape of the build-up and the time of the peak can provide a clue as to the point of departure. There are indications that in spring, especially south of Crete, some migrants do not rest in the narrow coastal strip but cross the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea non-stop. The significance of the results is discussed in the light of further visual observations made in 1964 and 1965.
Ag+-sensitive NADH dehydrogenase in the Na+-motive respiratory chain of the marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus

Components of the Na+ -motive NADH : quinone oxi-doreductase segment in the respiratory chain of Vibrio alginolyticus were examined in membranes prepared from wild type, Na+ -pump-defective mutants, and a spontaneous revertant. Ag+ distinguished two kinds of respiratory NADH dehydrogenases. The Na+ -pump-defective mutants lacked Ag+ -sensitive NADH dehydrogenase activity. Incubation of the Ag+ -sensitive NADH dehydrogenase with solubilized membrane proteins of the mutant led to the reconstitution of Na+ -motive NADH : quinone oxidoreductase activity. We think that Ag+ -sensitive NADH dehydrogenase is an essential component of the respiratory Na+ pump of this organism.
Environmental Impact of Different Agricultural Management Practices: Conventional vs. Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture refers to a farming system that enhance soil fertility through maximizing the efficient use of local resources, while foregoing the use of agrochemicals, the use of Genetic Modified Organisms (GMO), as well as that of many synthetic compounds used as food additives. Organic agriculture relies on a number of farming practices based on ecological cycles, and aims at minimizing the environmental impact of the food industry, preserving the long term sustainability of soil and reducing to a minimum the use of non renewable resources. This paper carries out a comparative review of the environmental performances of organic agriculture versus conventional farming, and also discusses the difficulties inherent in this comparison process. The paper first provides an historical background on organic agriculture and briefly reports on some key socioeconomic issues concerning organic farming. It then focuses on how agricultural practices affect soil characteristics: under organic management soil loss is greatly reduced and soil organic matter (SOM) content increases. Soil biochemical and ecological characteristics appear also improved. Furthermore, organically managed soils have a much higher water holding capacity than conventionally managed soils, resulting in much larger yields compared to conventional farming, under conditions of water scarcity. Because of its higher ability to store carbon in the soil, organic agriculture could represent a means to improve CO2 abatement if adopted on a large scale. Next, the impact on biodiversity is highlighted: organic farming systems generally harbor a larger floral and faunal biodiversity than conventional systems, although when properly managed also the latter can improve biodiversity. Importantly, the landscape surrounding farmed land also appears to have the potential to enhance biodiversity in agricultural areas. The paper then outlines energy use in different agricultural settings: organic agriculture has higher energy efficiency (input/output) but, on average, exhibits lower yields and hence reduced productivity. Nevertheless, overall, organic agriculture appears to perform better than conventional farming, and provides also other important environmental advantages, such as halting the use of harmful chemicals and their spread in the environment and along the trophic chain, and reducing water use. Looking at the future of organic farming, based on the findings presented in this review, there is clearly a need for more research and investment directed to exploring potential of organic farming for reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices; however, the implications of reduced productivity for the socioeconomic system should also be considered and suitable agricultural policies should be developed.
Distribution, habitat and conservation status of the eastern pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus in Victoria.

We review the distribution, habitat and conservation status of the eastern pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) in Victoria. Data on the habitat occurrences and rates of detection were gleaned from 133 published and unpublished fauna surveys conducted from 1968 to 2003 in Gippsland; northern Victoria; the Melbourne area and south-western region. C. nanus was reported from a broad range of vegetation communities, which predominantly included a dense mid-storey of shrubs rich in nectar-producing species such as those from the families Proteaceae and Myrtaceae. Survey effort using a range of methods was immense across surveys: 305,676 Elliott/cage trap-nights, 49,582 pitfall trap-nights, 18,331 predator remains analysed, 4424 spotlight hours, and 7346 hair-sampling devices deployed, 1005 trees stagwatched, and 5878 checks of installed nest-boxes. The surveys produced 434 records of C. nanus, with Elliott/cage trapping, pitfall trapping and analysis of predator remains responsible for the vast majority of records (93%). These data and those from the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife indicate that although C. nanus has a widespread distribution in Victoria, it is rarely observed or trapped in fauna surveys. Only 11 (8%) of the surveys we reviewed detected >10 individuals. C. nanus is likely to be sensitive to several recognised threatening processes in Victoria (e.g., feral predators, high frequency fire, feral honeybees). There is also evidence of range declines in several regions, which suggests that the species is vulnerable to extinction. Therefore, we recommend that it be nominated as a threatened species in Victoria.
Efeito de simbiótico na ração inicial de frangos de corte sobre o desempenho, qualidade de carcaça e carne - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i1.3595

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of symbiotics on the performance, carcass yield and meat quality of poultry. Two experiments were conducted, with 800 broilers in each, distributed in 4 treatments: female and males supplemented (MC and FC groups) or not (MS and FS groups) with symbiotic in the initial feed. The results showed that the supplementation in the initial period significantly increased the feed intake in males during the final period of the first experiment, and in females during the growth period of the second experiment. The non-supplemented males showed greater feed intake in the growth period of the second experiment. In the first experiment, the supplementation with symbiotic improved the feed conversion on males and females. As for carcass yield, the results did not show significant differences among the treatments in both experiments. Greater breast weight was observed in the MC group, with greater breast yield in the FC group. The chemical composition and sensorial meat parameters were not affected by supplementation. Therefore, we can conclude that addition of symbiotic in the initial feed of chickens may improve the feed conversion of chickens, but weight gain, but do not influence carcass characteristics or sensorial parameters of meat.
The diet of grizzly bears in the Flathead River drainage of southeastern British Columbia

Based on the analysis of 1100 feces or scats, the seasonal diet of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the Flathead drainage between 1979 and 1991 was estimated. In the early spring, major foods included ungulates and hedysarum roots (Hedysarum sulphurescens). Later in the spring and early summer, green vegetation that mainly included horsetails (Equisetum arvense), graminoids, and cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) dominated the diet. Later in the summer, berries, particularly huckleberries (Vaccinium spp.) and soopolallie (Shepherdia canadensis), were most common. In the autumn, berries, ungulates, and hedysarum roots were major foods. Seasonal changes in nutrients were measured for major foods. The volume of a food consumed within a season was inversely related to food quality, suggesting that food availability and handling time may have been more important factors influencing diet selection. The proportions of food items in the scats, and species of fruit in particular, varied among years. The Flathead and contiguous Waterton Lakes National Park are so far the only study areas in North America that contain all major bear foods found across the interior of the continent, and in particular, both major berry species, huckleberries and soopolallie. This observation supports the hypothesis that a favourable food base in the Flathead is partially responsible for the high density of bears found there. It is important for managers to realize the possible uniqueness of the Flathead area and not extrapolate information without due caution.
Short‐ and long‐run effects of changes in exchange rates on United States imports of paper from Finland and Sweden

United States imports of paper from Finland and Sweden were examined, to determine to what extent they were affected by changes in the values of the two countries’ currencies with respect to the U.S. dollar, and relative to each other. A time‐series model was proposed to represent the dynamic relationship between quantities traded and exchange rates. The model led to short‐ and long‐run measures of feedback that were tested with monthly data on United States imports of newsprint, printing and writing paper, and mechanical paper, from Finland and Sweden, for the period January 1978 to February 1988. The results showed no evidence of a long‐run relationship between the exchange rates and the amounts imported, regardless of the commodity and country of origin. However, the hypothesis that the exchange rates had no significant short‐run effects was rejected in the case of exports of newsprint from Finland and Sweden, and of mechanical paper from Sweden. A devaluation of the Swedish crown or of the Finnish mar.
Toxicological effects of mouse diet contaminated with tributyltin on the immune and neurological systems of C57BL/6 mice

Organotin compounds, widely used as antifouling agents, are known to bioaccumulate in the food chain. Among organotin compounds, tributyltin (TBT), a toxic and widespread contaminant, has become a serious factor in environmental pollution and is suspected of being immunotoxic in animals. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 80 µg of TBT per kilogram of body weight (kg bw), provided in food, on the immune and neurological systems of C57Bl/6 mice. Data showed that TBT increased the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes in both adult and juvenile female and juvenile male mice, but that it decreased the proliferation of both T and B lymphocytes in adult male mice. The macrophages activity in female and male juvenile mice was higher than in adults of both sexes. The natural killer cytotoxic activity was also increased in juvenile and adult males and females compared to the control groups. In the brain, we observed the presence of TBT in the hippocampus, the striatum, the cortex, and the cerebellum in both the male and female groups. The highest levels were observed in the cortex of females and males, while the lowest levels were found in the cerebellum. TBT also induced an increase in the levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in the striatum, the hippocampus and in cortical structures but not in the cerebellum where the levels of TBT are lower. Our findings indicate that TBT modulated the immune and nervous systems causing endocrine and nervous perturbations.
Lost in Phenotypic Space: Environment-Dependent Morphology in Phlox drummondii (Polemoniaceae)

Two questions on the multivariate relationships among traits and their plastic responses were analyzed in an experiment on the phenotypic plasticity of plants from seven natural populations of Phlox drummondii from Texas to five greenhouse environments. (1) Do different environmental stresses (herbivory, low nutrients, small pot, and low water) result in similar changes among suites of traits? (2) Are the differences in plastic responses among populations large enough to alter their phenetic interrelationships? Our results indicate that the responses of plants to macroenvironmental variables are specific to that environment, evoking not only quantitative (size) but also qualitative (shape and allocation) phenotypic differences. Further, the overall phenetic similarity among populations changes radically depending upon the environment in which they are compared; i.e., apparent phenetic relationships vary with the treatment. These results demonstrate both trait- and environmental-specificity of plastic responses, leading to the production of distinct whole-plant phenotypes in different environments.
Differential reactions to anthropogenic disturbance by two ground-nesting shorebirds

Many ground-nesting shorebirds experience a high level of anthropogenic disturbance, often to the detriment of their breeding success. This study investigated the responses of the Near-Threatened African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini (ABO) and the Least Concern Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus vetula (KG) to anthropogenic disturbance during the pre-breeding and breeding season at three locations differing in levels of anthropogenic disturbance and colony size. Birds were directly approached from over 100 m away and markers were dropped at each behavioural reaction to the approach. Measuring back allowed a quantitative measure of the effects of disturbance. Stand response distances in breeding ABO were location sensitive, which related to disturbance level, showing that they stood up earlier in a highly disturbed location. Neither ambient conditions (wind speed and ambient temperature) nor nesting condition (egg age and clutch size) played a significant role in responses. Interestingly, breeding KG behaviour was affected by location, to a lesser extent by clutch size, but not by ambient conditions. Both ABO and KG significantly altered their behavioural responses to disturbance from pre-breeding to breeding. These results emphasise the need to have a buffer zone surrounding breeding areas excluding human presence to allow for the successful breeding of ABO.