Termitaria are an important refuge for reptiles in the Pilbara of Western Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham G. Thompson ◽  
Scott A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Adjacent Area ◽  
Vertebrate Fauna ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gehyra Variegata

In all, 154 of 158 above-ground termitaria deconstructed in the Pilbara of Western Australia contained at least one vertebrate, and there was a mean of 30.4 (s.e. = 2.03) vertebrates and 4.5 (s.e. = 0.17) species in each mound. There was a significant difference in the relative abundance of species found in the termitaria and the 64 species found in the adjacent area. Termitaria were mostly occupied by eight species: Gehyra pilbara (66.3% of captures), Heteronotia binoei (13.7% of captures), Furina ornata (6.9%), Antaresia stimsoni (3.3%), Cyclorana maini (3.0%), Gehyra variegata (1.5%), Suta punctata (1.3%) and Planigale sp. (0.9%). It is likely that F. ornata, A. stimsoni and S. punctata used termitaria as a diurnal refuge and also prey upon reptiles living in the mound. If other termitaria in the Pilbara support a similarly high number of vertebrates, then these mounds provide an environmentally significant microhabitat and vertebrate fauna inhabiting the mounds should be captured and relocated before the termitaria are cleared or isolated as a result of development.

Survey of feral honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies for Nosema apis in Western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Manning ◽  
Kate Lancaster ◽  
April Rutkay ◽  
Linda Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Nosema Apis ◽  
The South ◽  
South West ◽  
Feral Populations ◽  
Significant Difference

The parasite, Nosema apis, was found to be widespread among feral populations of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the south-west of Western Australia. The location, month of collection and whether the feral colony was enclosed in an object or exposed to the environment, all affected the presence and severity of infection. There was no significant difference in the probability of infection between managed and feral bees. However, when infected by N. apis, managed bees appeared to have a greater severity of the infection.

scholarly journals Diversity, Abundance, and Foraging Behavior of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Scavenging on American Cockroach in Various Habitats of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmed Ashigar ◽  
Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
American Cockroach ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Residential Communities ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Paratrechina Longicornis

Ants play a vital role in removing dead arthropods from the environment. Complex foraging patterns are used by ants to locate food items and overwhelm even larger insects such as cockroach. Consequently, the biotic interaction between the ants and the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, another home infesting and a vector of major food-borne diseases, may lead to microbial handover and ease the spread of mechanically transmitted human pathogenic microbes. This study was done to determine the diversity and abundance of cockroach-foraging ants in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Ten households were randomly selected from 14 locations: 5 residential communities from three most urbanized areas (Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi) and 5 rural communities. Four remaining locations were nonresidential from Lafia and Akwanga, respectively. A total of 1,364 ants belonging to three subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Formicinae, and Ponerinae) were collected from 140 households. Pheidole rugaticeps Emery recorded the highest relative abundance (52%) followed by Pheidole decarinata Santschi (16%), Pheidole sp. (17%), Camponotus maculatus (7%), Paratrechina longicornis (7%), while both Crematogaster sp. and Brachyponera sennaarensis recorded the lowest relative abundance (1%). There is a significant difference in the species diversity between the urban and the rural communities. Pheidole rugaticeps, P. decarinata, Pheidole sp., and P. longicornis were more organized in foraging and operating in group by recruiting nest-mate for collecting fragments of dead cockroach. Studies on the epidemiology, conservation implications, and biocontrol potentials of these Pheidole species are recommended.

scholarly journals Spatial Distribution of Insect Diversity in Selected Locations within Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1249-1255
Author(s):  
O.A. Aina-Oduntan ◽  
Q.A. Onilude ◽  
J.A. George-Onaho ◽  
A.I. Woghiren ◽  
O.R. Jeminiwa
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Habitat Modification ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Forestry Research ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ibadan Nigeria ◽  
Research Institute

With the increase in the rate of tree removal and construction of buildings within the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria premises, there has been concomitant rise in habitat modification. These changes in habitat composition affect the insect population. This study therefore investigated the insect species diversity and abundance within some selected locations within FRIN with the view to determining different insect species available in FRIN premises. Sweep nets were used to trap the insects along a predetermined line transect. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Paleontological Statistics were used for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and species diversity and composition were all assessed. A total number of 1073 individual insects belonging to 6 orders, 27 families and 34 species were recorded across the three locations. Out of this, Order Lepidoptera had the highest relative abundance (53%), followed by Coleoptera (22%), then by Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Heteroptera and Diptera with 10%, 9%, 4% and 2% relative abundance respectively. The result of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in species composition/richness across the locations at probability level of 5%. The insect species diversity, evenness and richness also varied across the locations. This study therefore, brings to the fore the diversity and abundance of insects within FRIN premises and highlighted the need for a more intensive study by the entomology section and for sustainable actions to be taken in conserving beneficial rare species while, managing the abundant pestiferous ones.

scholarly journals Comparison of Oral Hygiene Status and Relative Abundance of Periodontal Pathogens Between Individuals With and Without Intellectual Disabilities: a Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Oda ◽  
Chiaki Furutani ◽  
Reo Kawano ◽  
Jumpei Murakami ◽  
Yuika Mizota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Outpatient Clinic ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Periodontal Pathogens ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Studies have reported a high prevalence of periodontal disease in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this study was to compare the relative abundance of periodontal pathogens (red, orange, yellow, purple, and green complexes) between individuals with ID and healthy controls.Methods: Of the 31 subjects enrolled in this study, 16 with severe ID were selected from the outpatient clinic of the Special Care Dentistry of Hiroshima University Hospital, and 14 healthy subjects were selected from the outpatient clinic of another department at the same hospital. Dental plaque was sampled after oral examination. Decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) counts were obtained and periodontal measurements were taken using the papillary-marginal-attached (PMA) index, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing depth (PD). Gene sequencing (16S rRNA) was performed for each sample using next-generation high-throughput sequencing methods. The relative abundance of the periodontal pathogens and the clinical parameters were compared. An unpaired t-test was used to compare the oral health status in both groups and analysis of covariance was performed to compare the relative abundance of each pathogen.Results: No statistically significant difference in DMFT was observed between the two groups. However, significant differences in the median PMA index, PI, and GI were noted between the groups (P < 0.0001). In addition, the mean PD in the ID group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.0001). The relative abundances of Tannerella spp. and Treponema spp. were significantly higher in the ID group when compared to the control group at the genus level (P = 0.0383 and 0.0432, respectively); alternatively, the relative abundance of Porphyromonas spp. was significantly lower in the ID group (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: The PMA index, PI, GI, and PD were significantly lower in the ID group than in the control group. On the other hand, no significant difference in DMFT was observed between the two groups. Furthermore, our findings indicate that Tannerella forsythia might be more closely associated with periodontal disease than Porphyromonas gingivalis in individuals with ID.

scholarly journals Evaluation of bacterial diversity during fermentation process: a comparison between handmade and machine-made high-temperature Daqu of Maotai-flavor liquor

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiancheng Zuo ◽  
Yongguang Huang ◽  
MinGuo
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Bacterial Diversity ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Fermentation Process ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Illumina Miseq ◽  
Functional Bacteria ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fermentation Technology ◽  
Molding Methods

Abstract Purpose High-temperature Daqu is a traditional fermentation starter that is used for Chinese Maotai-flavor Baijiu production. Although the bacteria in high-temperature Daqu are known to be responsible for developing the quality and flavor of Baijiu during the fermentation process, there is little information on the properties of the bacteria during the fermentation of high-temperature Daqu, especially machine-made high-temperature Daqu. This has limited the development of the Maotai-flavor Baijiu industry, particularly with regard to the mechanized production of Maotai-flavor Baijiu. Methods Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing was applied to study bacterial compositions during the fermentation of handmade and machine-made high temperatures. Results The results show that bacterial diversity in machine-made Daqu was similar but higher than that in handmade Daqu at the end of fermentation, and there was no significant difference between the methods with regard to the dominant genera and their dynamic changes during fermentation. Rhizobium, Bacillus, Thermoactinomyces, Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Saccharopolyspora were the dominant genera during the fermentation of both Daqus, although the relative abundance of these dominant genera differed between the two methods. Interestingly, the machine-made Daqu contained a higher relative abundance of Bacillus than handmade Daqu at all fermentation times. Bacillus is the most important functional bacteria in the fermentation of Maotai-flavor Baijiu, suggesting that mechanical-molding methods could be applied to industrial Maotai-flavor Daqu production. Conclusion These results suggest that mechanical-molding methods could be applied to industrial Maotai-flavor Daqu production, which could be helpful for industrial Maotai-flavor Baijiu production and the development of fermentation technology.

Effects of the coastal brown ant Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), on the ant fauna of the Perth metropolitan region, Western Australia

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. May ◽  
B. E. Heterick
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
The Other ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Pheidole Megacephala ◽  
Apparent Displacement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Almost All

This paper reports on the apparent displacement of native and exotic ants from gardens in the Perth Metropolitan region by the coastal brown ant (Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius)). Twelve gardens were sampled, four with P. megacephala present, and eight (the controls) where the ant was judged to be absent. Eight out of the 26 ant species recorded (including the coastal brown ant) were introduced. Ninety-two per cent of pitfall trap contents comprised the four most abundant species: P. megacephala, lridomyrmex chasei (Forel), Tetramorium simillimum (F. Smith) and Paratrechina ?obscura (Mayr). Three of the four P. megacephala-dominated gardens were depauperate of almost all other ant species. The fourth P. megacephala-infested garden had a relatively small number of coastal brown ants (104), and the highest number of ant species was found in that garden. The removal of this outlier garden left an average range of one to three species for the other three P. megacephala-infested gardens. Control gardens had between five and 12 ant species. Total ant abundance ranged from an average of 1 027 per P. megacephala-infested garden (increasing to 1 171 if the outlier garden is removed) to 146 at control gardens. There was a significant difference both in ant richness and ant abundance between the controls and P. megacephala-infested gardens (P < 0.05). This remained the case when figures for coastal brown ants were excluded from calculations.

The sex forms of species in the flora of the south-west of Western Australia

1966 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Mccomb
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
British Isles ◽  
The South ◽  
South West ◽  
Significant Difference

The sex form of each species in the flora of the south-west of Western Australia was determined, and the proportions of the different forms compared with data available for South Australia. Although the western flora has been substantially isolated since at least the mid Tertiary, no significant difference in the proportion of hermaphrodite species from that of South Australia was found. A re-analysis of the sex forms of the flora of the British Isles was also made, and it was found that this flora has a higher proportion of non-hermaphrodite species than has either Western Australia or South Australia. The possible evolutionary significance of these observations is discussed.

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels and fragmentation pattern can distinguish nonmuscle invasive (NMI) from muscle-invasive (MI) and metastatic (met) bladder cancer (BC).

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4523-4523
Author(s):  
Jaleh Fallah ◽  
Shinjini Ganguly ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Wei (Auston) Wei ◽  
Aysegul Balyimez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Fragmentation Pattern ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Muscle Invasive

4523 Background: Occult MI and met BC may be under-staged. Circulating cfDNA may be a dynamic, low-cost and minimally invasive biomarker. We evaluated correlations between total circulating cfDNA and presence of MIBC and met BC. We hypothesized that the relative abundance of circulating low molecular weight cfDNA would correlate with BC stage. Methods: Peripheral blood from pts with BC was collected in Streck BCT tubes and processed to obtain cf nucleic acid extracts. Total cfDNA quantity (ng/ml) was assessed by fluorimetry. cfDNA fragment size was measured by Bioanalyzer DNA analysis. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher’s Exact test were used to compare cfDNA quantity and fragmentation pattern among pts with NMIBC, MIBC, met BC. Results: Blood was obtained from 58 pts with BC (20% women, 34% never smokers, median age 71 (29-89). There was no significant difference in cfDNA between MIBC and met BC, however, it was significantly lower in pts with NMIBC vs MIBC and met BC (table). The concentration of low molecular weight fragments (LMW-frags) (100 - 400) base pairs and the ratio of LMW-Frag to cfDNA were significantly different between pts with NMIBC and pts with MIBC or met BC (table). Using median values as the cutoff, there was a significantly higher proportion of pts with cfDNA > 7 ng/ml and LMW-frags > 1.6 ng/mL, in MIBC & met BC vs NMIBC (p < 0.001). The % of pts with LMW-frags to cfDNA > 30%, was significantly different among NMIBC, MIBC and met BC groups: 16%, 53%, 78%, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that cfDNA levels may correlate with BC stage. Measuring the relative abundance of LMW-frags with the expected size of cf DNA can enhance the specificity of cfDNA analysis for distinction between MIBC and met BC. Further studies are needed to confirm findings and define the optimal cut-points for optimal BC staging. [Table: see text]

Using abattoir surveillance and producer surveys to investigate the prevalence and current preventative management of Caseous lymphadenitis in Merino flocks in Australia

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 675 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Bush ◽  
R. Barnett ◽  
I. J. Links ◽  
P. A. Windsor
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
New South ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Caseous Lymphadenitis ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Livestock Health

The prevalence of Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in Australia was estimated to be 5.2% using 2009 abattoir surveillance data from all States supplied by Animal Health Australia involving 5029 lines comprising 1 339 463 sheep. This is a decrease from the 26% estimated in a similar study in 1995. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in CLA prevalence between all states except Tasmania and Victoria (P = 0.75) with prevalences of 12.8 and 12.9%, respectively. Western Australia recorded the lowest prevalence with 1.0%. The average CLA prevalence for New South Wales was 5.3% and within three surveyed Livestock Health and Pest Authority regions (Tablelands, Central North and Central West) was 2.9, 4.9 and 4.4%, respectively. The attitude of the majority of producers surveyed in these three Livestock Health and Pest Authority areas was that CLA was of little or no significance (75%) but were aware of the need for CLA control with ~68% using 6-in-1 vaccine, though only 39.9% as recommended. It appears that the prolonged use of CLA vaccination has been successful in reducing the prevalence of CLA across Australia and particularly in New South Wales. Further improvements in communication of information on preventative management practices associated with lice control, importance of using an approved vaccination program, plus increasing producers’ awareness of the importance of CLA control, are indicated.

Water use of wheat, barley, canola, and lucerne in the high rainfall zone of south-western Australia

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heping Zhang ◽  
Neil C. Turner ◽  
Michael L. Poole
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Grain Filling ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Dry Matter Accumulation ◽  
High Rainfall ◽  
Annual Crops ◽  
Significant Difference

Water use of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) was measured on a duplex soil in the high rainfall zone (HRZ) of south-western Australia from 2001 to 2003. Rainfall exceeded evapotranspiration in all years, resulting in transient perched watertables, subsurface waterlogging in 2002 and 2003, and loss of water by deep drainage and lateral flow in all years. There was no significant difference in water use among wheat, barley, and canola. Lucerne used water at a similar rate to annual crops during the winter and spring, but continued to extract 80−100 mm more water than the annual crops over the summer and autumn fallow period. This resulted in about 50 mm less drainage past the root-zone than for annual crops in the second and third years after the establishment of the lucerne. Crop water use was fully met by rainfall from sowing to anthesis and a significant amount of water (120−220 mm) was used during the post-anthesis period, resulting in a ratio of pre- to post-anthesis water use (ETa : ETpa) of 1 : 1 to 2 : 1. These ratios were lower than the indicative value of 2 : 1 for limited water supply for grain filling. High water use during the post-anthesis period was attributed to high available soil water at anthesis, a large rooting depth (≥1.4 m), a high proportion (15%) of roots in the clay subsoil, and regular rainfall during grain filling. The pattern of seasonal water use by crops suggested that high dry matter at anthesis did not prematurely exhaust soil water for grain filling and that it is unlikely to affect dry matter accumulation during grain filling and final grain yield under these conditions.

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