An expedition was undertaken to French Guiana in search of amphibian parasites. Of the 23 anuran species collected and screened for polystomes, the toad Rhinella margaritifera (Laurenti) was the sole species found to be infected with a polystome, namely Wetapolystoma almae Gray, 1983. Of the two caecilian species collected, a new species of Nanopolystoma du Preez, Huyse et Wilkinson, 2008 was discovered from the urinary bladder of the aquatic caecilian Typhlonectes compressicauda (Duméril et Bibron). The small size of the mature worm, two non-diverticulated caeca of equal length that are non-confluent posteriorly, vitelline follicles in two dense lateral fields, a single follicular testis in the middle of the body, small ovary and a single operculated egg in utero, vaginae present and the caecilian host allowed the identification of the specimen as Nanopolystoma. Larger body size, hamulus length, egg diameter and occurrence in the caecilian family Typhlonectidae distinguishes the new species from the two other known polystomes in Nanopolystoma; thus, the description of Nanopolystoma tinsleyi sp. n. is provided within this paper.
In the present study physicochemical characterization of slate sample was carried out which was collected from slate mine in Lasbela District, Baluchistan. Slate was evaluated for its effectiveness as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the production of Portland Pozzolana cement (PPC). The grain size analysis of crushed slate sample using ball mill revealed that maximum fraction retained on 44 μm was about 72.8 %. Sum of the major oxides (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3) is about 90.09 % that meet the requirement as per ASTM C 618 (minimum 70.0 %). Other oxides including SO3 (<0.05), CaO (4.04), MgO (1.66), K2O (0.10), Na2O (0.16), TiO2 (0.35), MnO (<0.02) and Cl (0.12) also meet the international standard of ASTM C 618 for PPC. OPC without and with using slate sample in a ratio of 5 % and 10 % with clinker was tested to measure compressive strength, physical tests and setting time. The results showed that after 5 % and 10 % replacement, insignificant effect was observed on the physical properties, setting time and compressive strength in 2-, 7- and 28-days curing. Hence, slate can be used as natural pozzolan for manufacturing PPC. It is cost effective for the production of cement as well as to sustain the resources of limestone for long time and reducing emission of CO2 in the environment. It can also be used in the sulfate rich environment, coastal areas especially for the construction of dams and bridges.
Cuttings of five Populus alba clones (S18 F1-26, Al29 F8-35, J3 F1-4, GU1 F16-36, PO9 F21-88), Populus euphratica, and Populus×euramericana (I-214) were submitted during 45 d to regular watering with NaCl solutions of electrical conductivity of 7 and 14 dS m-1. Chlorophyll a fluorescence in response to the salinity stress was assessed, using F0 and Fv/Fm. Differences in reaction to the salt were found in P. alba clones, F0 and Fv/Fm being the fluorescence parameters used to check out this stress. Minimal constant fluorescence of dark-adapted plants (F0) showed a better correlation with the disease index exhibited by plants and also with salinity dose than the parameter Fv/Fm. Some of the P. alba clones showed the same behaviour, assessed through fluorescence parameters, as P. euphratica, which was previously defined as salt tolerant, while the rest exhibited the same characteristics as I-214, which was very sensitive. and H. Sixto, I. Aranda, J. M. Grau.
Wild boar is an autochthonous animal species of the Czech Republic that has significantly increased its population density in recent years. There are concerns that there is an associated negative impact upon agricultural crop production however, objective methods for sustainable management of wild boar, especially for estimation of its population density and intensity of regulation are still lacking. Wild boar differs markedly from the other free-living ungulates in its spatial activity and food selection, which limits applicability of the experiences and methods used for other species. Two methods of wild boar population censusing in a forest environment were tested in this study. The density of wild boar was evaluated in an area of 2256 ha, circumscribed by both natural and man-made barriers that restrict wild boar migration. Wild boar abundance was estimated using traditional snow-track counting and photo trapping data analysis. Both field methods were used in the winter season 2009-2010. Wild boar abundance as assessed by snow-track counting was 6.3 ind./km2 and by phototrapping 6.8 ind./km2. The results have revealed that if correctly performed, both of the tested methods are applicable to estimate wild boar abundance. Photo trapping seems to be more accurate; it requires special equipment and is time-consuming, however, it provides additional information on the structure of the population and requires less experience to undertake. Combination of several methods is advisable.
The suitability of two forest biotopes (oak and hornbeam-beech forests) for occupation by D. nitedula in Daghestan, Russia is considered. Biotopes have been characterized according to 11 parameters. All 11 vegetation parameters were significantly different between study areas. The indices of D. nitedula success in the studied biotopes demonstrated that numbers were higher in an oak forest than in a hornbeam-beech forest. Estimates of microhabitat distribution showed that D. nitedula individuals prefer to live in shrub associations and in areas with young trees in both biotopes. The body weight of adults and reproduction rate were similar in both biotopes. We concluded that in situation when the body weight and reproduction rates of individual D. nitedula were similar but the numbers of species in the both forest biotopes significantly differ, the structure of woody-shrub vegetation becomes a significant factor.
The majority of the conservation strategies for threatened dragonflies are designed to protect only their aquatic habitats. Sympetrum depressiusculum is a species threatened not only by the destruction of its aquatic habitats but also by its association with a specific terrestrial environment. In this study, we aimed to identify the key elements of the terrestrial environment of adult S. depressiusculum. We used generalized linear mixed models to determine habitat preferences of adults and the particular features of habitat patches, such as vegetation cover, vegetation structure and the availability of potential prey. Our results indicate that S. depressiusculum adults preferred mainly riparian vegetation but beyond ponds they utilized only certain terrestrial habitats (abandoned fields, meadows, forest clearings). Adults responded positively to habitat patches with a high cover of vegetation and suitable vegetation structure. Adult abundance was affected also by the distance of patches from the natal site. In an agricultural landscape, the availability of such habitat patches may be limited and could influence the abundance and distribution of this species. We suggest that conservation efforts for this species should not only focus on the larval environment but also include suitable surrounding terrestrial habitats. Effective management around natal sites should concentrate on maintaining a heterogeneous landscape, which is extensively managed (e.g. leaving several fields fallow, maintaining managed hay meadows)., Michal Hykel, Filip Harabiš, Aleš Dolný., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Waterlogging is one of the critical factors controlling the distribution, regeneration, and survival of vegetation in wetlands. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. and Syzygium cumini Keels, inhabiting the Keoladeo National Park, a Ramsar wetland (Bharatpur, India), are tolerant to waterlogging. The morphological and photosynthetic variables of four-month-old seedlings subjected to waterlogging, along with the concentrations of macroand micronutrients, were examined. After 35 days, treatment was halted due to high mortality of S. cumini seedlings in contrast to that of M. parvifolia seedlings. Significant declines in most of the studied variables were observed in both species when compared with their respective controls. In addition, M. parvifolia seedlings developed adventitious roots and lenticels and showed an increased root biomass. Based on the results, we concluded that adaptive traits displayed by M. parvifolia seedlings facilitate its tolerance to waterlogging in contrast to S. cumini seedlings., A. Bidalia, Z. Okram, M. Hanief, K. S. Rao., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The effect of water stress on the gas exchange (CO2, H2O), distribution, water potential (T*), membrane permeability and chlorophyll content was studied in two maize hybrids, of the high and low drought tolerance, in the vegetative phase of growth. Diťferences in the responses to drought between both hybrids were clearly marked. After 5 d of drought the decrease in the net photosynthetic rate uptake and losses, transpiration rate (E) and increase of stomata resistance (r^ were greater in the drought-resistant hybrid than in the drought-susceptible one. On the contrary, after 10 or 15 d of drought, the decrease of and 'P in whole seedlings was greater in the susceptible hybrid than in the resistant one. Significant differences between hybrids were also observed in the accumulation of *'^C, the membrane permeability and the chlorophyll content. For all treatments the amount of carbon accumulation in roots of the resistant hybrid increased, while that of the susceptible one decreased. In the drought-resistant hybrid we observed a greater chlorophyll stability and a smaller damage of cell membranes than in the sensitive one.
Some studies have suggested that there could be an association between the duration of sleep in humans and development of the obesity. We have analyzed the group of the probands (n = 3970, 2038 males and 1932 females, aged 18-65 years), with permanent address in the Central or South Bohemia. We ascertained the relationship between the duration of their sleep (obtained per questionnaire) and body mass index, weight, height, the value of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, waist and hip circumference, the values of total-, high density- and low density- cholesterol, thyroid hormone and body exercise performed. The optimal values of the body mass index (and optimal body weight) were associated with the duration of sleep 7 hours per night (P < 0.001). This association was found both in males and females and in both districts. Other anthropometrical and biochemical parameters were not associated with the sleep duration., V. Adámková ... [et al.]., and Obsahuje seznam literatury