Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultural management of tomato yellow leaf curl disease in Cyprus

Cultural management of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) by roguing old, overwintered tomato crops was investigated in a small, isolated production centre in the southern coastal zone of Cyprus. Control measures were applied on an area-wide basis during March-April, before emergence of adult whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) vectors, for three consecutive years (1980-82). In all three years, primary virus spread to spring plantings was almost completely prevented, while further secondary spread to summer plantings was kept below 5%, compared with 40-50% in 1978 and 1979. When control measures were discontinued disease incidence increased to 15% in 1983 and 40% in 1984. The disease could also be controlled by early transplanting in the spring or by late transplanting in the autumn. Several cultural practices were evaluated to prevent or reduce infection of seedlings before transplanting. Seedlings produced in the summer in a coastal region were infected by TYLCV (virus incidence 7-42%), with a higher incidence in seedbeds situated near infected tomato crops. Infection was significantly reduced by covering seedbeds with an insect-proof tunnel, and was completely prevented by producing seedlings in inland areas, where no commercial tomato crops were grown. The use of healthy transplants delayed subsequent disease development in the field but had little effect on final disease incidence.
Levels of asymmetry in Formica pratensis Retz. (Hymenoptera, insecta) from a chronic metal‐contaminated site

Asymmetries of bilaterally symmetrical morphological traits in workers of the ant Formica pratensis Retzius were compared at sites with different levels of metal contamination and between mature and pre‐mature colonies. Statistical analyses of the right‐minus‐left differences revealed that their distributions fit assumptions of fluctuating asymmetry (FA). No direct asymmetry or antisymmetry were present. Mean measurement error accounts for a third of the variation, but the maximum measurement error was 65%. Although significant differences of FA in ants were observed, the inconsistent results render uncovering a clear pattern difficult. Lead, cadmium, and zinc concentrations in the ants decreased with the distance from the contamination source, but no relation was found between FA and the heavy metal levels. Ants from the premature colonies were more asymmetrical than those from mature colonies but accumulated less metals. The use of asymmetry measures in ecotoxicology and biomonitoring is criticized, but should remain widely applicable if statistical assumptions are complemented by genetic and historical data.
Relationships of soil fertility and stem borers damage to yield in maize-based cropping system in Cameroon

Abstract Field trials were designed to investigate the effect of direct nitrate fertilisation and mucuna fallow on maize yield and borer attacks in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. A traditional maizecassava- groundnut system (farmers’ practice) was compared with a maize-cassava + 120 Kg N ha-1, a rotation system in which maize-cassava followed a mucuna fallow as well as with a maize monocrop grown after mucuna fallow and with a maize monocrop grown with 120 Kg N ha-1. Average egg batch densities of Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were lower by 35–55% in inter- than monocrops but the effect of nitrogen on B. fusca oviposition was not different from that of mucuna fallow. Highest larval infestations were found in sole maize with nitrogen and sole maize after mucuna. Yield losses were 4–10 times higher in the farmers’ practice compared to maize-cassava after mucuna and maizecassava with nitrogen. Mixed cropping systems including farmers’ practice yielded higher total gross and net benefits compared to sole maize crops. But, they were higher in maize-cassava intercrop + N than for farmer’s practice.
Scanning confocal laser microscopy study of biofilm induced corrosion on copper plumbing tubes

Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) was used to investigate the relationship between the presence of biofilms and the associated pepper‐pot pitting of copper plumbing tubes. SCLM provided images of the biofilm and substrata at different locations within each sample with minimum disruption and artefacts. A significant feature of this technique is the elimination of out‐of‐focus information, resulting in a more analytical examination of the sample. The results obtained demonstrated the potential of SCLM for non‐invasive imaging of an intact, fully hydrated viable biofilm present on copper tube. The results also permitted expansion of the horizontal image to a vertical sagital section (XZ), enabling the position of the bacteria in the corrosion pits to be observed. The metabolic activity of the bacteria was assessed, indicating indirect aggressive attack of the copper surface. Use of SCLM has resulted in a correlation being demonstrated between the presence of bacteria and particulate matter in stimula.
GROWTH, DENSITY, AND INTERSPECIFIC INFLUENCES ON PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH LIFE HISTORIES'

I collected data on 27 pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) populations in east- ern and central Ontario and conducted a transplant experiment with one of these popu- lations to test growth and competition-related predictions of several life history models. The predictions are that early maturity and high gonadal investment will occur: (1) in large and fast-growing juveniles; (2) in populations with low adult: juvenile growth ratios; (3) in populations with low density; and (4) in the absence of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis mac- rochirus), a competing congener. Predictions 1 and 4 were fully supported and Prediction 2 was partly supported, but Prediction 3 was not. The earliest maturing juveniles within populations were significantly larger than conspecifics of the same age that did not mature. Females from a lake population that were transplanted into a fishless pond exhibited both significantly faster growth and a significantly higher gonad to body mass ratio (gonado- somatic index) than females living in the lake. At the population level, juvenile growth was significantly correlated with age at maturity (r = -0.53), but not with gonadosomatic index, whereas the Adult: Juvenile Growth Ratio showed a significant, negative correlation with gonadosomatic index (r = -0.66), but not with mean age at maturity. Mean age at maturity showed a stronger correlation with the indicator of life-span and adult survival rate (r = 0.74), suggesting that mortality is more important than growth in the shaping of reproductive life histories of pumpkinseed. High population density was associated with early maturity and high gonadal invest- ment, the opposite of what was predicted. However, pumpkinseed populations that co- occurred with bluegills did mature significantly later and at a larger size and tended to have a lower gonadal investment than populations living in waterbodies without bluegills. This difference in reproductive patterns in the presence of bluegill is consistent with two-stage life history theory and may be the result of a direct effect of bluegills on pumpkinseed growth and survivorship, as well as differences in environmental conditions where the two species do or do not co-occur.
Life-history reference points for management of an exploited tropical seahorse

The present research provides the first demographic reference points for tropical seahorses, relevant to conservation of this largely tropical genus Hippocampus, which is listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II. Findings defined the life-history and in situ vital rates of the tiger tail seahorse, H. comes, expanding previous understanding of demographic diversity in reef fishes. We quantified growth, reproduction and survival rates, drawing on mark–recapture intervals from focal observations, underwater visual census and fisheries landings data. The smallest settled individual was 2.7 cm and first benthic cohorts measured 3.0–4.0 cm. Assuming individually variable growth, the mean parameters for the von Bertalanffy growth equation were Linf = 16.7 cm, K = 2.9 year–1 and t0 = 0.03. Physical maturity occurred at 9.3 cm, reproductive activity at 11.6 cm and annual recruitment during the dry, inter-monsoon window from February to May. Size-dependent survivorship ranged from 3.5% to 45.0% year–1 and longevity was ≥2.5 years. In H. comes, characteristics governing population turnover align with opportunistic strategists, whereas reproductive traits align more closely with equilibrium strategists. Non-extractive marine reserves are one management approach that could serve such intermediate strategists, providing refugia for colonisation, while protecting important large, fecund adults.
Seasonal migration and home range of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the Italian eastern Alps

Although it has been demonstrated that European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus (L. 1758)) may migrate seasonally in areas with snow gradients, this behaviour remains scarcely understood. From 1999 to 2002, radio-tracking techniques in an Italian alpine area showed that 40% of the 32 monitored roe deer migrated (12.0 ± 6.2 km, mean ± SD) from the high-elevation summer ranges to the low-elevation winter ranges. Proportions of migratory deer were similar for fawns and adults and for males and females. We documented a mixed migration strategy, with most deer migrating once to the winter range in years of heavy snowfalls, but many deer migrating inconsistently or only for a short period to the winter range in one year with very scarce snowfalls. Seasonal home-range sizes were similar for migratory and stationary deer, except in a winter with very shallow snow when migrators used unusually large home ranges. In all seasons, migrators showed a lower within home range site fidelity than did stationary deer. Our re.
Field and culture studies of Streblonema macrocystis sp. nov. (Ectocapales, Phaeophyceae) from Chile, a sexual endophyte of giant kelp

Abstract Streblonema macrocystis sp. nov. (Phaeophyceae) is described from plants endophytic in Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh at Valdivia, Chile. The life history, which was studied in the field and in laboratory culture, shows alternation of two slightly heteromorphic microscopic generations growing in different parts of the same host. The sporophyte is found in the sporophylls of Macrocystis and the dioecious gametophytes in the basal part of the stipe and the rhizoids that persist during winter. This is the first time that sexuality has been observed in a species of Streblonema.
Volumetria e sobrevivência de espécies nativas e exóticas no polo gesseiro do Araripe, PE

In the industrial and commercial sectors of the Araripe Region in Pernambuco, Brazil, fire wood is the used in processes of dehydration and production of gypsum with different technologies. Thus, this study aimed to find alternatives to supply the demand of firewood in the Gypsun Pole of Araripe in Pernambuco through the implementation of forest with native and exotic species. The experiment was installed at the Experimental Station of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco (IPA), using nine species, both native and exotic: (Imburana - Amburana cearense (Allemao) A.C. Sm. ; Angico - Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul; Jurema - Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. ; Sabia - Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth. ; Acacia - Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby; Leucena - Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) R. de Wit. ; Algaroba - Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) D.C.; Ipes - Tabebuia sp.1 e Tabebuia sp.2). The design was completely randomized with different numbers of replications. The following parameters were evaluated: volume in cubic meter (m³) and stereo meters (st) and survival. With regard to the volume in cubic meter, Sabia had the best production. The Jurema and the Sabia were the heaviest species. In relation to survival, the Ipe 2 and the Imburana had the highest mortalities. Thus, the Sabia and the Jurema are the species indicated for the production of wood in homogeneous commercial plantations in the Chapada Araripe in Pernambuco.
Phylogeography and limited distribution of the endangered freshwater crayfish, Euastacus urospinosus

Abstract. Conservation plans can benefit from understanding patterns of genetic structure because many endangered species are spatially fragmented. In particular, headwater species in high elevations are expected to exhibit a high level of population structure, as dispersal through lowland streams may be limited. Euastacus urospinosus is an endangered freshwater crayfish that, until recently, was thought to have a distribution of just 200 km2. In the current study, we identified a total of 26 locations for this species across a 1225 km2 region spanning the Brisbane and Mary River catchments of south-east Queensland, Australia. We then used mitochondrial DNA sequence data to investigate the population structure and the phylogeographic divergence between four uplands. We found significant population differentiation for this species, which conforms to the headwater model of genetic structure. Further, we found that fragmentation between these uplands is most likely historical, as the first divergence between lineages dated back 2.1 million years. Overall, we found no reason to remove the conservation rating of ‘endangered’ for this species. Conservation plans should seek to preserve the genetic integrity of these uplands by considering them to be genetically distinct and isolated populations.
Atypical development of Chaetomorpha antennina in culture (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta)

The green seaweed genus Chaetomorpha is characterized by unbranched filaments. Molecular phylogenetic data indicate that Chaetomorpha forms a clade that is nested in a paraphyletic assemblage of branched species (Cladophora). It follows that the unbranched condition is evolutionarily conserved and likely evolved early in the evolution of this clade. In this study we show that under laboratory culture conditions, the filaments of C. antennina frequently produce lateral branches, similar to Cladophora. Our results thus indicate that the unbranched thallus architecture is not entirely genetically constrained, but at least in part subject to morphological plasticity. Additionally, culture observations of C. antennina allowed a detailed study of rhizoidal development, which seems unique among Cladophorales.
Kualitas Mikrobiologi Sosis Fermentasi Daging Sapi dan Domba yang Menggunakan Kultur Kering Lactobacillus plantarum 1B1

Lactic acid bacteria of Lactobacillus plantarum 1B1 species was isolated from fresh beef and used as dried starter culture fermented sausage (salami). Dried starter culture was stored at 100C for 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45 days to evaluate the starter viability and its effect on microbiological charasteristics of beef and mutton fermented sausages. Initial viability of dried starter culture of L. plantarum was 7.08 x 1012 CFU/g. There was no alteration (P>0.05) in viability (5.33 x 1012 CFU/g) during 15 days storage. The population significantly decreased (P CFU/g. Dried culture L. plantarum could reduce the quantity of Staphylococcus aureus during 15 days storage, but neither for 30 days nor 45 days storage. Average total coliform increased from 0 days to 15 days storage at less than 0,03 CFU/g to 0.93 x 102 CFU/g, but the number of coliform decreased on 30 days storage at less than 0.03 CFU/g and increased on 45 days storage at 1.2 x 103 CFU/g. Both salami had negative number of Salmonella. Key words: salami, dried starter culture, Lactobacillus plantarum 1B1, storage time
Impacts of land use change on South‐east Asian forest butterflies: a review

1. South-east Asia has the highest relative rate of habitat loss and degradation in the humid tropics. The responses of less 'charismatic' groups, including butterflies, to habitat disturbance remain relatively poorly understood. Many South-east Asian butterflies are endemic to the region and face global extinction if current levels of deforestation were to continue. 2. Here, I highlight South-east Asia as a region urgently in need of butterfly conservation research and review empirical studies of the responses of South-east Asian butterflies to land use change. Additionally, I discuss some methodological pitfalls for such studies. Furthermore, I argue for the importance of identifying the ecological correlates of sensitivity of butterfly species to forest modification and the potential biological mechanisms underlying their responses to land use change. 3. There has been no consensus among previous studies on the effects of land use change on butterfly communities in South-east Asia. Of the 20 studies I reviewed, seven reported higher species richness/diversity in undisturbed (or the least disturbed) forest than in disturbed habitats, nine reported the opposite trend, three reported no difference and one reported a strong influence of seasonality on the impacts of logging. 4. Some of these studies may contain inherent methodological biases resulting from the failure to control for sampling effects, the lack of consideration for the spatial scale of analysis and incomplete sampling of the vertical strata in tropical rainforests. 5. Synthesis and applications. Empirical studies of the effects of land use change on tropical forest insects are sorely lacking from South-east Asia. Butterflies are an ideal taxonomic group for such investigations. Future studies should be designed carefully to avoid the methodological pitfalls highlighted here. Determining the ecological correlates of sensitivity of butterflies to forest modification is important for the pre-emptive identification of species of conservation concern and for generating testable hypotheses on the differential responses of species to forest modification. Experimental studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the responses of species to land use change in order to develop effective strategies for the conservation of butterflies in human disturbed landscapes.
Developing measurement model using Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis in suppressing maternal mortality

The greatest challenge for Indonesia at this moment based on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is to reduce maternal mortality or AKI (angka kematian ibu). The number had been decreasing so far from 390 deaths per 100000 births in 1994 to 307 in 2002 – 2003. However, due to complications there were 20000 women died every year. By the end of 2015, Indonesia Bureau of Statistics has projected that there will be 163 deaths per 100000 births, while the target is 102. According to that matter, the government already established safe motherhood as four pillars: planned-family service, antenatal service, safe and clean birth-delivery, and essential obstetric service. This study was conducted to measure variables that expected to affect the number of AKI. The four pillars were viewed as latent variables that expected to affect AKI. AKI was represented by safe motherhood index, also a latent variable. The proposed method was by constructing model using confirmatory factor analysis with Bayesian approach. This approach was due to violation of multivariate normal assumption on the indicators. Variables made up of loading factor values more than 0.5 were planned-family service, antenatal service (0.743), safe and clean birth-delivery (0.810), and essential obstetric service (0.721).
Marker‐assisted introgression of bacterial blight and blast resistance into IR 58025B, an elite maintainer line of rice

IR 58025A is a very popular wild-abortive cytoplasmic male sterile (WA-CMS) line of rice and is extensively used for hybrid rice breeding. However, IR 58025A and many hybrids derived from it possess mild aroma (undesirable in some parts of India) and are highly susceptible to bacterial blight (BB) and blast diseases. To improve IR 58025A for BB and blast resistance, we have introgressed a major dominant gene conferring resistance against BB (i.e. Xa21) and blast (i.e. Pi54) into IR 58025B, the maintainer line of IR 58025A. An introgression line of Samba Mahsuri (i.e. SM2154) possessing Xa21 and Pi54 genes in homozygous condition and fine-grain type was used as donor parent, and backcross breeding strategy was adopted for targeted introgression of the resistance genes. PCR-based molecular markers tightly linked to Xa21 and Pi54 were used for selection of BB- and blast-resistant lines, while closely linked markers were used for identification of backcross-derived plants devoid of Rf4 and aroma. At BC2F5, four backcross-derived lines possessing resistance against BB and blast, devoid of aroma, high yield, short plant stature, long-slender grain type and with recurrent parent genome recovery ranging from 88.8% to 98.6% were selected and advanced for further evaluation. The improved versions of IR 58025B, viz. SB54-11-143-9-44-5, SB54-11-143-9-44-98, SB54-11-143-9-44-111 and SB54-11-143-9-44-171, behaved as perfect maintainers when test-crossed with WA-CMS lines. Agronomically superior lines of improved IR 58025B are being converted to CMS line through backcrossing for developing high-yielding and biotic stress-resistant rice hybrids.
Upgrading the nutritive value of full-fat soyabeans meal for broiler production with either fishmeal or black soldier fly larvae meal ( Hermetia illucens )

An experiment was conducted using Anak Red broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of grading the nutritive value of full fat soyabean meal diet based with either fishmeal or Blaick soldier fly larvae meal for broiler production. The average live weight gains of broilers fed an all vegetable protein, fishmeal and larvae meal diets at 10 weeks of age were 1465g, 2045g and 2015g respectively. The corresponding feed consumption values for same period were 4140g, 4878g and 5075g while the figures for the feed/gain ratio were 2.8 2.4 and 2.6 respectively. Significant (P<0.05) treatment effects in favour of diet upgraded with the larvae meal were obtained in the carcass yield, internal organ measurements (kidney, gizzard and liver) and the abdominal fat. The amino acid profile of the larvae meal compared favourably with that of fishmeal and also found to be superior to that of soybean meal. The study suggests that inclusion of protein of animal or insect origin to an all-vegetable diet was very desirable for better nutrient utilization. The results also revealed that under the conditions of the experiment, larvae meal could replace fish meal to upgrade the nutritive value of soyabean meal in the broiler starter and finisher rations without any adverse effect on the rate of gain, feed consumption and feed: gain ratio. Key words: Black soldier fly, larvae meal, soybean meal, fish meal, broiler.
Embryonic vertebrate central nervous system: Revised terminology

The layers and cells of the early developing central nervous system lack direct counterparts in the adult and must be designated by a special terminology. The inconsistent and inaccurate language now in use leads to misunderstanding and a revision is proposed in which the four fundamental zones are termed the ventricular, subventricular, intermediate, and marginal zones. Each is defined according to the form, behavior, and fate of its constituent cells. All neurons and macroglia of the central nervous system can be derived from these developmental zones.