Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF PAPRIKA OLEORESIN DISPERSIONS FOR IMPROVING THE BIOACCESSIBILITY OF CAROTENOIDS

Red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) oleoresin contain a diversity of carotenoids, which has been associated with lower risk for different chronic diseases like various types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration. However, they are very sensitive to pro-oxidant conditions, heat and light. Previous attempts have been made to improve bioavailability and stability of carotenoids, of which emulsions have proven to help a feasible method. Conventional (CE) and nano (NE) emulsions loaded with paprika oleoresin carotenoids (POC; 1 % wt/wt) were fabricated using surfactants blend (Tween 40 and Span 20) with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), ranging from 12 to 15.6, and surfactant: POC ratio of 1:1 (wt/wt). POC bioaccessibility was studied using an in vitro model to simulate oral, gastric and small intestine phases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In general, higher HLB values produced CE's and NE's with smaller particle size and negative value of zeta potential. The smaller the droplet size, the higher was POC bioaccessibility. NE prepared with a HLB of 15.6 had a particle size of 38.93 nm and a bioaccessibility of 74%. Bioaccessibility of unemulsified POC was practically nil. Conventional and nanoemulsions protected paprika oleoresin carotenoids deterioration during simulated gastrointestinal tract.
Overcoming difficult times: the behavioural resilience of a marine predator when facing environmental stochasticity

Annual changes in the behaviour and distribution of top predators at sea may be linked to environmental variability. Here we report, for the first time to our knowledge, the inter- annual (2007�2011) foraging ecology during the pre-laying period of female Cory's shearwaters Calonectris diomedea from Berlenga (Portugal), based on biotelemetry data. Our aim was to exam- ine the degree of flexibility in the at-sea distribution, behaviour and habitat selection of foraging birds, and relate this with marine environmental stochasticity. Productivity proxies in the closer for- aging areas decreased noticeably between 2007 and 2011 (i.e. an increase of sea surface tempera- ture and a decrease of primary productivity). Female Cory's shearwaters perceived the oceanic changes, and shifted their distribution to an area that could have the food resources required for egg formation. In 2011, in order to exploit the productive Grand Banks and Newfoundland Shelf domains, female Cory's shearwaters embarked on one of the largest foraging excursions of the pre- laying period when compared to other seabird species (nearly 4000 km). The option to forage on such a distant area in 2011 decreased the females' body condition and reduced their hatching success, which may be interpreted as an adaptation to local productivity during this energetically highly demanding period to favour their own survival. Long-term monitoring of the foraging be - haviour of top predators such as Cory's shearwaters in years to come may serve as a 'sensitive' proxy to help understand the medium- to long-term effects of environmental stochasticity in marine ecological systems.
Exchange-rate volatility, exchange-rate disconnect, and the failure of volatility conservation

Empirical analysis of exchange rates has produced puzzles that conventional models of exchange rates cannot explain. Here we deal with four puzzles regarding both real and nominal exchange rates, which are robust and inconsistent with standard theory. These puzzles are that both real and nominal exchange rates: i) are disconnected from fundamentals, ii) are much more volatile than fundamentals, iii) show little di? erence in behavior, and iv) fail to satisfy conservation of volatility. We develop a two-country, two-currency version of the random matching model to study exchange rates. We show that search and legal restrictions can produce exchange-rate dynamics consistent with these four puzzles.
Identifying lifestyles of Kosovo beer consummers

It is generally known that the business of enterprises nowadays takes place in a very dynamic environment and in terms of a very tough competition that exceeds the boundaries of a country due to unprecedented business internationalization. Therefore, to survive and develop a successful business in a blur and unclear environment many enterprises develop their business by the marketing concept, according to which the market segmentation is done through various methods using different variables. One of variables used in segmentation is the lifestyle, which falls within the psychographic variables. This study aims to identify the lifestyles of beer consumers in Kosovo, through constructing a valuable and reliable instrument in order to profiling consumers. By identifying lifestyles, the industry is able to use these data (information) to identify and understand target markets, having available more information about things the consumers value, their activities and what are the basic personal features they have. If target markets are understood a quality product or service can be provided which will highly satisfy consumer needs that affect growth of business activity at the same time. The paper-study aiming to achieve objectives is organized in five chapters: Preface; 2. Introduction 3.Research methodology; 4. Data Analysis; 5. Conclusions, implications, study limitations and suggestions for future studies. Key Words: lifestyle, trade, consumer satisfaction, market, quality.
Growth and carbon economy of a fast- growing and a slow-growing grass species as dependent on ontogeny

SUMMARY In previous experiments systematic differences have been found in the morphology, carbon economy and chemical composition of seedlings of inherently fast- and slow-growing plant species. The present experiment was to investigate whether these differences persist when plants become larger. Plants of the inherently fast-growing Holcus lanatus L. and the inherently slow-growing Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin. were grown under standardized conditions and growth, photosynthesis, respiration and carbon and nitrogen content were followed over a period of 4 to 7 weeks. Differences in relative growth rate were mainly due to the higher leaf area ratio (leaf area : plant weight) of the fast-growing species. Rates of photosynthesis differed substantially when expressed on a leaf weight basis, but only slightly when expressed per unit leaf area. Although most parameters showed some ontogenetic drift, differences found for young seedlings persisted at least until plants reached a dry weight of circa 3 g. Therefore, at least for these two species, the conclusions based on interspecific variation in relative growth rate of young seedlings apply to larger plants as well.
The Effects of Competition and Physical Arousal on Attraction between Game Dyads

Research shows physical arousal can be misattributed to attraction for a partner, whereas research on the effects of competition is mixed. This study investigated the effects of competition and arousal on attraction. Participants were 78 students from a northeastern public university between the ages of 18 and 50. Students were paired and participated in 1 of 4 games together, creating an overall 2 (high vs. low arousal) X 2 (competitive vs. noncompetitive) between-subjects design. A between-subjects factorial revealed no significant main effects or interaction. Some factors did significantly impact attraction, different types of attraction, and perceived fun and competition. Further research could have implications for relationships in companion exercise programs and partner activities.
On Local Polynomial Estimation of State-Price Densities: An Ap- plication to Japanese Option Pricing

Following the method proposed by A¨ it-Sahalia and Lo (2), this pa- per conducts a nonparametric estimation of state-price densities implicit in the Osaka stock index option prices. This paper offers two implications. First, the local polyno- mial estimator works better for data sets such as ours, whose observations are sparse near the boundaries and unevenly distributed in the interior, than the Nadaraya- Watson estimator, most frequently used in existing literature. Second, a structural break is reasonably identified for state price densities at the mid-May/last-May or the last-May/first-June of year 2003 according to the local polynomial estimator.
Availability of Credit to Small and Minority-Owned Businesses: Evidence from the 1993 National Survey of Small Business Finances *

This article analyzes factors influencing the decisions of prospective lenders to extend credit to small and minority-owned businesses. Using data from a government survey of small businesses, the analysis reveals that prospective lenders (primarily commercial banks) are four times more likely to deny credit to firms owned by African-Americans than to firms owned by Non-Hispanic whites, and are twice as likely to deny credit to firms owned by Asian-Americans than to firms owned by Non-Hispanic whites. These differences in denial rates remain both statistically and economically significant, even after controlling for differences in the type and size of the prospective loan; in the age, experience, education, and creditworthiness of the firm's primary owner; in the age, size, capital structure, profitability, organizational form, creditworthiness, and industry of the firm; and in the types and length of pre-existing relationships between the firm and its prospective lender. Interestingly, these differences in denial rates are significant only when the prospective lender is a commercial bank.
Changes in Liver Function Enzymes of HIV/AIDS Patients Treated with Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVS)

: This study assessed the effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) on liver enzyme markers (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase) and CD4 T-cells. A total of Seventy Five (75) individuals were enrolled into the study, which comprised Twenty Five (25) HIV negative (control), Twenty Five (25) HIV positive non-treated with ARVs and Twenty Five (25) HIV positive treated with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Females were found to be the majority of HIV infected patients and most patients were at the middle age of 20-39 years. AST and ALT were assessed according to the Reitman and Frankel’s (1957) method, while ALP was based on King Armstrong’s (1980) method and CD4 T-cells using a method assayed of Cassens et al., (2004). The result show a significant increase (p<0.05) in AST and ALT levels of HIV positive non treated group compared to HIV negative group (control). AST and ALT levels of HIV positive treated with ARVs is significantly higher in comparison to HIV positive non-treated group. But the ALP activity was significantly lower (p<0.05) in HIV positive treated group compared to non-treated group. Infection by HIV increases the activities of the three enzymes, which may be due to liver cells apoptosis caused by HIV infection, intact immune response to HIV replication which subsequently leads to hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation. But at the commencement of antiretroviral therapy the activities of the three afore-mentioned enzymes decreases which may be as result of decrease in the negative effect of the virus to the liver enzymes by ARVs. For clinical significance, it is necessary to investigate the activities of liver enzymes in HIV positive patients in order to monitor the diagnosis and advanced infection of the liver cells by HIV.
reating long-term weather data from thin air for crop imulation modeling

Simulating crop yield and yield variability requires long-term, high-quality daily weather data, including solar radiation, maximum (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin), and precipitation. In many regions, however, daily weather data of sufficient quality and duration are not available. To overcome this limitation, we evaluated a new method to create long-term weather series based on a few years of observed daily temperature data (hereafter called propagated data). The propagated data are comprised of uncorrected gridded solar radiation from the Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource dataset from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA–POWER), rainfall from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) dataset, and location-specific calibration of NASA–POWER Tmax and Tmin using a limited amount of observed daily temperature data. The distributions of simulated yields of maize, rice, or wheat with propagated data were compared with simulated yields using observed weather data at 18 sites in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Other sources of weather data typically used in crop modeling for locations without long-term observed weather data were also included in the comparison: (i) uncorrected NASA–POWER weather data and (ii) generated weather data using the MarkSim weather generator. Results indicated good agreement between yields simulated with propagated weather data and yields simulated using observed weather data. For example, the distribution of simulated yields using propagated data was within 10% of the simulated yields using observed data at 78% of locations and degree of yield stability (quantified by coefficient of variation) was very similar at 89% of locations. In contrast, simulated yields based entirely on uncorrected NASA–POWER data or generated weather data using MarkSim were within 10% of yields simulated using observed data in only 44 and 33% of cases, respectively, and the bias was not consistent across locations and crops. We conclude that, for most locations, 3 years of observed daily Tmax and Tmin data would allow creation of a robust weather data set for simulation of long-term mean yield and yield stability of major cereal crops. © 2015 Z. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
First record of the semi-slug Omalonyx unguis (d’Orbigny, 1837) (Gastropoda, Succineidae) in the Misiones Province, Argentina

Omalonyx unguis (d’Orbigny, 1837) is a semi-slug inhabiting the Paraná river basin. This species belongs to Succineidae, a family comprising a few representatives in South America. In this work, we provide the first record for the species from Misiones Province, Argentina. Previous records available for Omalonyx in Misiones were identified to the genus level. We examined morphological characteristics of the reproductive system and used DNA sequences from cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for species-specific identification. These new distributional data contribute to consolidate the knowledge of the molluscan fauna in northeastern Argentina.
Effects of lake sediments on changes in sandy loam cambisol properties and on crop productivity

The feasibility of using lake sediments as fertilisers has been studied at the Voke Branch of the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture since 1994. The experiments were carried out on a sandy loam cambisol on two backgrounds (without mineral fertilisers and with minimal rates of mineral fertilisers) in the crop rotation (maize, barley with under-crop, perennial grasses of the 1 s t and 2 n d years of use, winter rye) with the application of calcareous (25 t ha - 1 ), organic (10, 40 t ha - 1 ) and siliceous (25, 100 t ha - 1 ) lake sediments and their mixtures with manure and limestone. Organic fertilisers were applied only to the first crop (maize) in the rotation. Experimental evidence suggests that calcareous sediment and limestone declined soil acidity, whereas organic and siliceous sediments had no effect on soil acidity. Only the higher rate of organic (40 t ha - 1 ) and siliceous (100 t ha - 1 ) sediments increased the content of total nitrogen in soil by 0.002-0.021 and that of humus by 0.53 percentage units. Fertilisation with mineral fertilisers compensated for the amount of mobile phosphorus and potassium necessary for crop growth. The application of lake sediments had a positive impact on the quality of sandy loam cambisol physical properties. Organic and siliceous sediments increased the soil moisture content and porosity and declined the soil bulk density to a higher degree than calcareous sediment. Calcareous sediment improved the afore-mentioned soil physical characteristics to a greater extent compared with limestone. All rates of organic sediment gave a crop yield increase of 4-20%, 10 t ha - 1 of sediment with 25 t ha - 1 of manure gave a yield increase of 22-25%, and 50 and 100 t ha - 1 rates of siliceous sediment a yield increase of 8-30%.
Comparison of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite-Al₂O₃ Composites with Commercial Inert Glass (CIG) Addition

Comparison of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite-Al2O3 Composites with Commercial Inert Glass (CIG) Addition B. Bulut, N. Demirkol, Z. E. Erkmen, E. S. Kayali Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dept., Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey Ceramic, Glass and Tile Dept., Vocational School of Degirmendere Ali Ozbay, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
Quality Characteristics of Gamma Irradiated Beefburger Formulated with Partial Replacement of Beef Fat with Olive Oil and Wheat Bran Fibers

Five beefburger formulations were prepared with substituting beef fat with olive oil and levels of wheat bran and irradiated at doses of 0 and 3 kGy, then samples were refrigerated stored and their quality characteristics were investigated. The results indicated that replacement of beef fat with olive oil and ascending levels of wheat bran in burger batter significantly decreased their contents of total lipids and saturated fatty acids, while increased their contents of dietary fibers, unsaturated fatty acids and the ratios of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids to the saturated ones. Moreover, significant improvements were observed in the cooking yield and moisture and fat retention of samples, proportionally to the added wheat bran, and both raw and cooked burger samples showed a high sensory acceptability. Irradiation of samples effectively inactivated Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and enterobacteriaceae and significantly reduced the counts of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria as well as molds and yeasts without any adverse effects on the quality characteristics of samples. Thus, reducing beef fat levels with the addition of olive oil and wheat bran produced a highly acceptable beefburger products with improved nutritional content as well as improved cooking and binding properties, while irradiation improved their microbiological quality.
Seroprevalence of Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia amblyommii in horses in three municipalities in the state of Pará, Brazil

Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and is considered to be the most important zoonotic tick-borne disease in Brazil. The disease seems to be reemerging and cases have been documented in several states, but very little is known about the occurrence in the Amazon basin. There are no cases of BSF reported in this area but medical care and diagnostic tools are not always available, therefor it is possible that cases are occurring without being diagnosed. Because of the severity of the BSF pathology, this disease must be considered to be of great public health importance. Rickettsia rickettsii is the most pathogenic rickettsia species and because the agent more frequently occurs in horses than in humans, horses may be used as sentinel animals, even though there are no descriptions of clinical signs or symptoms in horses seropositive to R. rickettsii. Monitoring rickettsial seroprevalence in horses is therefore a valuable action for increasing the possibility to prevent Brazilian Spotted Fever in humans. To provide epidemiological input on BSF, the seroprevalence of Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia amblyommii was determined among horses in three municipalities (Obidos, Brasil Novo, Santarem) in the state of Para, northern Brazil, through serological testing by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Three groups of horses were included in the study, namely; farm horses, urban horses and sport horses. The results were used to evaluate whether there were differences between the three groups studied regarding the prevalence of seropositivity and to assess whether urban horses and horses used in sport are a risk of contamination for animals raised on farms, which represent the vast majority of the horse population in the state of Para. Furthermore, the aim was also to detect possible associations between seroprevalence and determinants like gender, age, breed category and area. By systematic cluster sampling, sera from a total of 436 horses were collected. Immunofluorescence assay was performed using vero cells infected with R. rickettsii (strain Taiacu), and R. amblyommii (strain Ac37). Titers equal to and greater than 64 were considered positive. Sera from the positive samples were diluted in two-fold increments until reaching endpoint-titration. Of the 436 sera tested, 37 (8.5%) reacted to R. rickettsii and 85 (19.5%) to R. amblyommii. The R. rickettsii titers ranged from 64 to 512 and the R. amblyommii titers ranged from 64 to 16384. In Brasil Novo the seroprevalence was significantly higher than in Santarem. The reason for this is not known. None of the determinants sex, age, breed category or area had any significant association with an increased seroprevalence. Nor did we see endpoint antibody titers that were higher than what can be expected in a non-endemic area.
Consumer attitude toward using smart shopping carts: a comparative analysis of Italian and Croatian consumer attitudes

This paper aims to explore consumer attitudes toward using smart shopping cart, considering country of origin, gender, age, and intentions to use smart shopping carts while purchasing. Moreover, it investigates the influence of extracted factors on consumers' attitudes toward using smart shopping carts and the users' levels of digital competence. The data was collected through survey questionnaires using a purposive sample of 313 Croatian and Italian respondents. To this end, we applied statistical methodologies such as binary logistic regression, factor analysis, and analysis of variance. We found that, compared with Croatians, Italian respondents have a more positive attitude toward using smart shopping carts, regardless of age or gender. Moreover, we found that consumers are influenced by two major factors: functional and convenience. Consumers who purchase for functionality reasons will have preferences associated with faster product selection and speeding up the purchasing process without fearing that they lack the necessary expertise. If functionality has the tendency to increase, respondents will not lack ICT knowledge when purchasing with the smart cart.
Effect of Fruit Size and Coating Material on Quality of Tangerine Fruit cv. Sai Nam Phueng

Small (No. 4; 92-98 g) and large (No. 6; 134-142 g) tangerine fruit coated with either Zivdar or Fomesa as well as a non-coated control were stored at room temperature (24±3°C) and 59±6% relative humidity for 10 days. The results showed that large fruit had lower weight loss, less off-flavor and better visual appearance than small fruit. Fruit size also had an effect on hue angle of peel color, pH, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) but had no effect on internal O 2 , internal CO 2 , ethanol content in juice, pyruvate de- carboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, L* and chroma of peel color, TSS/TA ratio and vitamin C content. Tangerine fruit coated with Fomesa had the lowest weight loss. Fruit coated with Zivdar had higher O 2 and CO 2 exchange and lower internal ethanol in fruit juice than fruit coated with Fomesa. The coating affected the flavor and visual appearance quality of tangerine fruit, but had no effect on enzyme activities, peel color and chemical composition.