Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioefficacy of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Apocyanaceae) and Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit (Lamiaceae) ethanolic aerial extracts on the larval instars of the dengue and chikungunya vector Aedes aegypti Linnaeus 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae)

Extensive use of synthetic and chemical insecticides has resulted in environmental hazards and also in development of physiological resistance among vector mosquito species. Plant products are considered to be a potential alternative approach as they are environmentally safe, target specific and biodegradable. In the present study, the bioefficacy of ethanolic extract of Catharanthus roseus and Hyptis suaveolens aerial parts were tested on the first, second, third and fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mg/L. Larval mortality was observed after 24 hours and the corresponding LC50 values were 22.91, 28.30, 35.64 and 36.82mg/L and mortality recorded in terms of percentage were 96.86, 95.19, 98.53 and 98.53% at 500mg/L for Catharanthus roseus. For, Hyptis suaveolens, it was 68.36, 99.93, 101.24 and 114.93mg/L and 96.86, 93.52, 95.19% and 98.53 at 500mg/L respectively. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the larvicidal activity against a wide range of mosquito species and the active ingredient(s) responsible for larvicidal activity should be identified.
Male ornament variation in a sexually dimorphic seabird with variable male mating success

Questions: Are sex-specific ornaments necessarily under sexual selection? Could previous sexual selection have eliminated meaningful variation in male ornaments, as envisioned by the lek paradox? Background: The lek paradox proposes that sexual selection on a trait can become limited by the availability of genetic variation. If prolonged directional selection leads to an exhaustion of genetic variation in male ornaments, selection would favour a corresponding decline in choosiness by females. Ornaments that have undergone this evolutionary process should have low phenotypic variation. Organism: Great frigatebird, Fregata minor, whose male ornaments have been assumed to be sexually selected via female mate choice. Methods: We compared morphological traits of males that did and did not succeed in attracting a mate. We also compared phenotypic variation of these traits versus phenotypic variation in (1) a behavioural trait shown to be sexually selected in this population, and (2) morphological traits shown to be sexually selected in other species. Conclusion: We found no strong morphological predictors of male mating success and only partial evidence for the reduced phenotypic variation that would be predicted by the lek paradox. Specifically, phenotypic variation in male ornaments was lower than in the behavioural trait shown to be sexually selected in this population but was not low compared with ornaments shown to be sexually selected in other species.
Broadband dual polarization patch element for cellular-phone base stations

A broadband dual polarization patch antenna double fed by an L-shaped probe and a near-resonant aperture is presented. The proposed antenna achieves a 1.5:1 standing wave ratio bandwidth of >20% at the two ports. Input isolation exceeding 25 dB has been obtained in the wide bandwidth. Thus, it can potentially be used as a base station antenna for cellular-phone networks.
Potential risk factors of amoebic gill disease in Tasmanian Atlantic salmon

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is the most significant health problem affecting the production of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Tasmania, Australia. AGD affects a number of cultured fish species worldwide, however its impact is insignificant when compared to that in Tasmania. The disease was first identified in southern Tasmania in 1986 shortly after the initiation of Atlantic salmon farming. AGD is a result of an endemic parasite Neoparamoeba sp. attaching to the salmon's gill tissue. Research conducted over the years has resulted in a large reduction of AGD associated mortalities. However, the disease continues to place a significant financial burden on the industry with the only effective form of treatment being freshwater baths, a strategy implemented in the late 1980's. Epidemiological studies are essential as they facilitate in identifying causal factors that may be associated with disease outbreaks. An understanding of these complex interactions is required in order to implement effective control and prevention strategies. This thesis examined a number of environmental conditions and husbandry protocols currently utilised in the Atlantic salmon industry in Tasmania. Fallowing of lease sites as a disease management strategy for AGD was found to be unsuccessful. The mean AGD prevalence of Atlantic salmon cultured at a fallowed site (57.5% ± 5.32) was similar to fish at the control site (52.3% ± 5.35). Neoparamoeba sp. was isolated from environmental samples at the fallowed site despite the absence of salmon. Atlantic salmon maintained in copper based antifouling paint treated nets had a higher mean prevalence of AGD (29 .2% ± 6.74) compared to salmon maintained in untreated nets (21.3% ± 6.43). The belief that copper acts as an attractant for Neoparamoeba sp. was not ascertained. Atlantic salmon maintained under continuos artificial lights had a similar prevalence of AGD as salmon maintained under natural light conditions for the majority of a 12 month trial. However when subjected to stressful conditions the salmon maintained under artificial lights had a significantly higher percentage of gill lesions (43.1 % ± 4.38) compared to salmon held under natural light conditions (14.11%± 1.96). An Atlantic salmon farm located in the Tamar River in the north of Tasmania was studied as a control site, as the farm had been operating for approximately 5 years with no history of AGD. Neoparamoeba sp. was isolated from the benthic sediment and nylon nets, but not detected on steel nets or the salmon's gills. However approximately 12 months after the trial concluded the farm experienced its first outbreak of AGD. The work contained in this thesis has identified a number of environmental and husbandry practices that warrant further investigation to accurately understand their influence on the occurrence of AGD in Tasmanian cultured Atlantic salmon. Future research must also concentrate on identifying and understanding the causative agent/s involved in this disease in order to develop effective treatments.
Geo-reference based soil fertility status in Hassan district of Karnataka, India for development of nutrient plan

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutrient status and their relation with other properties of soil. For this purpose, 1320 geo-referenced surface soil samples from 015 cm depth using GPS were collected from eight taluks of Hassan district in southern Karnataka. The results showed that pH (3.72–9.71) and EC (0.02–1.79 dS m−1) of soils were acidic to alkaline with non-saline nature. About 86.59% of the soils were found to be medium in available nitrogen (315.90 kg N ha−1) and 55% of samples fall under high available phosphorus (>22.50 kg P2O5 ha−1) category. The available potassium status in surface soils of different talukas ranged from 50 to 984 kg ha−1. Available sulphur content in soil varied from 0.24 to 90.81 mg kg−1, with 75% soils deficient in sulphur due to continuous removal of sulphur by crops. Zinc deficient was recorded in 55.44% of soil samples analyzed and 99.54% were deficiency in boron which ranged from 0.08 to 6.70 and 0.04 to 0.82 mg kg−1, respectively. The remaining micronutrients (Fe, Cu and Mn) shown to be sufficient and their values ranged between 0.77 to 802.53, 0.03 to 6.78 and 1.08 to 81.35 mg kg−1, respectively. Analytical data clearly indicated that all the nutrients were significantly correlated with each other suggesting the dynamic equilibrium exists among these nutrients.
Effects of temperature, water regime and irrigation system on the release of ascospores of Mycosphaerella nawae, causal agent of circular leaf spot of persimmon

Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to quantify the effects of temperature, water regime and irrigation system on the release of Mycosphaerella nawae ascospores from leaf litter in Spanish persimmon orchards. The effect of temperature on ascospore release was best described by a Gompertz model. The end of the lag phase of ascospore release occurred at 9·75°C, and the end of the exponential phase at 15·75°C. Few ascospores were discharged from dry leaves wetted with 0·1 or 0·5 mm water, but significant amounts were recovered with 1–50 mm water. About half of the total ascospores were released after three wetting and drying cycles, but 32 cycles were necessary for a complete discharge. No significant difference in ascospore release was detected when the leaf litter was wetted by flood and drip irrigation. However, considering the proportion of soil area wetted in both systems, inoculum release was significantly reduced by drip irrigation. The potential of drip irrigation as a cultural control measure should be investigated.
Genetic diversity in rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes under humid tropics of Andaman based on grain yield and seed characters

The nature and magnitude of gcnetic diversity were estimated during the rainy season of 1998, 1999 and 2000 in 50 high-yielding varieties and traditional germplasm office (Oryza sativa L.), under the humid tropics of Andaman using Mahalanobis' D2 statistics. The gcnotypes were found to be grouped into 10 clusters. The pattern of distribution of genotypes within various clusters was random and independent of geographical origin or rcgion of adaptation. Clusters IV and X were identilied as most diversified groups, followed by IV and IX. Days to 50% flowering, grain length, kernel breadth and grain yield/plant were found to be the major component characters, contributing towards genetic diversity. Based on the mean grain yield performance, genetic distance and clustering pattern intercrossing amongst 'Taipei 309', 'SIPI 681032', 'Black Jeera', 'IR 54447 B-B-B 10-2' may be used to obtain transgressive segrcgants with high heteriotic effects, which would be appropriate for the development of high-yielding varieties compatible for large-scale cultivation in Bay Islands.
Bio-efficacy of Eco-friendly Insecticides against Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris brassicae (L.) on Cabbage in the Mid Altitudes Hills of Meghalaya, North East India

In this study nine eco-friendly insecticides viz., Annonin, Azadirachtin (oil base 300 ppm), Neem Seed Kernel Extract 300 ppm, Garlic Extract (1%), Karanjin, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Beauveria bassiana , Spinosad 45 SC and Endosulfan 35 EC were tested for their bio-efficacy against Pieris brassicae (L.) on cabbage. After fifteen (15) days of spray it was found that endosulfan, annonin and spinosad killed maximum number of larvae with 98.65%, 98.47% and 97.84% mortality respectively. Among the botanicals, annonin was found to be the most effective whereas for microbial, spinosad was found to give maximum control.
Radiation and mass transfer effects on an unsteady MHD free convection flow past a heated vertical plate in a porous medium with viscous dissipation

An unsteady, two-dimensional, hydromagnetic, laminar free convective boundary-layer ∞ow of an incompressible, Newtonian, electricallyconducting and radiating ∞uid past an inflnite heated vertical porous plate with heat and mass transfer is analyzed, by taking into account the efiect of viscous dissipation. The dimensionless governing equations for this investigation are solved analytically using two-term harmonic and non-harmonic functions. Numerical evaluation of the analytical results is performed and graphical results for velocity, temperature and concentration proflles within the boundary layer and tabulated results for the skin-friction coefflcient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are presented and discussed. It is observed that, when the radiation parameter increases, the velocity and temperature decrease in the boundary layer, whereas when thermal and solutal Grashof increases the ve
Phenol test and electrophoresis of seed esterases for testing genetic purity in seed lots of pearl milllet (Pennisetum glaucum) inbreds

An experiment was conducted during 1993 to explore possibility of using phenol test and electrophoresis of seed esterases for testing the genetic purity of seed lots or pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucume (L.) Br. emend. Stuntz. ] inbreds. Ten inbred lines of pearlmillet (ICMB 87001', 'ICMB 87003', 'ICMB 88004', 'ICMB 88006', 'ICMB 89111', 'ICMB 90111', '841 B', '81 B', '843 B' and '5141 B') could be grouped into 4 different colour categories using phenol test. Contamination of a seed lot only with seed of a different colour category could be detected by this technique. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of seed esterases could differentiate each of these lines individually. This test could detect an artificial contamination of 4% (2 seeds of the inbred '81 B' in 50 seeds or the line 'ICMB 90111'), indicating its potential for testing the genetic purity or pearl millet seed lots.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION BY THE FLAG LEAF AND COMPONENTS OF THE EAR DURING GRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN WHEAT

---------------, Summary Rates of photosynthesis and dark respiration of the ears and flag leaves of three varieties of wheat grown at 21 DC under a constant light intensity of 3200 f.c. were measured by infrared gas analysis twice weekly throughout the period of grain development. Measurements were made on both the intact ears and the separated grains and ear structures, in air and in a mixture of nitrogen plus 320 p.p.m. C02. Dry weights of the grains, ears, and main stems were also determined. Photosynthesis by the grains was near maximal at the light intensity measured inside the glumes, and nearly balanced the loss of C02 by dark respiration, until the grains ripened. Grain photosynthesis accounted for 33-42% of gross ear photo· synthesis. Ear photosynthesis, which was much higher in awned varieties, contributed up to 76% to total grain requirements during early growth, this proportion falling to a minimum of about 26% in Sonora (awned) and 15% in Gabo (unawned) during the period of most rapid grain growth, before rising again as grain growth slowed. Over the whole period of grain development the contribution to grain requirements by ear photosynthesis was 33% in Sonora and 20% in Gabo. The rate of photosynthesis by the flag leaf blades varied apparently in response to changes in the demand for assimilates. In Sonora, requirements by the ear during the period of most rapid grain growth were equivalent to 131 and 43 mg CO2 per ear per day for growth and respiration of the grain respectively, while net photosynthesis at that time by the ear, flag leaf blade, and stem plus sheaths was 50, 126, and 42 mg C02 per day respectively. Photosynthesis by the ear and flag leaf blade alone could meet the needs of the ear at all times, and grain growth did not appear to be limited by the supply of assimilate. I. INTRODUOTION
BIOLOGY, LIFE TABLES, AND INTRINSIC RATE OF INCREASE OF THE EUROPEAN RED MITE, PANONYCHUS ULMI (ACARINA: TETRANYCHIDAE)

Abstract Development of the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), in Nova Scotia was studied at three constant temperatures to construct a life table and establish the intrinsic rate of development. The threshold temperature for development was 10.6°C. The duration from the beginning of the egg stage to adult for females was 31.2, 20.5, and 14.0 days and for males 21.9, 19.6, and 12.8 days at 15°, 18°, and 21°C, respectively. The duration in degree-days above 10.6°C for females was 137.3, 151.7, and 145.2 and for males 128.0, 144.9, and 133.1 at the same three temperatures. The duration of the preoviposition period decreased, duration of the oviposition period remained constant, and the number of eggs laid increased with temperature. Life tables were constructed at 15°, 18°, and 21°C; the intrinsic rates of increase were 0.56,. 092, and.134; net reproduction rates 10.06, 13.50, and 17.37; and mean generation times were 41.4, 28.3, and 21.3 days, respectively. Résumé On a étudié le développement du tétranyque rouge du pommier (Panonychus ulmi (Koch)) en Nouvelle-Écosse à trois températures constantes pour établir un cycle biologique et le taux intrinsèque de développement dont la température seuil est de 10.6°C. L’intervalle entre le début du stade oeuf et l’âge adulte pour les femelles est de 31.2, 20.5 et 14 jours, et de 21.9, 19.6 et 12.8 jours pour les mâles à 15, 18 et 21°C respectivement. Le nombre de degrés-jours supérieurs à 10.6°C est de 137.3, 151.7 et 145.2 pour les femelles et de 128, 144.9 et 133.1 pour les mâles respectivement aux trois mêmes températures. La durée de la période d’ovipositin demeure constante et le nombre d’oeufs pondus augmenté avec la température. Pour des cycles biologiques élaborés à 15, 18 : et 21°C, les taux intrinsèques de croissance sont de 0.56, 0.92 et 0.134, les taux nets de reproduction sont de 10.06, 13.5 et 17.37 et les intervalles moyens de génération sont de 41.4, 28.3 et 21.3 jours respectivement.
Hormonal regulation of innate immune responses and toll-like receptors in the human endometrium

This study examines the cycle-dependent expression and hormonal regulation of TLRs in immune responses in the human reproductive tract. TLR expression could be significant as the reproductive tract is an important site of exposure to and infection with pathogens. The cytokine milieu is essential in normal functions of the human endometrium, including progression through the menstrual cycle, embryo implantation, and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The reproductive tract is unique since it hormonally controls expression levels of soluble immune mediators and influx of immune cells to mediate these functions. Since TLRs have to the potential to induce alterations in cytokine production through recognition of specific ligands, TLR ligation could affect endometrial health. We demonstrated cycle-dependent expression of TLRs and several TLR-associated molecules in the endometrium. Specifically, we observed that TLR3 is expressed at high levels during the window of implantation, when the expression of all other TLRs and associated molecules examined is low. TLR3 recognizes dsRNA (the viral genome or a product viral replication) to induce proinflammatory and antiviral immune responses. xvii Thus, since the expression of pattern of TLR3 in the endometrium is unique in comparison to that of other TLRs and associated molecules, TLR3 may play a role in preparing the endometrium for implantation in addition to mediating proinflammatory and antiviral responses within the endometrium. We determined in this study that the cyclic expression of TLR3 within the endometrium is not due to a direct action of hormones on TLR3 mRNA or protein expression, but that hormones are able to affect TLR3 function through suppression of TLR3-mediated responses. These hormonal effects are dependent upon the expression of hormone receptors and appear to be acting at the level of TLR3-induced proinflammatory and antiviral gene transcription. The results of this study indicate that TLRs initiate immune responses to inflammatory stimuli in the human endometrium. TLR3 was determined to be a cyclically regulated protein specifically expressed during the window of implantation that can mediate antiviral immune responses and alter the cytokine milieu, potentially influencing the outcomes and consequences of infection. This suggests that TLR3 ligands may be utilized to develop treatment and vaccine strategies against viral pathogens in the endometrium, and identifies TLR3 as a possible target for treatment of endometrial dysfunctions such as endometriosis, infertility, and spontaneous abortion.
Loranthus micranthus Leaves Extract Attenuates Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Fructose Fed Rats

There are concerns about adverse effects of dietary sugars. This study compared dietary fructose induced metabolic dysfunction in male rats with the female and the modulatory effect of Loranthus micranthus. Fifty six rats assigned to four groups of 7 male and 7 females per group were used in the study. The water of group B, C and D rats were supplemented with 10% fructose for the first two 2 weeks and was later increased to 20%, 30% and 40% after every 2 other weeks respectively. Nifedipine was administered to group C while L. micranthus (600mg/Kg) was orally administered to group D. All administrations were carried out daily as a single dose.The rats were sacrificed and the serum analyzed for the lipid components. Serum glucose level was measured every 2 weeks interval. Fructose administration increased serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C, atherogenic and coronary risk indexes but decreased serum HDL‐C significantly. Serum glucose was not altered during the first 6 weeks of study but was significantly increased above the initial value after 8 weeks of study. Both L. micranthus and nifedipine prevented this metabolic dysfunction but the effect was more pronounced with L. micranthus extract. The study concludes that male subjects are more prone to metabolic dysfunction of fructose than the female group and that L. micranthus is efficacious in preventing this defect.
Photosynthesis in response to sink-source manipulations during different phenological stages of fruit development in peach trees: regulation by stomatal aperture and leaf temperature

Summary Fruit was removed (‘– fruit’) or retained (‘+ fruit’) on 1 year-old shoots of Prunus persica L. Batch cv. ‘Okubo’ with the same number of leaves, and on the limbs of cv. ‘Yanfengyihao’ peach trees during different phenological stages of fruit development in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Fruit removal significantly decreased the net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, and increased leaf temperature around midday, compared to the ‘+ fruit’ treatment. No significant difference in the sub-stomatal CO2 concentration in source leaves was observed between the ‘– fruit’ and ‘+ fruit’ treatments. Decreased carbon-sink activity due to fruit removal significantly reduced the net photosynthesis rate only when photosynthetically active radiation was high and exceeded 900-1,000 µmol m–2 s–1.The net photosynthesis rate was significantly and positively correlated with stomatal conductance, especially at small stomatal apertures, and was significantly lower in the ‘– fruit’ treatment compared to the ‘+ fruit’ treatment. This decrease in net photosynthesis rate was often accompanied by significantly decreased stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Moreover, the net photosynthesis rate peaked when the leaf temperature was between 36°–38. 5ºC, then decreased sharply when the leaf temperature continued to increase in the presence or absence of fruit. However, the net photosynthesis rate in the ‘– fruit’ treatment was lower than in the ‘+ fruit’ treatment at the same leaf temperature, especially when the leaf temperature exceeded 38. 5ºC. It is suggested that increased leaf temperature, followed by a reduced stomatal aperture, may be critical for reduced photosynthesis with decreased sink strength after fruit removal. Regulation of stomatal aperture, the first important physiological reaction of leaves, may be considered the trigger, and increased leaf temperature as being instrumental in regulating photosynthesis during low sink-demand in peach trees. Similar results were found for both peach cultivars at two experimental sites.