Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Persistence of the Abra Alba-Pectinaria Koreni Muddy-Fine Sand Community of the Eastern Bay of Seine

The spatial distribution and temporal variations of the Abra alba-Pectinaria koreni community from the eastern part of the Bay of Seine were investigated through four winter surveys (1986, 1987, 1988 and 1991). A grid of 40–67 stations was sampled each year using a Hamon grab (0·25 m-2) for macrofauna collection and sediment analysis. The fauna was dominated by polychaetes and in a lower part by molluscs and echinoderms. Although species richness with ~100 species collected during each survey was high, total density and biomass (±SE) resulted principally from about ten dominant species, and varied between 846·9 ±163·5 and 1135·3 ±186·7 ind m-2 and 23·52 ±4·41 and 27·48 ±4·45 g m-2respectively. The dominant species were patchily distributed and exhibited weak spatio-temporal fluctuations except the two bivalves A. alba and Cultellus pellucidus. Factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) of the distribution of main species among stations and automatic hierarchical classification identified five faunal assemblages which were relatively stable in space and time. The temporal stability of the community could be generated by processes of larval retention near parental population, and sediment stabilization induced by the low abundance of deposit feeders and the high densities of the tube-dwelling polychaete Owenia fusiformis. While the sediment variables were a poor indicator of the spatial structure of the community, the salinity gradient off the Seine Estuary and post-settlement processes (e.g. food limitation and postlarval drifting) have been proposed to explain it. Comparison with an earlier survey (i.e. 1971) suggested a degree of long-term persistence of the community structure in qualitative and quantitative terms.
Improving olive oil quality using CO2 evolved from olive pastes during processing

The effect of blanketing with CO2, naturally evolved during malaxation of olive pastes, on the quality of virgin olive oil was investigated at lab-scale. The O2 depletion was monitored along with CO2 emission to confirm the previously hypothesized accelerated respiration. Malaxation experiments were conducted for 180 min both in sealed (SC) and in the traditional open-to-air conditions to ascertain whether the oil quality was affected by O2 concentration as afforded by CO2 blanketing. The quality of olive oils obtained at different time intervals was monitored by total acidity, peroxide value (PV), specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270, total chlorophyll and total hydrophilic phenols, and HPLC hydrophilic phenols profile. A rapid decrease in oxygen concentration and a simultaneous increase in CO2 concentration were recorded, confirming the accelerated respiration. The oil produced in SC showed a lower PV and K232 coefficient and a higher chlorophyll (10–17 mg/kg) and hydrophilic phenols (110 mg/kg) concentration. No differences in total acidity and K270 coefficient were observed. The hydrophilic phenols profile indicated that, at least for the Frantoio cultivar and an advanced ripeness state, the maximal extraction is generally achieved already after 20 min. Most of the individual hydrophilic phenols have higher concentrations (up to 50%) in SC.
Growth rate of apple fruits as a method of predicting their abscission.

A study on the fruit growth rate of apple cultivars Golden Delicious and Granny Smith as observed from day 5 to day 25 after petal fall revealed that a decrease in growth rate and fruit growth break can be used as a relatively reliable method for the early evaluation of natural fruit drop. Fruit growth to a diameter of about 5 mm was slow (about 1 mm/day), and subsequently, from a diameter of 5 to 15 mm, the growth was more rapid and almost linear (mean value being 5.5 mm/day). The fruits experiencing growth break during the first shed period reached a size of 4.5-5.5 mm, and those whose growth broke during the second shed period (June drop) were 812 mm in size. At least 4 days elapsed between the moment of growth break and fruit dropping. A decrease in fruit growth rate can serve as a fairly reliable indicator of approaching fruit drop at a stage when the fruits have reached a size of 5 mm. In fruits that are about to drop, the growth break occurs 2-4 days after the growth rate decrease down to 50% of the growth rate of surviving fruits.
Primates, brains and ecology

The paper examines systematic relationships among primates between brain size (relative to body size) and differences in ecology and social system. Marked differences in relative brain size exist between families. These are correlated with inter-family differences in body size and home range size. Variation in comparative brain size within families is related to diet (folivores have comparatively smaller brains than frugivores), home range size and possibly also to breeding system. The adaptive significance of these relationships is discussed.
Notes on some Indo-Pacific Pontoniinae, XLVI. Palaemonella foresti sp. nov., a new pontoniine shrimp from Western Australia (Decapoda, Palaemonidae), with a review of the Indo-West Pacific species of the genus Palaemonella Dana, 1852

A new species of pontoniine shrimp from Western Australia is described and illustrated. Palaemonella foresti , closely related to P.pottsi (Borradaile, 1915), was collected during the course of a survey of Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. The eleven Indo-West Pacific species of the genus Palaemonella Dana, 1852 now known are reviewed and a key for their identification is provided. Une nouvelle espece de crevette pontoniine de Western Australia est decrite et illustree. Palaemonella foresti , apparentee de pres a P.pottsi (Borradaile, 1915), a ete recoltee lors d'un etude menee sur la faune marine de Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Les onze especes indo-ouest pacifiques du genre Palaemonella Dana, 1852, connues jusqu'a present, sont passees en revue et une cle pour leur identification est donnee.
Metodo del caso en b-learning. Modelacion de un ambiente de aprendizaje basado en el blended learning y el metodo del caso en el espacio de la educacion superior

El trabajo de investigacion tiene por objeto modelar ambientes de aprendizaje hibrido o Blended Learning, gestionados a traves de la tecnica didactica metodo del caso en espacios de educacion superior. El estudio comprende la revision teorica y metodologica de publicaciones relacionadas con estas areas del conocimiento y el modelado a traves de ecuaciones estructurales, utilizando como metodo para el analisis estadistico los minimos cuadrados parciales o Partial Least Squares. La fase experimental fue realizada en la Universidad de Carabobo-Venezuela con la participacion de docentes y estudiantes de sus distintas Facultades. Se llevaron a cabo dos trabajos empiricos utilizando el estudio de caso en una primera fase descriptiva y exploratoria; y un estudio tipo encuesta en una segunda fase de caracter explicativo. Los hallazgos reportan el desarrollo de un modelo definido por constructos observados en el proceso de ensenanza-aprendizaje, tales como el Blended Learning, la plataforma virtual de aprendizaje LMS, el metodo del caso y los efectos sobre el aprendizaje y la satisfaccion percibida por el estudiante. El modelo es analizado desde la validez de medida y desde su estructura, resultando altamente confiable y con alto valor predictivo en el que del 100% de las hipotesis propuestas fue aceptado el 60%. La determinacion del constructo metodo del caso como el corazon del modelo, tal como fue concebido en el planteamiento inicial, resulta en una significativa y confiable influencia directa sobre el aprendizaje y la satisfaccion percibida por el estudiante. La satisfaccion es utilizada como constructo predictor del aprendizaje percibido, de igual forma la plataforma LMS influye en el blended learning y en el metodo del caso en concordancia con la realidad del escenario estudiado. De igual forma se observo el desempeno del docente en cuanto al esfuerzo y dedicacion en estos ambientes con un resultado del 29% adicional en comparacion con experiencias que no emplean la tecnologia y la determinacion de roles ejecutados durante el desarrollo del proceso educativo como facilitador, tutor, experto y planificador. Los resultados obtenidos hacen de esta, una propuesta a ser tomada en cuenta para reforzar la factibilidad positiva del uso de escenarios de aprendizaje caracterizados por el Blended Learning y gestionados a traves del metodo del caso, tanto para instituciones educativas como para el entrenamiento y formacion de personal en la industria y empresas en general.
Increased tolerance and conversion of inhibitors in lignocellulosic hydrolysates by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, monomeric sugars and a broad range of inhibitory compounds are formed and released. These inhibitors, which can be organized around three main groups, furans, weak acids and phenolics, reduce ethanol yield and productivity by affecting the microorganism performance during the fermentation step. Among the microorganisms that have been evaluated for lignocellulosic hydrolysate ethanol fermentation, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae appears to be the least sensitive. In order to overcome the effect of inhibitors, strategies that include improvement of natural tolerance of microorganism and use of fermentation control strategies have been developed. An overview of the origin, effects and mechanisms of action of known inhibitors on S. cerevisiae is given. Fermentation control strategies as well as metabolic, genetic and evolutionary engineering strategies to obtain S. cerevisiae strains with improved tolerance are discussed.
Both universal and local: The catholic/Catholic identity of the Catholic school within the church

This is the third in a series of four papers which seeks to articulate theologically and practically the consequences of the ecclesial identity of the Catholic school. The series is based on the principle that the “marks” of the Church-one, holy, catholic and apostolic-are also marks of the Catholic school, since the Catholic school is within the Church and derives its ecclesial identity from the Church. Each paper analyses one of these “marks”, discerning what it means theologically and practically for the Catholic school. In this paper, the third of the marks of the Church and therefore of the Catholic schoolcatholicis discussed in terms of what it means for the school to be both catholic and Catholic. It is argued that as catholic, the mission of the school is universal, and the implications of this in terms of students from other Christian denominations and other religions are considered. It is also argued that as Catholic, the school is called to the religious socialization of Catholic students, and that this task takes place within a particular theological context, and has particular responsibilities.
MiR-146a Regulates Migration and Invasion by Targeting NRP2 in Circulating-Tumor Cell Mimicking Suspension Cells

Cancer metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related death and metastatic cancer has circulating-tumor cells (CTCs), which circulate in the bloodstream before invading other organs. Thus, understanding the precise role of CTCs may provide new insights into the metastasis process and reduce cancer mortality. However, the molecular characteristics of CTCs are not well understood due to a lack of number of CTCs. Therefore, suspension cells were generated from MDA-MB-468 cells to mimic CTCs, and we investigate the microRNA (miRNA)-dependent molecular networks and their role in suspension cells. Here, we present an integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA sequencing data for suspension cell lines, through comparison with adherent cells. Among the differentially regulated miRNA–mRNAs axes, we focus on the miR-146a-Neuropilin2 (NRP2) axis, which is known to influence tumor aggressiveness. We show that miR-146a directly regulates NRP2 expression and inhibits Semaphorin3C (SEMA3C) signaling. Functional studies reveal that miR-146a represses SEMA3C-induced invasion and proliferation by targeting NRP2. Finally, high-NRP2 is shown to be associated with poor outcomes in breast cancer patients. This study identifies the key role of the miR-146a–NRP2 signaling axis that is critical for the regulation of migration and invasion in CTC-mimicking cells.
The influence of social capital on the timing of first sexual intercourse among Canadian youth

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON THE TIMING OF FIRST SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AMONG CANADIAN YOUTH Lisa Smylie Department of Sociology & Anthropology University of Windsor Supervisor. Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale, PhD This dissertation examines the nature of social capital and the mechanisms of its development and mobilization as it relates to the sexual behaviour of young people in Canada between the ages of 16 and 19 years. It extends the youth-centred social capital literature, pioneered by Virginia Morrow, and builds upon its foundations to integrate it with the youth sexuality literature. Using cycles two through four of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), the dissertation examines the relative influence that social context at various sites, including family, school, peers, leisure activities and community groups, has on the timing of first sexual intercourse among Canadian youth. It explores how these influences differ by gender and at three time points during adolescence. The results suggest that social capital in peer groups is the dominant influence on the timing of first sexual intercourse, but that social capital within the family and within broader community relationships also exert an influence. ITie analysis suggests that the influence of social capital on the timing of first sexual intercourse differs for males and females and is dynamic, with various contexts differing in their influence as voting people transition through adolescence. Drawing on in-depth interviews with young people in Southwestern Ontario, it examines the nature of social capital for this age group and the ways in which young people actively develop and mobilize their social capital. The findings suggest that social capital is actively developed by young people in the context of daily interactions with family members, peers, and community members. The findings demonstrate the constraints placed on young people's ability to develop and mobilize social capital by community infrastructure, age and gender. The findings point to the ways in which social capital influences the sexualities of young people through social norms, lines of communication, information channels and opportunities. The dissertation concludes by suggesting a need for policies and public health practice that move beyond a focus on individual behaviours and that address the social contexts influence the sexual decisions of young people.
Trust-Building Mechanisms and Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Communities

Although trust has received much intention in the virtual communities (VCs) literature, few studies have been conducted to examine how trust develops in VCs. Drawing from prior literature on trust and knowledge sharing, a research model for understanding the antecedents of trust and the role of trust in VCs is presented. Data was collected from 324 members of a technical virtual community to test the model. The results help in identifying how the factors fall into three trust-building mechanisms build trust in the context VCs. The study discusses the theoretical and managerial implications of this study and proposes several future research directions.
Blockchain and smart contracts for higher education registry in Brazil

The validation of academic credits and issuance of academic degree certificates in the Brazilian education system currently occurs in a semi or completely noncomputerized way. The actual digitization of this system could make it more secure and decrease bureaucracy in terms of document validation, saving in storage and labor. Due to the recent increase in forgeries and loss of records, it is paramount that this process becomes more transparent and reliable for all involved parties. This article presents a proposal and an implementation for the digitization of degree certificates and academic credits for higher education in the Brazilian education system. A transparent model based on blockchain is proposed, in which higher education institutions register students and their academic credits in a chain of records using the Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure for identity management. This information, associated with smart contracts, enables the reliable and decentralized issuance of degree certificates through the validation of a historical database and the triggering of transactions using smart contracts. The focus of this article is the demonstration of an experiment that validates this proposal.
Early Holocene Extensional Tectonics in the South-Eastern Cape Fold Belt, South Africa

The current seismo-tectonic model for South Africa depicts the south-eastern Cape Fold Belt as a tectonically stable intraplate-type environment, where earthquakes are relatively infrequent to rare, particularly large surfacerupturing events. The closest surface rupture recorded by the SANSN, which underpins the model, is the extensional Mozambique 7.2M event on 22 February 2006, related to southward propagation of the East African Rift. A similar 84km-long extensional surface rupture has been found along the Kango fault within the southern Cape Fold Belt, 50km east of Oudtshoorn. Optically stimulated luminescence dating indicates it occurred around 10,620 ± 509, at the start of the Holocene. This fault, together with the adjoining Baviaanskloof and Coega faults, and other nearby adjacent faults, is the subject of a palaeoseismic investigation to determine the Quaternary tectonic history of the south-eastern continental margin. This region of South Africa has little seismic information, and the record is too short to include the long recurrence intervals of large, surface damaging earthquakes typical of intraplate regions. The data reported includes the location and extent of the surface rupture, the local stress direction, the date and magnitude of the most recent event, the minimum recurrence interval, and maximum slip rate. The earthquake environmental effects are also evaluated according to the new Environmental Seismic Intensity Scale (ESI 2007), to provide an independent assessment of seismic intensity. A potential local tectonic driver, the Cape Isostatic Anomaly (CIA) is also discussed, as well as a possible trigger mechanism leading to the rupture. Results should facilitate PSHA of several new critical facilities planned for the province.
A Model of Competition for Space

A simple model of competition among individuals for space is defined and analyzed. Each individual is assumed to occupy a certain area and grow at a specified rate. When two individuals attempt to occupy the same area, one or the other dies. An analytic approximation for the model is developed and tested against computer simulations. The implications of the model for the self-thinning of even-aged stands, for the generation of overdispersed spatial patterns, and for the generation of bimodal size distributions are discussed. driven by wave action sweep an area clear of compet- itors. In this paper, we introduce a simple model of competition for space and explore some of its prop- erties. We consider here competition only among members of the same species and of the same age, but our approach can be taken to model competition among individuals of different ages and members of different species as well. Models of competition for space are intrinsically dif- ficult because the intensity of interactions among in- dividuals depends on their locations, and the interac- tions themselves modify the distributions of those locations. Similar problems do not arise in the more common Lotka-Volterra competition models because those models assume in effect that every individual encounters every other in the population. In other models of competition for space, there are two general approaches. The first, as exemplified by the studies of Mitchell (1975) and Ek and Monserud (1979), are sim- ulation studies that take full account of the complexity of the interactions. Those particular models are of for- ests, but a similar approach can be taken to other sys- tems (e.g., Maguire and Porter 1977). The second ap-
PARENTAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENGLISH EDUCATION FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS IN TURKEY

Learning a language is very important in our global world. People should know at least one foreign language to enter the global market place. English is the leading foreign language in many countries, including Turkey. Parents attitudes towards the language affect their children’s success in learning the language. Many studies have indicated that parents play an important role in maintaining their children’s language ability as well as in participating for the success of school and learning. The aim of this study was to investigate the parental attitudes towards English education for Kindergarten students. In this study a questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. To determine valid and reliable results the pilot administration was done to see the possible problems which might occur. The result of the pilot study indicates that the questionnaire has . 97 reliability. 46 parents who are sending their children to a Kindergarten which has English education were selected randomly for the main study. The main study was carried out at Neseli Adimlar Kindergarten during the first term of the 2006–2007 Academic year. The results demonstrated that most parents strongly support immersion of English for their children in Kindergartens whereas; they have negative attitudes with respect to the qualifications of teachers.
Mechanical Ventilation with Moderate Tidal Volume Exacerbates Extrapulmonary Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury via IL33-WISP1 Signaling Pathway

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT IL-33 and WNT1-inducible secreted protein (WISP1) play central roles in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by mechanical ventilation with moderate tidal volume (MTV) in the setting of sepsis. Here, we sought to determine the inter-relationship between IL-33 and WISP1 and the associated signaling pathways in this process. We used a two-hit model of cecal ligation puncture (CLP) followed by MTV ventilation (4 h 10 mL/kg) in wild-type, IL-33−/− or ST2−/− mice or wild-type mice treated with intratracheal antibodies to WISP1. Macrophages (Raw 264.7 and alveolar macrophages from wild-type or ST2-/- mice) were used to identify specific signaling components. CLP + MTV resulted in ALI that was partially sensitive to genetic ablation of IL-33 or ST2 or antibody neutralization of WISP1. Genetic ablation of IL-33 or ST2 significantly prevented ALI after CLP + MTV and reduced levels of WISP1 in the circulation and bronchoalveolar lung fluid. rIL-33 increased WISP1 in alveolar macrophages in an ST2, PI3K/AKT, and ERK dependent manner. This WISP1 upregulation and WNT β-catenin activation were sensitive to inhibition of the β-catenin/TCF/CBP/P300 nuclear pathway. We show that IL-33 drives WISP1 upregulation and ALI during MTV in CLP sepsis. The identification of this relationship and the associated signaling pathways reveals a number of possible therapeutic targets to prevent ALI in ventilated sepsis patients.