Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role Of Social Media On Environmental Awareness Of Undergraduate Students In University Of Sulaimani In Iraq

Social Media has been grown rapidly as a type of online communication tool wherever users make comments, shares, and put videos, photos and posts on social network at a remarkable rate. Environmental issues are progressively getting to be concern of the worldwide. Contribution of media generally and social media particularly in the raising environmental awareness in the target group is important because of produce greater environmental influence on growth of world population and standards for high lifestyle of our communities. The aim of our project was conducted in the University of Sulaimani at Media Department to investigate the role of social media on environmental awareness of undergraduate students as an example of students at higher education institutions. The result shows that mostly students uses social media (Facebook) more than four times daily that uses at night on mobile device continuously to get News and information as a number one as priority for them. The participants were used the social media to get news and information as number one, increase their knowledge as number two, raise awareness about science and education as number three, and finally increase environmental awareness as number four. In addition, the majority of students were intentioned sometimes to environmental awareness post; also the majority of them have tried to care social media in order to get environmental awareness, and in part, they have tried to post or publish the environmental awareness posts on social media as individual activity. Furthermore, Facebook has number one, YouTube number two, Instagram number three, and Twitter number four consecutively as level of priority of environmental interest to students. Mariwan Rahim Environment Directorate of Sulaimani Al-Sulaymaniyah – Iraq E-mail: biomariwan@gmail.com Jwan Jalaladeen College of Humanities University of Sulaimani Al-Sulaymaniyah – Iraq E-mail: jwan.muhedeen@univsul.edu. iq
Integrating Multiple Pressures at Different Spatial and Temporal Scales: A Concept for Relative Ecological Risk Assessment in the European Marine Environment

ABSTRACT A Relative Ecological Risk Assessment model is presented with an emphasis on risk calculation and risk characterization. Several types of impacts are incorporated including mortality, competition, and disturbance effects at different spatial scales exemplifying fisheries effects on benthic communities, marine mammals, and birds. Fisheries sectors analyzed are beam trawlers, demersal otter trawlers, gillnet, and sandeel fisheries in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea. The basic ecological unit to which the risk score applies is the population/stock level or the distribution range of a community. The risk function comprises an exposure term and the loss function. The loss function is driven by a relative term, that is, the ratio between negative potential, that is, decline or mortality, and positive potential, that is, recovery. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to indicate model precision and its capabilities to distinguish between high and low risk areas and impacts. Limit reference values important for characterization of relative ecological risk are analytically defined. Model parameterization is based on literature review, and calculated examples show that beam trawling appears as a strong risk component to benthic communities, likely to exceed the limit reference value. For marine mammals (i.e., Harbour porpoise) in the German EEZ, by-catch in gillnet fisheries is a relatively strong risk.
Drought-induced chilling tolerance in cucumber involves membrane stabilisation improved by antioxidant system

We assessed changes in ultrastructure, membrane lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems for cucumbner seedlings subjected to low temperature stress (day/night temperature of 8 o C /5 o C) that had been either pre-treated with 10% PEG for 2 days or not. We found extensive cell structure damage in the non-treated seedlings, whereas the seedlings pretreated with PEG to simulate drought remained essentially undamaged, except for slight damage to plasma membrane lipids and alveolation in the mitochondria. Low temperature stress increased electrolyte leakage, MDA levels and H2O2; decreased the activities of SOD, CAT and APX, and AsA and GSH content. An increase in POD activity was observed in the PEG-pretreated seedlings during the chilling period, while non-treated seedlings showed an increase in POD activity only in the early days of chilling stress. PEG pre-treatment diminished the level of lipid peroxidation caused by chilling compared to the non-treated seedlings, possibly due to a decrease in electrolyte leakage and MDA content. Furthermore, PEG pre-treatment increased the activities of SOD, POD, CAT and APX and AsA and GSH content in the chilling-stressed seedlings. These results suggest that PEG pre-treatment stimulates the adaptation of cucumber to low temperature. This could be due to stabilisation of the cell structure, alleviation of lipid peroxidation as a result of the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and contents of antioxidant metabolites.
A pulsed electric field procedure for promoting Maillard reaction in an asparagine-glucose model system.

Summary Effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) on pH, intermediate products, asparagine and glucose content, browning value, reducing power as well as antioxidant activity of an asparagine–glucose solution were explored in this paper. Results showed that the solution’s UV–Vis absorbance at 294 nm and 420 nm was significantly increased from 0 to approximately 1.14 and 0.74, respectively, at PEF intensity of 40 kV cm−1 for 7.35 ms treatment. The temperature of PEF treated samples were overall lower than 40 °C. It was also detected that the antioxidant activity of treated sample was correspondingly increased by 20.33%. Meanwhile, 14% reduction of asparagine content and 66% reduction of glucose content were observed. It was demonstrated from high performance liquid chromatography analysis that Maillard reaction in the model system had been enhanced by PEF treatment as no 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde was generated. This study indicates that pulsed electric field treatment, especially with higher intensities, is a means to significantly promote the Maillard reaction in an asparagine–glucose solution.
Mitochondrial uniformity in populations of the treefrog Hyla molleri across the Iberian Peninsula

Based on DNA sequences of fragments of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes we provide a first assessment of genetic variability of Iberian treefrog populations that have been historically allocated to Hyla arborea, partly as subspecies H. a. molleri. Our data from 147 specimens and 33 populations confirm strong divergence between these frogs and Central European H. arborea but relatively low differentiation across their range, supporting their status as a separate species, H. molleri. Preliminary phylogeographic data indicate a possible weak genetic differentiation of populations from the northern coast of the region of Galicia. We suggest inclusion of nuclear markers and an extension of the sampling into the coastal regions of Asturias and Cantabria, as well as the identification of the contact zone between H. molleri and H. arborea in either the Spanish Basque country or in France, as priorities for future research on this species.
The standing crop and primary productivity of the epiphyton attached to Equisetum fluviatile L. in Priddy Pool, North Somerset

The standing crop and primary productivity of a defined epiphytic algal community has been studied over a period of two years. The primary productivity method has been analysed statistically. Because of the shallowness of the pond and large surface area of Equisetum stems available for colonisation the epiphyton is the most productive algal community.
Genetic Variation in Nitrogen and Phosphorus Levels in Broiler Excreta: Opportunity for Improving both Birds and the Environment

Title of dissertation: GENETIC VARIATION IN NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN BROILER EXCRETA: OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVING BOTH BIRDS AND THE ENVIRONMENT Arun Kirshna Sasikala-Appukuttan, Doctor of Philosophy, 2010 Dissertation directed by: Assistant Professor Frank Siewerdt Department of Animal & Avian Sciences The increase in poultry meat consumption has resulted in intensified poultry farming operations with consequent concentration of excreta in major production areas. The nutrient content in the soil surrounding the poultry farms has increased as a result of the high content of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the poultry excreta. The current study aimed to propose a strategy to reduce the N and P content in excreta through genetic selection of broilers for efficient nutrient utilization. The traits measured (on a dry matter basis) were the percentage of N in the excreta (PNE) and the percentage of P in the excreta (PPE). Individual 24-hr excreta samples were collected from 6 wk old birds. Excreta samples were collected from a commercial breeding farm at two different time periods from line A and line B birds respectively, and analyzed for PNE and PPE. Analysis of excreta samples collected during the first period (197 bird samples belonging to 15 sire families) and second period (278 birds belonging to 25 sire families) suggested a heritability of 0.08, 0.16 for PNE and 0, 0.20 for PPE, respectively. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between the measured traits from the two lines were very low; however, phenotypic correlation analysis of PNE and PPE with other traits of commercial interest showed some favorable as well as neutral associations. Blood samples collected from the birds were used for an association study of the excreta traits with four candidate genes. The candidate genes were selected based on the results of previous research. Some of the SNPs from the candidate genes were found to have additive and dominance effect on the excreta and production traits and were usually favorably associated with mutations in higher frequency in the populations. The results suggest that genetic selection of birds for PNE and PPE could improve the environment and the market value of the birds. GENETIC VARIATION IN NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN BROILER EXCRETA: OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVING BOTH BIRDS AND THE ENVIRONMENT by Arun Kirshna Sasikala-Appukuttan Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2010 Advisory Committee: Assistant Professor Frank Siewerdt, Chair Associate Professor C. Roselina Angel Professor Rick A. Kohn Dr. David L. Pollock Dr. George R. Wiggans © Copyright by Arun Kirshna Sasikala-Appukuttan 2010
Quantifying how territory quality and sociobiology affect recruitment to inform fire management

The combined effects of habitat quality, breeder experience and sociobiology on population demography are poorly understood. Natural fire regimes, which influence habitat quality and sociobiology, have been replaced by controlled fire management in most ecosystems. Managing fire mosaics (vegetation at different ages since fire) can be important to sustain species in fire‐maintained habitats, but requirements are usually poorly defined. Source‐sink theory provides a foundation to quantify such habitat heterogeneity, but source‐sink applications are largely focused on modeling. We quantified how habitat quality, breeder experience and non‐breeding adult helpers affected Florida scrub‐jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) recruitment to describe source‐sink heterogeneity within local populations. We used 22 years of census data of uniquely marked Florida scrub‐jays to measure recruitment at 36 sites and combined that data with habitat‐specific survival to characterize habitat‐specific demography. To define habitat quality at the territory scale, we used static habitat features (soils, scrub oak cover) and dynamic habitat states (shrub heights and open sandy patches) that resulted from fire mosaics. Habitat quality most affected recruitment followed by the presence of helpers; fire mosaics, described by habitat states, determined whether territories functioned as strong sources, weak sources or sinks. Subdividing landscapes into habitat states allowed quantification of the fire mosaic at the territory scale and population scale, as the proportions of habitat states can predict local population growth rates. Our approach provides an example of how characterizing habitat quality at the territory scale, relative to source‐sink categories, can explain habitat heterogeneity within local populations and inform fire management.
Is my species distribution model fit for purpose? Matching data and models to applications

Species distribution models (SDMs) are used to inform a range of ecological, biogeographical and conservation applications. However, users often underestimate the strong links between data type, model output and suitability for end-use. We synthesize current knowledge and provide a simple framework that summarizes how interactions between data type and the sampling process (i.e. imperfect detection and sampling bias) determine the quantity that is estimated by a SDM. We then draw upon the published literature and simulations to illustrate and evaluate the information needs of the most common ecological, biogeographical and conservation applications of SDM outputs. We find that, while predictions of models fitted to the most commonly available observational data (presence records) suffice for some applications, others require estimates of occurrence probabilities, which are unattainable without reliable absence records. Our literature review and simulations reveal that, while converting continuous SDM outputs into categories of assumed presence or absence is common practice, it is seldom clearly justified by the application's objective and it usually degrades inference. Matching SDMs to the needs of particular applications is critical to avoid poor scientific inference and management outcomes. This paper aims to help modellers and users assess whether their intended SDM outputs are indeed fit for purpose.
The microflora of fresh and spoiled sardines (Sardina pilchardus) caught in Adriatic (Mediterranean) Sea and stored in ice

A total of 1500 strains were isolated from the skin and gills of fresh, ice-stored (4 days) and spoiled (8 days) Adriatic sardines, and were identified at different taxonomic levels. Fresh sardine microflora found included mostly non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, (Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Psychrobacter, Acineobacter, Shewanella), and a minor proportion of Enterobacteriaceae and Gram-positive bacteria. The highest increase in microflora frequency, after 8 days in ice, was observed for thePseudomonas fragigroup (8–30·8%) andShewanella putrefaciens(1·8–11%). A significant presence was also noted for fluorescentPseudomonas(15·6–18·4%) andPsychrobacter immobilis(16·4–23·4%). The isolation frequency of the other groups decreased during storage. The most important proteolytic species werePseudomonas fluorescensandShewanella putrefaciensand the most lipolytic bacteria werePsychrobacter immobilisand again,P. fluorescensandS. putrefaciens. A total of 288 isolates, representative of the main groups, were tested for potential spoiling activity (H2S and off-odour production, TMAO reduction). Shewanella putrefacienswas the strongest spoiler, followed byPseudomonas fluorescens. A weaker activity was observed for strains ofPseudomonas fragi, enterobacteriaceae and non-saccharolytic pseudomonads. The contribution of weak spoiler bacteria can be undermined by the activity of the strongest spoilers, but in some cases the considerable incidence of the former group suggests their effective role.Morganella morganiiwas the only histamine-producing species among 57 screened strains representative of different taxa.
Tree morphology in seasonally dry montane forest in Argentina: Relationships with shade tolerance and nutrient shortage

Abstract Question: How does form (leaf and trunk morphology) relate to function (tolerance of shade and nutrient storage) in trees? Location: Los Toldos montane valley in NW Argentina. Methods: We analysed the relationships amongst (1) ten vegetative and four reproductive traits across 40 tree species, (2) a distribution based measure of recruitment under shade and (3) a distribution based measure of recruitment over a soil fertility gradient. Results: Ordinations revealed three main axes of species' morphological differentiation: (1) evergreen species had leaves with a lower specific leaf area, greater tensile resistance and slower decomposition rate, denser wood and thinner bark than deciduous species; (2) tall tree species that lack spines and are anemochorous were separated from short, spinescent and zoochorous species and (3) species were distinguished according to clonal growth, seed mass and pollination syndromes. Notably, species' recruitment under shade and over a soil fertility gradient were independent of each other, but both were correlated with species' scores along the first axis of morphological variation (tolerant species have attributes that favour resource conservation). Different sets of traits were correlated with recruitment under shade and over a soil fertility gradient when traits where assessed individually. Amongst shade tolerant species, recruitment under shade was negatively correlated with species' maximum height, suggesting differential responses to vertical gradients of light. Conclusions: These results provide new evidence of integration between leaf and stem morphology which is consistent with an evolutionary compromise between high rate of resource acquisition and resource conservation. Generalizations about the functional value of individual morphological characteristics and of ‘strategies’ vary with the resolution of analyses. Nomenclature: Zuloaga & Morrone (1999) for species; Anon. (2003) for families and orders.
Forest reclamation of fly ash deposit: a field study on appraisal of mycorrhizal inoculation

An extensive field trial was established on a fly ash deposit (1) to evaluate whether the inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and/or ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF) improves growth and survival of 13 planted tree species and (2) to trace the inoculated mycorrhizal fungi in tree roots after one growing season. Molecular methods were applied to characterize AMF and EcMF entering the studied system (inocula, native soil, and roots of nursery seedlings). Biometric parameters and mortality of the trees were recorded and the presence of AMF and EcMF in sampled trees was determined both microscopically and genetically. Mycorrhizal inoculation did not improve survival or growth of any tree species. Most AMF‐host and all EcMF‐host seedlings were highly precolonized already from the nursery. An abundant and diverse AMF community was also found in the field soil. The AMF inoculum taxa partially overlapped with AMF in the native soil and in the precolonized roots. After one season, the only two inoculum‐unique AMF taxa were detected in host species non‐precolonized or only partially precolonized from the nursery. The components of EcMF inoculum were not detected in any sampled tree. After the season, the ectomycorrhizal hosts maintained most of their original EcMF taxa gathered in nursery, some tree species were additionally colonized by EcMF probably originating from the soil. Our results show considerable self‐restoration potential of nature on the target site. Mycorrhizal inoculation thus did not bring any conclusive advantage to the planted trees and seems superfluous for reclamation practice on the fly ash deposit.
Who cares? Quantifying the evolution of division of parental effort

1. Determining the factors that shape the unequal division of parental effort between the sexes is key to understanding the evolution of mating systems and sexual cooperation and conflict. The range of possible care strategies may be constrained, however, by the duration of the care period. Thus, comparative analyses of parental effort should consider both these dimensions of care; here, we present a method for quantifying parental care that does this.
Myrtaceae-Feeding Phylinae (Hemiptera: Miridae) from Australia: Description and Analysis of Phylogenetic and Host Relationships for a Monophyletic Assemblage of Three New Genera

Abstract Three new genera and 25 new species of Myrtaceae-feeding Phylinae are described from Australia. A cladistic analysis of a broader cross section of Australian Phylinae indicates that these taxa all belong to a monophyletic group, on the basis of pretarsal and male genitalic structures. Line drawings are used to present information of male and female genitalic structures; scanning electron micrographs illustrate pretarsal, genitalic, and other morphology. Color digital habitus images are presented for the males and females of all species. Digital images from the field and of pressed specimens are presented for a broad cross section of host plants. The newly described taxa represent a portion of the species of Australian Phylinae known to feed on the Myrtaceae; the remaining Myrtaceae-feeding species belong to other lineages and are therefore excluded from this monograph. Twenty-three of the species are recorded only from southwestern Western Australia; two species are recorded from southeastern South Australia. All species breed on members of the subfamily Myrtoideae, tribes Chamelaucieae and Melaleuceae.
New branch line weighting regimes to reduce the risk of seabird mortality in pelagic longline fisheries without affecting fish catch

Experiments were conducted on two new branch line weighting regimes designed to reduce the risk of seabird mortality in the Australian pelagic longline fishery. The experiments compared the sink rates and fish catch rates of the new regimes with that used by the fishing industry. Baited hooks on gear with a 120 g lead weight 2 m from the hook reduced the time to reach 2 m, 5 m and 8 m depths by 16%, 58% and 70%, respectively, compared with industry standard gear with 60 g at 3.5 m. Baited hooks with 40 g leads at the hook reduced the time taken to reach 2 m, 5 m and 8 m depth by 33%, 28% and 25%, respectively. The reduction in time with a 60 g lead at the hook to these depths was ~40%. There were no statistically detectable differences in catch rates of target and non-target fish between industry standard branch lines and branch lines with both 120 g leads at 2 m and those with 40 g leads at the hook. The results contest the widely-accepted opinion that major branch line modifications, including weight at the hook, reduce fish catch. The regime with a 40 g lead at or very close to (i.e. ≤ 0.5 m) the hook has the most potential for adoption in fisheries due to: (i) improved crew safety; (ii) ease of port-based inspection for compliance purposes; (iii) reduced construction costs; (iv) reduced bin tangles; and (v) ease of deployment. Lead loss from shark bite-offs can be minimized by placing leads on short (≤ 0.5 m) leaders. In areas of moderate to high risk to seabirds, or where the risks are unknown, the use of 60 g leads either at or ≤ 0.5 m from the hook is encouraged. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.