Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rice yield and quality as affected by cultivar and red rice (Oryza sativa) density

Abstract Previous research has examined the extent to which red rice affects both yield and grain quality of cultivated rice. However, this research was conducted over 15 yr ago. Modern long-grain rice cultivars have the potential to produce yields above 10,000 kg ha−1; however, it is unknown whether modern rice cultivars sacrifice competitiveness to achieve higher yields, or if, in fact, they are more competitive. Field studies were conducted in 2002 and 2003 at the Southeast Research and Extension Center near Rohwer, AR, and at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Research Farm near Lonoke, AR, to investigate the effect of red rice density on interference between red rice and five rice cultivars (‘CL161’, ‘Cocodrie’, ‘LaGrue’, ‘Lemont’, and ‘XL8’). White rice yield reductions were between 100 and 755 kg ha−1 for every red rice plant m−2. The hybrid rice, XL8, had higher yields than the conventional cultivars. Red rice contamination in milling samples increased linearly as a function of red rice density at Lonoke and Rohwer in 2003. Dockage for each cultivar was calculated on the basis of the relationship between red rice density and red rice contamination. Semidwarf Lemont was the most contaminated and hybrid XL8 the least contaminated by the various densities of red rice. Nomenclature: Red rice, Oryza sativa L. ORYSA; rice, Oryza sativa L. ‘CL161’, ‘Cocodrie’, ‘LaGrue’, ‘Lemont’, ‘XL8’.
Native Bunchgrass Response to Prescribed Fire in Ungrazed Mountain Big Sagebrush Ecosystems

Fire was historically a dominant ecological process throughout mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana [Rydb.] Beetle) ecosystems of western North America, and the native biota have developed many adaptations to persist in a regime typified by frequent fires. Following spring and fall prescribed fires conducted in sites of different ecological conditions at the Lava Beds National Monument, California, USA, we examined the reproductive, density, and cover responses of four native bunchgrasses: bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] A. Löve), Thurber’s needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum [Piper] Barkworth), squirreltail (Elymus elymoides [Raf.] Swezey), and Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl). High rates of survival and fire-enhanced flowering were measured following fires. Thurber’s needlegrass density decreased following spring burns in sites dominated by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) (from 3.3 plants m−2 to 0.8 plants m−2; P < 0.05). Density of bluebunch wheatgrass decreased following spring fires (from 3.7 plants m−2 to 1.9 plants m−2; P = 0.02) and cover was reduced in both spring and fall burn treatments (P = 0.04) in native dominated sites. Fire-enhanced flowering (increases in reproductive efforts) occurred in bluebunch wheat-grass in cheatgrass dominated sites (244% increase in reproductive culms following fire), native dominated sites (350% increase), and woody encroachment sites (500% increase) sites following fall fires. These results show that these native bunchgrasses positively respond to prescribed fire through increases in reproductive efforts and high rates of survival following fires. This suggests that fire can be an important tool for the restoration and conservation of these fire adapted bunchgrasses.
Effects of FeEDDS and EDDS on Peat-based Substrate pH and Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn Solubility

Common chelating agents used in horticultural fertilizers like ethylenediamine- tetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and ethylenediami- nedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)acid(EDDHA)arenotreadilybiodegradableandmaypersist in the environment, maintaining the capacity to solubilize heavy metals. For this reason, biodegradable chelating agents like ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) are being evaluated for use in horticultural crop production. Therefore, the objectives of the study weretodetermine the effects ofFeEDDSand EDDS on substratepH andcopper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) solubility in peat-based substrate compared with variousFeandchelate-ligandsources.Extractionswereperformedusingthe1:2byvolume substrate analysis method with an incubation period of 24 hours. The control was distilled deionizedwaterextractions.Iron-source(FS)extractantsconsistedof1mgL -1 Fesolutions derivedfromFeEDDS,FeEDTA,FeDTPA,FeEDDHA,andFeSO4.Iron-sourceextractant solution pH ranged from 7.1 (FeEDDS) to 5.4 (FeSO4). The extract pH for all Fe-source treatments was similar at pH 6.7, demonstrating the buffering capacity of the peat-based substrate.Iron recoveryrates for FStreatmentsweredetermined after subtracting Fe that was freely extracted with distilled-deionized water: FeSO4 (13%), FeEDDHA (68%), FeEDDS (73%), FeEDTA (102%), and FeDTPA (121%). Iron-source treatments were not different for Mn, averaging 0.03 mgL -1 , and Cu (0.04 mgL -1 ) and Zn (0.24 mgL -1 )w ere greatest in the FeEDDS treatment. Chelate-ligand (CL) extractants consisted of 5 mM solutions of EDDS, EDTA, and DTPA. Chelate-ligand extractant solution pH ranged from 9.7(EDDS)to2.3(DTPA), and extract solutionpHranged from 7.2(EDDS)to4.7(DTPA). Extractant solutions of EDDS and DTPA resulted in the lowest and highest levels of Cu (0.06 and 0.14 mgL -1 , respectively) and Fe (4.3 and 13.1 mgL -1 , respectively) in extract solutions. Overall, these results suggest that there are no negative implications for the use of FeEDDS with peat-based substrate in terms of horticultural crop production based on substrate Fe solubility, which was not different from FeEDTA.
Adult and Juvenile Sex Identification in Threatened Monomorphic Geocrinia Frogs Using Fecal Steroid Analysis

Abstract A reliable method for the confirmation of sex in Geocrinia frogs is currently unavailable. A captive colony of Geocrinia frogs was used to determine whether fecal steroid analysis could be used as a noninvasive method of sex diagnosis in mature frogs. Linear discriminate analysis, using measured concentrations of fecal hormones, also was applied to establish whether a reliable model could be developed to verify the sex of juvenile frogs. Fecal samples were collected over a 3-month period from all frogs in 2010, and again from 12 frogs in 2011. Samples were pooled for each individual and tested for testosterone metabolites (TMs) and estrone conjugate metabolites (EMs) using enzyme immunoassays. Mature male frogs had higher (P < 0.01) mean TM : EM ratios than those of mature females, with mature male and female ratio ranges being 100% distinct. Mature female frogs had higher (P < 0.01) mean EM concentrations than those of mature males, but EM concentrations overlapped between the sexes in 18.7% of cases. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.28) between mature males and females in mean or range of TM concentration, with overlap between the sexes in 75% of cases. Juveniles had hormone values similar to those recorded for mature male and female frogs. Generated discriminate rules were able to distinguish (100%) between mature males and females and correctly classified the sex of 75% of the juvenile frogs. It was concluded that fecal steroid analysis offers a promising, noninvasive approach to sex identification in Geocrinia frogs.
DISTRIBUTIONAL PATTERNS OF THE NEOTROPICAL AND ANDEAN SPECIES OF THE GENUS BOMBUS (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE)

Distributional patterns of the Neotropical and Andean species of the genus Bombus Latreille were analyzed, by comparing individual tracks of 36 species. Eight generalized tracks were found: (1) Mexican Mountain (B. [Fv.] fervidus [Fabricius], B. [Br.] haueri Handlirsch, B. [Pr.] hunti Greene, and B. [Cu.] rufocinctus Cresson); (2) Northern Mesoamerican (B. [Br.] brachycephalus Handlirsch, B. [Fv.] diligens Smith, B. [Ds.] macgregori Labougle & Ayala, and B. [Fv.] steindachneri Handlirsch); (3) Southern Mesoamerican (B. [Fv.] digressus [Milliron] and B. [Ps.] variabilis [Cresson]); (4) Widespread Mesoamerican (B. [Pr.] ephippiatus Say, B. [Fv.] medius Cresson, B. [Fv.] mexicanus Cresson, B. [Fv.] pennsylvanicus [DeGeer], and B. [Fv.] weisi Friese); (5) Northern Andean (B. [Cc.] coccineus Friese, B. [Rb.] ecuadorius Meunier, B. [Fv.] excellens Smith, B. [Fr.] funebris Smith, B. [Ds.] handlirschi Friese, B. [Rb.] hortulanus Friese, B. [Rb.] melaleucus Handlirsch, B. [Fv.] pullatus Franklin, B. [Rb.] robustus Friese, B. [Fr.] rohweri Frison, and B. [Rc.] rubicundus Smith); (6) Yungas (B. [Cc.] baeri Vachal and B. [Rb.] tucumanus Vachal); (7) Southern Brazilian (B. [Fv.] bellicosus Smith and B. [Fv.] brasiliensis Lepeletier) and (8) Widespread South American (B. [Fv.] atratus Franklin, B. [Fv.] morio [Swederus], B. [Fv.] opifex Smith, and B. [Fv.] transversalis [Olivier]). Three panbiogeographic nodes were determined: (A) Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in the intersection of the Northern and Southern Mesoamerican generalized tracks; (B) Panama, in the intersection of the Southern Mesoamerican and Northern Andean generalized tracks, and (C) Puna, in the intersection of the
External Morphology of Tagosodes orizicolus (Homoptera: Delphacidae) Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the ultrastructure of the delphacid rice pest Tagosodes orizicolus (Muir) was undertaken using scanning electron microscopy to resolve taxonomic problems in the distinction of females and nymphs from other specimens commonly found in rice fields of tropical America. This research includes a detailed description of female genitalia and the ultrastructural variations observed during nymphal development. Ultrastructure of the mouthparts, specifically the stylets; and the genitalia of the male are also described. Important ultrastructural details were revealed, such as the presence of microtrichia and sensillae, which are not clear when observed by light microscopy. The adults have numerous sensillae; immatures have bell-shaped chemoreceptors along the dorsal area, structures that are absent in the adult stage. Strong differences were observed between the first instar and older nymphs, such as stamen-like setae, wider frons, convex clypeus observed in the first and second instars; whereas conical eyes and an oar-shaped legs were observed only in the first instar.
TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DEALING WITH MIXED ABILITY CLASSROOMS

The paper reports a qualitative study of the perceptions of secondary school teachers towards mixed ability classrooms. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations were conducted to gauge teachers' ideas about incorporating quick learners and slow learners in the same classroom. Teachers’ perceptions of ability grouping and their own application of proven instruction methods for inclusion, like collaborative projects, open ended questions and interaction in classroom have been reported. The study found that while teachers were aware and had practiced various possible classroom strategies to deal with mixed ability situations in classrooms, they felt incapable of implementing these strategies consistently due to constraints such as limited time, extensive syllabus and huge class size. Some possible solutions are recommended to take into account the day to day classrooms problems for effective learning.
Ocuurrence of Lungworm Infection in Equines and Their Associated Risk Factors

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of natural infections of lungworm , Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (D. arnfieldi) and to identify risk factors associated with it in horses, donkeys and mules in and around Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectiona l study design was used from October 2010 to March 2011. For this purpose, 384 faecal samples were taken from horses (n = 258), donkeys (n = 85) and mules (n = 41) and isolation of D. arnfieldi first stage larvae (L1) was performed using a modified Baermann technique. Infection rates were 4.3%, 35.3% and 29.3% in horses, donkeys and mules, respectively with the overall prevalence of 13.80% (53/384). More prevalence of lungworm infection was recorded in the age group of >10 years (22.9%) followed by the age group of =3 years (18%) and 4-10 years (10.98%). Observed prevalence of lungworms in female equines was 12.66% and in males was 18.80% with no statistical significant difference. In this study, animals with poor body conditions were found to be highly infested (50%) compared to medium (16.3%) and good body conditions (5.2%) with P value of less than 0.05. Hence, species of animals, age and body condition were found to be the important risk factors associated with equine lungworm infection.
Investigating the influencing factors of Tourist Behavior towards Creative Tourism and its Relationship with Revisit Intention

The main aim of the current study was to investigate the influencing factors of tourist behaviour towards creative tourism and to find out their relationship with tourist revisiting intention. The present study was exploratory-cum-descriptive in nature. A self-administered questionnaire which was based on five-point Likert scale was used, and the purposive sampling method was used to collect the desired data. The total number of respondents chosen were 388. The collected data was analysed by using the SPSS 25.0. It was found all the variables motivation, experience and perceived value were significant with revisiting Intention. The study further puts forth the suggestions that Kashmir valley being rich in terms of culture, has huge potential to be promoted as a creative tourism destination. So, it is recommended to tourism stakeholders to focus on the promotion of Kashmir, India as the creative tourism destination at the national and international levels.
Competition of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti M.) weed with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Economic damage threshold

The effect of the weed Abutilon theophrasti M . (common name: velvetleaf) on the growth of cotton grown in the Guadalquivir Valley, was studied by examining the influence of weed density on growth of the weed and that of cotton. Velvetleaf impeded normal cotton growth caused production losses as a result of the stress the cotton was subjected to. Additionally there was competition among velvet leaf plants at high velvet leaf densities. The influence of velvetleaf density in coexistence with cotton has been also studied evaluating weed effect on the biomass of cotton and its production. Additional determinations included the velvetleaf seed production capacity per unit area and seed production per plant. These determinations were adjusted to hyperbolic, inverse linear and logistic models. Last, the economic damage threshold (EDT) was calculated using the efficiency level in control of velvetleaf in cotton. In this calculation the treatment cost and losses caused by the weed, in the crop, were taken into account. The EDT varied between 0.1 and 0.5 velvetleaf plant m -2 , depending on the control methods used.
Relationship between Capital Cost and Market Measures of Corporate Performance Evaluation: Evidence from the Tehran Stock Exchange

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of capital cost on the market measures of performance evaluation of listed companies in the Tehran Stock Exchange. For this purpose, a sample of 350 firm-years during the year 2006 to 2010 was reviewed and was tested. To determine the appropriate method for estimating regression models and hypotheses testing, we used the F-Limer test and Hausman test which in both, the fixed effects (panel method) was used to estimate the models. In the present study, the ratio of Tobin's Q (market value) (TQ), Price to Earnings (P/E) and market value to book value (M/B) have been used as market measures of corporate performance evaluation. The results indicate that there is negative and significant relationship between weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and the ratios of price to earnings and market value to book value. But significant relationship between the weighted average cost of capital and Tobin Q ratio has not been observed. The results showed that there is positive and significant relationship between firm size (SIZE) and ratios of Tobin Q and market value to book value. But significant relationship was not found between firm size and the ratio of price to earnings.
HERITABILITY OF SPERM LENGTH AND ADULT SHELL SIZE IN THE LAND SNAIL ARIANTA ARBUSTORUM (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Sperm length varies considerably, both between and within species, but the evolutionary implications of this variation are poorly understood. Sexual selection on sperm length requires a significant additive genetic variance, but few studies have actually measured this. Stylommatophoran gastropods have extraordinarily long sperm. However, the extent of intraspecific variation has rarely been examined. Here we present the first estimates of heritability of sperm length in the land snail Arianta arbustorum using two complementary approaches (one-parent –offspring regression and full-sibling split design). We also examined whether sperm length is influenced by the shell size of the snail and estimated heritability of shell size. Sperm delivered by the same individuals in 2–4 matings over two reproductive seasons did not differ in length, indicating a high repeatability of this trait. Offspring of 10 families were kept at three temperatures (11, 15 and 208C) to examine the influence of different environmental conditions on sperm length and adult shell breadth. Independent of shell breadth, sperm length was affected by temperature but not by family of origin (the variance component associated with family was not significantly different from zero), while adult shell breadth was influenced by temperature and family of origin. Higher temperatures resulted in shorter sperm, but larger shells. The heritability of sperm length derived from the two different approaches (one-parent –offspring regression: h 2 + SE ¼ 0.52+ 0.55; full-sibling split design: H 2 + SE ¼ 20.19+ 0.28) suggests relatively little genetic variation in this trait in the studied population. In contrast, the heritability of adult shell breadth indicates a strong genetic effect (mother –offspring regression, h 2 + SE ¼ 0.90+ 0.33). The heritability (h 2 + SE) of adult shell breadth obtained from the father –offspring regression was 0.18+ 0.42, i.e. five times smaller than that of the mother –offspring regression, suggesting a maternal effect on shell size.
Perceived Environmental and Health Impacts of Gas Flaring on Residents in Kwale Communities, Southern Nigeria

This study was designed to examine the perceived environmental effects of gas flaring and its associated health impact on residents in Kwale communities, Southern Nigeria. Three research objectives guided the study. Descriptive survey design and purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. 750 household respondents from five different communities in Kwale axis were used for the study and an 18 item self-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The instrument for data collection was administered to the respondents in the communities. The study revealed that gas flaring impact on the social, economic and environmental quality of the communities as 79.6% of the respondents positively affirmed the finding. A reasonable percentage (89.6%) of the sampled household respondents consent that gas flaring impact on the environmental activities as well as health of residents in the study area. Furthermore, 68% of the respondents confirm that gas flaring has a devastating effects on the vegetation and agricultural activities of the residents as some of them reported cases of stunted growth of crops, withered crop leaves, defoliation of plant and wrinkling of plant leaves. A higher percentage of respondents confirmed cases of critical gas flaring health related sick suffered by either themselves or family members and some of the respondents as well complained of excessive heat radiation and increase in temperature. Based on the findings, sustainable strategy for natural gas utilization was recommended in order to curtail the negative impacts and convert the excessive gas for economic and environmental benefits.
Spatiotemporal distribution in phytoplankton community with distinct salinity regimes along the Mandovi estuary, Goa, India

Seasonal variations in the composition and abundance of phytoplankton were investigated fortnightly at 3 different regions along the Mandovi estuary from June 2007 to May 2008 in relation to salinity and nutrients. A total of 209 species belonging to 7 divisions were identified during the study period. The highest phytoplankton cell density (5.17 × 10 4 cells L -1 ) and biomass (7.68 mg m -3 chlorophyll a) were observed in the upper sections during the nonmonsoon period, while the highest diversity (3.46) was observed in the upper section during the monsoon period. Bacillariophyta was the dominant phytoplankton group at 71% of the total species identified. This group was dominated by Pennales (88) over Centrales (60) at all 3 stations. Contributions of Dinophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Haptophyta, Chromophyta, and Chrysophyta to the total species were 25%, 0.5%, 1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1%, respectively. Dinophyta did not show significant variations in percentage distribution among the 3 sections and seasons. Twenty-six dominant species of phytoplankton, representing all seasons with cell density of >1000 cells L -1 , showed spatial adaptability patterns with respect to salinity. Protoperidinium acbromaticum and Alexandrium ostenfeldii were found to grow only during nonmonsoon periods in upper sections and were reported for first time in the present study. Euryhaline Skeletonema costatum and Thalassiothrix frauenfeldii were present throughout the study period. A total of 36 harmful algal bloom-forming species, with 11 toxin-producing species, have been identified. The presence of Streptotheca thamensis acts as an indicator to evaluate water quality.
Fungal pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of genetically-modified Populus trichocarpa

Fungal pretreatment of Populus trichocarpa wood genetically modified to reduce lignin and alter lignin chemistry is investigated for its effectiveness as an alternative to common pretreatment methods. The goal of this work is to improve biomass utilization for biofuel and biochemical applications by increasing sugar release. Sugar release after enzymatic hydrolysis was measured after various biomass pretreatments (including wood-rot fungus, hot water, and dilute acid). In the wildtype, and in constructs downregulated in PAL, 4CL, and C3H, the fungal pretreatment resulted in substantial improvements in sugar yields, up to 2.4-fold increase in glucose yield and 6-fold increase in xylose yield after enzymatic hydrolysis compared to the unpretreated control. However, the effects of fungal pretreatment were inconsistent, and in genetic lines down-regulated in 4CL, CCoAOMT, CAld5H, and C3H, fungal pretreatment yielded similar or decreased sugar release after enzymatic hydrolysis.