Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of impoundment on the physicochemistry of two contrasting southern african river systems

The downstream effects of six impoundments on their respective physicochemical conditions over two years are compared for two contrasting for two contrasting rivers. The impoundments studied included two on a cool, clear, clean, acid, and short system with a steep gradient (Palmiet River), and four on a warm, turbid, polluted, alkaline, and relatively long system (Buffalo River). Where possible, results are also compared against predictions of the Serial Discontinuity Concept (SDC) of Ward and Stanford (1983), and the ‘recovery’ (discontinuity) distances are estimated for a number of variables. Major effects centred on changes in median spot temperatures and annual temperature ranges, particularly for dams regulating the upper reaches of both rivers. These upper river impoundments behaved similarly despite different release patterns; and caused only weak chemical effects, most of which recovered rapidly (within 3 km). Middle reach impoundments also behaved similarly despite different release characteristics, but they caused more pronounced changes and recovery distances were longer (up to 30 km). Observed exceptions to the predictions of the SDC included alterations to nutrient regimes of receiving reaches downstream of all dams, annual temperature range was affected downstream of headwater dams on both rivers, and all impoundments on both systems depressed flow fluctuations. Although the specific predictions of the SDC model are not generally borne out, it is regarded as a useful tool for testing the effects of impoundment on rivers, and the concept of ‘recovery distance’ forms a useful practical framework for management of releases.
Dispersal Behaviour and Transmission Strategies of the Entomopathogenic Nematodes Heterorhabditis and Steinernema

Entomopathogenic nematodes of the Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae appear to be capable of long-distance dispersal and local migration. Their transmission strategies include both highly active seek-and-destroy behaviours and ambusher strategies, and they may be sensitive to sex-related factors in their own populations. Their host-finding abilities are poorly understood, despite the fact that these abilities are fundamental to their success as biocontrol agents in soil. Like the vast numbers of exotic hymenopterans and other natural enemies that have been released for biological control over the past century, they may be used in their ecologically competent wild-type form. On the other hand, because they are applied inundatively, they may be tailored, by breeding or transformation, to their intended purpose and to ecological incompetence, improving both their efficacy and their ecological safety.
Effect of Vitamin A Depletion on Liveweight, Plasma and Liver Levels of Vitamin A and Microanatomy in Young Dairy Calves

Summary The effect of a vitamin A-depletion ration on liveweight, carotene and vitamin A levels in the blood and liver, clinical appearance and microscopic anatomy was studied in 21 young calves beginning at 106 days of age. All calves were fed a vitamin A-depletion ration of 2.67 lb. per 100 lb. of liveweight, with six of the calves receiving in addition a daily equivalent of 107,143 USP units of vitamin A. Observations on the daily feed intakes, clinical appearance, weekly liveweight, plasma carotene and vitamin A were made and tissue samples for histological study and liver samples for carotene and vitamin A analyses were obtained at slaughter. The experimental period was terminated for those calves fed only the depletion ration when the blood plasma level was less than 4 γ per cent for 2 consecutive wk. , and for those calves fed the supplemental vitamin A at average ages comparable to those fed only the depletion ration. Until the blood plasma level decreased to 4 γ per cent, all calves readily consumed the vitamin A-depletion ration. At this level of plasma vitamin A, seven of the calves fed only the depletion ration began refusing some feed. Liveweight was not affected and both the gain in liveweight and rate of gain were not significantly different between groups of calves. Blood plasma carotene decreased in all calves with successive weeks on experiment and was characterized by a relatively rapid decrease early in the experimental period with a marked decline in rate of decrease occurring during the middle and end of the experimental period. In contrast, plasma vitamin A values decreased in a uniform manner regardless of the level and, therefore, indicated a possible means of measuring vitamin A stores by prediction, using this relatively uniform rate of decrease as a standard. The liver stores of vitamin A were considered depleted in those calves receiving only the vitamin A depletion ration. Spinal fluid pressures at the termination of the experimental period were elevated in the calves receiving only the depletion ration, while those receiving the supplemental vitamin A remained essentially the same as at the start of the experiment. Exophthalmos was observed in six calves, muscular in coordination in five, diarrhea in four and convulsions in one, all symptoms occurring toward the termination of the experiment for the individual calves. Squamous metaplasia of the interlobular and main ducts of the parotid gland was observed in eight of nine depleted calves and in none of the six controls.
Efficacy of shots on goal in football for the visually impaired

ABSTRACT Research on performance indicators in 5-a-side football for the visually impaired is in its infancy, in spite of it being one of the most popular sports for people with this disability. The purpose of this study was to analyse the shots on goal performed in the Blind Football World Championship in 2014. All the matches were analysed, and the sample consisted of a total of 1497 shots on goal. The IOLF5C tool was used to analyse the efficacy of the shot on goal. Thirteen variables were used to define each shot on goal. First, a descriptive study was performed and subsequently the relations among the variables and shot on goal efficacy were analysed. Finally, the most effective shot on goal was defined. Significant associations were identified among the variables defining the shot and its final efficacy. These results make it possible to characterise the shot on goal in this sports modality. The associations that have been identified serve as a basis for establishing training objectives, as well as strategies, which favour more effective shot on goal.
Impact of climate variability on vegetative cover in the Butana area of Sudan

Climate variability has an impact on the renewable natural resources. This impact is strong in regions with a delicate balance between climate and ecosystem, like the Sahelian regions. Rainfall is the most important climatic factor influencing livelihoods in Butana, north-eastern part of Sudan. All people and their livestock depend on the amount of rainfall that falls and supports plant growth. Butana area experienced severe drought in 1984, 1990 and 2000. Linear relationships between the long-term rainfall and AVHRR/NDVI data were developed for four separate zones in the Butana area. There is a significant correlation between peak NDVI (beginning of September) and cumulative rainfall for July and August, but weak relationships resulted when annual rainfall and cumulative NDVI were used. This is because the NDVI reached a plateau as the rainfall increased, then it remained constant despite further increases in rainfall. The departure from the long-term average of NDVI for each pixel was calculated using the departure average vegetation method. The area had a high percentage of departure during the drought years and the NDVI recovered during the following year when the rainfall was above the average. It can be noted that the area adjacent to the irrigated scheme showed considerable decrease in NDVI. This may be due to overexploitation by the nomads during the drought year.
Selection of coastal estuarine habitats by Atherina boyeri larvae in laboratory experiments

Coastal wetlands are important nursery areas for many fish species as they provide food, refuge from predators and optimal hydrodynamic conditions. The impact of anthropogenic and environmental changes on ecological functions of these areas need to be identified as a basis for establishing adequate ecohydrological measures for the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and its associated services. Patterns of habitat selection were examined in wild-caught larvae of Atherina boyeri (Risso, 1810), by means of microcosms experiments. We simulated three habitats representative of vertical marsh profile at Guadiana wetland, non-vegetated bottom (sand) and two vegetation types (Spartina maritima and Sarcorcornia spp.), in experimental units and monitored fish larvae spatial distribution by video-recording. We observed a strong avoidance of both vegetated habitats suggesting that habitat choice behavior may be dependent on external stimuli such as current velocity, predator effect and food availability. Similar experiments including external factors are required to unravel the behavioral responses of A. boyeri to different types of habitat.
Radiation Hormesis and Cancer

Despite the long history of radiation hormesis and the public health concerns with low-level exposures to ionizing radiation, there has been surprisingly little formal evaluation of whether hormetic effects are displayed with respect to radiation exposure and cancer incidence (i.e., reduced cancer risk at low radiation doses compared to controls, enhanced cancer risk at higher doses) until relatively recently. This paper reviews data relevant to the question of radiation hormesis and cancer with particular emphasis on experimental studies in animal models exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation. Data exist that provide evidence both consistent with and/or supportive of radiation hormesis. Other biomedical research provides potentially important mechanistic insight: low dose exposures have the capacity to activate immune function to prevent the occurrence of tumor development and metastasis; low doses of radiation have been shown to reduce mutagenic responses and induce endogenous antioxidant responses. These findings are consistent with epidemiological data suggesting an inverse relationship between background radiation and cancer incidence and with occupational epidemiological investigations in which low-dose exposure groups display markedly lower standardized mortality rates than the referent or control group.
The evolutionary radiation of modern birds (Neornithes): reconciling molecules, morphology and the fossil record

The pattern, timing and extent of the evolutionary radiation of anatomically modern birds (Neornithes) remains contentious: dramatically different timescales for this major event in vertebrate evolution have been recovered by the ‘clock-like’ modelling of molecular sequence data and from evidence extracted from the known fossil record. Because current synthesis would lead us to believe that fossil and nonfossil evidence conflict with regard to the neornithine timescale, especially at its base, it is high time that available data are reconciled to determine more exactly the evolutionary radiation of modern birds. In this review we highlight current understanding of the early fossil history of Neornithes in conjunction with available phylogenetic resolution for the major extant clades, as well as recent advancements in genetic methods that have constrained time estimates for major evolutionary divergences. Although the use of molecular approaches for timing the radiation of Neornithes is emphasized, the tenet of this review remains the fossil record of the major neornithine subdivisions and better-preserved taxa. Fossils allowing clear phylogenetic constraint of taxa are central to future work in the production of accurate molecular calibrations of the neornithine evolutionary timescale. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 141, 153–177.
Effects of nutrient management and netting on growth and yield of okra

The experiment was conducted on the growth and yield of okra using nutrient management through different types of fertilizers and netting at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. There were netting treatments, viz. N1 = Control (no net) and N2= Net (blue color) along with fertilizer treatments viz. T1 = no fertilizer (control), T2 = vermicompost @ 10 t ha−1, T3 = vermicompost @ 15 t ha−1, T4 = combined application of 2/3 part organic (T3) and 1/3 part inorganic (T5), and T5 = inorganic fertilizers. Temperature (◦C) and relative humidity (%) were recorded under net and at the open condition daily during production stage (month of May) However, the value didn’t differ significantly. Growth parameters of okra viz. plant height, pod length, pod diameter, and pods of okra were found the highest from T4N2 treatment combination which was significantly higher from other combinations. The lowest growth and yield of okra was found from the treatment combination of T1N1. First flowering was observed in T4N2 at 32 days after planting of okra seeds. Vermicompost at different rates (10 t ha−1 and 15 t ha−1) with net gave lower production of okra compared to inorganic fertilizer treatments with net. The highest yield of okra (19.65 t ha−1) was found from the combined effect of T4N2 which was 56.74% higher compared to control (T1N1).
Caracterização física e conservação pós-colheita de alpínia.

O mercado de flores tropicais esta em franca expansao. Nele e crescente a comercializacao de alpinias como flores de corte. Considerando-se que, no Brasil, os estudos sobre pos-colheita de flores tropicais sao escassos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver metodos de manuseio e conservacao de inflorescencias de alpinia ( Alpinia purpurata Vieill. Schum .) por longos periodos, uma vez que essa especie tropical comeca a ser introduzidas no mercado sem nenhum conhecimento previo de pos-colheita. Na caracterizacao fisica foram utilizadas cem hastes florais de alpinia e os resultados obtidos foram utilizados na padronizacao da especie e avaliacao da qualidade da flor . Apos a caracterizacao fisica, foram feitos testes com solucoes conservantes atoxicas contendo sacarose (0,1, 2 e 4 %) e acido citrico (200 ppm). Visando-se aumentar a durabilidade comercial desta especie associaram-se a melhor solucao de sacarose dois hormonios vegetais: brassinoesteroide e citocinina. Analisando-se todos os resultados, concluiu-se que a solucao conservante mais indicada para alpinia e de 1% de sacarose e 200 ppm de acido citrico pelo periodo de 24 horas, antecedendo-se o trabalho da pulverizacao com solucao aquosa de 200 ppm de 6-benzilaminopurina (6BA). Esta solucao, quando comparada com a testemunha, prolongou a durabilidade comercial em 10 dias.
Haltbarkeitsspezifische dünnschichtchromatographische Bestimmungen des Morphins und seiner Abbauprodukte

Es wird eine Methode zur Bestimmung des Morphins und seiner Neben‐ bzw. Abbauprodukte Codein, Thebain, Pseudomorphin und Morphin‐N‐oxid beschrieben. Die Messung erfolgt nach dünnschichtchromatographischer Trennung über eine Remissionsmessung direkt auf der Platte. Der gefundene Gehalt an Codein und Pseudomorphin beträgt bis zu 0.3 %. Thebain konnte nur in Spuren, Morphin‐N‐oxid konnte auch nach längerer Lagerung nicht nachgewiesen werden. Die Genauigkeit der Morphin‐Bestimmung liegt bei 1.8 %, die der Nebenprodukte bei 2–4 %.
Effects of mycorrhizae, phosphorus availability, and plant density on yield relationships among competing tallgrass prairie grasses

A replacement series experiment was used to investigate the effects of mycorrhizae, phosphorus availability, and plant density on competitive relationships between three tallgrass prairie species of varying mycorrhizal dependencies. Under mycorrhizal conditions, the obligately mycorrhizal dependent warm-season grass Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) was a better competitor in mixture with the nonmycorrhiza-dependent cool-season grass Koeleria pyramidata (Junegrass). In the absence of mycorrhizae, however, competitive effects of big bluestem were greatly reduced and Junegrass experienced competitive release. Relative yield totals increased when mycorrhizae were suppressed, suggesting greater intensity of interspecific competition in the presence of mycorrhizae. Thus, the competitive dominance of big bluestem in tallgrass prairie is strongly related to its mycorrhizal status. Elymus canadensis (Canada wild rye) outcompeted big bluestem both with and without mycorrhizae. Relative yield totals of this specie.
Influence of the efficacy values in numerical equality on the condition of winner or loser in the 2003 Water Polo World Championship

The purpose of this study was to find the efficacy values in the playing micro-situations in numerical equality with or without ball possession and to analyze the relation between these and the condition of winner or loser. We analysed the matches of the X World Championship of Water polo which did not end in a draw. Playing micro-situations in numerical equality were evaluated by means of coefficients, which obtain efficacy values. Some differences were revealed, in male category, in the following coefficients with possession: concretion, definition, resolution, accuracy and blocked shots received (p<.001) and precision (p=.001). Without possession: concretion, definition, resolution, accuracy and blocked shots made (p<.001) and precision (p=.001). In female category with the following coefficients with possession: concretion, definition and precision (p<.001), resolution (p=.001), possibility (p=.005) and accuracy (p=.017). Without possession: concretion, definition and precision (p<.001), resolution (p=.001), possibility (p=.005) and accuracy (p=.017); taking as a reference a value of p<. 05. To conclude with, we can say that in twelve out of the fourteen efficacy coefficients proposed for evaluating the playing micro-situations in numerical equality with or without ball possession in male and female water polo there are significant differences between the condition of winner or loser.
Movement of metolachlor in soil: effect of new organo-clay formulations

The use of commercially available formulations of metolachlor has resulted in its leaching and migration to water sources. Formulations of metolachlor designed to reduce its leaching in soil have been prepared by adding the herbicide dissolved in an organic solvent or in water to organo-clay complexes. Best formulations were made when the organo-clay complex was formed by adsorbing the monovalent organic cations benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA) or benzyltriethylammonium (BTEA) onto sodium montmorillonite (Mont) at 0.5 or 0.8 mole kg−1 clay. Adsorption of metolachlor to organo-clays followed the sequence Mont-BTMA 0.5 > Mont-BTMA 0.8 > Mont-BTEA 0.8 > Mont-BTEA 0.5 > Mont. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated the occurrence of shifts of several peaks of adsorbed metolachlor relative to the free herbicide, indicating the existence of strong interactions between metolachlor molecules and the organo-clay surface. Leaching studies employing organo-clay and commercial formulations were carried out under greenhouse and field conditions. Metolachlor applied as organo-clay formulations leached less than the commercial formulation. Organo-clay formulations prepared by adding the herbicide as a water solution showed less leaching in the soil profile than those made by using organic solvent. Under greenhouse conditions, the herbicidal activity of organo-clay formulations was similar to that of the commercial one. Under field conditions, leaching from Mont-BTMA 0.5-metolachlor was less than that from the commercial formulation, demonstrating the environmental and agricultural advantages of the organo-clay formulations of metolachlor. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of interannual climate variation on phenology and growth of two alpine forbs

Variations in growth, flowering, and phenology of two forbs, Acomastylis rossii and Bistorta bistortoides, were compared among six years (1983-1988) and five plant communities (fellfield, dry meadow, moist meadow, wet meadow, snowbed) at an alpine site in the Front Range of Colorado. The purpose was to determine the extent to which the phenological patterns of these species varied among plant communities and how interannual climate variability affects phenology and growth. There were significant differences in growth among communities for both species. In B. bistortoides, there were also significant differences among years, due primarily to the influence of a single year (1983) when leaf length increased by {approximately}10% and the average number of B. bistortoides leaves nearly doubled. Key phenological events of both species (initiation of growth, date of maximum leaf length, leaf number, and flower number) were related to snowmelt patterns, resulting in differences among communities. There were also significant differences among years, again primarily related to the single year 1983, the year of a major El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event that produced high snowfall amounts at the site. The increased leaf length in a high snow year is counterintuitive to the commonly accepted notion that alpine species maymore » be limited by season length. We hypothesize that changes in phenology related to changes in snowfall or snowmelt will cause detectable changes in growth, but that these will not be predicted simply from phenology alone. Rather, the timing of snowmelt in relation to nutrient availability, soil moisture, and air temperature will be critical in determining how individual species respond. 90 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs. « less
Effect of Heat Treatment and Ultrafiltration Process of Cow's, Ewe's, or Goat's Milk on Its Coagulation Properties

The influence of ultrafiltration (UF) and the intensity of the heat treatment applied to milk prior to the UF process on the rennet clotting properties of cow's, ewe's, and goat's milk was analyzed. Significant differences in the rennet clotting time, and the curd firming of the ×0 (skim milk), ×1, ×1.5, and ×2 retentates between species were detected. A slight decrease of rennet clotting time with increasing concentration was found when cow's milk was heated prior to UF; however, a significant increase was detected with increasing concentration when ewe's or goat's milk was submitted to heating. The curd firming rate of the retentates increased when milk samples were heated prior to UF. Keywords: Ultrafiltration; rennet clotting properties; cow's, ewe's, goat's milk
Relative effect of different host feeding site on long‐range host location and electroantennogram response in the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata (Hym., Braconidae)

The effect of host feeding site on the potential host‐finding success of the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata was investigated in the tritrophic system Brassica oleracea L. ‐ Pieris brassicae L. (Lep., Pieridae) ‐ Cotesia glomerata L. (Hym., Braconidae). The parasitoids were found to be most attracted to plants with herbivores feeding on upper foliage, less attracted by mid‐plant herbivory and incapable of distinguishing between control plants and plants with herbivory on the lowest leaves. In EAG tests there was no difference in response with respect to volatiles from damage at different levels on the plant. The possible ecological significance of these results are discussed in relation to predicted models of wound‐induced defence and olfactory neurological coding.