Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of chronic exposure to sediments from the Zarzis area, Gulf of Gabes, measured in the mussel (Mytilus spp.): a multi-biomarker approach involving oxidative stress and neurotoxicity

ABSTRACT The hereby study was conducted to assess the chronic biological effects of potentially contaminated sediments collected at the Zarzis area, Tunisia, on the marine mussel species (Mytilus spp.). Useful information can be provided through the analysis of biomarkers that allow inferring about the presence of pollutants and their adverse effects, contributing for a better assessment of ecosystems' quality and functions. Three sampling sites were chosen taking into account the putative impact of different human activities at several sites located in Zarzis area, compared to an unpolluted reference site, located in Afurada, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Physical-chemical characterization involved the survey of metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Zn and Pb) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), whose toxic effects are involved in the onset of oxidative stress. Biomarkers involving oxidative stress and neurotoxicity were quantified in hemolymph, gills, and digestive gland tissues of Mytilus spp. following the chronic exposure to the distinct sediments. Organisms exposed to sediments collected at the Zarzis area presented the highest values of the tested oxidative stress biomarkers and a significant inhibition of AChE activity in comparison with the unpolluted reference site. This set of results suggests that biomarker responses representing different biological endpoints in Mytilus spp. are useful for the assessment of environmental pollution effects, namely by PAHs and metals. Our results suggest the presence of these chemicals in specific sampling sites whose sediment caused evident biological responses in mussels.
Leading article Extended-spectrum -lactamases: the role of inhibitors in therapy

Extended-spectrum -lactamases (ESBLs) generally first appear in Klebsiella spp. , particularly Klebsiella pneu moniae and Klebsiella oxytoca, 1‐6 though they may spread to other members of the Enterobactericeae 3,7 as the resistance genes are usually located on plasmids. 8 They have, of course, been selected by the enormous rise in the usage of cephalosporin s, particularly those of later ‘generations’, during the 1980s. These antibiotics were devised to overcome -lactamase-mediated resistance that had emerged to penicillins and previous generations of cephalosporins and their inception was the continuation of a long tradition of overcoming -lactam resistance with novel -lactam drugs. Many of the ESBL-carrying klebsiellae that suddenly appeared in our hospitals, produced significant clinical problems; 9,10 they were often
Insights into the Epidemiology of the First Wave of COVID-19 ICU Admissions in South Wales – the Interplay between Ethnicity and Deprivation

On the 9th March 2020, the first patient with COVID-19 was admitted to ICU in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales. We prospectively recorded the rate of ICU admissions of 52 patients with COVID-19 over 60 days, focusing on the epidemiology of ethnicity and deprivation. Patients were 65% (34 of 52) male and had a median (IQR) age of 55 (48-62) years. Prevalent comorbidities included obesity (52%); diabetes (33%), and asthma (23%). COVID-19 hospital and ICU inpatient numbers peaked on days 23 and 39, respectively – a lag of 16 days. The ICU mortality rate was 33% (17 of 52). Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics (BAME) population represented 35% of ICU COVID-19 admissions (18 of 52) and 35% of deaths (6 of 17). Within the BAME group, 72% (13 of 18) were found to reside in geographical areas representing the 20% most deprived in Wales, versus 27% of Caucasians (9 of 33). Less than 5% of the population within the hospital catchment area are of BAME descent, yet they represent a disproportionately high proportion of patients with ICU admission and mortality suffering from COVID-19. The interplay between ethnicity and deprivation, which is complex, may be a factor in our findings. This in turn could be related to an increased prevalence of co-morbidities; higher community exposure; or genetic polymorphisms.
Effects of drying conditions in low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of dehydrated bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.)

Abstract Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is a fruit that brings health benefits to consumers because the fruit is rich in bioactive compounds. In this work, a combination of low‐temperature convective drying and microwave radiation was used to dehydrate sliced bitter melon. One‐factor‐at‐a‐time design was performed to evaluate the influence of microwave power density (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 W/g), drying temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C), and air velocity (1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 m/s) on the change of moisture content, nutrient levels (vitamin C and total phenolics), and the antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP assays) of the bitter melon. The obtained results showed that all investigated factors affected the rate of moisture removal. Microwave power density output and air‐drying temperature strongly participated in the retention of nutrients. In this study, the drying process was driven by both heat and mass transfer processes, so the increase of air velocity prolonged the drying time causing more loss of nutrient levels and antioxidant activities. It was found that DPPH free radical scavenging ability directly correlated with total phenolic content, but the ferric‐reducing antioxidant power was related to the presence of reductants including phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and other phytochemicals in bitter melons. This work determined that microwave power density and the air‐drying temperature are the main two factors that should be used for further investigations.
Frans van Mieris’s Painting Technique as One of the Possible Sources for Willem Beurs’s Treatise on Painting

The seventeenth-century artist Frans van Mieris was masterful in the realistic rendering of different materials, like satin, velvet, fur and metal. His work could well have been a source for fabrics and other materials for the slightly younger Willem Beurs’s 1692 treatise on painting. This paper will show how acute Van Mieris observations were in depicting these materials, and the role that reflections play in our perception of their realism.
Natural hybridization between black spruce and red spruce

Using species‐specific random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and morphological characters, natural hybridization between the closely related black spruce Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. and red spruce P. rubens Sarg. was evaluated in natural populations from north‐eastern North America. Sampling included populations from both areas of allopatry and also 14 populations from part of the area of sympatry located in the province of Québec and covering several thousands of square kilometres. Classification results from RAPD species‐specific markers and from a discriminant function based on morphology were compared. Molecular analysis of the allopatric populations indicated a small amount of interspecific gene leakage with no asymmetric directionality to introgression. A high occurrence of hybrid/introgressant individuals was observed within sympatric populations, suggesting weak reproductive isolation. As expected, the detection of such individuals was more efficient using molecular markers than with morphological traits. The hybrid zone appeared extensive with variable species structure and, in some stands, the main component composed of hybrid/introgressant trees. Implications for the genecology and genetic management of these species are discussed.
GENETIC STRUCTURE OF SPOTTED BASS (MICROPTERUS PUNCTULATUS) IN THE RED AND ARKANSAS RIVER BASINS: MICROSATELLITE AND MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION

Abstract Mitochondrial DNA sequences and 5 microsatellite DNA loci were used to assess the genetic structure of Micropterus punctulatus (spotted bass) in the upper Red, Ouachita, and Arkansas river basins. Results for 318 spotted bass from 14 localities indicated that extant populations in East Cache Creek, which potentially supported the nominal subspecies M. punctulatus wichitae, are either introductions or they are weakly divergent native populations. Both mtDNA and micro-satellite DNA indicated that populations of M. punctulatus in the Ouachita River basin are more similar to those in the Arkansas River basin than to those in the Red River basin. This conflicts with a previous Pleistocene model for the aquatic biogeography of the region. Microsatellites showed no evidence of genetic introgression by M. dolomieu; mtDNA was not divergent between the 2 species, possibly because of ancient introgression.
Positive Association between the Polymorphic Variant CCND1 A870G and Colorectal Cancer in Ecuadorian Mestizo Population

Abstract: Background : Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide and has an annual incidence of 917,000 cases. In Ecuador the CRC is the fifteenth most common form of cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths. Aim : Our goal was to establish frequencies related to the polymorphic variants: (CA)n in the EGFR gene and A870G in the CCND1 gene and their influence on the development of CRC in the Ecuadorian population. Methods : This is a retrospective case-control study consisting of colorectal cancer patients (n = 96 cancer tissues) compared to a control group (n = 62 adjacent healthy tissues). For the sequencing of the fragments, PCR and Sanger method was used. Results : The polymorphic variant A870G in CCND1 has a genotype frequency for the common homozygous G/G = 0.69, for the heterozygous A/G = 0.25 and for the less frequent homozygous A/A = 0.06 in the control group. We studied 7 alleles, repeats 14-19 have been reported in other studies, but the 13 repeats allele was first described here. The most common number of repetitions was 18 with a frequency of 0.326 in patients and 0.25 in controls (2 = 22.58, p <0.01). The odds ratio showed that the risk of developing colorectal cancer is 5 times greater if the individual is carrying the heterozygous G/A (p <0.01). Meanwhile, if the individual is carrying the allele 'A' the risk is 4 times more likely to develop this disease (p <0.01).
The Evolution of Function in Plant Secondary Metabolites

For the past 40 years, the ecology and evolution of plant secondary metabolites have been major foci of investigation. We use one class of secondary metabolites, the terpenes, as a case study for exploring the factors regulating the evolution of metabolite function. Evolution of function can occur as a result of change at any of several scales of biological organization. Changes in gene sequence and/or genetic architecture underlie several important evolutionary changes in function, and changes in gene regulation that alter terpene quantities also are linked with functional shifts. In addition, changes in the spatial distribution of terpenes within plants and in the structures used for terpene storage can be involved with functional shifts. Finally, as volatile compounds, terpenes play important roles as signaling compounds, and evolution of function can occur through changes in organisms that receive signals as well as the organisms that send them. In terpenes, significant changes in function have occurred as insects have learned to use terpenes as attractant or deterrent cues. A complete understanding of the evolution of function in secondary metabolites requires studying the regulation of function across all of these scales.
Origine, nature et lncldences technologiques de la protéolyse dans le lait (1)

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Origine, nature et incidences technologiques de la protéolyse dans le lait G. Miranda, J.C. Gripon
NEW SPECIES OF MONODELPHIS (DIDELPHIMORPHIA: DIDELPHIDAE) FROM PERU, WITH NOTES ON M. ADUSTA (THOMAS, 1897)

Abstract Monodelphis (short-tailed opossums) is the most diverse genus in the family Didelphidae, including at least 20 recognized species. This paper describes a new species of short-tailed opossum from the lowland forests of Loreto, northeastern Peru. The new species is intermediate in size and coloration between M. ronaldi, a species recently described on the basis of 1 specimen from southeastern Peru, and M. adusta, a more common species distributed across western Amazonia. However, the new species is sympatric only with M. emiliae. Diagnostic characters include overall large size, conspicuously wide buffy stripe on the venter, wide rostrum, narrow postorbital constriction, rounded posterior border of the infraorbital foramen, small and well-separated tympanic processes of alisphenoid, conspicuous posttympanic processes, enlarged canines, small 1st upper premolars, and enlarged cingula on premolars and molars. Whereas morphologically the new species closely resembles M. ronaldi and M. adusta, a phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences (which did not include M. ronaldi) indicates M. osgoodi as its sister taxon. Examination of molecular data also indicates that M. adusta is paraphyletic relative to M. osgoodi and the new species, and that populations currently referred to M. a. adusta and to M. a. peruviana each represent 2 distantly related and clearly distinct species.
Towards an Optimal IPO Mechanism

Concerns about the negative consequences of the excessive underpricing of the current arrangement in the initial public offering (IPO) market for the provision of entrepreneurial finance—book building—have led to research into the viability of auctions for IPO pricing and allocation. IPO firms face a trade-off between the benefit of accurate and reliable IPO price discovery and the cost of underpricing. The main aim of this paper was to gain new scientific knowledge about this trade-off by measuring the impact of two key variables on this trade-off: capacity restraint and discount on the auction clearing price. Using controlled experiment methodology in multi-unit uniform price auctions we found that the most capacity-restricted auctions that also offer investors a discount are likely to produce the most accurate and reliable price discovery and consequently, the most predictable auction outcome. There are indications that a discount of 8% may suffice to incentivize investors to reliably contribute to price discovery. The resulting underpricing (and its variability) of these auctions is likely to be significantly lower than if book building would be used to price and allocate IPOs. Technological innovation in the IPO market through the application of recent advances in data science, experimental economics and artificial intelligence allows for the optimization of IPO mechanisms and crowdfunding platforms which in turn improves the access to equity required for entrepreneurial finance.
Estimating the impact of interactions between bottlenose dolphins and artisanal fisheries around the Balearic Islands

Interactions between marine mammals and fisheries are a growing problem, and effective management requires assessment of the factors driving the interaction and of the impacts on fisheries. We used data from interactions between artisanal fisheries and bottlenose dolphins around the Balearic Islands to assess these factors and impacts. Observers collected data during 1,040 fishing operations over 3 yr. Location and year were important factors affecting interaction probability, with some areas showing large increases over the study period. We estimated the combined cost of catch loss and net damage as 6.5% of the total catch value (95% CI -12.3%, -1.6%), and the annual loss to be 3.4% (95% CI -6.5%, -0.1%) of the total catch by weight. This weight equates to the dietary needs of ∼12 dolphins (95% CI 0.2, 22), suggesting the fishery is not a vital food source for the dolphin population. Two dolphins died through entanglement during the observed fishing operations. We observed 3% of the total fishing activity, by weight, in 2003; scaling up this mortality directly suggests that as many as sixty dolphins may be dying in nets each year. This interaction likely has serious conservation implications for the dolphin population.
Growth and carcass composition of second-cross lambs. 1. Effect of sex and growth path on pre- and post-slaughter estimates of carcass composition

Carcass composition was estimated for 2316 second-cross lambs sired by 20 Poll Dorset rams over 2 years. The lambs were separated into ewes or cryptorchids at weaning with half of each sex group grown at a fast rate from weaning to slaughter at 40 kg liveweight for ewes or 48 kg for cryptorchids. The other half of each sex group was grown at a slower rate to the same slaughter weight 10–13 weeks later. Cryptorchids had fat scores about 0.4–1 unit lower and ultrasound C fat depths (45 mm from the mid-line over the 12th rib) about 0.8–1.3 mm less than ewes at the same liveweight. The carcass measures unequivocally showed that at the same carcass weight, fast-growing lambs were fatter than slow-growing lambs in both years and for both sexes. The average differences were 1.5 mm GR (total tissue depth 110 mm from the mid-line of the carcass over the 12th rib) and 1.4 mm C fat depth. Fat measurements on live lambs showed fast-growth cryptorchids were fatter than slow-growth cryptorchids; however, results for ewes were inconclusive. Slow growth to increase leanness needs to be evaluated against prevailing costs of lamb production and seasonal variation in prices. The correlations among and between live measures and carcass measurements of fatness were relatively low. The highest live to carcass R 2 values were ultrasound C fat depth with carcass C fat depth (0.36) and with the AUS-MEAT probe GR (0.34). There is a need to identify the best live lamb predictors of carcass composition.
Observed teaching behaviour in secondary education across six countries: measurement invariance and indication of cross-national variations

ABSTRACT Effective teaching is a key factor in educational effectiveness and improvement. To facilitate the knowledge exchange regarding effective teaching in secondary education internationally, there has been a growing interest in using classroom observation measures. However, little is known regarding the comparability of observation measures across various national contexts (measurement invariance). Consequently, comparing effective teaching behaviour across contexts is compromised by issues of construct and measurement equivalence. In the present study, we investigated measurement invariance of the International Comparative Analysis of Learning and Teaching (ICALT) for measuring teaching behaviour across various national contexts including the Netherlands, South Korea, South Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong-China, and Pakistan. Results showed that ICALT indicates full strict invariance in four out of the six countries, which provides a possibility to compare teaching behaviour in the Netherlands, South Korea, South Africa, and Indonesia. South Korea indicated the highest quality of teaching behaviour, while Indonesia indicated the lowest.
Investigation of Academic Staff’s Self-Efficacy Using the Educational Internet

The Covid-19 pandemic has had negative effects throughout the whole world, including education systems. To overcome this negativity, all educational institutions have turned to internet-based education. However, the educator’s self-efficacy is of more importance in this system. This study aimed to reveal the connection between the University academic staff’s genders, ages, titles (doctorate/non-doctorate), and work year characteristics and their self-efficacy beliefs about their educational Internet usage. The sample consists of 100 [51% (n = 51) female and 49% (n = 49) male] academic staff, who were selected according to convenience sampling in the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Sport Sciences at Uludag University. In this study, the “Educational Internet Usage Self-Efficacy Beliefs” scale, developed by Şahin (2009), was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics refer to number and percentage for qualitative variables; quantitative variables are summarized using mean, median, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum statistics. Univariate analyses used binary group comparisons with the Student’s t-test and relationships between numerical variables and Spearman correlation coefficients. Multiple regression analysis was used, in conjunction with the backward method, for the multivariate linear regression method. Analysis results alpha (Type I error) value was evaluated at the level of 0.05 significance. The mean level of self-efficacy belief of academic staff is 109,42. Since the highest score that can be obtained from the scale is 140, the relationships between scale score and age and duration of service variables are significant according to the univariate analysis, while differences in gender and PhD and non-PhD groups are not significant. When multiple linear regression analysis is applied with the backward stepwise method, age and academic title variables are significant in the model. Additionally, the mean scale scores of PhD academicians are higher than others.
Educating Patients through Clinicians: The CMCH Clinician Toolkit

Abstract As media and technology advance, the understanding of how they affect the health and development of children continues to evolve. Today, more and more clinicians address media health-related concerns among their pediatric patients, and the need for specialized patient education materials about these issues continues to grow. Creating and distributing these resources is an iterative and complex process, requiring continual evaluation of research from the field, feedback from sample target demographics, and collaboration with clinicians and clinical practices. Making these materials a part of a comprehensive toolkit for clinicians and providing open-source access to them can help ensure that patients and their families receive the information they need and become better educated about best practices when it comes to media use and health.
Interpopulation Comparison of Reproduction of the Atlantic Shrimp Hippolyte obliquimanus (Caridea: Hippolytidae)

Abstract The genus Hippolyte is represented by typically small shrimps with intriguing mechanisms of reproduction. In order to study possible variability in reproductive aspects among different populations, we conducted an exhaustive comparative study of H. obliquimanus from South (Brazil) and Central American (Costa Rica) waters. The study focuses on fecundity and reproductive output. Mean size of ovigerous females was significantly larger, and both mean reproductive output and mean fecundity were significantly higher in specimens from Costa Rica then in those collected in Brazil. Embryo volume was significantly smaller in the Costa Rican population, and in both populations embryos doubled their volume during embryogenesis. We discuss and compare our findings with the information available regarding H. obliquimanus and other hippolytid shrimp. The reproductive traits of both populations of H. obliquimanus show some important differences which may reflect adaptations to local environmental conditions, demonstrating a high plasticity of reproductive features of the species in Brazilian and Costa Rican waters.