Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variation of Fatty Acids Composition in European Eel Muscles from the North East of Tunisia: Bizerte Lagoon

The aim of this study is to determine the seasonal variation of the total fat content and fatty acids (FA) Composition of European eel population caught from Bizerte Lagoon located in the north east of Tunisia. Analyses of environmental parameters were carried out throughout the sampling period ranging from October 2007 to June 2008. Mean weight and length of samples studied is about 198g±5g and 48.2cm±5cm. Total lipid extraction was carried out by Folch method, methyl esters preparation was performed by direct transesterification, gas chromatography analysis showed that the major fatty acids present in eel oil extract were: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids which were significantly represented by eicosapentanoic (C20:5) and docosahexanoic acids (C22:6) of (n-3) family known as a major source of energy allowing eels growth and reproduction and with their benefic effect on human health; this component are influenced by environmental parameters as temperature and salinity.
A review of the microbial quality of potable water sources in Nigeria

Microbes are ubiquitous and are known to contaminate materials including food and water. This study reviews the microbial quality of potable water sources in Nigeria. The study found that the microbial quality often exceed World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization allowable limit of 1.0 x 102cfu/ml for potable water and Standard Organization of Nigeria maximum permissible level of 10cfu/ml (total coliform) and 0 cfu/100ml (Thermo tolerant Coliform or E. coli, Faecal streptococcus and Clostridium perfringens spore). However, surface water has high microbial load than the ground water. In packaged water, bottled water has lower microbial diversity and density than the sachet water. The high microbial isolates and load may have contaminated the water from the environment. These microbes found in the drinking water sources are known to cause several diseases conditions. The paper suggests that drinking water sources should be properly treated prior to consumption using appropriate method; so as to reduce the occurrence of waterborne disease.
The Impact of Man on the Environment of Botswana

Long term climatic changes have occurred throughout Africa and have had a profound influence on the continent's flora and fauna, but it is only within the relatively recent past that rnan has been able to influence these changes to a significant extent. Climatic changes normally take thousands of years to manifest themselves in the fauna and flora of a region, but man with his domestic animals, cultivation and fire can induce changes, similar to those produced by a reduction in the long term average precipitation, in a very much shorter time. This paper compares the ecological conditions in that part of southern Africa which is now Botswana (fig.l) up to 150 years ago, with conditions as they are now, and concludes that man has had a markedly depressive effect on the productivity of the environment, especially within the past 100 years or less.
Repositório ISCTE-IUL

Purpose - The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential variances in strategic entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across different countries, while also exploring the cultural implications that may arise. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews conducted with seven technology start-ups from two countries - Portugal and France. Findings - The results of this study demonstrate significant differences in opportunity-seeking, performance, and long-term orientation behaviors between the technology start-ups in Portugal and France. Practical implications - This knowledge can help entrepreneurs and investors make informed decisions when developing strategies, entering new markets, or seeking partnerships with start-ups from different countries. Furthermore, policymakers can use these findings to support entrepreneurship initiatives and foster an environment that encourages strategic entrepreneurship practices. Originality/value - This study offers a unique perspective by focusing on the firm level of entrepreneurial SMEs and the strategic practices adopted by technology start-ups in Portugal and France. In contrast, prior studies have predominantly centered on analyzing individual motivations for entrepreneurship, such as personal traits or attitudes, rather than exploring the actual strategic behaviors and practices of start-ups in various countries. By shifting the emphasis to the firm level, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of how strategic entrepreneurship practices differ across different cultural contexts. As such, it represents a significant contribution to the existing literature on strategic entrepreneurship.
Determinação de anti-inflamatórios na água e sedimento e suas relações com a qualidade da água na bacia do Alto Iguaçu, Curitiba-PR

Environmental contamination by emerging pollutants has been explored in different studies in the environmental area. This is due, in the most part, by the low efficiency of municipal wastewater treatment and the high chemical consumption. The watershed of the Alto Iguacu located in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba has a high population density in your surroundings and, consequently, has some problems in water quality of its rivers. Considering this aspect, this study comprehended the evaluation of emerging contaminants in five rivers inside this watershed. Contamination by anti-inflammatory ibuprofen, paracetamol and diclofenac in surface water and sediment was evaluated for a year, a total of four sampling campaigns. Ibuprofen was found only in the first sampling, but in high concentrations in the Belemriver(729 ng.L-1). Diclofenac had been widely detected in water and it reached concentrations of 285 ng.L-1 in the third sampling in the Iguacu river. Unlike the rest, paracetamol was often quantified in the water, being the Iguacu and Belem rivers with more presence of this drug. It was also determined in sediments, especially in Bariguiriver, being founded 6,896 µg g-1. The presence of these compounds in the sampled rivers confirms an anthropogenic interference with the Alto Iguacu watershed, which suffers from unplanned urbanization
Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation. Southern Europe, South America and Post-Communist Europe

Since their classic volume The Breakdown of Democratic Regimes was published in 1978, Juan J. Linz and Alfred Stepan have increasingly focused on the questions of how, in the modern world, nondemocratic regimes can be eroded and democratic regimes crafted. In Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation, they break new ground in numerous areas. They reconceptualize the major types of modern nondemocratic regimes and point out for each type the available paths to democratic transition and the tasks of democratic consolidation. They argue that, although "nation-state" and "democracy" often have conflicting logics, multiple and complementary political identities are feasible under a common roof of state-guaranteed rights. They also illustrate how, without an effective state, there can be neither effective citizenship nor successful privatization. Further, they provide criteria and evidence for politicians and scholars alike to distinguish between democratic consolidation and pseudo-democratization, and they present conceptually driven survey data for the fourteen countries studied. Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation contains the first systematic comparative analysis of the process of democratic consolidation in southern Europe and the southern cone of South America, and it is the first book to ground post-Communist Europe within the literature of comparative politics and democratic theory.
Repositório ISCTE-IUL

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide the first assessment of the Integrated Reporting stream using a broad sample of publications separated into research scopes (accounting and non-core accounting journals), and using a longitudinal perspective. This study proposes to identify its main contributors, evidencing both individual and collaborative work. Design/methodology/approach: Bibliometric tools supported by a milestone approach to IR history were used to address the first two research questions on the growth of this stream per scope. Density maps on keyword co-occurrence provided insights into the third question aimed at assessing differences in the scopes’ research topics. Number of publications, citation-based metrics, and network analysis based on co-authorship allowed us to answer the last question regarding the top contributors. Findings: The results endorse the acknowledged interest in this stream, exposing its incredible growth, which already amounts to over 1000 different scholars, 200 distinguished journals, and 7600 citations across 540 peer-reviewed publications. With the accounting scope leading on citation frequency, and the non-core accounting having more publications, an almost picture-perfect circle in a pooled density map supports the field’s advocated interdisciplinarity with its distinctive contributions. Lastly, the cluster analysis revealed that 140 publications belong exclusively to 10 research clusters that contribute to more than half of the total citation count. Originality: This rich analysis combines visualizing techniques with in-depth bibliometrics to provide the first far-reaching collation of publications on IR to offer a complementary view on this dynamic interdisciplinary stream.
Variation in stable carbon (δ 13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope compositions along antlers of Qamanirjuaq caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus)

Abstract Annual antler growth begins in the spring and is completed by late summer for male caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) from the Qamanirjuaq herd (Nunavut, Canada), aligned with both the spring migration and a seasonal dietary shift. Antlers may provide a non‐lethal means of studying short‐ and long‐term changes in caribou ecology through incorporated isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). We sampled the antlers of 12 male caribou from the Qamanirjuaq herd culled in September 1967. We predicted that serial sampling of antlers would reflect the known seasonal dietary change from lichen to grass‐like and shrub diet based on rumen contents from individuals culled during the same period. The δ13C and δ15N were analyzed in food sources and every 3 cm along each antler's length. The carbon isotope compositions of collagen (δ13Ccol) varied by ~0.5‰ among individuals and within antlers, while the carbon isotope compositions of antler bioapatite (δ13CCO3) increased by 1–1.5‰ from pedicle to tip. Values of δ15Ncol increased within antlers by 1–3‰ from pedicle to tip and varied by 3‰ among the individuals sampled. Antler collagen was lower in δ15Ncol by ~1‰ relative to bone collagen. Bayesian mixing models were conducted to test for changes in dietary proportions from antler isotope compositions. Mixing models did not indicate significant dietary shifts for any individual during antler formation, showing consistently mixed diets of fungi, horsetail, lichen, and woody plants. Increases in δ15Ncol in antler tissue could, therefore, correspond to subtle seasonal dietary changes and/or the physiological stress of antler tissue development.
Larval Distributions of Some Commercially Valuable Fish Species over the Sydney Continental Shelf

The cross-shelf and vertical distributions of larvae of 12 species of commercially valuable marine fish are described from continental shelf waters off Sydney, south-eastern Australia. Depth stratified sampling was conducted along a shore-normal transect on 3 and 4 consecutive nights in January and April, respectively, 1994. Larvae of the commercially valuable species Hyperlophus vittatus, Sardinops sagax, Engraulis australis, Argyrosomus japonicus, Pseudocaranx dentex, Trachurus novaezelandiae, Liza argentea, Sillago flindersi, Acanthopagrus australis, Pagrus auratus, Rhabdosargus sarba and Gerres subfasciatus together represented 11947 of the 50781 total fish larvae in samples. Species distributions extended to the outer shelf or slope, although the majority of larvae occurred in subsurface waters of the nearshore mixed layer. The majority of larvae were at a preflexion stage of development. Where present, later stage larvae tended to exhibit a different distribution to that of earlier stage larvae, although trends were variable among species. Results are discussed in relation to existing information on the larval distributions and spawning times of each species.
Agroecology: Searching in the wrong place

This paper presents a defence of ecologically based monodominance. The promotion of ‘agroecology’ has been validated by the belief that natural vegetation forms a multi-species ‘balance’ under pest pressure. Agroecologists consider monoculture crops as an artificial construct unknown in nature. To achieve this ecological balance crop fields should be re-diversified to species-diverse ‘polycultures’, as mimics of natural vegetation. This simple view of herbivorous insects forcing vegetation diversity held sway with various authors until around 1970. Post-1970 there was an increasing recognition of, and focus on, natural monodominant vegetation. The driving force behind natural plant monodominance, especially in herbaceous species, seemed to be seasonal ecological stress, including fire, flood, silt formation and soil nutrient deficiency. These abiotic stresses were capable both of winnowing out less adapted species, but also encouraging the evolution of adaptations to the stress (as seen, for example, in the distinctive features of monodominant mangroves and sea-grasses). The result was plant species with the ability to grow as monodominants, but, importantly, the evolved ability to resist any extra biotic pressure from herbivores – both features invaluable for monoculture agriculture. Agroecology never considered the possibility of adaptative evolution to biotic stress to allow monodominance (the ‘fight’ stratagem of plant species). In addition, agroecology only recognizes the ‘flight’ stratagem for short-distance escape (plant species ‘hiding’ in mixed-species vegetation). This ignores a major feature of modern agriculture, which heavily relies on long-distant crop introduction, through trans-oceanic crop introduction: the ultimate ‘flight’ mechanism to remove susceptible species from co-evolved herbivorous insects and disease by long-distant dispersal. In failing to understand the evolution of monodominance, current agroecological principles are without a solid scientific basis ecologically. There is still an opportunity to revise the current thinking to develop a more ecologically-based form of agroecology.
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Astaxanthin on Gastrointestinal Diseases

A moderate amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is produced under normal conditions, where they play an important role in cell signaling and are involved in many aspects of the immune response to pathogens. On the other hand, the excessive production of ROS destructs macromolecules, cell membranes, and DNA, and activates pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, which may lead to various pathologic conditions. Gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa is constantly exposed to ROS due to the presence of bacteria and other infectious pathogens in food, as well as alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Prolonged excessive oxidative stress and inflammation are two major risk factors for GI disorders such as ulcers and cancers. Bioactive food compounds with potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity have been tested in experimental GI disease models to evaluate their therapeutic potential. Astaxanthin (AST) is a fat-soluble xanthophyll carotenoid that is naturally present in algae, yeast, salmon, shrimp, and krill. It has been shown that AST exhibits protective effects against GI diseases via multiple mechanisms. Residing at the surface and inside of cell membranes, AST directly neutralizes ROS and lipid peroxyl radicals, enhances the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, and suppresses pro-inflammatory transcription factors and cytokines. In addition, AST has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis via modulating cell proliferation-related pathways, apoptosis, and autophagy. Considering the potential benefits of AST in GI diseases, this review paper aims to summarize recent advances in AST research, focusing on its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against gastric and intestinal ulcers and cancers.
SECONDARY COMPRESSION IN THE STAGE OF PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION

ABSTRACT Some of the observations published so far represent that secondary compression arises not only after the dissipation of pore water pressure but also during the stage of primary consolidation. The secondary compression has considerable influence upon the time-strain relation in the process of consolidation and makes the estimate of consolidation difficult, in the case that primary consolidation continues for a long time. Therefore, it is of significance to investigate the secondary compression and its characteristics for the sake of evaluating more reasonably the consolidation of a clay deposit. This technical note is mainly concerned with the characteristics of secondary compression in the stage that pore water pressure is dissipated. From the results of consolidation tests which have been carried out on a clay with three kinds of thickness, the following findings have been derived. (1) The amount of a strain due to secondary compression developed in the stage of primary consolidation enlarges as the thickness of a clay layer increases. (2) Secondary compression occurs during primary consolidation only when the effective pressure is greater than the quasi-preconsolidation pressure and may be expressed as a function of elapsed time and a compression strain. On the other hand, no secondary compression may arise during primary consolidation when a clay stays in an apparently over-consolidated state.
Conodonts of the Glenwood beds

INTRODUCTION The Glenwood beds occupy a position between the St. Peter sandstone and the Platteville limestone of the upper Mississippi Valley. They consist of arenaceous to argillaceous yellowish gray to green shaly beds, or series of beds, which persist in general character and horizon, from Illinois to Minnesota. They were named and originally described by Calvin, in Iowa. 1 The thickness of the shaly beds, which constitute the more typical part of the Glenwood, does not, in general, exceed eighteen inches to three feet, but in places three, four, or more feet of the sand below it is mingled with argillaceous material and appears to have been disturbed by the advancing sea in which the shale was deposited. At some places in the vicinity of Fountain, Minnesota, and Oregon, Illinois, 2 the argillaceous shale is succeeded by several beds of sandstone; at other places, a thin argillaceous limestone occurs at that horizon.
Investigation of Effects of Electroplating Conditions on TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofiber Composited Nickel Electroplated Films

The effects of plating conditions on nickel (Ni) electroplated films composited with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized CNFs (CNFs) were investigated. Plating experiments were performed by varying the amount of CNFs added to the Watt's bath, the current density, and the stirring speed. The plated film obtained at 3 g/L, 2.5 A/cm2, and 300 rpm of them respectively, reached an average 483 HV of the surface hardness, which was the highest in this study. The surface hardness of the conventional Ni film without CNFs plated under the same conditions was an average of 239 HV, and the hardness improvement effect was more than twice as high. The hardness improvement effect due to dispersion enhancement tended to increase as more CNFs were more finely and densely composited into the Ni film, although different trends were observed when the current density was varied.
Fabrication and Characterization of Porous Diopside/Akermanite Ceramics with Prospective Tissue Engineering Applications

Tissue engineering requires new materials that can be used to replace damaged bone parts. Since hydroxyapatite, currently widely used, has low mechanical resistance, silicate ceramics can represent an alternative. The aim of this study was to obtain porous ceramics based on diopside (CaMgSi2O6) and akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) obtained at low sintering temperatures. The powder synthesized by the sol-gel method was pressed in the presence of a porogenic agent represented by commercial sucrose in order to create the desired porosity. The ceramic bodies obtained after sintering thermal treatment at 1050 °C and 1250 °C, respectively, were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine the chemical composition. The open porosity was situated between 32.5 and 34.6%, and the compressive strength had a maximum value of 11.4 MPa for the samples sintered at 1250 °C in the presence of a 20% wt porogenic agent. A cell viability above 70% and the rapid development of an apatitic phase layer make these materials good candidates for use in hard tissue engineering.
Visual Acuity-Related Outer Retinal Structural Parameters on Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Angiography in XLRS Patients and Carriers

Purpose To assess the quantitative differences in vessel density and retinal thickness of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) patients and RS1 mutation carriers, and the correlation with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Methods We analyzed the correlation between the BCVA of XLRS patients and the SS-OCT and OCTA findings including the detailed structural characteristics of XLRS patients. Results Besides the schitic changes in various retinal layers, the structural disturbance of outer retina was universally found. In 29 eyes included in the quantitative analysis, XLRS patients showed lower vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus and lower thickness of the outer nuclear layer. BCVA was correlated with the thickness of the outer plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer and the thickness from the outer limiting membrane to the retinal pigment epithelium. Carriers showed higher thickness of outer plexiform layer and smaller foveal avascular zone area. Conclusions SS-OCT and OCTA could identify the pathological alterations of the individual retinal layers and capillaries, which could pinpoint the exact location of the damages related to visual impairment. In the carriers, the subtle alterations that can be detected with SS-OCT, despite their normal visual acuity, may be caused by the lyonization. Translational Relevance Swept source optical coherence tomography can be used as an efficient technique to expose the retinal damage related to visual impairment for prognosis and follow-up.