Abstract This article presents research on how linguistic markers of the plural of modesty are used in 18 text excerpts published in culture and literature magazines in Brazil and Portugal to attenuate authorial presence. The analysis adopted a mainly qualitative perspective, theoretically based on studies from different branches of Linguistics and Pragmatics, and also provided descriptive statistical analysis. The analysis shows that in all occurrences in the corpus, both in Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese, the Pluralis modestiae is associated with the suppression of the first-person pronoun “nós” (we), a combination that amplifies the sense of mitigation, related to four uses: a) credibility anchored to the illusion of neutrality and convention of academic and journalistic spheres; b) discourse structuring; c) politeness and softening of imperative content; and d) preservation of face in the face of a controversial topic.

Resumo Apresenta-se, neste artigo, pesquisa sobre como marcas linguísticas do plural de modéstia são mobilizadas, em recortes de 18 textos, publicados em revistas de cultura e literatura, no Brasil e em Portugal, de modo a atenuar a presença autoral. Para as análises, adotou-se, principalmente, a perspectiva qualitativa, embasada teoricamente em estudos de diferentes vertentes da Linguística e da Pragmática, e que também proporcionou a análise estatística descritiva. As análises evidenciam que, em todas as ocorrências do corpus, tanto no português brasileiro quanto no português europeu, o plural de modéstia está associado à supressão do pronome pessoal do caso reto “nós”, combinação que amplia o sentido de mitigação, relacionada a quatro usos: a) credibilidade ancorada à ilusão de neutralidade e convenção das esferas acadêmica e jornalística; b) estruturação do discurso; c) polidez e suavização de conteúdos impositivos; e d) preservação da face diante de um tema polêmico.

Abstract The aim of the work presented was the design of a metal mould for gravity die casting to obtain brake and clutch handles of aluminium alloys for Suzuki AX-100 motorbike. The maximum stresses to which the part is subjected were determined and evaluated by the finite element method, considering the composition of the existing raw materials, highlighting that the part obtained meets the strength requirements. The results of the simulations showed that the strength was sufficient, and so the design of the metal mould was started. For its design, an established methodology was used, with the Fourier-Kirchhoff models for the thermal regime, resulting in its dimensions. In turn, both filling and solidification were simulated by means of casting software, predicting the thermodynamic behavior and the transient phenomena of the fluid during the pouring process. Positive values were obtained for microporosity, Niyama criterion, flow velocity and solid evolution. The results allowed us to ensure that both the design and the operation of the mould guarantee the production of productive and defect-free handles.

Resumen El objetivo del trabajo presentado fue el diseño de un molde metálico de fundición por gravedad, para obtener manillas de freno y embrague, de aleaciones de aluminio, para la moto Suzuki AX-100. Se determinaron los esfuerzos máximos a los que se somete la pieza, además, evaluado por el método de elementos finitos, teniendo en cuenta la composición de las materias primas existentes en una empresa, destacando que la pieza obtenida cumple con los requisitos de resistencia. Los resultados de las simulaciones arrojaron que la resistencia era suficiente, por lo que se pasó al diseño del molde metálico. Para su diseño se empleó una metodología establecida, con los modelos de Fourier-Kirchhoff para el régimen térmico, resultando en las dimensiones de este. A su vez se simuló por medio de software de fundición tanto el llenado como la solidificación, pronosticando los comportamientos termodinámicos y los fenómenos transitorios del fluido durante el proceso de vertido. Se obtuvieron valores positivos para la microporosidad, criterio de Niyama, velocidad del flujo y, evolución del sólido. Los resultados permiten asegurar que tanto el diseño como el funcionamiento del molde garantizan la obtención de manillas de forma productiva y libres de defectos.

ABSTRACT Parental division of offspring care in the post-fledging stage of passerines is scarcely studied, especially for neotropical species. We describe the division of parental care in the post-fledging stage of the pale-breasted thrush, Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818, focusing on the food provisioning rate, its effects on fledgling vocalization and foraging, as well as the way parents divide their brood for care. We made direct observations on 13 fledglings from eight families (mean ± standard deviation: 1.88 ± 0.83 fledglings per family) for 70.2 hours. We found no differences in food provisioning rate between adult males and females, nor was it affected by brood age or size. Food provisioning rate was not associated with the frequency of foraging and vocalization by fledglings; foraging was the only behavior that varied with brood age, increasing in frequency. Although there was no difference between parents in food provisioning, pale-breasted thrushes presented four different arrangements of fledgling care: male-only care (while females incubated a new clutch), brood division between the two parents, female-only care (in the absence of a new nesting attempt), and biparental care (both adults take care of the same fledgling). The mode of parental care (uniparental or biparental) did not affect the rate of food provisioning to fledglings. The diversity in modes of brood division between parents was greater than expected, which calls for further studies to uncover the underlying reasons for such variation. postfledging post fledging studied species palebreasted pale breasted thrush Vieillot 1818 1 mean deviation 188 88 1.8 083 0 83 0.8 family 702 70 2 70. hours size maleonly male while clutch, clutch , clutch) femaleonly female attempt, attempt attempt) both fledgling. . fledgling) uniparental expected variation 181 18 8 1. 08 0. 7

ABSTRACT We present new data and reviewed the information available on the breeding biology of the Dark-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus melacoryphus), a widespread South American species. We collected opportunistic observations from three nests in a mangrove forest on Isabela Island, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador. The nests were built in forks of White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) branches 5 to 9 m above the ground. They were low/cup-shaped, with intertwined branches on the outside and leaves, stipules, and strips of stem bark in the inner cup. The clutch size was three eggs, which were light green and sub-elliptical in shape. The nestling period lasted between 7 and 8 days. We observed biparental care during incubation and brooding. In addition, we documented the parasitism of the Avian Vampire Fly (Philornis downsi) on Dark-billed Cuckoo chicks.

RESUMEN Presentamos nueva información y revisamos la existente sobre la biología reproductiva del Cuclillo Canela (Coccyzus melacoryphus), una especie ampliamente extendida en Sudamérica. Recogimos información de manera oportunista de tres nidos, en manglares de la Isla Isabela, en el Archipiélago de Galápagos, Ecuador. Los nidos estaban colocados sobre horquetas de ramas de Mangle Blanco (Laguncularia racemosa), entre 5 y 9 m de altura sobre el suelo. Los nidos tenían forma de copa baja, con ramas entrelazadas en la parte externa, y hojas, estípulas y corteza de tallos en el sitio de alojamiento de los huevos y polluelos. El tamaño de puesta fue de tres huevos, los cuales fueron de color verde pálido y de forma subelíptica. Observamos cuidado biparental durante los periodos de incubación y empollamiento. El periodo de empollamiento y cría duró entre 7 y 8 días. Además, documentamos parasitismo de la Mosca Vampiro Aviar (Philornis downsi) en los polluelos del Cuclillo Canela.

Resumen Introducción: El Campamento Tortuguero de Cedeño ha sido el sitio menos investigado del Golfo de Fonseca, donde se protege a la tortuga golfina en Honduras desde 1975. Objetivo: Evaluar la anidación de la tortuga Golfina (Lepidochelys olivacea) durante la temporada de veda entre el 2011 y 2021 en Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño, Choluteca, Honduras. Métodos: Entre 2011 a 2021, se llevó a cabo el monitoreo diario de las actividades de anidación durante la veda del 1 al 25 de septiembre. Los patrullajes se realizaron entre las 6:00-18:00 h, y las 18:00-5:00 h. Se registró el número total de tortugas que anidaban y se recogieron sus huevos, que se transportaron al criadero, donde se tabularon los resultados de las puestas y las crías. Resultados: Se registró un total 1 065 tortugas de L. olivacea, 95 051 huevos recolectados, 1 065 nidos marcados en tres playas que fueron reubicados en viveros artificiales y una eclosión exitosa de 62 747 neonatos. La playa Las Doradas fue el sitio con el mayor número de tortugas anidadoras, seguido de Los Delgaditos y por último Cedeño. El promedio de la frecuencia de anidación fue de 96 nidos. Del 2011 al 2021 el esfuerzo de recolección de los nidos aumentó en un 91.6 %, pasando de 84 a 161 nidos. El número de personas patrullando se asoció con la cantidad de nidos detectados en las playas. Conclusión: Los esfuerzos de monitoreo y conservación para la especie han indicado que ha habido un incremento en la anidación de L. olivacea en las tres playas, con un mayor incremento en Playa Las Doradas. Este escenario comprueba la funcionalidad de la veda en esta zona.

Abstract Introduction: The Cedeño Turtle Camp has been the least researched site in the Fonseca Gulf, where Olive Ridley Turtles in Honduras have been protected since 1975. Objective: To evaluate the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) during the closed season from 2011 to 2021 in Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño, Choluteca, Honduras. Methods: From 2011 to 2021, daily monitoring of nesting activities was conducted during the closed season from the 1st to 25th of September. Patrols were conducted between 6:00-18:00 h, and 18:00-5:00 h. The total number of nesting turtles was recorded, and their eggs were collected and transported to the hatchery, where clutch and hatchling performance were tabulated. Results: A total of 1 065 L. olivacea turtles were recorded, 95 051 eggs collected, 1 065 nests marked on three beaches that were relocated in artificial hatcheries and a successful hatching of 62 747 hatchlings. Las Doradas beach was the site with the highest number of nesting turtles, followed by Los Delgaditos and lastly Cedeño. The average nesting frequency was 96 nests. From 2011 to 2021 the nest collection effort increased by 91.6 %, from 84 to 161 nests. The number of people patrolling was associated with the number of nests detected on the beaches. Conclusion: Monitoring and conservation efforts for L. olivacea in the Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño show a positive trend in nesting with a greater increase in Playa Las Doradas. This scenario proves the functionality of the closed season in this area.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study pretends to determine the vulnerability of sea turtle nesting areas in the western Cuban archipelago due to climate change and other threats. The objectives of this paper are: to estimate the sex ratio in every season from the temperature and the incubation period for the beaches analyzed, to evaluate the influence of the vegetation in the distribution of the nests and the embryonic development, to correlate the geomorphologic changes due to tropical storms in the Guanahacabibes peninsula with the reproductive success of the sea turtles and to document the impact generated by the accumulation of sargassum in the conduct and the reproductive success of the sea turtles. Methods: They were analyzed 21 sea turtle nesting seasons in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Results: It was observed an annual variation in the number of emergencies and nests per female with a well-defined biennial cycle. It was recorded a reduction in clutch size, incubation period and hatchling size. It was also estimated a higher production of females, as a consequence of the high incubation temperatures. In addition, they were monitored the dynamics of the beaches, finding important changes in the distribution and characteristics of the coastal vegetation as a result of meteorological events. They were determined areas vulnerable to coastal flooding and the impact of massive sargassum bursts. Conclusions: the evidence collected constitutes an alert for protected area managers in order to take measures aimed at mitigating the effects on the successful reproduction of sea turtles of high temperatures, meteorological events and other natural phenomena, such as sargassum bursts in the Cuban archipelago. Likewise, these results are an experience for other nesting areas in the Greater Caribbean region where they are exposed to similar threats.

RESUMEN Introducción: El presente estudio pretende determinar la vulnerabilidad de las áreas de anidación de tortugas marinas del occidente del archipiélago cubano ante el cambio climático y otras amenazas. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron estimar la proporción sexual por temporada a partir de la temperatura y el período de incubación para las playas analizadas, evaluar la influencia de la presencia de la vegetación en la distribución de los nidos y el desarrollo embrionario, relacionar los cambios geomorfológicos ocurridos por el paso de tormentas tropicales en la Península de Guanahacabibes con el éxito reproductivo de las tortugas marinas y documentar los impactos que generan las acumulaciones masivas de sargazo sobre la conducta y el éxito reproductivo de tortugas marinas. Métodos: Para ello se analizaron 21 temporadas de anidación de tortugas marinas en la Península de Guanahacabibes. Resultados: Se observó una variación anual en el número de emergencias y nidos por hembra con un ciclo bienal bien definido. Se registró una reducción en el tamaño de la nidada, el período de incubación y la talla de las crías. Asimismo, se estimó una mayor producción de hembras, como consecuencia de las elevadas temperaturas de incubación. Además, se realizó un seguimiento de la dinámica de las playas en las que se encontraron cambios importantes en la distribución y características de la vegetación costera a partir del paso de eventos meteorológicos. Se determinaron las áreas vulnerables a inundaciones costeras y al impacto de las arribazones masivas de sargazo. Como conclusiones, las evidencias recopiladas constituyen una alerta para que los administradores de áreas protegidas tomen medidas de manejo dirigidas a mitigar los efectos de las elevadas temperaturas, de los impactos de eventos meteorológicos y de otros fenómenos naturales, como las arribazones de sargazo, en el éxito reproductivo de tortugas marinas en el archipiélago cubano. Asimismo, constituyen experiencias para otras áreas de anidación en la región del Gran Caribe donde se encuentran expuestas a similares amenazas.

Abstract We compiled 302 breeding records from an in-depth review of bird observational records from the Lima Metropolitan Area (Lima-Peru), from eBird and iNaturalist, during 2000-2020. We (1) determined the geographic distribution of breeding records and breeding activity of species, (2) examined periods of breeding activity, and (3) described nesting patterns including nesting habitat use, host plant preference, and clutch size. Records occurred in 27 districts and encompassed 45 species. Haematopus palliatus (n=52) and Podiceps major (n=36) had the highest numbers of breeding records, and Zenaida meloda had the highest diversity of breeding activity (6 types of records). We established breeding periods for 21 species, including those breeding throughout the year (n=10), during the dry-warm season (December-April, n=5), during the humid-cold season (June-October, n=3), and some others showing some variation between the two seasons (n=3). Out of a total of 82 nesting records, 52.4% were associated with natural or artificial aquatic environments. We identified 15 host plant species, that provided support to eight nesting species. Nests of Charadrius vociferus (3 eggs), H. palliatus (1-4 eggs), and Z. meloda (2 eggs) showed invariable clutch sizes compared to what has been reported for these species in other areas of the Peruvian central coast. We showed that citizen science data is a useful tool for studying breeding biology, espe cially of Peruvian birds, where more traditional data sources are scarce.

Resumen Recopilamos 302 registros reproductivos a partir de una revisión en profundidad de registros de observación de aves del Área Metropolitana de Lima, (Lima-Perú), de eBird e iNaturalist, durante 2000-2020. Nosotros (1) determinamos la distribución geográfica de los registros reproductivos y la actividad reproductiva de las especies, (2) examinamos los períodos de actividad reproductiva y (3) describimos los patrones de anidación, incluido el uso del hábitat de anidación. Los registros ocurrieron en 27 distritos y abarcaron 45 especies. Haematopus palliatus (n=52) y Podiceps major (n=36) tuvieron el mayor número de registros de reproducción, y Zenaida meloda tuvo la mayor diversidad de actividad de reproducción (6 tipos de registros). Establecimos periodos de reproducción para 21 especies, incluyendo las que se reproducen du rante todo el año (n=10), durante la estación seca-cálida (diciembre-abril, n=5), durante la estación húmeda-fría (junio-octubre, n=3), y algunos otros que muestran alguna variación entre las dos estaciones (n=3). De un total de 82 registros de anidación, el 52,4% estuvo asociado a ambientes acuáticos naturales o artificiales. Identificamos 15 especies de plantas hospederas, que brindaron apoyo a ocho especies anidadoras. Los nidos de Charadrius vo ciferus (3 huevos), H. palliatus (1-4 huevos) y Z. meloda (2 huevos) mostraron tamaños de puesta invariables en comparación con lo reportado para estas especies en otras áreas de la costa central peruana. Mostramos que los datos de la ciencia ciudadana son una herramienta útil para el estudio de la biología reproductiva, especialmente en las aves peruanas, donde las fuentes de datos más tradicionales son escasas.

ABSTRACT An electric orchard tractor with a power battery and transmission driven by dual motors was developed. The output shafts of the walking and power take-off (PTO) motors are connected by a wet clutch, which controls whether the two motors are coupled or independent. When the load of the walking or PTO motor exceeds its output torque, the two motors are driven by power coupled by the wet clutch to meet the power demand. According to the heavy-load working conditions of ploughing and rototilling, the power battery capacity and working duration targets of 15 kW and 4 hours/charge were set. A prototype 15 kW electric orchard tractor was manufactured and assembled, and its performance was assessed. A bench test showed that the tractor’s maximum PTO output power was 13.9 kW and a field rototilling test showed that its maximum continuous working time was 4.5 hours. Thus, the prototype electric orchard tractor met the design goals and requirements of for orchard operations. developed takeoff take off (PTO independent torque demand heavyload heavy 1 hourscharge hours charge set assembled assessed tractors s 139 13 9 13. 45 5 4. Thus operations

Abstract The Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) is a columbid bird commonly found throughout most of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, India and Australia. Its preferred habitat includes scrubland, agricultural lands, and human settlements. Despite this species’ extensive breeding range, very little information is available regarding its breeding ecology. The main objective of this study was to investigate the breeding features of the Laughing Dove in Taif City, Saudi Arabia between March and May 2018 and December 2018 and May 2019. The results indicate that this species constructs its nests at a mean height of 2.74 ± 0.1 m from the ground. The average number of nesting materials used for building a Laughing Dove nest was 109.3 ± 11.25. This study recorded that this species starts breeding in the middle of February. A clutch of two eggs comprised 72% of all the nests, with a mean of 1.75 ± 0.06 eggs per clutch. The average egg size was 25.27 ± 0.43 mm x 20.25 ± 0.19 mm, with an average egg volume of 5.01 ± 0.13 cm3. In total, 39.5% of the eggs hatched, and 64.7% of hatchlings reached the fledgling stage, resulting in an overall breeding success of 25.6%. This study suggested that nest desertion and predation were the major factors contributing to nest failure. Streptopelia senegalensis Africa East Asia Australia scrubland lands settlements range ecology City 201 2019 274 2 74 2.7 01 0 1 0. ground 1093 109 3 109. 1125 11 25 11.25 February 72 175 75 1.7 006 06 0.0 2527 27 25.2 043 43 0.4 2025 20 20.2 019 19 501 5 5.0 013 13 cm3 cm total 395 39 39.5 hatched 647 64 7 64.7 stage 256 6 25.6% failure 2. 10 112 11.2 17 1. 00 252 25. 04 4 202 20. 50 5. 39. 64. 25.6 11.

Resumo A rola-do-senegal (Streptopelia senegalensis) é uma ave columbídea comumente encontrada na maior parte da África, Oriente Médio, Ásia Central, Índia e Austrália. Seu hábitat preferido inclui cerrado, terras agrícolas e assentamentos humanos. Apesar da extensa gama de reprodução desta espécie, muito pouca informação está disponível sobre sua ecologia reprodutiva. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as características reprodutivas da rola-do-senegal na cidade de Taif, Arábia Saudita entre março e maio de 2018 e dezembro de 2018 e maio de 2019. Os resultados indicam que esta espécie constrói seus ninhos a uma altura média de 2,74 ± 0,1 m do chão. O número médio de materiais de nidificação usados para a construção de um ninho de rola-do-senegal foi de 109,3 ± 11,25. Este estudo registrou que esta espécie começa a se reproduzir em meados de fevereiro. Uma ninhada de dois ovos compôs 72% de todos os ninhos, com média de 1,75 ± 0,06 ovo por ninhada. O tamanho médio dos ovos foi de 25,27 ± 0,43 mm x 20,25 ± 0,19 mm, com volume médio de ovos de 5,01 ± 0,13 cm3. No total, 39,5% dos ovos eclodiram e 64,7% dos filhotes atingiram a fase de filhote, resultando em um sucesso reprodutivo geral de 25,6%. Este estudo sugeriu que a deserção do ninho e a predação foram os principais fatores que contribuíram para o fracasso do ninho. roladosenegal rola senegal Streptopelia senegalensis África Médio Central Austrália cerrado humanos reprodutiva Taif 201 2019 274 2 74 2,7 01 0 1 0, chão 1093 109 3 109, 1125 11 25 11,25 fevereiro 72 175 75 1,7 006 06 0,0 2527 27 25,2 043 43 0,4 2025 20 20,2 019 19 501 5 5,0 013 13 cm3 cm total 395 39 39,5 647 64 7 64,7 filhote 256 6 25,6% 2, 10 112 11,2 17 1, 00 252 25, 04 4 202 20, 50 5, 39, 64, 25,6 11,

Abstract Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis, feeds on insect pests in many agro-ecosystems. Thus, there is an urgent need to study the breeding chronology of cattle egret, in order to develop suitable protection programs for this beneficial bird to perform its role as abiological control agent in Egyptian agro-ecosystems. The study was conducted at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, from December 2018 to December 2020; in different habitats (irrigation canals, drainage canals, garbage collection areas and Abbasa ponds). The mean clutch size ranged from 2-5 eggs/nest with an incubation period ranging between 21-25 days. The mean percentage of hatching success was 90.21%, while the total number of mortality eggs was 47 and the total egg hatching was 433. Also the total number of nests located nearby tree trunks were 73, while nests located in the core of the tree were 47 nests, and nests located at the peripherals were 15 nests. ibis agroecosystems. agroecosystems agro ecosystems. ecosystems agro-ecosystems Thus Governorate Egypt 201 2020 irrigation canals ponds. ponds . ponds) 25 2 5 2- eggsnest nest 2125 21 21-2 days 9021 90 90.21% 4 433 73 1 20 202 212 21- 902 9 90.21 43 7 90.2 90.

Resumo A garça-vaqueira (Bubulcus ibis) alimenta-se de insetos-praga em muitos agroecossistemas. Assim, há uma necessidade urgente de estudar a cronologia reprodutiva da garça bovina, a fim de desenvolver programas de proteção adequados para que esta ave benéfica desempenhe seu papel como agente de controle biológico nos agroecossistemas egípcios. O estudo foi conduzido na província de Sharkia, no Egito, de dezembro de 2018 a dezembro de 2020; em diferentes habitats (canais de irrigação, canais de drenagem, áreas de coleta de lixo e lagoas Abbasa). O tamanho médio da ninhada variou de 2-5 ovos/ninho com um período de incubação variando entre 21-25 dias. A porcentagem média de sucesso de eclosão foi de 90,21%, enquanto o número total de ovos de mortalidade foi de 47 e o total de ovos eclodidos foi de 433. O número total de ninhos localizados próximos aos troncos das árvores foi de 73, enquanto os ninhos localizados no núcleo da árvore foram 47 ninhos, e 15 ninhos localizados nas periferias. garçavaqueira vaqueira Bubulcus ibis alimentase alimenta se insetospraga insetos praga Assim bovina egípcios Sharkia Egito 201 2020 irrigação drenagem Abbasa. Abbasa . Abbasa) 25 2 5 2- ovosninho ninho 2125 21 21-2 dias 9021 90 90,21% 4 433 73 1 periferias 20 202 212 21- 902 9 90,21 43 7 90,2 90,

Abstract The nesting characteristics (number of nests and eggs, time of year, nesting initiation, and nesting length) of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles of the southern Caribbean Sea (specifically in the Gulf of Paria in Venezuela), were examined in association with weekly precipitation averages and number of rainy days per week during the period between 2009 and 2018. We hypothesized about the influence of rainfall intensity and patterns as the main abiotic factor for sea turtle nesting. On average, leatherbacks preferred nesting during the drier season of each year (March, April, and May), while hawksbills nested during the rainy season (June to September). For both species, we found few significant correlations between the number of nests or clutch size (number of eggs per nest) and weekly averages of seasonal precipitation rates in the region. Average hawksbill clutch sizes were not correlated with average precipitation rates but were positively correlated with the number of rainy days per week (r=0.66, P≤0.05). Average hawksbill clutch sizes decreased each year on average (-3.3 eggs/year, r=-0.88, P≤0.001), which coincided with a negative long-term trend in the number of rainy days (-0.11 rainy days/week, r=-0.69, P≤0.05). During the study period, nesting activities for both leatherback and hawksbills started progressively later (0.9 and 0.6 weeks/year, respectively p≤0.05) and were shorter (-0.9 and -0.8 weeks /year, P≤0.1 and P≤0.05, respectively).

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) to the basal diets of chickens at late laying period on clutch trait, reproductive organs, serum reproductive hormones and reproduction-related genes expression. A total of 350 hens (37 weeks old) with similar laying rate and clutch trait were randomly allocated into five groups, and fed 0 (Control, CON), 2.5 (MOLP2.5), 5, 7.5 and 10% MOLP supplemented diets for 6 weeks. The hens supplemented with 2.5% MLOP had the average clutch length, clutches and clutch intensity close to those in CON. The numbers and weight of hierarchal follicle were significantly increased at the supplementation 2.5% MOLP group. The estrogen concentration was highest in MOLP2.5 group and lowest in MOLP10 group. Expression levels of steroidogenesis-related genes of StAR and Cyp19a1 were higher in MOLP2.5, MOLP5 and MOLP7.5 groups compared with that in the control. These findings suggested that dietary supplementation with 2.5% MOLP effectively increased hierarchal follicle numbers, estrogen level and gene expression of StAR and Cyp19a1, which has a potential beneficial effect on laying performance in laying chicken.

Resumo Nós monitoramos a temperatura de sete ninhos de Paleosuchus palpebrosus encontrados nas margens de riachos ao redor do Pantanal, próximo ao limite sul da distribuição da espécie, entre 2008 e 2013. A temperatura média dos ninhos entre 45 e 68 dias de incubação, período presumido de determinação do sexo, variou entre 26,1 e 31,5o C. As temperaturas dos ninhos foram 2 a 5°C mais altas que as temperaturas do ar, presumivelmente devido ao calor metabólico de decomposição do material dentro dos ninhos, mas a temperatura do ar explicou 10-50% da variação na temperatura da câmara de ovo. Os períodos de incubação estimados para os ninhos dos quais os ovos eclodiram foram de 80, 84, 86, 90 e 104 dias com uma média de 89 (DP = 9,23) dias, embora sejam provavelmente pequenas superestimavas porque os ovos podem ter eclodido no período entre as inspeções. Para esses ninhos, não houve relação significativa entre temperatura média e período de incubação (r2 = 0,23, p = 0,411).

Abstract We monitored the temperature of seven Paleosuchus palpebrosus nests found on the banks of streams surrounding the Brazilian Pantanal, near the southern limit of the species´ distribution, between 2008 and 2013. The mean temperature of the nests between 45 and 68 days incubation, the presumed period of sex determination, varied between 26.1 and 31.5o C. Nest temperatures were 2 to 5°C higher than air temperatures, presumably due to metabolic heat of decay of material within the nests, but air temperature explained 10–50% of the variance in egg-chamber temperatures. The estimated incubation periods for nests from which eggs hatched were 80, 84, 86, 90 and 104 days with a mean of 89 (SD =9.23) days, though these are probably slight overestimates because eggs may have hatched in the period between inspections. For these nests, there was no significant relationship between mean temperature and incubation period (r2 = 0.23, p = 0.411).

Abstract The evolution of reproductive strategies depends on the relative balance between current benefits and future costs. Geographic variation in demographic and ecological factors has the potential to affect reproductive strategies by altering this optimal cost-benefit balance. Here, we studied a population of the harvestmen Discocyrtus prospicuus inhabiting an environment never studied before in this context: a tidal freshwater wetland. We made monthly observations of male-female interactions and their association with egg clutches during a two-year field survey. Our results do not match the expected pattern for this species, consisting of males deserting females immediately after copulation, and females laying isolated eggs and abandoning them after oviposition. Conversely, we show for the first-time pairs D. prospicuus, formed by a female and a male, resting together before and after oviposition. Females of this wetland population lay the eggs in small clutches and some of the clutches had eggs in more than one stage of development. Also, we found many females alone over or near the egg clutch in the typical resting position. These findings markedly widen the behavioral specter previously reported for this species and set the stage for future research to determine the causes of these variations.

ABSTRACT Studies on the breeding biology of birds provide relevant infor-mation about their life history and allow the understanding of the ecological aspects that can influence their breeding success and population trends. Between October and February 2017 to 2020, we monitored nests of South American Snipe (Gallinagoparaguaiae) in a grassland under low density livestock pressure located in the Flooding Pampa, in north-eastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. We searched for nests by rope-dragging and monitored them regularly until either they hatched or failed. We measured each nest and its surrounding vegetation (including lateral and vertical visual obstruction readings), and distances to grassland edges. We analyzed nest-site preferences comparing nests vegetation to vegetation at random points, and estimated the apparent nest success and daily nest survival rate (DSR) of the species. We found 15 nests which had a mean clutch size of 2.8 eggs. Nests were built in ~60-centimeter-high grass clumps, and had more horizontal visual obstruction than random points. Only three nests were successful (apparent nest success = 20 %) and preda-tion was the main cause of nest failure. Nest DSR was 0.879, with a cumulative probability of survival of 8.6 % during the incubation period, which is low compared to similar species. We emphasize the need to study nest predators in the region and to continue studying avian populations breeding in these habitats, in order to shed light on the effect of habitat alteration on the population dynamics of these birds.

RESUMEN Los estudios de biología reproductiva de las aves proveen información importante sobre sus historias de vida y permiten comprender aspectos ecológicos que afectan su éxito reproductivo y sus tendencias demográficas. Desde octubre a febrero de 2017 a 2020 realizamos un monitoreo de nidos de Becasina de Bañado (Gallinagoparaguaiae) en un pastizal natural con baja carga ganadera en la Pampa Deprimida, noreste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buscamos nidos mediante arrastre de soga y los monitoreamos hasta la fecha de eclosión o fracaso. Tomamos medidas de los nidos, la vegetación alrededor (incluyendo cobertura visual horizontal y superior) y distancias a los bordes de hábitat. Analizamos la selección de sitios de nidificación comparando la vegetación con la de puntos aleatorios, calculamos el éxito aparente y la tasa de supervivencia diaria (TSD) de la especie. Encontramos 15 nidos, con un tamaño promedio de puesta de 2.8 huevos. Los nidos estuvieron construidos entre pastos de ~60 cm de altura y presentaron mayor cobertura visual horizontal que los sitios aleatorios. Sólo tres nidos fueron exitosos (éxito aparente = 20 %) siendo la depredación la principal causa de fracaso. La TSD fue 0.879, calculando un éxito acumulado para la etapa de incubación de 8.6 %, que es bajo comparado con especies similares. Destacamos la necesidad de generar conocimiento sobre los depredadores de nidos en el pastizal pampeano y de continuar con estudios de las poblaciones de aves que reproducen en estos ambientes, con la finalidad de echar luz sobre el efecto de la alteración del hábitat en la dinámica poblacional de estas aves.