Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plankton functional type modelling : running before we can walk?

Biogeochemical cycling in marine systems is intimately linked to the activity of specific plankton functional types (PFTs) such as diatoms, coccolithophores and nitrogen fixers, thereby providing a focus for contemporary modelling studies. Incorporating extra complexity beyond simple nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton-detritus (NPZD) models is, however, fraught with difficulties: poorly understood ecology; lack of data; aggregating diversity within functional groups into meaningful state variables and constants; sensitivity of output to the parameterizations in question and their physical and chemical environment. Although regional models addressing the seasonal succession of plankton types have achieved some degree of success, predicted distributions of PFTs in global biogeochemical models have thus far been less than convincing. While the continued articulation of detail in ecosystem models is surely the way forward, I argue that this can only be so with due care and attention to the formulations employed and a healthy dose of scepticism regarding model outcomes. Future directions should emphasize building up complexity gradually, objective assessment of the resulting parameterizations, and variety in approach such as the use of empirical alternatives to the fully dynamic representation of PFTs in models.
Study of protein detection and ultrastructure of brazilian rice starch during alkaline extraction

Alkaline extraction of Brazilian rice starch was studied. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed as an innovative way for protein detection during the extraction. Moreover, the results were compared to the traditional biuret colorimetric test. In parallel, the ultrastructure of starch was monitored by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) during every extraction step. A progressive reduction of the granules organization was observed, which was also detected by the loss of birefringence under polarized light. The external integrity of starch granules after complete removal of proteins was maintained, as verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The size of the granules, determined by the Mie scattering method varied between 3 and 8 µm.
The “comply-or-explain” principle in directive 95/2014/EU. A rhetorical analysis of Italian PIEs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the comply-or-explain principle in the Italian context. In particular, the analysis will evaluate, which factor impact on firms' voluntary adoption of this tool to adequate their non-financial reports to the legal requirements of Directive 95/2014/EU. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consists of two different levels of analysis. The first part is statistical descriptive, and it consists of a rhetorical analysis on the justifications provided by the firms about their omissions to comply with Directive 95/2014/EU. The second part is inferential and its aim is to evaluate, which factors impact on comply-or-explains adoption. Findings The findings reveal how the comply-or-explain application in Italy has been characterized by several criticisms. The result highlight how the justifications adopted by the firms is influenced by their sector of activity and omission's type. Moreover, the analysis suggests how the sector of activity and the level of adherence to global reporting initiative influenced the average number of omissions. Research limitations/implications The limitations of the research are represented by the focuses on a single country and by the short period of analysis. In this sense, future research could be addressed to the analysis of countries different from Italy. Moreover, accounting scholars could provide further contributions to the political debate through the evolution of the “comply-or-explain” principle’s strategies over the years. Practical implications The practical implications connected to the present research are twofold. The first one is represented by the possibility for policymakers to increase the degree of attention about the use of comply-or-explain as legitimization's tool. The second one is represented by the possibility for practitioners to identify a new reporting framework. Social implications The social implications are represented by the possibility for stakeholders to evaluate the reliability's degree of the disclosure produced by Italian public interest entities after the implementation of Directive 95/2014/EU. Originality/value Despite the growing attention paid by academics regard Directive 95/2014/EU, this is the first attempt to analyze the comply-or-explain from a rhetorical perspective.
Psychological Resilience in Olympic Medal–Winning Coaches: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Although there is burgeoning research on resilience in elite athletes, there has been no empirical investigation of resilience in elite coaches. The purpose of this study was to explore psychological resilience in world-class coaches and how they develop resilience in athletes. A longitudinal qualitative design was adopted due to the dynamic and temporal nature of resilience. Five Olympic medal–winning coaches (four males and one female) were interviewed twice over a 12-month swimming season. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed 14 higher order themes, which were categorized into the following three general dimensions: coach stressors (managing the Olympic environment, preparation for major events, coach personal well-being, directing an organization); coach protective factors (progressive coaching, coaching support network, maintaining work/life balance, secure working environment, durable motivation, effective decision making); and enhancing resilience in athletes (developing a strong coach–athlete relationship, creating a facilitative environment, developing a resilience process, athlete individual factors). The results are presented to demonstrate the interplay between coach stressors and protective factors over time, which offers an original and significant contribution to the resilience literature by providing a unique insight into the dynamic and temporal nature of resilience in Olympic medal–winning coaches.
Comparison of equilibrium and nonequilibrium estimators for the generalized production model

Parameter estimation for the logistic (Schaefer) production model commonly uses an observation-error estimator, here termed the NM estimator, combining nonlinear-function minimization and forward projection of estimated population state. Although the NM estimator can be used to fit the generalized (Pella-Tomlinson) production model, an equilibrium approximation method (EA) is often used, despite calls in the literature to abandon equilibrium estimators. We examined relative merits of NM and EA estimators for the generalized model by fitting 48 000 simulated data sets describing five basic stock trajectories and widely varying population characteristics. Simulated populations followed the generalized production model exactly but were observed with random error. Both estimators were used on each data set to estimate several quantities of management interest. The estimates from NM were usually more accurate and precise than EA estimates, and overall, NM outperformed EA. This is the most comprehensive study of the question to date—the first to examine the generalized production model—and it demonstrates clearly why equilibrium estimators should be abandoned. Although valuable when introduced, they are no longer computationally necessary, they are no less demanding of data, and their performance is poor. Resume : L'estimation des parametres du modele logistique de production (Schaefer) fait ordinairement intervenir un estimateur de l'erreur d'observation, l'estimateur NM, qui combine une minimisation d'une fonction non lineaire et une projection vers le futur d'une estimation de l'etat de la population. Bien que l'estimateur NM puisse etre utilise pour ajuster la forme generalisee du modele de production (Pella-Tomlinson), on emploie souvent une methode d'approximation d'equilibre (EA), meme si de nombreux auteurs deconseillent cette utilisation. Nous avons compare le merite des estimateurs NM et EA utilises dans le modele generalise en ajustant 48 000 ensembles de donnees simulees qui decrivent cinq evolutions de stocks fondamentales et des caracteristiques demographiques tres variees. Les popula- tions simulees suivent le modele avec precision, mais elles affichent des erreurs aleatoires. Les deux estimateurs ont ete employes sur chaque ensemble de donnees pour calculer plusieurs valeurs d'interet pour la gestion. Les estimations faites a partir de NM sont generalement plus precises et, tout compte fait, l'estimateur NM fonctionne beaucoup mieux que EA. Notre etude de ce probleme est la plus vaste a ce jour et elle demontre clairement pourquoi les estimateurs EA doivent etre abandonnes. Bien qu'utiles lors de leur introduction, ces estimateurs ne sont plus necessaires, etant donne les ressources informatiques actuellement disponibles. De plus, ils exigent autant de donnees et leur performance est faible. (Traduit par la Redaction) Williams and Prager 1552
Vitamin E Supplementation of Smokers and Non‐Smokers

Twenty male smokers and 20 non-smokers took either vitamin E capsules (1000 IU/day) or placebo for 14 days. Erythrocytes from smokers showed a marked tendency to peroxidise in vitro compared with non-smokers, an effect which was abolished by vitamin E supplementation. The increased erythrocyte peroxidation may reflect a lipid hydroperoxide-induced decrease in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Evidence that smokers incurred a sustained oxidant stress also included increased plasma conjugated dienes, decreased plasma vitamin C and an increase in erythrocyte glutathione. Plasma cholesterol, vitamin E and conjugated dienes increased with age in all groups. Results suggest that smokers are under a sustained oxidant stress, some indices of which can be partially ameliored by vitamin E supplementation. Vitamin E Supplementierung bei Rauchern und Nichtrauchern Einer Gruppe von 40 mannlichen Probanden - 20 Raucher und 20 Nichtraucher - wurde 2 Wochen lang entweder 1000I.E. /Tag Vitamin E-Kapseln oder Placebo verabreicht. Bei den Rauchern zeigte sich bei den Erythrozyten in vitro im Gegensatz zu den Nichtrauchern deutlich eine Tendenz zur Peroxidation, die nach Supplementierung mit Vitamin E ausblieb. Die gesteigerte Peroxidationsrate der Erythrozyten kann ein Anzeichen sein fur die Abnahme der Glucose-6-Phosphat-Dehydrogenase, die wiederum durch Hydroperoxide der Lipide induziert wurde. Anzeichen fur einen langanhaltenden oxidativen Stres bei Rauchern sind erhohte Plasma-Werte fur konjugierte Diene und erniedrigte Werte fur Vitamin C sowie ein Anstieg der Glutathion-Werte in den Erythrozyten. In allen Gruppen stiegen der Cholesterin- und der Vitamin E-Spiegel und die konjugierten Diene mit dem Alter an. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf einen langanhaltenden oxidativen Stres bei Rauchern hin, einige dieser Anzeichen konnen aber teilweise durch Vitamin E-Supplementierung verbessert werden.
Selenium biofortification in bread-making wheat under Mediterranean conditions: influence on grain yield and quality parameters

Abstract. The diet of millions of people around the world is deficient in selenium (Se). Bread-making wheat has been successfully used in Se biofortification programs under temperate climate to remedy Se deficiency. However, its suitability under Mediterranean conditions and its effect on the grain yield and quality parameters are not well known. In a wheat field in south-western Spain, two foliar Se fertilisers (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) were applied at four application rates (0, 10, 20, 40 g ha–1) in 2010–11 and 2011–12. Results showed a strong and linear relationship between total Se in grain and Se dose for both fertilisers, although selenate was much more efficient. A dose of 10 g sodium selenate ha–1 was able to increase significantly the Se in grain to close to the recommended values, although Se loss of 28% during the milling process might be expected. Grain yield was not negatively affected by fertilisation, but grain protein and dry gluten were slightly negatively affected, but only in the dry year. Alveograph parameters were either not affected or slightly favoured by Se fertilisation in any studied year. Bread-making wheat is a good candidate to be included in biofortification programs under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions.
A new world syndrome of metabolic diseases with a genetic and evolutionary basis

Currently, many Amerindian peoples, including European- Amerindian admixed groups such as Mexicans, are experiencing a major epidemic of a series of diseases which includes a tendency to become obese at an early adult age, adult onset diabetes mellitus, the formation of cholesterol gallstones, and gallbladder cancer, especially in females. Other cancer sites, and morbid consequences of these primary disorders, also occur at elevated rates. This epidemic has begun, or at least increased dramatically since World War II, and seems to be due to an interaction between susceptible Amerindian genotype(s) and some recently changed aspect of the environment, probably involving dietary components. This paper reviews the epidemiology of this New World Syndrome (NWS), quantifying incidence, prevalence, and risk in susceptible genotypes. This pattern is distinct from the rise of similar diseases associated around the world with “westernization. ” The susceptible genes probably arose by virtue of a selective advantage during or before the initial peopling of the Americas.
Synergetic Effect of NO Precursor Supplementation and Exercise Training

ABSTRACT Introduction Nitric oxide (NO) precursor supplementation has been shown to increase NO bioavailability and can potentially improve vascular function and exercise performance. It remains unclear whether the combination of NO precursor supplementation and exercise training has synergic effects on exercise performance. This study aims to assess the effect of chronic nitrate and citrulline intake on exercise training adaptations in healthy young individuals. Methods In this randomized, double-bind trial, 24 healthy young (12 females) subjects performed vascular function assessment (blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, postischemia vasodilation, and cerebrovascular reactivity) and both local (submaximal isometric unilateral knee extension) and whole-body (incremental cycling) exercise tests to exhaustion before and after a 2-month exercise training program and daily intake of a placebo or a nitrate-rich salad and citrulline (N + C, 520 mg nitrate and 6 g citrulline) drink. Prefrontal cortex and quadriceps oxygenation was monitored continuously during exercise by near-infrared spectroscopy. Results N + C supplementation had no effect on vascular function and muscle and cerebral oxygenation during both local and whole-body exercise. N + C supplementation induced a significantly larger increase in maximal knee extensor strength (+5.1 ± 3.5 vs +0.2 ± 5.5 kg, P = 0.008) as well as a trend toward a larger increase in knee extensor endurance (+35.2 ± 26.1 vs +24.0 ± 10.4 contractions, P = 0.092) than placebo, but no effect on exercise training-induced maximal aerobic performance improvement. Conclusion These results suggest that chronic nitrate and citrulline supplementation enhances the effect of exercise training on quadriceps muscle function in healthy active young individuals, but this does not translate into improved maximal aerobic performances.
Thermochemical Modification of the Upper Mantle Beneath the Northern Malawi Rift Constrained From Shear Velocity Imaging

To investigate the controls on continental rifting in the western branch of the East Africa Rift System, we conduct shear velocity imaging of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the weakly extended Malawi Rift and the Rungwe Volcanic Province (RVP). We use local‐scale measurements of Rayleigh wave phase velocities between 9‐ and 100‐s periods combined with constraints on basin architecture and crustal thickness to invert for shear velocity from the surface to ~135 km. Our resulting 3‐D model reveals a localized low‐velocity anomaly associated with the RVP extending from the crust and through the upper mantle, which can be explained with modestly elevated temperatures. Away from the RVP, velocities within mantle flanking the rift are fast (>4.6 ± 0.1 km/s), suggesting depleted lithospheric mantle to depths of ~100 and >135 km to the west and east of the rift, respectively. The upper mantle beneath the rift axis is characterized by thinned lithosphere with slower velocities than the surrounding plateau, suggestive of thermal and/or chemical modification by the rifting process. Slowest velocities are mildly asymmetric about the rift axis, with the lowest velocities observed beneath the rift and adjacent footwall escarpments. The underlying asthenosphere is only moderately slow (~4.25 ± 0.1 km/s), including beneath the RVP, precluding the presence of significant volumes of partial melt. The positions of localized lithospheric modification and basin‐bounding border faults correlate with the location of Proterozoic mobile belts, suggesting that these sutures provide lithospheric‐scale weakening mechanisms necessary for localizing strain and allowing extension to occur in the Malawi Rift.
Polyphagy, Oligophagy and Food Specialization in Ground Beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

The 24 carabid species investigated appeared to be polyphagous, but not equally so. Among species showing a smaller degree of polyphagy, oligophages and specialized feeders were distinguished, the latter species specializing on collembolans. The "phytophagous" genera Amara and Harpalus were found to behave similarly to the generalists. Cannibalism was not observed, although larvae, among which it may well occur, were not studied. Specialists are mainly confined to the Carabinae, and the literature suggests that they can also be distinguished by their morphology and behaviour, which reflect their specialization. It seems unlikely that their specialization is in response to food shortage.
Tn5 MUTAGENESIS OF PSEUDOMONAS STUTZERI SF/PS, A BACTERIUM ASSOCIATED WITH ALEXANDRIUM LUSITANICUM (DINOPHYCEAE) AND PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING

It is becoming increasingly clear that bacteria can play an important role in the toxin and population dynamics of harmful algal bloom (HAB) events. In this paper, we document protocols and strategies that can be used to identify bacterial genes involved in either the production of toxic compounds and/or the establishment and maintenance of relationships between bacteria and algae. The protocols we tested involved transposon mutagenesis and complementation with broad‐host‐range plasmids. We tested six bacterial strains thought to be involved, either directly or indirectly, in the production of toxins associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Five strains were resistant to transformation under the growth conditions used. However, a single strain, Pseudomonas stutzeri SF/PS, was readily transformed when grown under appropriate conditions. This bacterium has been shown to accumulate PSP toxins and to increase toxin production when added to axenic cultures of a toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium lusitanicum. We conclude that a transposon mutagenesis strategy can be used to identify genes involved in HAB events.
ATTITUDE OF NIGERIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARD MATHEMATICS SUBJECT

Attitude is an affective variable that can affect the academic life of students significantly. In Nigeria, attitude in mathematics is among the factors influencing performance in maths subject, especially among primary school students. This study aimed at identifying factors that indicate the student’s negative attitude in maths subject. The population of the study is 1,626 from 6 selected primary schools in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano, Nigeria. A sample of 384 respondents were selected using the Krejcie and Morgan table. A Math Attitude questionnaire (MAQ) was completed by the respondents which measure the students affect, behaviour and cognitive aspects. The data collected were analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). The results show that the respondents are experiencing a negative attitude in maths subject. It is recommended that parents and teachers are required to provide some supportive measures for changing the student's attitude. If a negative attitude among students is not addressed, the career of students will be very limited and their maths performance will be relatively poor as well
Large Mammal Diversity and Endemism at Geremba Mountain Fragment, Southern Ethiopia

Outside protected areas in Ethiopia, there is a lack of information concerning mammalian diversity and ecology. Consequently, the findings of the research on large mammals at Geremba Mountain constitute one of the steps towards a continuing effort to document the diversity and distribution of Ethiopian mammals. The survey was conducted to investigate the species composition, relative abundance, and population structure of large mammals at Geremba Mountain fragment from August 2017 to February 2018, covering both dry and wet seasons. Direct (sighting) and indirect (scat) survey techniques were employed using systematically established transect lines and sampling plots, respectively. Transects and plots were established across three dominant habitat types (modified dry ever green Afromontane forest, alpine bamboo forest, and Erica scrubland). A total of 10 large mammal species were recorded including two endemic mammals, namely, Chlorocebus djamdjamensis and Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki. There was a statistically significant difference in the abundance of species among habitat types at Geremba Mountain. The highest diversity index was recorded in the alpine bamboo forest habitat (D = 7.142, H′ = 2.052), and the Erica scrubland had the lowest. Papio anubis was the most abundant species while Felis serval was the least abundant species. The populations of most of the species were characterized by more adult and more female individuals. However, promising young individuals of the endemic mammals (C. djamdjamensis and T. s. meneliki) and Papio anubis were recorded. The mountain fragment is an isolated island that is totally disconnected with other fragments in the region, so attempts should be made to connect the fragment with other fragments using wildlife corridors.
Nutritional and Serum Biochemistry of the Edible Frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis in Rivers State, Nigeria

This paper investigated the proximate, minerals and serum biochemistry in Hoplobatrachus occipitalis. The proximate and selected minerals of edible frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis were determined using standard analytical methods. The result showed that crude protein was 16.91% carbohydrate was 1.76%, crude fibre 2.85%, The fat was 4.96% ash content was 1.84% and moisture was 71.67%. The selected mineral constituent recorded showed that sodium> iron> calcium > potassium > manganese. The nutritive serum biochemistry was determined in male and female species, the results revealed that both sexes have high nutritional profile suitable for human consumption; nevertheless, the female species have higher nutritional values than the males.