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This study explores the role of complex problem solving in securing sustainable competitive advantage for organizations. It investigates whether the ability to resolve complex, multidimensional problems contributes to a firm's strategic positioning and operational efficiency. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing interviews with professionals in the consultancy sector to gather insights on the impact of problem-solving skills on organizational performance. Findings indicate that while solving complex problems is valued and contributes to competitive parity, it is not sufficiently rare or inimitable to ensure a sustainable competitive advantage on its own. However, effectively leveraging problem-solving capabilities within organizational strategy and innovation processes can enhance competitiveness. The study contributes to the dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage literature by highlighting the importance of problem-solving skills and suggesting avenues for organizations to harness these capabilities more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delivering a positive tourism experience is an expanding concern of destinations because of the growth of the tourism industry. The emergence of creative tourism has led to a continued necessity for local destination management organizations to pursue innovative and versatile strategies. This study aims to evaluate the organizational capabilities of local destination management organizations to promote a creative tourism context and develop related activities. The conceptual model was tested using a mixed-methods approach, combining a focus group with local destination management organizations with a quantitative study using multivariate statistical analysis through structural equational modeling. The findings showed that local destination management organizations ought to prioritize organizational culture by coordinating learning and effective knowledge training to strengthen marketing communication capabilities while focusing on potentiating their resources to develop the destination by implementing a local creative tourism destination, thereby generating value for a greater creative tourism local destination where tourists play an active role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every day, companies are exposed to various risks arising from their environment, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the most affected. This study emphasizes innovation and resilience as the starting points to understand how SMEs are influenced by external factors which are independent of the managers' will. To date, we have seen several extreme factors that have conditioned businesses and entrepreneurs of these types of companies, such as the financial crisis of 2008. However, last year, in 2020, we saw the beginning of a worldwide pandemic: COVID-19. Thus, this research seeks to understand the extent to which this pandemic influenced the resilience and innovation of SMEs in the tourism area. Thus, eight hypotheses were raised based on four independent variables: access to finance, risk taking, working conditions, and personal network. The study of these variables was developed from an online questionnaire and in-depth interviews. After analyzing the results, it is possible to infer that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in consequences never observed in previous crises, to such an extent that the study showed that: (1) a company's network positively influences its resilience; (2) risk taking influences innovation and resilience of these SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem solving skills are increasingly important to be able to tackle the complex problems encountered in the business world. Nowadays is increasingly important to achieve sustainable development, focusing not only on economic profit but also on creating social value. It is widely agreed that the principles of scientific management can lead to more effective solutions for complex problems. Problems have to be looked at objectively, with methodology and intellectual integrity and modesty. Several techniques have been developed to help analyze the causes of the problem or formulate solutions. Although these business research techniques are important tools, they are presented as isolated measures. Pereira Problem Solving methodology presented provides guide to address business and management problems. It is an integrative and easy-to-use instrument that helps organizations adopt scientific management practices and will enhance the efficiency of the solutions encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's complex and changing business environment the concern with sustainability has gained more notoriety. However, companies still do not have a sustainable perspective, but a short-term one, where their values are constantly forgotten and this concept is no longer welcomed. This research demonstrates the need for companies to adapt and to start acting in this direction. Following a set of interviews conducted with professionals with management positions of high responsibility, findings reveal that although sustainability is on the management mind, strategies and tools need to be adapted to be at the core of the organization's strategic formulation. To support this process, a new SWOT analysis to fit a forward-looking sustainable world is proposed. Furthermore, due to the aggregative nature of the model, it represents an essential tool for an open innovation. "SWOT i" integrates the concern with sustainability as one of its pillars, placing the values and impacts that each decision can have at the center of the strategic formulation, allowing their performance to leverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experiments on void fraction of R1234yf in a horizontal smooth tube. • Effects of experimental conditions on void fraction of R1234yf is analyzed. • Experimental data of void fraction of R1234yf are compared with correlations. • The quick close valve method was used to measure the local void fraction. Void fraction is an important parameter to design and simulate thermal systems involving two-phase flows. In this research, an experimental investigation of the void fraction in adiabatic two-phase flow of R1234yf in horizontal and smooth tubes with an internal diameter of 4.8 mm was carried out. For the experimental tests, the vapor quality ranges from 0.1 to 1 while two saturation temperatures (15 and 25°C) and two mass flow rates (180 and 280 kg. m −2s−1) are investigated. The quick-closing valve(s) method is used to measure the volumetric void fraction. Tests are also undertaken with R134a used as a reference in this study. The results highlight that the void fraction of R1234yf is 5% lower than that for R134a. In addition, the experimental data of R1234yf were compared against seven correlations from the literature: the Baroczy and the Hughmark correlations were shown to provide the best prediction, with a mean absolute error of 2% and 3.2%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Benign tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are rare, and surgical correction is the ideal method of treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of operative treatment of benign TEFs in patients from a tertiary referral center. Methods Retrospective study of patients with benign TEFs who were treated between January 2005 and December 2014. Preoperative evaluation included computed tomography of the chest, bronchoscopy, and upper endoscopy. Preoperative treatment included nutritional support by gastrostomy and treatment of lung infections. Surgical repair was done with tracheal resection and reconstruction, laryngotracheal resection, or membranous tracheal repair without resection. Esophageal management consisted of two-layer closure. Results Twenty patients (11 men) with mean age 48 ± 17 years were included. The most frequent cause was postintubation injury (n = 16; 80%). The median TEF length was 9 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 2 to 25 mm). The most commonly used surgical approaches were cervicotomy (n = 15; 75%) and cervicosternotomy (n = 3; 15%). Eleven patients required tracheal resection; median length was 3 cm (IQR, 3 to 5.5 cm). Seven patients (35%) required intraoperative tracheostomy. Complications occurred in 55% of patients. There was one dehiscence of the tracheal anastomosis, and one procedure-related death. Ninety-five percent of patients had complete closure of the TEF occurred in 95% of cases. Two patients had tracheal stenosis recurrence, and one patient had both TEF and tracheal stenosis recurrence. Two patients have indwelling silicone tracheal stents. Conclusions Surgical treatment of TEF is effective. Nonetheless, morbidity and mortality are not negligible, even when performed at a referral center and after appropriate preoperative evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] In Timor-Leste maize is the key staple food crop and weed management and soil fertility are key issues. [•] We evaluated relay-sown Mucuna pruriens with maize as a low-input legume intercropping system. [•] Mucuna intercropping reduced the weed burden on maize. [•] Intercropping with mucuna lifted maize yield from 0.94tha−1 in monocrop to 2.19tha−1 with mucuna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work evaluates cocaine purity and the concentration ranges of adulterants and inorganic constituents for 31 street cocaine samples seized in two different regions of Brazil from July 2008 to May 2010. Cocaine and adulterants, such as caffeine, lidocaine and benzocaine, were quantified by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and the inorganic constituents were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and ion chromatography (IC). The cocaine concentrations in the samples seized in the Amazonas state (AM samples) ranged from 154 to 978mgg−1, and these samples did not contain any of the adulterants studied. The cocaine concentrations in the samples seized in the Minas Gerais state (MG samples) ranged from 63.9 to 753mgg−1. Caffeine was the main adulterant found in 76% of the MG samples, ranging in concentration from 5.5 to 645.3mgg−1. Lidocaine was found in 66.7% of the MG samples, with concentrations ranging from 16.3 to 576.7mgg−1. Benzocaine was found in only one MG sample, at a concentration of 84.8mgg−1. Fourteen elements were identified by ICP-OES, and a wide variation was observed in the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, P, Al, Fe, Mn and Zn. Pearson Product–moment Correlations between the analytes allowed the constituents to be associated with the chemicals used in the manufacturing of cocaine and with some common diluents. The study of the purity of cocaine and the presence and concentration of adulterants and inorganic constituents is important because the latter can have deleterious effects on health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Topsides dry weight and footprint minimization was conducted for a high CO 2 oil field. • Sensitivity analysis and genetic algorithm-based optimization are integrated and applied. • Optimization led to lighter and smaller equipment with near-maximum oil production. • Combination of membranes and MEA absorption led to superior gas processing scheme. Dry weight and footprint minimization of FPSO processing plants designed for a high CO2 oil field was conducted by integrating sensitivity analysis and genetic algorithm-based optimization. An asymptotic behavior between oil production and equipment dry weight or footprint occurred, demonstrating the possibility of achieving near maximum oil production while significantly reducing equipment dry weight and footprint. The flowsheet combining acetate cellulose membranes with MEA showed superior performance, with best equipment dry weight 22% lower and best equipment footprint 26% lower than the best values of a flowsheet solely relying on acetate cellulose membranes. A flowsheet solely relying on MEA presented the best equipment footprint and dry weight, but with heating demand much higher than the flowsheets that adopt cellulose acetate membranes. The developed process synthesis and optimization tool is efficient, powerful and can be expanded to cover other production systems and other attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to explain how Project Management (PM) ensures the accumulation, integration, utilization, and reconfiguration of the capabilities and knowledge acquired in projects in order to build dynamic capabilities (DCs). This study also gives insight into how PM can develop DCs through the identification and implementation of project management opportunities. The result of 22 semi-structured interviews with 22 participants from 9 companies of different industries are detailed and framed within theoretical dimensions of DCs: knowledge accumulation, integration, utilization, reconfiguration, sensing, and seizing. As a result, we present the best practices, techniques, and PM tools that allow leveraging DCs in organizations. This qualitative study contributes to a theoretical and empirical discussion about how PM transforms knowledge acquired in projects into routines and learning practices that allow organizations to develop or reshape capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial population growth, increasing urbanization, overloaded infrastructure, more energy consumption, environmental impacts, and investment in technological developments are major challenges in city management and development. Municipalities seek to improve their citizens' wellbeing and quality of life, but the need to find a balance between these complex factors makes decision-making processes more difficult. Experts must analyze the determinants of smart cities, which are urban centers intended to be socially involved, habitable, and economically and environmentally sustainable, and that rely strongly on technology and innovation. Based on multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) principles, this study combines cognitive mapping techniques and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to develop a multicriteria model that can help managers analyze smart city determinants in a collaborative manner. The research included identifying these determinants and their respective cause-and-effect relationships using an expert panel's experience and knowledge related to the subject under analysis. The results were validated by both the panel and the city councilor responsible for mobility and municipal projects within Évora City Council, Portugal, which has implemented smart city strategies. The latter specialist verified that the proposed evaluation system can be used as a tool to facilitate smart city collaborative decision-making processes. The study's main advantages and limitations are also analyzed and discussed. • This study contributes to a collaborative understanding of smart city. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and DEMATEL improve understanding of causal relationships. • Our proposal supports the formulation of smart city development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study contributes to a holistic understanding of urban blight. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and DEMATEL improve understanding of cause-and-effect relationships between decision criteria. • The combined use of cognitive maps and DEMATEL supports the formulation of anti-blight intervention strategies. Urban blight has been the subject of numerous worldwide studies. However, because of blight's complexity, direct relationship with ​​urban planning and multifaceted associated variables, studies targeting certain aspects of blight require detailed conceptualization and structure to facilitate decision-making processes that address blight. Many urban, socio-economic and cultural externalities associated with blight need to be addressed in developing viable intervention strategies for prevention, attenuation and eradication. Identifying and simplifying the complex issues associated with blight is important as their intricacy creates difficulties for decision makers. We simplify the blight problem by using unique techniques for structuring complex decision problems (i.e. , problem structuring methods (PSMs)). This methodology is based on multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) principles, as well as a combination of participatory techniques (i.e. , decision conferencing and cognitive mapping). In a subsequent phase, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique is used to enable the development of a more realistic, transparent analysis model for blight intervention strategies. This study assumes a constructivist logic, so both objective and subjective elements are included. The proposed methodology's advantages and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge is a crucial asset for any organization nowadays. Despite the temporary nature of projects, proper knowledge management can improve outcomes and benefit future endeavors. However, an effective knowledge management system has to be tailored to each organization. Therefore, it is extremely important to assess the stage of knowledge management (KM) maturity of an organization. The present study analyzed the general maturity level of European project-based organizations. The analysis was performed to understand the maturity of the knowledge management cycle's phases and it was possible to distinguish which phases were more developed and what are the main steps to create effective organizational learning in a project-based organization. Overall, European-based project-oriented organizations are halfway through the implementation of KM systems. While the need for a proper system has already been acknowledged, the infrastructure to support it still needs to be developed so proper measures can be put in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the economic and financial crisis, private and public organizations were subject to a constant reduction in costs and resources. Public shared service models felt compelled to adopt the Lean methodology with the aim of reducing costs, reducing waste and increasing employee satisfaction with the provision of quality services. Against this background, this article aims to evaluate the impact of the implementation of Shared Services and the inherent benefits of lean management in the Military Store, Contact Center, Post Office and Internal Portal used by the Portuguese Air Force. Using a case study methodology, this study portrays the elimination of waste and the optimization of existing human and financial resources. After the implementation in 2015, it is still possible now to verify that there is some resistance to change, and the fact that we are dealing with a hierarchical organization justifies this disadvantage. The implementation and operation of all services in their entirety allowed the optimization of resources and the simplification of processes, resulting in the elimination of duplicate tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First meiofauna description of the Atlantic Forest subtropical soil in South Brazil. • Pró-Mata soil seems to be at optimum ecological equilibrium. • Great diversity of species was found in Pró-Mata soil. The assessment of environmental communities may lead to the identification of the novel or not-yet-classified organisms. Few studies have focused on the meiofauna of poorly known habitats such as native soils in subtropical forests. We surveyed eukaryotic communities inhabiting soil in an unexplored area of a native Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil using high-throughput sequencing. We analyzed a total of 281,400 sequences using V4 and V9 hypervariable regions of 18S rRNA gene. Opisthokonta was the most abundant supergroup, with Fungi and Metazoa representing an average of 40.6% and 15.8% of the sequences, respectively. Among the metazoan, Nematoda was the second most abundant phylum (4.8%). Isolation and morphological assessment 1745 specimens of nematodes, classified by functional feeding groups as plant parasites (35%), bacterial feeders (30%), omnivores (7%) and predators (5%). Specimens belonged to the class Chromadorea (89.6%) and Enoplea (10.4%).Approximately 65% of them could be morphologically classified only to order level. Results identified a considerable number of newly or still uncharacterized nematodes in soil biota in Atlantic Forest soils. Furthermore, this is the first study in this subtropical area to show that both high throughput sequencing and morphology can give complementary indications of the diversity of nematodes in soil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Brazil is one of the world's largest producers of animal protein, requiring the large-scale use of veterinary drugs. The administration of antimicrobials and antiparasitics is a common practice. However, there is a lack of information on how these drugs impact the environment. Antimicrobials are capable of altering the soil microbial population and are responsible for the development of multidrug-resistant microbial strains. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the fate and transport of these compounds in the environment, and one parameter used for this purpose is the soil-water partition coefficient. In this work, an assessment was made of the soil sorption behaviors of 18 drugs from seven different families, including antimicrobials (sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, amphenicols, and macrolides) and antiparasitic drugs (milbemycin, avermectins, and benzimidazoles). Seven subtropical soils of different textural classes were tested. The Freundlich sorption coefficients, expressed as μg1−1/n (cm3)1/n g−1, were in the following ranges: 0.45 to 19 (sulfonamides), 72 to 2410 (fluoroquinolones), 9 to 58 (thiabendazole), 0.03 to 0.48 (florfenicol), 105 to 424 (moxidectin), 14 to 184 (avermectins), and 1.5 to 74 (macrolides). The results showed that the drugs belonging to the same family, with chemical structures in common, presented similar behaviors regarding sorption and desorption, for the different soils tested and are generally in agreement with soils from temperate regions. The data set obtained in this work give an overview of the fate of the veterinary drugs in Brazilian subtropical soils with different textures and composition and can be very helpful for exposure risk assessments. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Sorption of 18 veterinary drugs on seven subtropical soils were evaluated. • Fluoroquinolone drugs sorbs strongly onto subtropical soils. • Humic acids play an important role on the sorption of fluoroquinolones. • Florfenicol is highly mobile in soils and may contaminate water. • The low subtropical soil pH enhances the sorption of ionogenic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the cardiovascular effects and the anesthetic efficacy of intraosseous injections of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (EPI100) or 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine (EPI200). Study Design: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 0.9 mL EPI100 and EPI200 solutions were administered for endodontic treatment of mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in 60 patients. The anesthetic success and pain during anesthesia were evaluated by visual analog scale. The cardiovascular parameters evaluated were heart rate, diastolic/systolic blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiogram changes. Results: Both solutions provided high anesthetic efficacy (96.8% and 93.1% for EPI100 and EPI200, respectively; P > .05), and the cardiovascular parameters showed minimal incidences of significant differences throughout the clinical procedure. Conclusions: The epinephrine concentration did not affect the efficacy of 4% articaine, and both solutions produced a high success level of pulpal anesthesia. Intraosseous delivery by slow speed of injection did not induce significant clinical changes in cardiovascular parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Calorie malnutrition and Vitamin A deficiency are chronic in Timor-Leste [•] In 198 farmer-managed trials, three sweet potato clones out-performed local by 29–45% in 2006–2007 and by more than 100% in the next year [•] Among clones, only light-orange fleshed clones, such as Hohrae 3, showed detectable levels of β-carotene. Carotenoids were not detectable in clones with lighter coloured roots [•] Clone Hohrae 3 with its improved production potential and β-carotene level has the potential to contribute to the alleviation of calorie and Vitamin A malnutrition in Timor-Leste [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University libraries can be powerful cornerstones of an open innovation ecosystem for entrepreneurs. They are a source of worldwide market research for entrepreneurs looking to expand outside national borders with their existing enterprises. Social networking sites (SNS), which have been widely adopted by libraries as a means of engaging with students, are increasingly being utilized to provide market information to business communities. SNS can assist startups in forming and maintaining strong strategic ties with libraries to obtain ongoing support for globalization efforts. This column discusses the numerous benefits and some problems of using social media to develop such collaborations, particularly in terms of giving useful market insights to entrepreneurs (implementing partnerships). The issues of SNS adaptation for developing such relationships can be addressed with prototyping technologies. To address the needs of global startups, libraries must take advantage of social network access, overcoming the need for meetings on library grounds. To do so, thorough integration of SNS with library business activities is required, which is, regrettably, only observable in a few circumstances. University libraries are boosting their use of SNS to provide more online support for the business community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. This concern presents new challenges for companies and impels them to incorporate environmental sustainability into their business strategies. However, smaller companies, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have often been prevented from considering environmentally friendly investments beyond those legally required because these firms lack a holistic perspective on sustainability. They also have a limited perception of the interdependence of corporate, economic, and environmental business components. The long-term survival of SMEs could be significantly strengthened by a holistic understanding based on integrated methods that facilitate the identification and representation of determinants of environmental conduct. These methods would further help to enhance these companies' competitive advantages. This study sought to use fuzzy cognitive mapping techniques and the system dynamics (SD) approach to carry out analyses of determinants of environmental conduct in SMEs. The results show that this dual methodology enriches the decision-making process as it enables SME managers and decision makers to anticipate and analyze the consequences of their environmental conduct decisions. The results were validated by both the department head and a board member of Portugal's Regional Proximity and Licensing Department of the Institute for the Support of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI in Portuguese). Static and dynamic analyses were carried out to test and more fully develop the proposed framework. • A holistic framework is developed to analyze SMEs' environmental behaviors. • Cognitive mapping improves the selection of evaluation criteria. • The understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships is enhanced. • System dynamics enhances analyses of SME environmental conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although large firms have already begun addressing energy efficiency issues and adopting "cleaner" types of energy, companies with fewer resources, such as small and medium-sized enterprises, are more reluctant to implement these measures. Given that strategies leading to energy sustainability have become a key aspect of business competitiveness, decision makers in small and medium-sized enterprises could clearly benefit from a new approach that provides a better understanding of energy-change impacts on their business activities. The present study combined fuzzy cognitive mapping and the system dynamics approach to develop an informed, transparent model for use in analyses of energy-change effects on the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises. This dual methodology facilitated an examination of cause-and-effect relationships between decision criteria and the clarification of dynamic interactions between variables from a holistic, real-world perspective, thereby enriching the extant literature. The results of the proposed decision-support system were validated by two senior staff members of the Directorate for Energy Sustainability Services of Portugal's Directorate General for Energy and Geology. The advantages, limitations, and implications of our constructivist, process-oriented framework for research and practice are also discussed. • A holistic framework is developed to analyze energy-change impacts on SME sustainability. • Cognitive mapping improves the selection of evaluation criteria. • The understanding of cause-and-effect relationships is enhanced. • System dynamics enhances analyses of energy-change impacts on SME sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, global demand for energy has grown and the search for new ecological energy sources is one of the mostly significant issues we face. The digestion of alternative sources of carbon in anoxic environment produces gas of high calorific value, which is a promising source of alternative energy. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the biogas production of waste originated from a slaughterhouse industry of pigs and poultry, and from the dairy industry, and to characterize the physicochemical properties and microbiological composition of the biogas-producing biomass. Residues were collected and physicochemical and microbiological parameters were evaluated in four different stages of biogas production. At the end of 42 days, approximately 26 L of methane and 12 L of other gases were produced. The high amount of biogas/methane observed was related to the families Porphyromonadaceae , Tissierellaceae, and Methanobacteriaceae . Although less than 6% of the total reads lack classification at any taxonomic level, our analysis showed that about 50% of the sequences did not present a homologue sequence at the genus level in public databases. Knowledge about changes in the microbial composition and their dominance can provide tools for manipulation, isolation, and inoculation of the microorganisms inside the bioreactors to maximize methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conspicuous physicochemical vertical stratification in the deep sea is one of the main forces driving microbial diversity in the oceans. Oxygen and sunlight availability are key factors promoting microbial diversity throughout the water column. Ocean currents also play a major role in the physicochemical stratification, carrying oxygen down to deeper zones as well as moving deeper water masses up towards shallower depths. Water samples within a 50-km radius in a pockmark location of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean were collected and the prokaryotic communities from different water depths - chlorophyll maximum, oxygen minimum and deep-sea bottom (down to 1355 m) - were described. At phylum level, Proteobacteria were the most frequent in all water depths, Cyanobacteria were statistically more frequent in chlorophyll maximum zone, while Thaumarchaeota were significantly more abundant in both oxygen minimum and bottom waters. The most frequent microorganism in the chlorophyll maximum and oxygen minimum zones was a Pelagibacteraceae operational taxonomic unit (OTU). At the bottom, the most abundant genus was the archaeon Nitrosopumilus . Beta diversity analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing data uncovered in this study shows high spatial heterogeneity among water zones communities. Our data brings important contribution for the characterisation of oceanic microbial diversity, as it consists of the first description of prokaryotic communities occurring in different oceanic water zones in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's population has grown rapidly. Thus, new challenges have arisen in terms of people's quality of life, natural resources renewal, and urban environment sustainability. The smart city concept was developed to deal with these challenges by incorporating new technologies in order to find solutions that preserve cities' environment while promoting their residents' wellbeing. However, for cities to be truly "smart", they should be evaluated, and, to that end, determinants that facilitate their creation need to be identified. This study thus sought to combine cognitive mapping and the system dynamics approach to find which factors foster smart city success, as well as the cause-and-effect relationships among these determinants. In two groupwork sessions, a panel of experts identified a wide range of smart city determinants and analyzed the dynamics of their relationships. The results were validated by the panel members and senior representatives of Cascais and Évora City Councils, Portugal, who confirmed that the analysis system developed provides a deeper understanding of this research context. The advantages and limitations of the proposed framework are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban blight often is prominent in urban environments. It consists of real estate degradation to the extent that blighted residential properties, unfortunately, may provide housing only for the poorest social classes. Urban blight reduces real property values in urban neighborhoods and urban centers, reduces business investment and increases unemployment. Urban blight is not static, but continuously changing, either getting worse or improving. Thus, it is an issue of growing concern for urban decision makers who may attempt to determine its causes. Determining causes of urban blight facilitates the development of strategic measures for the prevention and potential eradication of this phenomenon. This study seeks to bolster the identification of factors that cause urban blight and makes important contributions to both the academic communities and society at large. By combining fuzzy cognitive mapping and the system dynamics approach, our proposal facilitates the identification of urban blight determinants and the development of alternatives to control and eradicate them. Data used in our study were provided by a panel of urban blight experts, and allowed for the identification of the following major causes of urban blight: deficiencies in sociability and/or culture ; unfavorable economic and financial factors ; policy and/or administrative shortages ; lack of urban regeneration ; insecurity for people and assets ; and building and/or surroundings defects. The results of our decision-support system were analyzed and validated by an independent expert who works for the Lisbon City Council in Portugal. Recommendations for future research are also provided. • This study allows for a holistic understanding of urban blight. • The proposed approach overcomes some limitations of purely statistical methods. • Cognitive mapping and system dynamics improve variables selection and understanding. • The combined use of cognitive maps and system dynamics supports anti-blight strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]