Avian habitat associations during the post-fledging period are lacking for many bird species, which impairs the development of management plans that address the full annual cycle of birds. We used radio telemetry to study the post-fledging movements and vegetation cover-type associations of 22 broods of fledgling Boreal Chickadees ( Poecile hudsonicus ) at both the microhabitat and landscape scales in northern Minnesota, USA from 2020 to 2022. We used habitat measurements taken at fledgling locations and at paired random points to compare habitat use vs. availability at the microhabitat scale via generalized linear mixed-effects models. We also used compositional analysis, modified with age-specific movements, to assess cover-type selection by fledglings during the post-fledging period. These analyses were conducted on the entire post-fledging period as well as during dependent (with parental care) and independent (without parental care) periods. Fledgling Boreal Chickadees of all ages used habitat disproportionately with respect to its availability. Cover types that contained productive and/or stagnant black spruce were strongly preferred, and areas with deciduous trees were strongly avoided. Within black spruce cover types, Boreal Chickadee fledglings selected microhabitats that contained higher percent canopy cover. Fledglings did not shift cover types at any time in the post-fledging period. Results from this study can be used by managers to develop conservation strategies that will provide and maintain critical habitat to support this species.
This paper presents all available information on the Orthoptera of the Socotra Archipelago, an area well-known for its endemic flora and fauna. General information is provided about the climate and geology of the Socotra Archipelago. The various habitats where grasshoppers have been found are described and illustrated, followed by a concise history of Orthoptera research on Socotra. Besides an identification key to the species, additional information about the material examined, taxonomy, diagnostic notes, distribution and occurrence, including maps, habitat, biology and bioacoustics, is provided for each species. In total, 65 Orthoptera species are reported here from Socotra, Abd el Kuri, Samha and Darsa, including Oecanthus castaneus Felix & Bouwman, sp. nov. and two unknown species assigned to Ectatoderus. Of these 65 species, 30 (46%) are endemic to the Socotra Archipelago. Re-descriptive notes on Acrotylus innotatus Uvarov, 1933 and Glomeremus capitatus Uvarov, 1957 are provided, including the description of the female of the latter species and the male of Oxytruxalis ensis (Burr, 1899). Acrotylus innotatus Uvarov, 1933, Dictyophorus griseus (Reiche & Fairmaire, 1850), Eumodicogryllus chivensis (Tarbinsky, 1930), Ochrilidia geniculata (Bolívar, 1913), Sphingonotus rubescens (Walker, 1870) and S. balteatus (Serville, 1838) are recorded for the first time from the Archipelago. Bioacoustics are presented for: Ochrilidia socotrae Massa, 2009, Stenohippus socotranus (Popov, 1957), Sphingonotus ganglbaueri Krauss, 1907, S. insularis (Popov, 1957), Acheta rufopictus Uvarov, 1957, Eumodicogryllus chivensis (Tarbinsky, 1930), Ectatoderus guichardi Gorochov, 1993 as well as two other species assigned to Ectatoderus, Oecanthus castaneus Felix & Bouwman, sp. nov., Ruspolia aff. R. basiguttata (Bolívar, 1906) and Pachysmopoda abbreviata (Taschenberg, 1883). Red List Assessments for 29 endemic species have been prepared including Oxytruxalis ensis (Burr, 1899) (Critically Endangered, CR), Cataloipus brunneri (Kirby, 1910) (Endangered, EN) and Glomeremus capitatus Uvarov, 1957, Phaneroptila insularis Uvarov, 1957, Phaulotypus granti Burr, 1899, Socotracris kleukersi Felix & Desutter-Grandcolas, 2012, Socotrella monstrosa Popov, 1957 and Xenephias socotranus Kevan, 1973 (all Vulnerable, VU).
Arianna Meletiadis, Angelo Romano, Barbara Moroni
et al.
Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of <i>Salmonella</i>, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (<i>Pantherophis guttatus</i>) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake’s tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of <i>Salmonella enterica subsp</i>. <i>enterica</i> serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake’s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of <i>Salmonella</i> infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.
After Covid 19, hazards appeared for the development of the hotel and restaurant business. Some of the skilled personnel left this business and headed for more sustainable industries or abroad. Therefore, the aim of the work is to study the main factors affecting the survival and prospects for the development of the restaurant business in the hotel-restaurant complexes in Bulgaria. The main motivations of consumers for the future development of modern restaurants in the country aimed at increasing customer satisfaction have been studied. The research was conducted through qualitative and quantitative marketing research and SWOT analysis of available high-end hotels and dining and entertainment establishments in Bulgaria. Mathematical and statistical models were used to process the data of the respondents for each of the questions. The results are presented graphically. A comparative characterization of six hotel-restaurant chains in Bulgaria was made in terms of categorization, comfort, amenities and quality of service, and way of eating in the restaurants. The positive sides and their shortcomings and prospects for development in the current economic situation are reflected, and the consequences of the Covid 19 crisis are also taken into account.
Rady Ahmed M., Ebaid Hossam, Habila Mohamed
et al.
Because of the potential bioactivities, nanoparticles have engendered hope in scientific communities for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In the present study, it was tested whether selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) can protect the liver in mothers with gestational diabetes (DM). The gestational rats were divided into three groups (n = 8). Group 1 (CN) received the vehicle, Group 2 (DM) received a single intraperitoneal injection of 165 mg/kg of alloxan, and Group 3 (DM + Se-NPs) received a single intraperitoneal injection of 165 mg/kg alloxan and then treated with Se-NPs at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg twice a week for 6 weeks; 1 week before gestation and continued for 5 weeks. The structure of the fabricated Se-NPs modified with ascorbic acid indicated that nano-Se was associated with a carbon matrix. The body weight of diabetic mothers was lower compared to control animals. The use of Se-NPs as a treatment has led to significant restoration of the body weight in diabetic rat mothers compared to those diabetic animals without treatment. Concentrations of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, LDH, malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose were significantly increased in diabetic rats, while glutathione significantly declined in comparison to control gestational rats. Interestingly, Se-NPs in DM + Se-NPs rats were found to restore all these parameters to values close to the control levels. Se-NPs could improve the histological structure of the liver in gestational rats with diabetes (DM + Se-NPs). Our data demonstrate that Se-NPs shield the liver structure and function in gestational rats against alloxan-induced diabetes.
Liaoning cashmere goat is a well-known local cashmere goat breed in China and even in the world. It is famous for producing cashmere with superior quality and high yield. Cashmere yield, body measurements, and body weight are the primary indicators of cashmere goat breeding, but the correlation between them is not yet clear. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between certain body measurements, body weight, and cashmere yield in Liaoning cashmere goats using stepwise and factor score analyses in a multiple regression analysis. For this purpose, the body measurements (body slanting length (BSL), body height (BH), chest circumference (CC), pipe circumference (PC), chest depth (CD), chest width (CW), hip breadth (HB), body weight (BW) and cashmere yield (CY)) of 200 (2-year-old) Liaoning cashmere goats were collected. Stepwise analysis of the results showed that body weight had the greatest direct effect on cashmere yield, followed by hip breadth, while chest circumference mainly affected cashmere yield indirectly. The results of factor score analysis showed that the independent variable can be represented by two factors, which explained 49.596% and 12.095% of the total variance, respectively. The factor scores used in the regression analysis explained 75.8% of the total variance in Liaoning cashmere yield. The above studies show that the growth traits of Liaoning cashmere goats are closely related to the cashmere yield. Growth traits should be considered important factors in breed selection, germplasm identification, and rearing.
Luciana Bergamasco, Lily N. Edwards-Callaway, Nora M. Bello
et al.
Castration is a common management procedure employed in North American cattle production and is known to cause a pain response. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of unmitigated surgical castration on the electroencephalography (EEG) responses and plasma substance P (SP) concentrations in calves of different ages under the same experimental conditions. Thirty male Holstein calves in three age categories [<6 weeks (6W); 3 months (3M); 6 months (6M); 10 calves per age group] were used in the study. Calves were subjected to a simulated castration session (SHAM) followed 24 h later by surgical castration (CAST) without analgesia. An EEG analysis was performed before the procedure (i.e., baseline), at treatment, and 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 min post-treatment for both SHAM and CAST, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to both treatments (time 0) and again at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h after both treatments. The EEG results showed a three-way interaction between treatment, age, and time for delta and beta absolute power, beta relative power, total power, and median frequency (<i>p</i> = 0.004, <i>p</i> = 0.04, <i>p</i> = 0.04, <i>p</i> = 0.03, and <i>p</i> = 0.008, respectively). Following CAST, EEG total power decreased, and median frequency increased relative to SHAM in 6W and 3M calves only following treatment. For 6W and 3M calves, delta and beta absolute power increased at CAST and at later time points relative to SHAM. Marginal evidence for two-way interactions was noted between time and treatment and between age and treatment on the concentration of SP (<i>p</i> = 0.068 and <i>p</i> = 0.066, respectively). Substance P concentrations decreased in CAST treatment compared to SHAM at the later times (8 h: <i>p</i> = 0.007; 12 h: <i>p</i> = 0.048); 6W calves showed lower SP concentration at CAST relative to SHAM (<i>p</i> = 0.017). These findings indicate variation in EEG responses and in SP concentrations following unmitigated surgical castration in calves and that these responses may be age specific. These EEG findings have implications for supporting the perception of the pain associated with surgical castration in young calves and emphasize the urgency of pain mitigation strategies during routine husbandry practices such as castration, as typically implemented in North American cattle management.
The North American nightsnakes in the genus Hypsiglena is composed of nine named and at least two unnamed species. Here, we provide the first mt-genome of H. affinis, an additional mt-genome for H. sp. nov. 1, and four additional mt-genomes from the widespread H. jani. These mtDNA genomes were sequenced using both Illumina and Ion Torrent sequencing technologies. The resulting genomes contained the expected 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 control regions typical of colubroid snakes. Two of the H. jani samples had partial tRNAIle genes upstream of CR2 which has not been previously documented in colubroid snakes. A maximum likelihood gene-tree based on these data combined with previously published sequence data recovers a well-supported phylogeny and is in concordance with previous estimates of evolutionary relationships in this group.
Agostino Letardi, Mahmoud S. Abdel-Dayem, Hathal M. Al Dhafer
This study presents new data on the lacewing fauna of Saudi Arabia based on field work performed between 2014 and 2019. Sixty-one lacewing species from 37 genera and seven Neuroptera families were documented. Additionally, two species belonging to Dielocroce and Pseudomallada were identified only to genus level. Three of the identified species are new records to Saudi Arabia (Aspoeckiella gallagheri Hölzel, 2004, Bankisus maculosus Hölzel, 1983, and Nemoleon secundus Hölzel, 2002). Another three species are new to the fauna of the Arabian Peninsula (Mantispa aphavexelte Aspöck &amp; Aspöck, 1994, Omoleon jeanneli Navás, 1936, and Stylascalaphus krueperi van der Weele, 1909). The first reports of eight species are provided after their original description from Saudi Arabia; namely, Creoleon ultimus Hölzel, 983, Cueta amseli Hölzel, 1982, Cu. asirica Hölzel, 1982, Distoleon asiricus Hölzel, 1983, Geyria pallida Hölzel, 1983, Neuroleon delicatus Hölzel, 1983, N. virgineus Hölzel, 1983 and Solter buettikeri Hölzel, 1982 Zoogeographically, most lacewing species documented in the Arabian Peninsula are endemic (26.2%), followed by Afro-syroeremic (23.0%), Afrotropical (18.0%), and Afro-syro-iranoeremic (14.8%) species. Palaearctic species (4.9%) had the lowest contribution.
Farkhondeh Sayyadi, Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani, Mehri Azadbakht
et al.
The morphology and structure of the hemipenis play a significant role in the recognition of species, and could be an excellent indicator of the phylogenetic relationships among male taxa. The hemipenes have value in distinguishing taxa. Laudakia nupta and Paralaudakia caucasia are sympatric in Kalekan Neck (Northeastern regions of Kermanshah Province, 34° 42’ N, 47° 17’ E, Elevation: 1880 m). In this study, we investigated and compared hemipeneal structure of Laudakia nupta and Paralaudakia caucasia as character displacement in sympatric populations. Hemipenes of eight adult collected males (four from each species) were removed and examined morphology and histology. The results indicate that there are differences in the structure of their hemipenis between two species. In Laudakia nupta, hemipenes are black organs, approximately smooth tubular with groove and split in tips but in Paralaudakia caucasia, hemipenes are pink organs, bilobed, branched and bifurcated structure. It seems that the difference between the structure of hemipenises in two species can be a factor in the separation of male species in Kalekan Neck (Northeastern regions of Kermanshah Province). The structure of hemipenis is potentially important for distinguishing male species.
We describe and illustrate Anthophila variabilis Falck, Karsholt & Rota, sp. n. (Choreutidae) from Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The new species is outstanding due to the variability of its male genitalia. It is closely related to A. fabriciana (Linnaeus, 1767), and more distantly related to Anthophila threnodes (Walsingham, 1910), which is endemic to Madeira. Based on the DNA barcode, the new species is molecularly very distinct from its closest relative, A. fabriciana, with a pairwise K2P distance of more than 6.5%. The previous record of A. fabriciana from the Canary Islands is based on misidentification, and the species should be removed from the list of Lepidoptera found in the Canary Islands.
Fine-scale differences in behaviour and habitat use have important ecological implications, but have rarely been examined in marine gastropods. We used tri-axial accelerometer loggers to estimate activity levels and movement patterns of the juvenile queen conch Lobatus gigas (n = 11) in 2 habitat types in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. In 2 manipulations in nearshore areas, queen conchs were equipped with accelerometers and released in adjacent coral rubble or seagrass habitats. Queen conchs were located approximately every 6 h during daylight by snorkeling, to measure individual differences in linear distance moved, and after 24 h they were relocated to an alternate habitat (24 h in each habitat). We found significant inter-individual variability in activity levels, but more consistent levels of activity between the 2 habitat types within individual queen conchs. Four (36%) of the individuals placed in seagrass moved back to the adjacent coral rubble habitat, suggesting selectivity for coral rubble. Individuals showed variable behavioural responses when relocated to the less preferable seagrass habitat, which may be related to differing stress-coping styles. Our results suggest that behavioural variability between individuals may be an important factor driving movement and habitat use in queen conch and, potentially, their susceptibility to human stressors. This study provides evidence of diverse behavioural (activity) patterns and habitat selectivity in a marine gastropod and highlights the utility of accelerometer biologgers for continuously monitoring animal behaviour in the wild.
The caddisfly fauna of Minnesota contains at least 277 species within 21 families and 75 genera. These species are based on examination of 312,884 specimens from 2,166 collections of 937 Minnesota aquatic habitats from 1890 to 2007. Included in these totals is my own quantitative sampling of 4 representative habitat types: small streams, medium rivers, large rivers, and lakes, from each of the 58 major Minnesota watersheds from June through September during 1999–2001. All species are illustrated herein, and their known Minnesota abundances, distributions, adult flight periodicities, and habitat affinities presented. Four species: Lepidostoma griseum (Lepidostomatidae), Psilotreta indecisa (Odontoceridae), and Phryganea sayi and Ptilostomis angustipennis (Phryganeidae) are added to the known fauna. An additional 31 dubious species records are removed for various reasons. Of the 5 determined caddisfly regions of the state, species richness per watershed was highest in the Lake Superior and Northern Regions, intermediate in the Southeastern, and lowest in the Northwestern and Southern. Of the 48 individual collections that yielded >40 species, all but 1 were from the Northern Region. Many species, especially within the families Limnephilidae and Phryganeidae, have appeared to decrease in distribution and abundance during the past 75 years, particularly those once common within the Northwestern and Southern Regions. Many species now appear regionally extirpated, and a few have disappeared from the entire state. The loss of species in the Northwestern and Southern Regions, and probably elsewhere, is almost certainly related to the conversion of many habitats to large-scale agriculture during the mid-20th century.
Protura are among the latecomers to molecular phylogenetics. The first sequences were published about a decade ago; since then relatively little additional data has been collected. Nonetheless, the available molecular phylogenetic analyses have provided valuable contributions towards the elucidation of the phylogenetic position of the Protura. All studies endorse Protura as closely related to hexapods. To detail, remarkable results were obtained with respect to the potential hexapod sister group. Only few molecular studies support the traditional Ellipura hypothesis (Protura plus Collembola). Almost all corroborate a sister group relationship between Protura and Diplura, which previously was never considered by morphologists. Besides the absence of eyes (hence the name Nonoculata proposed by Luan et al. 2005), few further substantial morphological synapomorphies have yet been mentioned to support this taxon. With respect to the internal relationships among the different groups of Protura, molecular data indicates monophyly of Acerentomata and Eosentomata, while Sinentomata seem to be para- or polyphyletic; a result also obtained in some morphological analyses. However, since the molecular taxon sampling remains meagre, any conclusions must be treated as preliminary. Requirements for further molecular investigations are pointed out.