Variation In Characters Research Articles

Variation in the Morphological Characters of the Hill and Plain Populations of Indian Honey Bee, Apis cerana indica (Fab.) in Tamil Nadu, India

The present study investigates the morphological differences between the hill and plain populations of the Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica Fabricius, collected from six different locations in Tamil Nadu, India: Coimbatore, Karumandhurai, Coonoor, Madurai, Dindigul, and Chidambaram during 2023-2024. Significant differences were found between the two populations based on a comprehensive morphometric analysis of 29 characters. The hill populations from TNAU Insectary (Marudhamalai hills), Karumandhurai (Kalvarayan hills), and Coonoor (Nilgiri hills), the mean altitude of the locations being 1207 m a.s.l. exhibited significantly higher values in several morphometric traits than the plain populations from Madurai, Dindigul, and Chidambaram, with a mean altitude of 124 m above MSL (P<0.05). Component loading analysis highlighted the key morphometric characters contributing to the first and second components of both ecotypes. In the plain population, breadth of the radial cell, breadth of the forewing, and length of the radial cell demonstrated strong positive correlations with the first principal component, explaining 16.4% of the variance. The second principal component, influenced by characters such as the length of the femur and breadth of the metatarsus, showed 12.2% of the variance. In the hill population, the length of the radial cell, length of vein R.L., and length of the hindwing were the most influential traits for the first principal component, explaining 28.0% of the variance. In contrast, the second component, which included the breadth of the forewing and length of vein I.L., explained 12.3% of the variance. Further, the cubital index, a critical morphometric parameter, also showed a statistically significant difference, with the hill population (3.55) showing a higher value than the plain population (3.29). The significant morphometric differences observed between the hill and plain populations of A. cerana indica may suggest that they have undergone morphological divergence, likely due to adaptations to their specific environmental conditions.

Identification of the degree of aging and adsorption behaviors of the naturally aged microplastics

Microplastics (MPs) inevitably experienced various aging processes in nature may exhibit varied and complex interfacial interactions with adjacent species. Therefore, clarifying the possible interfacial interactions between naturally aged MPs and organic pollutants is of great significance to assess the actual behaviors of MPs in the environment. Here several plastic packaging materials after use were employed as the raw materials and representatives of naturally aged MPs, the alteration of surface characteristics, especially the degree of aging and the adsorption properties of MPs for anionic and cationic dyes were investigated. The types and the degree of aging of MPs were identified, and the variation of oxygen-containing functional groups (carbonyl, hydroxyl, and ester groups), the hydrophilicity and surface charge character were characterized. The fitting results of kinetics and isotherm models indicated that the adsorption was mainly multi-layer on heterogeneous surfaces, with hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, polar interaction, and hydrophobic partitioning possibly involving. The hydrogen bond interaction was further confirmed by FTIR spectra. The increased temperature promoted the adsorption of cationic dyes on MPs, and the increased salinity of the solution enhanced the uptake of most of the tested dyes by MPs. This research deepened the understanding on the aging degree of MPs and their interfacial interactions with hydrophilic pollutants, and provided vital information for MPs as pollutant carriers.

Resolving the ongoing confusion between Erigeron multiradiatus and Tibetiodes himalaica (Asteraceae)

Erigeron multiradiatus (Asteraceae: Astereae: Conyzinae) and Tibetiodes himalaica (Asteraceae: Astereae: Asterinae) are often misidentified due to their morphological similarity and variation in some morphological characters. The present communication aims to resolve the identity crisis of these two species based on detailed morphological studies of freshly collected as well as herbarium specimens (including types), SEM studies of cypselas and molecular study with one nuclear and one chloroplast marker (ITS and trnLF). The morphological analysis showed that the two species differ in involucres and flower colour, with very clear differences in macro- and micro-morphological features of the cypselas. The molecular study also showed clear distinction between these two taxa. Additionally, a lectotype is designated for Erigeron multiradiatus.

Quantifying phenotypic variability of indigenous chickens using morphometric traits by applying multivariate analysis: Input for sustainable rural chicken farming

Despite environmentally influenced performance traits in farm animals, variations in morphometric characters reflect unswerving genetic effects. In this study, body weight and body dimension measurements of indigenous chickens reared in four rural communities were investigated using multivariate statistical procedures to elucidate the existence of phenotypic variability between chicken populations. The study districts were selected based on higher indigenous chicken population, geographic distance, and agro-ecological distinctiveness. Eleven morphometric traits were measured on 1060 adult chickens from the districts. The results revealed that there were significant (p < 0.0001) variations between populations across districts. Significantly (P < 0.0001) higher mean values for morphometric traits were obtained in chickens reared in the Hula (highland district) than in those of the three districts. Likewise, multivariate discriminant analysis showed that most of the variables had significant power to differentiate the chicken populations into separate groups. Accordingly, three discriminant functions were extracted, of which the first two explained 95.6 % of the total variances in the populations. Moreover, in cluster analysis, chickens were differentiated into two sub-groups: Hula as a separate population, and Shebedino, Aleta Chuko and Boricha populations clustered together. Furthermore, the discriminant analysis correctly assigned 56.7 %, 55.1 %, 51.5 %, and 53.3 % to their source populations of Hula, Aleta Chuko, Shebedino, Hula, and Boricha, respectively, showing high mixing and mobility of chickens across neighboring districts. Therefore, this study confirmed the existence of significant morphometric variability between the studied populations, which could be used as a valuable source of information for selective breeding and sustainable use of indigenous chickens, particularly for rural farmers who almost rely on phenotypic features to select breeding stocks. In addition, the higher morphometric measurements shown for Hula chickens should be confirmed by on-station evaluation, and further molecular tools should be applied to validate the genetic distinctiveness of the studied chicken populations.

Assessment of genetic parameters and heritability of Dendrobium species section Spatulata native to Indonesia

Being one of the most abundant genera of orchids, Dendrobium presents a valuable genetic resource for hybridization programs. Morphological characterization and assessment of genetic parameters plays a crucial role in establishing genetic connections among orchid species within the same genus. The study aims to discern the morphological traits of five Indonesian Dendrobium species, intending to evaluate their potential as candidates for crossbreeding programs. The materials used in this study were D. antennatum, D. discolor, D. stratiotes, D. lineale, D. gouldii, and D. sylvanum. This research examines 21 quantitative traits and 21 qualitative morphological traits of the studied Dendrobium. The findings reveal variations in characters related to flowers, leaves, and pseudobulbs. The analysis of genetic parameters indicates the presence of genetic diversity in traits such as flower stalk length, length of inflorescence, flower series length, flower length, flower width, dorsal sepal width, lateral sepal width, petal length, petal width, labellum length, labellum width, and the number of florets. All observed traits demonstrate high heritability. So, the characters that have high genetic variability and heritability are valuable in selection criteria for plant breeding.

Hidden in the plains: Two new extra‐andean species of Euathlus (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) from Argentina with comments on their sexual behaviour

AbstractTwo new species of Euathlus (Verhandlungen der Kaiserlich‐Königlichen Zoologisch‐Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien, 1875, 25, 125) from Argentina are described. Euathlus ameghinoi sp. n. and Euathlus ventus sp. n. are the first records for the Patagonian Steppe. Here we used mitochondrial DNA (cox1) to perform the first molecular phylogeny of some representatives of the genus. In addition, we present the first description of the sexual behaviour of the genus. Both molecular and cladistic morphological analysis showed the genus Euathlus as monophyletic, and new species were recovered as sister groups. New species show new morphological variations of typical characters for the genus (e.g. tibial apophyses and palpal organs).

Molecular and morphological data provide evidence for only one alien species of pearl oyster in the Mediterranean Sea

Taxonomic identification of alien bivalve species in the Mediterranean Sea can be challenging because of high morphological variability and the occurrence of cryptic species complexes, as in the case of pearl oysters. While the presence of the Lessepsian species Pinctada radiata is well-established in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the presence of P. fucata was recently suggested based on morphological data. In this study we performed an integrative assessment based on morphological and genetic data on pearl oysters collected across the Mediterranean Basin. Molecular species delimitation and phylogenetic analyses allowed a straightforward taxonomic assignment of all collected specimens to P. radiata. These specimens show the entire suite of morphological character states considered diagnostic of either P. fucata or P. radiata by previous studies. This finding clearly demonstrates that these morphological characters have no taxonomic value, and their variability observed in specimens from the Mediterranean Sea represents (part of) the intraspecific variability of P. radiata. While no evidence has been found for the presence of P. fucata, the earlier occurrences of P. radiata from the eastern and southern Mediterranean Sea are complemented with verified occurrence in the western and northern regions, demonstrating a further spreading of this non-native species throughout the Mediterranean Sea. This study clarifies the taxonomic identification and geographical distribution of pearl oysters in the Mediterranean Sea and substantiates the importance of molecular identification of alien bivalves characterized by extensive variation in shell characters.

Deciphering the stability indices using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction model for high yielding registered variety of Lemongrass (Jor Lab L-8)

Cymbopogon flexuosus, commonly known as Lemongrass (Poaceae) is an industrially significant plant due to its fragrant compounds and ability to produce a large amount of essential oil. However, variations in chemical components, agronomical characters and essential oil output can be observed due to grown in different climatic conditions. Pertaining to the economic importance of the crop, the present study was designed to evaluate the stability indices of the developed and registered variety of lemongrass ‘Jor Lab L-8’. In this experiment, cv. Jor Lab L-8 was assessed along with two check varieties at eight different locations of NE India for two years (2021-2022, 2022-2023). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) by regression method revealed that Jor Lab L-8 had a significantly higher herbage yield, essential oil yield, citral content and total essential oil yield than the other two check varieties. Furthermore, AMMI ANOVA was used to confirm the consistent performance of the recorded agro-morphological and quality characters and Jor Lab L-8 was shown to be stable in plant height, herbage yield, essential oil yield, citral content and total essential oil yield. The GC-MS study of the essential oil identified 18 constituents, with citral emerging as the predominant constituent. Additionally, majority of the locations were pinpointed as ideal environments for cultivating Jor Lab L-8, underscoring its resilience across multiple locations and highlighting its long-term industrial promise.

The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot for ferns: Updated phylogeny, hidden diversity, and biogeography of the java fern genus Leptochilus (Polypodiaceae)

The Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including that of vascular plants. However, the fern diversity and its endemism in this hotspot have not been well understood and so far, the diversity of very few groups of ferns in this region has been explored using combined molecular and morphological approaches. Here, we updated the plastid phylogeny of the Java fern genus Leptochilus with 226 (115% increase of the latest sampling) samples across the distribution range, specifically those of three phylogenetically significant species, Leptochilus ovatus, L. pedunculatus, and L. pothifolius. We also reconstructed the first nuclear phylogeny of the genus based on pgiC gene data. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we identified three new major clades and six new subclades, redefined three existing species, discovered a number of cryptic species of the genus, and elucidated the evolution of the three most variable characters. Our divergence time analyses and ancestral area reconstruction showed that Leptochilus originated in the Oligocene and diversified from early Miocene and 15 dispersal events from lower to higher latitudes are identified. The evolution of three most important morphological characters is analyzed in a context of the new phylogeny. Our analysis showed that 30 (59% of total 51) species of Leptochilus occur in Indo-Burma hotspot, 24 (80% of the 30 species) of which are endemic to this hotspot. We argue that the Indo-Burma hotspot should be recognized as a diversity hotspot for ferns.

Variation and Phenetic Relationship of Passiflora spp. in Yogyakarta Based on Morphological and Anatomical Characters

Passiflora spp. or passion fruit is a tropical plant that is often used as a food source. The large morphological variations of Passiflora cause difficulties in identifying the species. The objectives of the study are to identify the specific morphological and anatomical characters of Passiflora spp. in Yogyakarta and to determine their phenetic relationship for identification. A total of 15 samples of Passiflora were taken by purposive sampling technique from Bantul, Sleman, Kulon Progo, and Yogyakarta City, and then carried through the morphological and anatomical characterization. The morphological characters observed stems, leaves, and flowers, while the anatomical characters observed leaves. The results show that the observed samples are identified as four species, P. foetida, P. vitifolia, P. edulis, and P. quadrangularis. The P. edulis species consists of two forms, P. edulis f. flavicarpa and P. edulis f. edulis. The variation of morphological character lie in young stem shape, leaf shape, the texture of stem and leaf surface, bract shape and color, sepal and petal color, and the presence of a purple corona ring. While the variation of anatomical characters lie in the pattern of the vascular bundles, the shape of the upper and lower sides of the leaf veins, the shape and size of the palisade cells, as well as the type and density of stomata. Based on the phenetic analysis on the 0.8 phenon line, four main clusters were formed, P. foetida, P. vitifolia, P. edulis, and P. quadrangularis.

Evaluation of Different Visual Feedback Methods for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) Based on Code-Modulated Visual Evoked Potentials (cVEP).

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) enable direct communication between the brain and external devices using electroencephalography (EEG) signals. BCIs based on code-modulated visual evoked potentials (cVEPs) are based on visual stimuli, thus appropriate visual feedback on the interface is crucial for an effective BCI system. Many previous studies have demonstrated that implementing visual feedback can improve information transfer rate (ITR) and reduce fatigue. This research compares a dynamic interface, where target boxes change their sizes based on detection certainty, with a threshold bar interface in a three-step cVEP speller. In this study, we found that both interfaces perform well, with slight variations in accuracy, ITR, and output characters per minute (OCM). Notably, some participants showed significant performance improvements with the dynamic interface and found it less distracting compared to the threshold bars. These results suggest that while average performance metrics are similar, the dynamic interface can provide significant benefits for certain users. This study underscores the potential for personalized interface choices to enhance BCI user experience and performance. By improving user friendliness, performance, and reducing distraction, dynamic visual feedback could optimize BCI technology for a broader range of users.

Amphisbaena lumbricalis Vanzolini, 1996 is a synonym of Amphisbaena carvalhoi Gans, 1965 (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae).

We reassessed the type-series of Amphisbaena lumbricalis Vanzolini, 1996 and Amphisbaena carvalhoi Gans, 1965, two small amphisbaenid species from northeastern Brazil, to evaluate the characters used to diagnose and distinguish them, and compared these data with additional specimens from four new localities. We found broadly overlapping ranges of the diagnostic characters, and no morphological traits that could support differences between A. carvalhoi and A. lumbricalis. Based on the morphological similarities, and the overlapping distribution ranges of both species, we consider A. lumbricalis as a junior synonym of A. carvalhoi. We provide updated data on intraspecific variation in the diagnostic characters of A. carvalhoi.

An integrated approach for discrimination of Magnoliae officinalis cortex before and after being processed by ginger juice combining LC/MS, GC/MS, intelligent sensors, and chemometrics.

Magnoliae officinalis cortex (MOC) is an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and both raw and stir-fried MOC were commonly used in clinic. This study aimed to discriminate MOC and MOC stir-fried with ginger juice (MOCG) using an integrated approach combining liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), intelligent sensors, and chemometrics. The sensory characters of the samples were digitalized using intelligent sensors, i.e., colorimeter, electronic nose, and electronic tongue. Meanwhile, the chemical profiles of the samples were analyzed using LC/MS and GC/MS methods. Chemometric models were constructed to discriminate samples of MOC and MOCG based on not only the sensory data but also the chemical data. The differential sensory characters (L* and b* from colorimeter, ANS from electronic tongue, W1S and W2S from electronic nose) and the differential chemical compounds (26 and 11 compounds from LC/MS and GC/MS, respectively) were discovered between MOC and MOCG. Furthermore, twelve differential compounds showed good relations with differential sensory characters. Finally, artificial neural network models were established to discriminate samples of MOC and MOCG, in which W1S, W2S, ANS, b*, and 10 differential compounds were among the top 10 important variables, respectively. Samples of MOC and MOCG can be discriminated not only by the digitalized data of color, taste, and scent detected by intelligent sensors but also by chemical information obtained from LC/MS and GC/MS using chemometrics. The variations in sensory characters and chemical compounds between MOC and MOCG partially resulted from the Maillard reaction products and the oxidation of some compounds in the stir-frying process.

Reservoir Potential Evaluation of the Middle Paleocene Lockhart Limestone of the Kohat Basin, Pakistan: Petrophysical Analyses

The Lockhart Limestone is evaluated for its reservoir potential by utilizing wireline logs of Shakardara-01well from Kohat Basin, Pakistan. The analyses showed 28.03% average volume of shale (Vsh), 25.57% average neutron porosity (NPHI), 3.31% average effective porosity (PHIE), 76% average water saturation (Sw), and 24.10% average hydrocarbon saturation (Sh) of the Lockhart Limestone in Shakardara-01 well. Based on variation in petrophysical character, the reservoir units of the Lockhart Limestone are divided into three zones i.e., zone-1, zone-2 and zone-3. Out of these zones, zone-1 and zone-2 possess a poor reservoir potential for hydrocarbons as reflected by very low effective porosity (1.40 and 2.02% respectively) and hydrocarbon saturation (15 and 5.20%), while zone-3 has a moderate reservoir potential due to its moderate effective porosity (6.50%) and hydrocarbon saturation (52%) respectively. Overall, the average effective porosity of 3.31% and hydrocarbon saturation of 24.10% as well as 28.03% volume of shale indicated poor reservoir potential of the Lockhart Limestone. Lithologically, this formation is dominated by limestone and shale interbeds in the Shakardara-01 well. Cross-plots of the petrophysical parameters versus depth showed that the Lockhart Limestone is a poor to tight reservoir in Shakardara-01 well and can hardly produce hydrocarbons under conventional drilling conditions.

“Evaluation of surface interaction of plant root extract components on mild steel surface in HCl medium: Electrochemical, and surface characterization approaches”

Mild steel materials are extensively used in various industrial operations in acidic conditions, but it susceptible to corrosion and lose its service life. Decalepis hamiltonii root extract (DHRE) containing several phytochemicals are readily interact on mild steel surface and prevent it from corrosion. The weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that, DHRE inhibited maximum 97.19%, 97.35%, and 96.73%, respectively for corrosion of MS in 1 M HCl. Activation energy in the absence of the inhibitor was found to 80.89 kJ/mol, which increased to 140.55 kJ/mol with 200 ppm of DHRE concentration, indicating a higher energy requirement to undergo corrosion Scanning electron microscopy images of MS surface in presence of DHRE constituents, serving as a safeguard for MS corrosion. Atomic force microscopic images shows the corroded MS surface roughness in presence of DHRE reduced from 1048 nm to 682 nm. The variation of MS surface hydrophilic character was evaluated by contact angle measurements.

Interior shell patterns among the Spondylid species (Bivalvia: Spondylidae) in Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract. Ruaza FJC, Maturan DC, Bustillo E. 2024. Interior shell patterns among the Spondylid species (Bivalvia: Spondylidae) in Mindanao, Philippines. Biodiversitas 25: 2901-2906. The variations among the species of the Spondylus were assessed based on its interior shell pattern using landmark-based geometric morphometry. A total of 200 specimens were subjected to analysis. Samples of the Spondylid species were collected and photographed, and 15 landmarks from internal shell morphology were quantified and analyzed. The landmarks include the umbo, teeth, size of the muscle scar, and the pallial sinus. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences in internal shell characters among Spondylid species across sampling sites (p&lt;0.05). Canonical Variance Analysis (CVA) effectively differentiated the local Spondylid species into distinct clusters. In addition, the relative warps captured the most significant sources of variation in the morphological characters analyzed, leading to effective differentiation between the groups or populations of the species. The most distinguishing characteristics among the species are the distance of the pallial line to the ventral tip of the adductor muscle scar and the size of the cardinal tooth. The internal shell characters among the Spondylid species exhibit notable disparity despite their great morphological similarity. These shell characters can be used in the identification while conservation efforts are still in the initial stage of development. The presence of notable dissimilarities in the internal shell characteristics among the Spondylid species indicates that even slight deviations can result in noticeable morphological distinctions. This discovery enhances the understanding of the species divergence within this group and underscores the significance of incorporating internal shell characteristics into taxonomic and ecological investigations.

Evaluation of the characteristics of G1 genotypes in Tai Nguyen seasonal rice (Oryza sativa) in Tra Vinh province

Tai Nguyen variety is a local seasonal rice variety, grown in some districts in Tra Vinh province. This rice variety has delicious rice and is highly adaptable to acidic and saline soils in the Mekong delta. Phenotypic variation of agronomic characters was investigated to eliminate the genetic diversity of the Tai Nguyen populations. Forty G1 individuals with the same maturing day and uniform agro-morphological characteristics were selected for G2 generation at 3 locations as Chau Thanh, Tra Cu and Cau Ngang of Tra Vinh province. The agronomic indexes of 40 Tai Nguyen rice lines in the G1 crop reached the following average values such as culm length 128.8 cm, number of branches 40.5, leaf length 53.4 cm, leaf width 1.0 cm, number of panicles 34.8, panicle length 24.7 cm, total number of firm seeds 134.3, total number of seeds 170.7, grain length 8.4 mm, grain width 2.4 mm, dry weight 193.0 g, and weight of 1000 grain 22.9 g. The comparison results have selected the 13 best G1 lines to be used as raw materials for the G2 crop

Which fits better?. Centered and non-Centered coordination modes of small endohedral Fullerenes, insights from Ti@C28 and Zr@C28

The endohedral metallic fullerenes (EMF), exhibit the interplay between stabilizing interaction and steric hindrance effects owing to the internal size provided by the fullerene cage. The small C28 fullerene, offers the smallest cavity realized to encapsulate metal ions. The characterized energy minima structure for Ti@C28 exhibits a non-centered disposition of the Ti atom in a spherical cage, in contrast to Zr@C28, where Zr atom is located at the very center. Here, we explore variations of the 3d-Ti-π-C28 bonding interaction from a centered conformation towards the non-centered disposition in comparison to Zr@C28. Our results show that in such structures, a variation of both electrostatic and orbital character of the metal-cage interaction can be observed. Interestingly, the orbital term is largely favored underlying the more effective bonding in the latter conformation, playing a crucial role in the determination of the coordination mode. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to determine the endohedral atom variation at 300°K, denoting that Zr@C28 cage exhibits more structural variation in comparison to Ti@C28, owing to the movement of a more fitted metal center induces larger variations to the cage distance.

Exploring the rich diversity of Hausa potatoes, taro, and yam in East Java

Abstract Food and nutrition are very important and strategic elements in increasing national productivity and improving the population’s quality of life. FAO states that people suffering from malnutrition in Indonesia are caused by food consumption patterns which are dominated by the grain group. The low consumption of the tuber group is due to the availability of this food ingredient, besides being low, access to it is also difficult, especially in the dry season, due to the dormancy of the tubers. Hausa potatoes, taro, and yam are types of tubers that have not been widely developed by the community. Exploration activities carried out in East Java are expected to increase the diversity of local food sources, which have high production potential and functional food properties, and also to look for superior accessions that can be developed as functional food. The evaluation method for several accessions was carried out using observing morphological descriptions and evaluating nutritional composition. Data were analyzed by clustering analysis and comparing the nutrition content of tubers with rice. The exploration results showed several variations in characters in the accessions of Hausa potato, taro, and yam. From the results of this exploration, the accessions were grouped into 2 large groups, based on tuber size and tuber color, where these characteristics are supporting components in the development of functional food. Hausa potato accessions BWI 3, yam accessions Yam_05, Yam_02, and Yam_04, as well as taro accessions MLG 2 and LMJ 2 can be used as functional food candidates to replace rice.

Preserving cultural narratives: the quest for museum archives in the Netherlands

The current situation in Dutch museum archives is heavily influenced by developments in the museum sector in recent decades. The privatization of Dutch museums in the 1990s and the subsequent variations in legal character among these institutions has resulted in inconsistent management structures and inexplicit legal obligations, which have slowed the development of a cohesive approach to the management of museum archives in the Netherlands. Research conducted by Roosmarijn Ubink into the current state of information and archive management in the Dutch museum sector has revealed a structural lack of resources and frameworks for the management of museums’ institutional archives. Beginning in 2022, museum archivists and information professionals in the Netherlands have come together to respond to this situation.