Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Annual production of fish larvae and their prey in relation to size-fractionated primary production (Scotian Shelf, NW Atlantic)*

The annual cycles of abundance of fish larvae and their zooplankton prey were analysed in relation to the biomass and production of size-fractionated phytoplankton on the Scotian Shelf (North-west Atlantic). Outside the spring bloom of large (>5 μm) phytoplankton (February to April), the small-sized fraction of phytoplankton (<5 μm) contributed the bulk of total primary production. The production of copepod nauplii and copepodites was sustained throughout the year and fish larvae specializing on copepod prey occurred year-round. Species feeding on a mixed diet of copepods, cladocerans and/or appendicularians were restricted to periods of maximum temperature in summer and early autumn. Two short trophic pathways (two links) from primary producers to fish larvae were identified: the herbivorous food chain (large phytoplankton→calanoid copepods→fish larvae) and the large-microphage shunt of the microbial food web (small phytoplankton→appendicularians/pteropods→fish larvae). The year-round production of fish larvae and the fact that several of their major prey (appendicularians, thecosome pteropods, cladocerans, and cyclopoid copepods) exploit the microbial food web, challenge the tenet that the feeding of marine fish larvae depends primarily on the reproduction of herbivorous calanoid copepods grazing the spring and autumn blooms of large phytoplankton.
The Curvelet Transform

Multiresolution methods are deeply related to image processing, biological and computer vision, and scientific computing. The curvelet transform is a multiscale directional transform that allows an almost optimal nonadaptive sparse representation of objects with edges. It has generated increasing interest in the community of applied mathematics and signal processing over the years. In this article, we present a review on the curvelet transform, including its history beginning from wavelets, its logical relationship to other multiresolution multidirectional methods like contourlets and shearlets, its basic theory and discrete algorithm. Further, we consider recent applications in image/video processing, seismic exploration, fluid mechanics, simulation of partial different equations, and compressed sensing.
Personality Characteristics In Individual And Team Sports

This study compares the personality characteristics of athletes in individual and team sports. 197 athletes (105 individual, 92 team, 131 males, and 66 females) completed the SPQ-20 Sport Personality Questionnaire. This questionnaire is composed of four subscales of 20 personality traits. The data were collected by Sport Personality Questionnaire 20 (SPQ-20) and the statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software. In order to describe the data, the description used to compare the average is the t-test. The results revealed that individual sport athletes scored significantly higher only on flow than team sport athletes. The team sport athletes scored significantly higher on conscientiousness, self-awareness, and ethics than what the individual sport athletes did. No significant difference was found between two groups on achievement, adaptability, competitiveness, visualization, intuition, goal setting, pressure management, self-efficacy, failure fear control, stress management, emotions, self-talk, empathy, relationships, aggressiveness, and impression management. It can be concluded that the personality characteristics of athletes are different between individual and team sports. Keywords— personality characteristics, athletes, sports
Using Cepheids to determine the galactic abundance gradient I. The solar neighbourhood

A number of studies of abundance gradients in the galactic disk have been performed in recent years. The results obtained are rather disparate: from no detectable gradient to a rather signicant slope of about 0: 1d ex kpc 1 . The present study concerns the abundance gradient based on the spectroscopic analysis of a sample of classical Cepheids. These stars enable one to obtain reliable abundances of a variety of chemical elements. Additionally, they have well determined distances which allow an accurate determination of abundance distributions in the galactic disc. Using 236 high resolution spectra of 77 galactic Cepheids, the radial elemental distribution in the galactic disc between galactocentric distances in the range 6{11 kpc has been investigated. Gradients for 25 chemical elements (from carbon to gadolinium) are derived. The following results were obtained in this study. Almost all investigated elements show rather flat abundance distributions in the middle part of galactic disc. Typical values for iron-group elements lie within an interval from 0:02 to 0:04 dex kpc 1 (in particular, for iron we obtained d(Fe/H)/dRG = 0:029 dex kpc 1 ). Similar gradients were also obtained for O, Mg, Al, Si, and Ca. For sulphur we have found a steeper gradient ( 0:05 dex kpc 1 ). For elements from Zr to Gd we obtained (within the error bars) a near to zero gradient value. This result is reported for the rst time. Those elements whose abundance is not expected to be altered during the early stellar evolution (e.g. the iron-group elements) show at the solar galactocentric distance (El/H) values which are essentially solar. Therefore, there is no apparent reason to consider our Sun as a metal-rich star. The gradient values obtained in the present study indicate that the radial abundance distribution within 6{11 kpc is quite homogeneous, and this result favors a galactic model including a bar structure which may induce radial flows in the disc, and thus may be responsible for abundance homogenization.
The Italian party system’s three functional arenas after the 2018 election: the tsunami after the earthquake

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is to assess to what extent the ‘change’ after the 2018 Italian election can be observed in the electoral, parliamentary and governmental arenas. We use the indicators of party ‘volatility’ and ‘innovation’ to measure the change in each arena. The time span is the period 1948–2018, with a specific focus on the time after the watershed election of 1994. In this respect, we have identified a crucial difference between the 1994 change and that of 2013–18: if 1994 was the single moment of passage from one party system to another, in the 2010s the change did not happen in a single moment. Only after the next election, if volatility and innovation in the three arenas is reduced substantially, could we claim that a new party system has developed, that could be considered the ‘third party system’ of the Italian Republic.
Increases in jellyfish biomass in the Bering Sea: implications for the ecosystem

There has been a dramatic increase in jellyfish biomass over the eastern Bering Sea shelf since the early 1990s, which was previously hypothesized to have been triggered by changing climate and ocean conditions. We examine the hypothesis that the presence of these large carnivores has affected fisheries resources, either through direct predation on larval stages, or through compe- tition for zooplankton prey. In this paper, we explore the impact of this jellyfish increase on zoo- plankton and fish communities based on field data on the composition of the jellyfish community, and the abundance, size, stable isotopic signatures, and feeding habits of the principal scyphomedusae in the region. These data, together with those on zooplankton biomass, are used to estimate the ecosys- tem impacts of this increase. The center of jellyfish biomass has shifted from the SE Middle Shelf Domain in the early 1980s to the NW in the late 1990s. In recent years, the species composition of large medusae caught in trawls was dominated (>80% by number and >95% by weight) by the scyphozoan Chrysaora melanaster. Dense aggregations of this species occupied the water column in daytime between 10 and 40 m. Their food habits consisted mainly of pelagic crustaceans (euphausi- ids, copepods, amphipods), although other jellyfish and juvenile pollock were also consumed. Based on stable isotope ratios, the trophic level of this scyphozoan is equivalent to, or higher than, that of Age 0 pollock. Preliminary estimates showed that medusae have a moderate grazing impact on zoo- plankton in the area around the Pribilof Islands; C. melanaster was estimated on average to consume seasonally about one-third of the standing stock and 4.7% of the annual production of zooplankton in this region. Daily consumption of Age 0 pollock was estimated to be 2.8% of the standing stock around the Pribilof Islands during 1999. A hypothesis for the increase in jellyfishes observed in the eastern Bering Sea, based on release from competition from planktivorous forage fishes, is proposed.
Investigation of the Relationship between School Burnout, Depression and Anxiety among High School Students

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between school burnout and depression-anxiety among high school students. The descriptive and predictive relationships between school burnout and depression were studied. Convenience sampling was employed for selection of the study group. For this purpose, the study group consisted of 712 students receiving education in the high schools of a provincial center. School burnout inventory and depressive symptoms inventory were used for data collection. Correlation and regression analyses were used for analysis of the results obtained during the research. After the conducted analyses, positive and significant relationships were detected between school burnout and depression-anxiety; also school burnout was found to be a significant predictor of depression and anxiety. In light of the research findings, school burnout can be regarded as an important risk factor for depression and anxiety.
Green Tea Polyphenol Induces Changes in Cancer-Related Factors in an Animal Model of Bladder Cancer

Green tea polyphenol (GTP) suppresses carcinogenesis and aggressiveness in many types of malignancies including bladder cancer. However, the mechanistic basis of these effects is not well understood. This was investigated in the present study using a mouse model of chemically induced bladder cancer. C3H/He mice (8 weeks old; n = 46) were treated with 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) solution for 14–24 weeks. Mice in the BBN + GTP group (n = 47) were also treated with 0.5% GTP solution over the same period. Tumor cell proliferation and microvessel density were evaluated along with immunohistochemical analysis of human antigen (Hu)R, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and hemeoxygenase (HO)-1 expression. Cytoplasmic HuR expression in cancer cells was higher at 14 and 24 weeks in the BBN than in the control group and was associated with increased invasion of tumor cells in muscle. However, these effects were not observed in the BBN + GTP group. A multivariate analysis of GTP intake and cytoplasmic HuR expression revealed that GTP was independently associated with COX-2 and HO-1 expression, while cytoplasmic HuR expression was associated with COX-2 and VEGF-A levels. Expression of COX-2 and HO-1 was associated with cell proliferation and that of VEGF-A and HO-1 was associated with angiogenesis. Nuclear HuR expression was not associated with any parameters such as carcinogenesis, muscle invasion, and GTP intake. These results indicate that GTP intake can suppress tumor progression and malignant behavior in an animal model of bladder cancer. We also speculate that GTP directly and indirectly suppresses tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis via HuR-related pathways in bladder cancer.
Effect of wood dust on respiratory health status of carpenters.

INTRODUCTION Occupational lung diseases form an important part of clinical medicine. Exposure to various chemicals or toxins which are manufactured or processed in industries are lethal for the workers in industries. Although these chemicals at workplace are known to invariably affect all body systems, lungs are most vulnerable to airborne hazards which are caused due to exposure to wood dust in welding, cement and wood industrial sectors. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of wood dust on respiratory health of carpenters and to compare the measured values with those of age-matched controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study involved 150 non-smoking carpenters, while 150 age-matched healthy non-smoking persons who were engaged in works other than carpentry, served as controls. The influence of age, height, body surface area (BSA) andduration of exposure on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were determined in both cases and control subjects by using a Mini Wright's peak flow meter. The statistical analysis was done by using paired Student's t-test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The mean PEFR of study subjects was less than that of the control subjects in each sub group of age, height, weight and BSA and these results were statistically highly significant. CONCLUSION The decrease in PEFR in carpenters was probably due to a continuous exposure to wood dust, which had caused an adverse effect on their respiratory status. In order to prevent the ill effects of wood dust on the respiratory health of carpenters, we suggest pre-employment medical check-ups and regular monitoring thereafter. Also, provision for a good ventilation at work place should be made.
Seasonal cycle of zooplankton abundance and biomass in Hamsilos Bay, Sinop, Southern Black Sea, Turkey

ABSTRACT In this investigation, zooplankton was studied between July 2015 and June 2016 in Hamsilos Bay to examine spatial and temporal variations in abundance, biomass and taxonomic composition. The recorded mean zooplankton abundance and biomass were 3770.35 ind. m−3 and 25.06 mg m−3 in the inner station, 3928.11 ind. m−3 and 28.19 mg m−3 in the middle station and 3948.22 ind. m−3 and 28.74 mg m−3 in the outer station, respectively. The high abundance and biomass values observed in September 2015 were attributed to Oithona davisae (4575 ind. m−3 at the inner station) and Penilia avirostris (33.4 mg m−3 at the outer station), respectively. Copepoda was the most abundant during the entire period of the survey. In terms of abundance and biomass, Copepoda was followed by meroplankton and Cladocera. Most species within the zooplankton community exhibited evident seasonality throughout the year in Hamsilos Bay. This was particularly apparent for O. davisae, Centropages ponticus, Cladocera and meroplankton, which were abundant in summer–autumn, and for Pseudocalanus elongatus, which was more abundant during winter and spring. It has been determined that O. davisae, which is a non-indigenous cyclopoid copepod species of the Black Sea, has successfully inhabited southern Black Sea and has established a permanent population in this area.
Enhanced Ethanol and Biogas Production from Pinewood by NMMO Pretreatment and Detailed Biomass Analysis

N-Methyl morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) is an environmentally friendly and commercially applied cellulose solvent that is suggested for pretreatment of lignocelluloses to improve biofuel productions. However, the underlying mechanisms of the improvements have been poorly understood yet. In an attempt to investigate the mechanisms, pinewood powder and chips were pretreated with 85% (w/w) NMMO at 120°C for 1–15 h. The pretreatment improved ethanol production yield from 7.2% (g/g) for the untreated wood powder to 68.1–86.1% (g/g) and from 1.7% (g/g) for the untreated wood chips to 12.6–51.2% (g/g) of theoretical yield. Similarly, the biogas yields of untreated wood chips and powder were improved from 21 and 66 (mL/g volatile solids) by 3.5–6.8- and 2.6–3.4-folds, respectively. SEM micrographs indicated major increase in the wood porosity by the pretreatment, which would confirm increase in the water swelling capacity as well as enzyme adsorption. The analysis of X-ray diffraction showed considerable reduction in the cellulose crystallinity by the pretreatment, while FTIR spectroscopy results indicated reduction of lignin on the wood surface by the pretreatment.
The European Sisyphus: Essays On Europe, 1964-1994

Introduction Europes Identity Europes Identity Crisis: Between the Past and America Europes Identity Crisis Revisited European Unity In The Cold War Obstinate or Obsolete? France, European Integration, and the Fate of the Nation-State No Trumps, No Luck, No Will: Gloomy Thoughts on Europes Plight Uneven Allies: An Overview Fragments Floating in the Here and Now Reflections on the Nation-State in Western Europe Today From Community To Union, From Cold War To New World (Dis)Order The European Community and 1992 A Plan for the New Europe Reflections on the German Question The Case for Leadership Balance, Concert, Anarchy, or None of the Above Goodbye to a United Europe?
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF LEAVES AND FLOWERS OF NERIUM INDICUM

The Methanolic extract of leaves (LE) and Methanolic extract of flowers (FE) of Nerium indicum (Arali) was analysed for Antioxidant activity (AOA) in terms of DPPH free radicals, Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was measured in terms of Gallic acid equivalent and Flavonoid content was analysed in terms of Quercetin equivalent. The antioxidant activities of (LE & FE) were found to be 72.8% and 67 %. TPC of study extracts (LE & FE) were found to be 227 mg/100g and 449 mg/100g. The Total Flavonoid content of (LE & FE) were found to be 125 mg/100g and 199 mg/100g respectively. Superoxide anion radical scavenging activity of flowers was 66 % compared to leaves 25 %. Similarly Lipid Peroxidation showed higher activity in flowers than leaves. Enzymatic antioxidant activity such as Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase of Nerium indicum flowers were around 10% to 30% higher than that of leaves. The results clearly indicate that the methanol extracts of Nerium indicum flowers have more potent antioxidant activity than leaves. INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress depicts the existence of products called free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are formed under normal physiological conditions but becomes deleterious when not being eliminated by the endogenous systems, In fact, oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and endogenous antioxidant systems. ROS are major sources of primary catalysts that initiate oxidation in vivo and in vitro and create oxidative stress which results in numerous diseases and disorders 1, 2 such as cancer , cardiovascular disease . Oxygen derived free radicals such as superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide are cytotoxic and give rise to tissue injuries . Excessive amount of ROS is harmful because they initiate bio molecular oxidation which leads to cell death and creates oxidative stress causes inadvertent enzyme activation and oxidative damage to cellular system . Cells are equipped with different kinds of mechanisms to fight against ROS and to maintain the redox homeostasis of cell. For example, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) play important roles in scavenging the free radicals and preventing cell injury . Molecules such as vitamin C and E inhibit lipid peroxidation in cell. When the mechanism of antioxidant protection becomes unbalanced in human body, antioxidant supplement may be used to help reduce oxidative damage. Medicinal plants are important source of antioxidants . Natural antioxidants increase the antioxidant capacity of the plasma and reduce the risk to certain diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and stroke . The secondary metabolites like phenolics and
Participation, Government Legitimacy, and Regulatory Compliance in Emerging Economies: A Firm-Level Field Experiment in Vietnam

This paper employs a field experiment in single-party–ruled Vietnam to test whether providing a broad-based representative sample of firms the opportunity to comment on draft regulations increases their subsequent compliance. We find three main outcomes of this treatment. First, treated firms exhibited greater improvement in their views of government’s regulatory authority. Second, these firms were more likely to allow government-affiliated auditors to examine their factories. Third, treated firms demonstrated greater compliance on the factory floor. Access and compliance were not explained by the receipt of advance information about the regulation’s requirements, and none of the three outcomes required that firms offer substantive comments.
Malaysian urban poor adoption of e-government applications and their satisfaction

Abstract The aim of this research is to examine factors that influence citizens’ adoption of the e-government applications in Malaysia. In addition, their satisfaction is also analyzed. The research model was developed based on the integration of the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovation as well as trust in the government, information quality, computer self-efficacy, and customer satisfaction constructs regarding e-government applications in Malaysia. The data was collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire from 801 Malaysian urban poor citizens. Results revealed that compatibility, relative advantage, image, trust in the government, computer self-efficacy, and customer satisfaction have significant impacts on the use of e-government applications. In turn, customer satisfaction was itself positively influenced by the use of e-government applications. This research has provided in-depth understanding of critical factors in enhancing adoption and citizens’ satisfaction with e-government applications.
Evolutionary coherence of the mammalian amygdala

Despite great interest in the role of the amygdala in animal and human behaviour, its very existence as a structurally and functionally unified brain component has been questioned, on the grounds that cell groups within it display divergent pharmacological and connectional characteristics. We argue that the question of whether particular brain nuclei constitute a valid structural and functional unit is inherently an evolutionary question, and we present a method for answering it. The method involves phylogenetic analysis of comparative data to determine whether or not separate regions of the putative brain structure show statistically correlated evolution. We find that, in three separate groups of mammals (primates and two groups of insectivores), evolutionary changes in the volumes of amygdala components are strongly correlated, even after controlling for volumetric change in a wide range of limbic and other brain structures. This allows us to reject the strong claim that the amygdala is neither a structural nor a functional unit, and demonstrates the importance of evolutionary analysis in resolving such issues in systems neuroscience.