Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards the development of integrated cultural control of tomato late blight (phytophthora infestans) in Uganda

Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) is a major vegetable crop in Uganda. Moneymaker, Marglobe, Heinz and Roma are the major commercial varieties grown in the country, the first two being the most popular. Late blight ( Phytophthora infestans ) is the most important disease of Ugandan tomatoes. Tomato cultivation in Uganda is mostly done continuously throughout the year which perpetuates P. infestans survival and sources of inoculum. Late blight in Uganda is predominately controlled by fungicides and the most commonly used fungicide is Dithane M-45 (mancozeb). However, there are virtually no data available on the effectiveness of control of the disease on tomatoes in the country. This research was aimed at developing integrated disease management practices, which avoid where possible the use of fungicides, for late blight disease in Uganda. In the Ugandan situation, this effectively means a range of cultural control practices. New isolation techniques which make use of healthy, and diseased tomato fruits to isolate the pathogen from tomatoes were developed and used in the research. Ugandan isolates of P. infestans were found to be of A1 mating type but this was on the basis of a very limited number of samples. The study indicated that sanitation can reduce late blight disease incidence and severity but causes adverse effects on the crop in terms of height, flower formation, fruit numbers and yield. The use of polythene shelters, intercropping, or high tomato planting densities each combined with sanitation helped to alleviate the adverse effect of sanitation and reduced the disease levels even further. The fungicide (Dithane M-45) was only partially effective in controlling late blight by delaying epidemics for about 2 weeks. Nevertheless the fungicide consistently gave higher numbers of fruits and yield than any of the cultural practices, with or without sanitation. If cultural practices are to substitute for fungicides within an integrated disease management system, then further development work is required.
An autoethnographic exploration of creative design practice: towards pedagogic implications.

I lecture jewellery design at a university of technology in South Africa. Through this study, I wish to arrive at a deeper understanding of my own creative process, so that I can facilitate the creative development of my students. The focus of this article is the visual journal, or reflective sketchbook, which I require my students to keep. To establish the relationship between my creative practice and visual journaling, I analysed a creative poetic performance I delivered at the South African Educational Research Association’s (SAERA) 2016 conference. Using the little-c definition of creativity, I analyse the threads that constituted and contributed to my performance, to see how aspects of self manifested within this creative process. I did the analysis by conducting an autoethnographic self-interview, and then examining the responses. To my surprise, I discovered that the inspiration for my own creative work does not necessarily originate in my visual journal and that the visual journal could play a more useful role, if used as a prompt for reflective conversations.
Sugar content, trehalase activity and trehalose level on drone prepupae of Apis mellifera carnica parasitized with Varroa

A study performed on drone prepupae of honeybees Apis mellifera carnica naturally infested with Varroa destructor showed a significantly lower sugar content, 7.08 ± 2.34%, as compared to 11.98 ± 2.16% in non-infested larvae. The trehalose level in infested larvae was also significantly higher than in their non-infested counterparts – 1.74 ± 0.46 % and 2.23 ± 0.39 % (p < 0.05), respectively. The latter difference may be the result of trehalase activity that was observed to be increased by one-half in infested prepupae. The results suggest that, as a result of Varroa infestation, the rate of saccharide consumption in drone larvae undergoes acceleration.
Identification and characterisation of novel pathogenic factors of Trypanosoma congolense.

Trypanosoma congolense is a major causative agent of the bovine disease trypanosomosis which has a considerable economic impact on sub-Saharan Africa. Current control methods for trypanosomosis are unsatisfactory and vaccine development has been hampered by antigenic variation. An anti-disease vaccine is based on the idea that disease is caused by the pathogenic factors released by the parasite, rather than by the parasite itself. Therefore, if these pathogenic factors could be neutralised by antibodies produced by vaccination, the disease could be circumvented. The method used here for identification of novel pathogenic factors is based on the concept that trypanotolerant cattle are able to mitigate the disease by generating a specific immune response against a few key antigens (pathogenic factors). Two immuno-affinity columns were therefore prepared: one containing IgG from noninfected sera and a second column containing IgG from trypanotolerant N’Dama cattle serially infected with T. congolense. The differential binding of antigens to the two columns allowed identification of antigens specifically recognised by the immune system of a trypanotolerant animal, i.e. potential pathogenic factors. The most promising antigens identified included several variant cathepsin L-like cysteine peptidases (CPs) and the Family M1 Clan MA aminopeptidases (APs). For the CPs, a study of the genetic organisation was conducted in order to further understand the variability present in this gene family. To this end, two different mini-libraries of cathepsin L-like genes were prepared: one in which genes as different as possible from congopain (the major CP of T. congolense) were selected, and a second which contained all possible genes present in the congopain array. Analysis of the sequences obtained in these two mini-libraries showed that there was significant variability of the genes within the congopain array. Two variants of CPs, chosen for differences in their catalytic triads, were cloned for expression. The recombinantly expressed CP variants differed in substrate preferences from one another and from C2 (the recombinant truncated form of congopain), and surprisingly, all enzymes were active at physiological pH.
Trend of Pesticide Use in Nepal

This paper has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide import, formulation and consumption in Nepal. Nepal has diverse agro-ecological conditions and different agro-climatic conditions necessitate varieties of approaches to crop cultivation and crop protection. The average national use of pesticides in Nepal is 396g a.i./ha with the highest use in the vegetable. This review used relevant secondary data, and information. The study found that the fungicides are the major form of pesticides used in Nepal for the pest control and the trend of pesticides consumption is increasing for agricultural purposes. The Nepal Government has signed different international treaties, made rules and regulations and initiated different types of programs to minimize the use of pesticides.
Selection in early generations of dried peas, Pisum sativum L. I. Values of heritability and efficiency of indirect selection.

Seed production in peas is limited by early and severe lodging and by a low multiplication rate and pea breeders have tried to overcome such disadvantages by growing plants in early generations widely-spaced against wire netting. Progenies of four pea crosses were each tested over a period of tour years to investigate whether single plant selection for quantitative characters, in particular grain yield, is efficient in such circumstances in the Is generation. Efficiency of selection was also studied for yield and yield related characters in the F3 based on f2 derived single plant progenies grown in unreplicated microplots. Early yield selection in the F2 as well as in the F3 proved to be of poor efficiency. Heritability values of all recorded traits were only slightly higher in the F3 than in the F2. Efficiency of yield selection could not be increased significantly in these early generations by indirect selection, either for single traits or for index traits. Possible reasons are discussed for the low efficiency of direct and indirect selection for grain yield in early generations and proposals are made for its improvement and for alternative selection strategies.
Isolation of probiotic bacteria from turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) and its application in enriched beverages

Summary The purpose of this study is to obtain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fresh turmeric rhizomes that could be used as starter culture with the ability to ferment turmeric and to investigate its influence on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Three LAB strains, namely Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum, were isolated from turmeric rhizomes. These microorganisms showed similar characteristics as probiotic organisms. The TPC of fermented turmeric beverages was measured using the Folin–Denis reagent method, while the antioxidant activity assays were quantified by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. This study confirms that bacteria isolated from turmeric can be used as starter. Moreover, fermentation time and LAB lead to dominant amount of TPC and that they have high levels of antioxidant activities.
Comparative copulation anatomy of the Drosophila melanogaster species complex (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

The Drosophila melanogaster species complex consists of four species: D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia and D. mauritiana. To identify these closely related species, researchers often examine the male genitalia, especially species‐specific shapes of the posterior process, as the most reliable and easily observable character. However, compared to genetic aspects, the evolutionary significance of the posterior process and other genital parts remains largely unexplained. By comparing genital coupling among these species, we revealed that the posterior processes, which are hidden under the female abdominal tergite VII when genital coupling is established, mesh with different parts of the intersegmental membrane between the tergite VIII and the oviscapts and that this membrane region broadens in a species‐specific manner. Furthermore, in D. simulans and D. sechellia, this membrane region is likely to incur wounds from the sharply pointed tip of the posterior process. On the basis of the use and functions of these and other genital parts, we discuss possible evolutionary forces underlying the diversification of genitalia in this group.
Quantitative trait loci for agronomic and end-use quality performance and the effect of Soilborne wheat mosaic virus in a hard winter wheat population in Nebraska

A hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) population was developed cooperatively by the Colorado and Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Stations from the cross TAM 107-R7/‘Arlin’ to investigate agronomic performance, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, end-use quality, and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the these traits. The parental lines have been shown to be well adapted to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado environments. The population contains 154 F6:8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that were phenotyped at six environments in Nebraska for numerous traits. The parental lines and RILs differed for resistance to Wheat soilborne mosaic virus (WSBMV), morphological, agronomic, and end-use quality traits. Genotyping using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and diversity arrays technology markers (DArT) produced a genome-wide linkage map that covers over 2300 cM on 33 linkage groups. In our studies, QTLs were detected for agronomic and end-use quality traits in all environments. The population has performed well in Nebraska and the best RILs could be used as parents to improve cultivars in the northern Great Plains. The RIL population and marker data were released so that others in the Great Plains or in similar environments can use both to understand traits of interest to them. Seed from the TAM 107-R7/Arlin population and all genotypic data are available from the corresponding author or the USDA-ARS National Small Grains Collection (NSGC), Aberdeen, ID and the GrainGenes website, respectively.
Study of prevalence of different species of malarial parasites and comparison of hematological parameters in different malarial parasite species

Background: Malaria is one of the major public health problems. Currently, almost 100 countries or territories in the world are considered to be affected by malaria, with Africa and South of Sahara accounting for half of them. The estimation of WHO is that 1.7 to 2.5 million deaths and 300 to 500 million cases of malaria occur each year globally. The disease is distributed in all parts of India. Objective: To find out the prevalence of different species of malaria in Surendranagar district (Gujarat, India) and comparison of different hematological parameters between the species. Basic procedure includes all patients revealing malaria infection by any species. Material and Methods: Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), platelet count, and red cell distribution width (RDW) were determined by using automated cell counter, and peripheral smear examination for malarial parasite was taken as gold standard for diagnosis of malaria. Result: Of the 129 patients, 60 patients revealed Plasmodium falciparum malaria and 69 patients revealed Plasmodium vivax malaria; other species has not been identified in this region. Anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL, p = 0.00), platelet count (
Avian Habitat Preference in Tropical Forest Restoration in Southern Costa Rica

An important question for tropical forest restoration is whether degraded lands can be actively managed to attract birds. We censused birds and measured vegetation structure at 27 stations in young (6–9‐yr old) actively and passively restored pasture and old growth forest at Las Cruces Biological Station in southern Costa Rica. During 481 10‐min point counts, we detected a high diversity—186 species—of birds using the restoration area. Surprisingly, species richness and detection frequency did not differ among habitats, and proportional similarity of bird assemblages to old growth forest did not differ between restoration treatments. Bird detection frequency was instead explained by exotic grass cover and understory stem density—vegetation structures that were not strongly impacted by active restoration. The similarity of bird assemblages in actively and passively restored forest may be attributed to differential habitat preferences within and among feeding guilds, low structural contrast between treatments, or the effect of nucleation from actively restored plots into passively restored areas. Rapid recovery of vegetation in this recently restored site is likely due to its proximity to old growth forest and the lack of barriers to effective seed dispersal. Previous restoration studies in highly binary environments (i.e., open pasture vs. tree plantation) have found strong differences in bird abundance and richness. Our data contradict this trend, and suggest that tropical restoration ecologists should carefully consider: (1) when the benefits of active restoration outweigh the cost of implementation; and (2) which avian guilds should be used to measure restoration success given differential responses to habitat structure.
Algas marinhas bentônicas da Reserva Biológica Estadual da Praia do Sul, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

A survey in the Reserve showed 27 species of Chlorophyceae, 21 of Phaeophyceae and 73 of Rhodophyceae. Among the recorded species, 38 are new references to the Island and Cladophora catenata (L.) Kutz. is for the first time quoted to the Rio de Janeiro coast. Neither endemic species nor specific flora from insular area were found in the Reserve. A comparison between the flora of the Reserve and those of neighboring areas, showed a high percentage of similarity.
Searching ability and feeding potential of larvae, 7-spotted beetle Coccinella septempunctata Linn. under laboratory and field conditions

A field study was carried out to investigate the searching behaviour and feeding potential of 7-spotted beetle on mustard aphid was conducted at Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam during 2005. It was observed that aphid consumption of the 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th instar grubs of 7-spotted beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, was affected significantly (P<0.05) by host density. The aphid consumed under host density of 10 was 1.1 ±0.10, 1.65 ±0.96, 1.95 ± 0.09 and 2.8 ± 0.14 in lab and 0.92 ±0.09, 1.35 ± 0.09, 1.75 ± 0.09 and 2.55 ± 0.15/ beetle under field conditions by 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th instar grubs of 7-spotted ladybird beetle, respectively. Aphid consumption increased significantly with increasing host density and it was 1.65 ± 0.05, 2.0 ± 0.11, 2.65 ± 0.18 and 3.95 ± 0.20/beetle under lab conditions and 1.4 ± 0.00, 1.95 ± 0.23, 1.3 ± 0.19, 3.67 ± 0.30/beetle under field conditions by 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th instar grubs under the host density of 30 aphids, respectively. Searching distance covered by the 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th instar grubs under host density of 10 was 15.56 ± 1.54, 21.69 ± 1.05, 28.35 ± 0.98 and 37.91 ±1.96 cm in lab and 24.56 ± 1.33, 31.64 ± 1.34, 38.68 ± 1.11 and 46.39 ± 1.19 cm under field conditions, respectively. Searching distance decreased with increasing host density and under host density of 30 searching distance was 10.26 ± 0.80, 16.92 ± 1.04, 22.43 ± 0.99 and 33.41 ± 1.84 cm in lab and 19.91 ± 1.37, 27.02 ± 1.24, 33.58 ± 1.40 and 41.51 ± 1.67 cm/beetle in the field by 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th instar grubs, respectively. Searching distance of ladybird beetles under field conditions was significantly greater as compared to those under laboratory conditions, because the beetles had unlimited area in field to move and searched freely for their food and hence covered more distance as compared to laboratory conditions.
Yeast cells as a feed supplement for cattle 1. Liquid viable yeast cultures for calves

An experiment lasting 73 days was carried out on 40 Black-and-White Lowland 7-day-old calves divided into 5 groups of 8. The animals received 8 kg of whole milk daily for 5 weeks, 6 kg in the 6th and 3 kg in 7th week with free access to concentrate mixture and meadow hay. After 7 weeks of the experiment the calves were fed only concentrate to appetite and 0.3-0.4 kg of meadow hay. This basic control diet was supplemented with wort without yeast and in the experimental groups with liquid cultures of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1026 or Saccharomyces carlsbergensis of the brewery strain SK-1, BS-Bratislava or wine strain T-81. A l l strains of yeast significantly stimulated amylolytic and proteolytic activity of the digesta in the duodenum, small intestine and ileum but not in the abomasum. Body weight gains of calves fed diets supplemented with SK-1 and B-Bratislava yeast were higher than in control or in groups supplemented with the other two yeast strains.
Field evaluation of Rynaxypyr 20SC against insect pests of sugarcane.

The results showed that the treatment Rynaxypyr 20SC @ 100g a.i./ha was found to be best with the highest germination of 35.9%, minimum 1.1% cut end damage, 10.0% bud damage by termite and minimum 0.12% infestation by early shoot borer. The minimum 0.14% tiller infestation by termite was recorded with Rynaxypyr 20SC @ 150g a.i./ha. The treatment Rynaxypyr 20SC @ 100g a.i./ha gave maximum yield of 77.13 MT/ha.
Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology

The Class Mammalia is amazingly diverse, ranging from whales to marsupials to bats to primates. The more than 5,400 species occupy many habitats, with mammals present on all the continents. They are rare only on Antarctica and a few isolated islands. Mammals present a complex set of conservation and management issues. Some species have become more numerous with the rise of human populations, while others have been extirpated or nearly so-such as the Caribbean monk seal, the thylacine, the Chinese river dolphin, and the Pyrenean ibex. In this new edition of their classic textbook, George A. Feldhamer and his colleagues cover the many aspects of mammalogy. Thoroughly revised and updated, this edition includes treatments of the most recent significant findings in ordinal-level mammalian phylogeny and taxonomy; special topics such as parasites and diseases, conservation, and domesticated mammals; interrelationships between mammalian structure and function; and the latest molecular techniques used to study mammals. Instructors: email mammalogy@press.jhu. edu for a free instructor resource disc containing all 510 illustrations printed in Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology, third edition.
Conservation and Biology of Small Populations: The Song Sparrows of Mandarte Island

This book explores the factors affecting the survival of small populations. As the human impact on Earth expands, populations of many wild species are being squeezed into smaller and smaller habitats. As a consequence, they face an increasing threat of extinction. National and international conservation groups rush to add these populations, species and sub-species to their existing endangered and threatened lists. In nations with strong conservation laws, listing often triggers elaborate plans to rescue declining populations and restore their habitats. The authors review these theoretical ideas, the existing data, and explore the question: how well do small and isolated populations actually perform? Their case study group is the song sparrows of Mandarte Island, British Columbia. This population is small enough and isolated enough so that all individuals can be uniquely marked and their survival and reproduction monitored over many generations. This is one of the strongest long-term ecological studies of a contained vertebrate population, now in its 31st year.