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Digital technology has produced deep changes in the business world. However, companies have a hard time understanding consumers' changing needs and new consumption patterns, especially small and medium-sized enterprises that currently face growing challenges in an era characterized by a lack of time and information overload. New mechanisms must be found that not only can keep businesses competitive in digital environments but can do so in innovative and sustainable ways. This study sought to address this issue by adopting a process-oriented approach and developing a decision-support tool for SMEs that are considering joining online marketplaces. The proposed analysis model helps these companies decide whether they are ready to take advantage of these digital platforms or whether they have to take action to improve in specific areas of their business operations. The model-building process relied on a combination of cognitive mapping and the best–worst method. An expert panel was recruited to identify the most relevant factors determining SME readiness to join online marketplaces. The model was applied to a set of real companies to assess their propensity for online marketplaces. The practical applicability of this decision-support system was then discussed in a consolidation session with a member of Portugal's Agência Nacional de Inovação (National Innovation Agency), who acknowledged the strong potential of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galactomannans are polysaccharides commonly extracted from the endosperm of various leguminous seeds, exhibiting variations in their man/gal ratio based on their botanical origin. These gums are highly valued for their biodegradability and excellent stability. However, their applications have been limited due to their high viscosity and molecular weight. In this study, enzymatic and ultrasound depolymerisation of galactomannans (guar gum, locust bean gum, and unconventional Neltuma ruscifolia seed gum) was carried out, resulting in hydrolysates, which were subsequently freeze-dried and characterised. The hydrolysis process leads to a decrease in viscosity and molecular weight, accompanied by a noticeable increase in polydispersity through enzymatic treatment. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis indicates the generation of at least eight-membered subunits. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis demonstrates no significant changes in functional groups following ultrasound hydrolysis. Furthermore, in agreement with TLC results, enzymatic hydrolysates display partial reactivity towards non-enzymatic browning (NEB), yielding mostly intermediate products with limited browning development. This study diversifies potential applications of these gums in different industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal audit is an independent function that provides objective assurance and advisory services to business partners in the form of projects. As the skilled human resources, internal auditors play a significant role in ensuring audit quality and thus should be managed properly. However, there are only very few studies on auditor-project assignment problems at the operational level. Also, many studies on general team formation problems neglect the real-life implications of simplifying mathematical models to enable practitioners to understand and implement. To bridge these gaps, this study presents a new integrated two-phase approach to assign internal auditors to multiple projects. In the designed decision support model, a harmonious level index is firstly proposed, measuring the suitability between auditor capability and project characteristics using a simplified fuzzy filter ranking method. Then, Min–Max multi-choice goal programming (MMCGP) model provides the assignment solution that balances internal auditors' multi-dimensional fit to the projects and their preferences, and thus optimizes the productivity of internal audit projects and staff's job satisfaction. A real case study is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and its solution. The comparison results further show that the proposed model outperforms the manual operations and the exiting approaches in the literature. This research extends the existing literature on auditor assignment problem by developing a flexible decision support tool and a practical classification of auditor competency. The MMCGP approach also provides an ideal staff assignment solution by setting multiple aspiration levels for each goal and balancing the unwanted deviations among goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of micropollutants on fish health from Segredo hydroelectric reservoir (HRS) along the Iguaçu River, Southern Brazil, contaminated by urban, industrial, and agricultural activities. This is the first comprehensive study assessment in the river after the severe drought in the 2020s in three fish species from different trophic levels Astyanax spp. (water column depth/omnivorous), Hypostomus commersoni (demersal/herbivorous), and Pimelodus maculatus (demersal/omnivorous). Animals, water, and sediment samples were collected from three distinct sites within the reservoir: Floresta (upstream), Iratim (middle), and Station (downstream). The chemical analysis revealed elevated concentrations of metals (Al, Cu, Fe) and the metalloid As in water, or Cu, Zn, and As in sediment, surpassing Brazilian regulatory limits, while the organic pollutants as DDT, PAHs, PCBs, and PBDEs were found under the Brazilian regulatory limits. The metal bioaccumulation was higher in gills with no significant differences among sites. The species Astyanax spp. and H. commersoni displayed variations in hepatosomatic index (HSI) and P. maculatus in the condition factor index (K) between sites, while adverse effects due to micropollutants bioaccumulation were observed by biochemical, genotoxic, and histopathological biomarkers. The principal component analysis and integrated biomarker response highlighted the upstream site Floresta as particularly inhospitable for biota, with distinctions based on trophic level. Consequently, this multifaceted approach, encompassing both fish biomarkers and chemical analyses, furnishes valuable insights into the potential toxic repercussions of micropollutant exposure. These findings offer crucial data for guiding management and conservation endeavors in the Iguaçu River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blight is a concept not commonly discussed. However, blight is a problem that exists in the lives of many people, especially if they reside in urban areas. Blight originates whenever properties are neglected, contributing to both a functional and social depreciation process and ultimately leading to uninhabitable dwellings. Despite being blighted, these properties and surrounding neighborhoods often are occupied by families who fail to have sufficient income to afford residences that meet minimum standards or to live in neighborhoods free from drug trafficking and prostitution or other forms of crime. Blight may spread rapidly, thus, experts must, in a timely manner, analyze its causes, which are essential to preventing and mitigating blight problems. The purpose of this study is to seek an understanding of blight and identify its causal factors. The generic methods commonly applied in previous blight research present limitations that this study aims to overcome by using cognitive mapping and the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. This dual methodology provides a more transparent and less restrictive approach for analyzing and complying with the dynamics of cause-and-effect relationships among variables. Group debate involving a panel of specialists in this field identified six causation clusters based on the experts' experience and knowledge. The resulting framework and its application were validated both by these specialists and the head of the Territorial and Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Division of Cascais City Council Strategic Planning Department, Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine brucellosis, mainly caused by Brucella abortus, is a worldwide distribution anthropozoonosis that causes great economic losses. In 2001, Brazil launched the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT). Contemporaneously, a great effort to characterize the epidemiology of the disease in Brazilian states was started. In the state of Rondônia, a first epidemiological study was carried out in 2004, revealing a prevalence of 35.2% of infected herds and 6.22% of seropositive females. In 2014, after a successful heifer vaccination program with strain 19 (S19), a second study detected a reduction in the prevalence of infected herds to 12.3% and of seropositive females to 1.9%. The present study aimed to quantify and compare the costs and benefits related to the control of bovine brucellosis in the state through an accounting analysis. Vaccinating heifers and performing serological tests to move animals were computed as private costs. The expenditures of the state official veterinary service for brucellosis control were considered public cost. The considered benefits of lowering prevalence were decreased cow replacement, decreased abortions, decreased perinatal and cow mortality, and increased milk production. Considering private and public costs, the net present value (NPV) was estimated at US$ 18.3 million, the internal rate of return (IRR) was calculated at 23%, and the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 1.7. When considering only the private costs, the NPV was US$34.9 million, the IRR was 49%, and the BCR was 3.0, meaning that the bovine producer had a return of 3 for each unit of currency invested. The results showed that the bovine brucellosis control measures implemented in the state of Rondônia, which had as its main strategy the vaccination of heifers with S19, produced highly advantageous economic results. The state should continue with its vaccination program, stimulating the use of the RB51 vaccine in addition to S19, to achieve further reductions in prevalence at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the sources of contamination of water matrices in a rural area using detection of a host-specific virus (human adenovirus [HAdV], porcine adenovirus [PAdV] and bovine polyomaviruses [BoPyV]) as potential microbial source-tracking tool, and rotavirus A [RVA], given its epidemiological importance in Brazil. From July 2017 to June 2018, 92 samples were collected from eight points (P1-P8) of surface and raw waters in southeastern region of Brazil. Fifty-five (59.8%) were positive for HAdV, 41 (44.5%) for RVA, 10 (10.9%) for PAdV and four (4.3%) for BoPyV. HAdV and RVA were detected at all sites, and over the entire sampling period, PAdV was detected at a porcine breeding area and at Guarda River site, presenting high concentrations up to 2.6 × 109 genome copies per liter [GC/L], and viral concentrations ranging from 9.6 × 101 to 7.1 × 107, while BoPyV (1.5 × 104 GC/L–9.2 × 105 GC/L) was only detected in samples from the bovine breeding areas. The combination of human and animal virus circulation presents a potential impact in the environment due to raw sewage discharge from regional communities, as well as potential hazard to human and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic biota is increasingly being exposed to chemical pollutants due to human activities and the relationship between the level of environmental pollution and fish reproduction is a continuously ongoing issue. The vitellogenin (Vtg) protein synthesis can be induced in the liver of juvenile and male fish after stimulation of the estrogen receptor and therefore, Vtg has been used as a biomarker of xenoestrogen exposure in several fish species. The current study reported the first physicochemical characterization of Vtg from Oreochromis niloticus. Adult male fish were exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol for Vtg induction. Purified vitellogenin from plasma showed low stability at 25 and 4 °C in saline conditions, and good stability in acidic (low pH) or in heated conditions. The 3D modeling provided useful information on the structure of O. niloticus Vtg showing conserved structural features. According to bioinformatics and experimental results, there are important structural differences between the two chemical forms of Vtg (VtgAb and VtgC) in a phylogenetic context. The present results add information about the development of ecotoxicological immunoassays to study the endocrine disruption in O. niloticus improving the Vtg performance as a biomarker of reproduction in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) impacts considerably animal production and one health worldwide. To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and spatial pattern of the disease in the state of Paraná, Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019. The area was divided into seven regions. Within each region, farms were randomly selected, and a predetermined number of cows was selected and tested by a comparative cervical tuberculin test. 17,210 animals were tested across 1757 farms. Herd prevalence of bTB-infected herds in Paraná was 2.5% [1.87–3.00%]. It has varied from 0.8 to 3.98% among seven regions, with clustering being detected in the west, central, and northeast areas. Animal prevalence was 0.35% [0.21–0.59%] and has varied from 0.08 to 0.6% among the pre-set regions. No major shifts in the prevalence of bTB were detected since 2007. Large-sized herds, dairy production, and feeding with whey were detected to be correlated with the presence of bTB. Exclusively among dairy herds, veterinary assistance from cooperatives, possession of self-owned equipment to cool milk, and feeding with whey were correlated with the disease. Considering these results, it is recommended that the state of Paraná seek to implement a surveillance system for the detection of bTB-infected herds transforming them into free ones, if possible, incorporating elements of risk-based surveillance. Health education is also recommended to inform farmers about the risks of introducing animals without testing and of feeding raw whey to calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of facial masks has become a global standard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the development of reliable detection systems to monitor adherence to health guidelines. This paper presents an facial mask detection framework that enhances the YOLOv8 algorithm and leverages the ResNet-50 architecture for improved feature extraction. Our proposed framework was rigorously evaluated against widely recognized methods, including the original YOLOv8, faster R-CNN, and SSD, across various metrics such as precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP). The results of these comparative analyses underscore the superiority of our approach, with our framework showing significant improvements in the detection of properly worn masks. Specifically, our model achieved precision and recall rates above 97% and a mAP0.5% of 99.6%, significantly outperforming the comparison group. These advancements highlight the potential of our framework as a cornerstone for public health initiatives, providing a high-precision tool for real-time mask detection and adherence monitoring in various settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the proteomic profiles of two popcorn inbred lines, P2 (N-efficient and N-responsive) and L80 (N-inefficient and nonresponsive to N), under low (10% of N supply) and high (100% of N supply) nitrogen environments, associated with agronomic- and physiological-related traits to NUE. The comparative proteomic analysis allowed the identification of 79 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) in the comparison of high/low N for P2 and 96 DAPs in the comparison of high/low N for L80. The NUE and N uptake efficiency (NUpE) presented high means in P2 in comparison to L80 at both N levels, but the NUE, NUpE, and N utilization efficiency (NUtE) rates decreased in P2 under a high N supply. DAPs involved in energy and carbohydrate metabolism suggested that N regulates enzymes of alternative pathways to adapt to energy shortages and that fructose-bisphosphate aldolase may act as one of the key primary nitrate responsive proteins in P2. Proteins related to ascorbate biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism increased their regulation in P2, and the interaction of l-ascorbate peroxidase and Fd-NiR may play an important role in the NUE trait. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the proteomic changes taking place in contrasting inbred lines, providing useful information on the genetic improvement of NUE in popcorn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular heterogeneity of feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs) represents a prognostic and therapeutic challenge. RNA-Seq-based comparative transcriptomic profiling serves to identify recurrent and exclusive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across sample types and molecular subtypes. Using mass-parallel RNA-Seq, we identified DEGs and performed comparative function-based analysis across 15 tumours (four basal-like triple-negative [TN], eight normal-like TN, and three luminal B fHER2 negative [LB fHER2−]), two cell lines (CL, TiHo-0906, and TiHo-1403) isolated from the primary tumours (LB fHER2−) of two cats included in this study, and 13 healthy mammary tissue controls. DEGs in tumours were predominantly upregulated; dysregulation of CLs transcriptome was more extensive, including mostly downregulated genes. Cell-cycle and metabolic-related DEGs were upregulated in both tumours and CLs, including therapeutically-targetable cell cycle regulators (e.g. CCNB1, CCNB2, CDK1, CDK4, GTSE1, MCM4, and MCM5), metabolic-related genes (e.g. FADS2 and SLC16A3), heat-shock proteins (e.g. HSPH1, HSP90B1, and HSPA5), genes controlling centrosome disjunction (e.g. RACGAP1 and NEK2), and collagen molecules (e.g. COL2A1). DEGs specifically upregulated in basal-like TN tumours were involved in antigen processing and presentation, in normal-like TN tumours encoded G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and in LB fHER2− tumours were associated with lysosomes, phagosomes, and endosomes formation. Downregulated DEGs in CLs were associated with structural and signalling cell surface components. Hence, our results suggest that upregulation of genes enhancing proliferation and metabolism is a common feature among FMCs and derived CLs. In contrast, the dissimilarities observed in dysregulation of membrane components highlight CLs' disconnection with the tumour microenvironment. Furthermore, recurrent and exclusive DEGs associated with dysregulated pathways might be useful for the development of prognostically and therapeutically-relevant targeted panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal audit function is an important cornerstone of corporate governance. Selecting qualified internal audit professionals has become a key success factor for any organization. However, research on the selection of internal auditors has limited exposure in the literature. In addition, prior research on personnel selection has only focused on applying traditional ranking methods, which calculate the overall utility value for each candidate and rank candidates in terms of the score. Little has been done for considering management's goals regarding the attributes of the desired candidate. A robust model has not been constructed to address multiple aspiration levels for each goal in the classical personnel selection process. To fill these gaps, a novel generic framework is presented to evaluate and select ideal internal auditors, based on the analytic hierarchy process, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and weighted multi-choice goal programming. A case study is conducted to validate the feasibility and flexibility of the proposed approach. The results show that the proposed hybrid approach can assist decision-makers in selecting the candidate who is a good match for organizational needs. The implications of the paper are not restricted to the selection of internal auditors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family business growth is crucial not only for the long-term sustainability of this type of firm but also for economic growth as a whole. However, family businesses face internal and external obstacles that hamper their healthy, sustainable growth. Analyses of family business growth are critical to overcoming these barriers. By combining fuzzy cognitive mapping techniques and the system dynamics approach, this study sought to create an analysis model that allows for a more holistic perspective on determinants of family business growth, their cause-and-effect relationships, and thus their long-term behavior. The model developed is a complete, transparent, and realistic tool that enables decision makers to make better and more informed decisions. This study was grounded in the insights provided by a panel of experts in family business, who shared their knowledge and experience over the course of two group sessions. The results of the static and dynamic analyses carried out were validated by the head of department and a board member of the Southern Business Support Center of Portugal's Institute for the Support of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI). This research's contributions are also discussed, and suggestions are made for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Making an incorrect determination or ignoring a factor or interaction in a real-world socioeconomic system can greatly affect the functioning of the entire system, which in turn can lead to misconceptions and incorrect managerial decisions. Considering graph models of socioeconomic systems as the research object, where deterministic causality property is the fundamental characteristic of a graph edge, this study addresses the problem of influence control in models represented by directed weighted signed graphs with deterministic causality on edges. Influence control is considered from the point of view of the choice of influential nodes as points of application of control impacts, providing the possibility of targeted control in real-world socioeconomic systems. The algorithm of influence controls (AIC) is proposed as a tool to identify optimal control impacts. The algorithm maximizes the influence under the control model and uses a system of nonlinear constraints to design conditions for adequate model operation. The contributions made by this study are as follows: (1) the AIC validates the graph representation of the system under study; (2) by using AIC, new knowledge is discovered about important factors (i.e., target, or output) and influencing factors (i.e., impact objects, or input); (3) the appropriate metrics allow for the assessment of the compliance of this result with the degree of codirectionality of the response vector and the basic directionality vector of the system; and (4) the algorithm imposes no restrictions on the direction, sign or range of weights on the edges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stormwater harvesting and reuse in the urban environment is emerging as an alternative water source, despite human pathogens in the stormwater may represent a hazard to public health. This study presents the results of 1-year monitoring to evaluate the quality of stormwater obtained in a high-income neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro for a set of microbiological parameters as total coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), human adenovirus (HAdV), human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), Group A rotavirus (RVA), and norovirus GI and GII. Forty-eight stormwater samples obtained from two multiplex units presented total coliforms and E. coli in 91.7% (n = 44) and 58.3% (n = 28) of samples, while HAdV and JCPyV were detected in 20.8% (n = 10) and 12.5% (n = 6), respectively. Viral quantification ranged from 103 to 104 genomic copies/liter (GC/L) for HAdV and from 101 to 104 GC/L for JCPyV. Neither RVA nor norovirus GI and GII was detected. Fifteen out of sixteen (93.8%) samples containing viruses were compliant as per fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) according to Brazilian standards for rainwater reuse and US EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse, suggesting that viruses monitoring should complement the study of bacterial indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norovirus is a major cause of foodborne-associated acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide. Usually, food products are contaminated either during harvesting or preparation, and the most common products associated to norovirus outbreaks are raw or undercooked bivalve shellfish, fruits (frozen berries) and ready-to-eat produce. In the present study, we investigated an AGE outbreak caused by norovirus associated with the consumption of ice pops in southern Brazil. Clinical stool samples from patients and ice pops samples were collected and analyzed for viruses' detection. By using RT-qPCR and sequencing, we detected the uncommon genotype GII.12[P16] in clinical samples and GII.12 in samples of ice pop. Strains shared identity of 100% at nucleotide level strongly suggesting the consumption of ice pops as the source of the outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enteric viruses have been described as important contaminants in fresh and ready-to-eat foods such as sandwiches, deli meat and dairy products. This is a cross-sectional randomized survey to estimate the prevalence of norovirus and human adenovirus (HAdV) from 100 Brazilian artisanal raw milk cheese samples (Minas and Coalho) obtained from different agroindustries in four producing regions in the states of Minas Gerais and one in Piauí, respectively. From October 2017 to April 2018, norovirus genogroups I and II and HAdV were investigated in these cheese samples by RT-qPCR and qPCR, respectively. Viruses were detected in 43 samples, being 26 norovirus GI strains, 14 HAdV, and 3 both viruses. Norovirus GII strains were not detected. Viral concentrations ranged from 6.17 × 104 to 1.44 × 107 genome copies/L–1 and murine norovirus 1 used as internal process control showed 100% success rate of recovery with efficiency of 10%. There was a trend towards a higher positivity rate for both viruses in the rainy season, and HAdV were more commonly found among samples with higher fecal coliform counts. This study is a first step in assessing the risk that this contamination may pose to the consumer of raw products as well as emphasizing the need for good manufacturing practices, quality control systems in the dairy industry and markets. As a randomized survey, we established baseline figures for viruses' prevalence in five types of ready-to-eat raw milk artisanal Brazilian cheese, to allow any monitoring trends, setting control targets and future local risk analyses studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In finite type arithmetic, the real numbers are represented by rapidly converging Cauchy sequences of rational numbers. Ulrich Kohlenbach introduced abstract types for certain structures such as metric spaces, normed spaces, Hilbert spaces, etc. With these types, the elements of the spaces are given directly, not through the mediation of a representation. However, these abstract spaces presuppose the real numbers. In this paper, we show how to set up an abstract type for the real numbers. The appropriateness of our construction works in tandem with the bounded functional interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus) in herds and cattle were estimated by a cross-sectional study in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The state was divided into seven regions and a random, two-stage sampling was performed on properties and cattle from each region between 2018 and 2019. Serum samples were collected from 11,592 cows over 24 months from 1,757 properties and a questionnaire was applied to identify potential risk factors. As recommended by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT), serological testing for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies included the buffered plate agglutination test (screening test) and the fluorescence polarization assay (confirmatory test). The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis on properties and in cattle was 4.87% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.98–5.93%) and 2.24% (95% CI: 1.47–3.41%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified larger herd size and failure to test for brucellosis as risk factors for the presence of anti-B. abortus antibodies. These results demonstrate no change in the prevalence when comparing initial studies conducted in 2002. Given our findings, it is recommended that policies for brucellosis control include a widespread vaccination program for higher prevalence areas and eradication approach to lower prevalence areas. All steps related to correct immunization of the herds should be verified and improved by training and education. Health education action must be carried out informing farmers about the risks of introducing animals not tested for brucellosis into their herds and the benefits of testing their herds regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) is considered relatively clean water, even though the possible presence of pathogens in the water may pose human health risks. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of enteric viruses in the first flush (10 mm) of RHRW from a densely populated and low-income urbanized region of Rio de Janeiro. One hundred samples (5 L) were collected from 10 rainfall events between April 2015 and March 2017. RNA and DNA viruses were concentrated using the skimmed milk flocculation method and analyzed using the TaqMan® quantitative RT-qPCR and qPCR. Human adenoviruses, noroviruses, rotaviruses A, and avian parvoviruses were detected in 54%, 31%, 12%, and 12% of the positive samples. JC polyomavirus, also targeted, was not detected. Virus concentrations ranged from 1.09 × 101 to 2.58 × 103 genome copies/Liter (GC/L). Partial nucleotide sequence confirmed the presence of HAdV type 41, norovirus genotype GII.4, and avian parvovirus 1. The results suggest that the first flush diversion devices may not adequately remove enteric virus from the rainwater. Additional treatment of RHRW is required to mitigate potential health risks from potable use of captured water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work compares Mean-CVaR portfolio optimization models with variable cardinality constraint and rebalancing process. It considers integer and continuous decision variables, the number of asset lots and asset investment rate, respectively, and the linear and non-linear formulations of CVaR. Exact methods are used to solve the linear models and parallel evolutionary algorithms are used to solve the non-linear models. The in-sample analysis compares the sets of multiobjective optimization solutions, evaluating the effect of the cardinality of portfolios, with respect to the returns and risks. The out-of-sample analysis performs simulations with stock market trading, considering historical data with different data granularity and transaction costs, aiming to analyze the effects of these characteristics on the financial risks and gains. Results show that models considering asset lots are more effective in practice and that the exact methods provide solutions closer to the heuristics, with greater execution time. Out-of-sample analysis indicates the robustness of the portfolio optimization models pointing out similar behavior of financial gains for different values of transaction costs. Optimization with higher granularity provides greater risk, but also offers chances of high profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of aquatic ecosystems impacted by toxic metals is widely distributed throughout the world. The application of metallothionein (MT) as an early warning sign of metal exposure in freshwater fish is important in biomonitoring, but a more accessible, sensitive, safe, and efficient new methodological strategy is necessary. On this way, a fish MT synthetic gene from Oreochromis aureos was expressed in Escherichia coli to produce polyclonal antibodies against the protein. In the validation assays, these antibodies were able to detect hepatic MT from freshwater fishes Oreochromis niloticus, Pimelodus maculatus, Prochilodus lineatus, and Salminus brasiliensis showing a potential tool for toxic metals biomarker in biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems. The current results showed the applicability of this molecule in quantitative immunoassays as a sensor for monitoring aquatic environments impacted by toxic metals. Due to the lack of methods focusing on metal pollution diagnostics in aquatic ecosystems, the current proposal revealed a promising tool to applications in biomonitoring programs of water resources, mainly in Brazil where the mining activity is very developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MACBETH stands for measuring attractiveness by a categorical based evaluation technique. It is a multiple criteria decision analysis technique created by Carlos Bana e Costa and Jean-Claude Vansnick in the early 1990s. Due to both the increasing application of the technique and progress achieved to date, this study aims to conduct a bibliometric literature review on MACBETH. The database for the review contains 192 scientific articles published in scholarly publications indexed in the Scopus database from 1994 to 2016. Although other literature reviews of the technique exist, this study has a different emphasis and uses two distinct citation analysis methods—bibliographic coupling and co-citation—, allowing us to generate new insights regarding some of the most active and influential articles, journals and authors, as well as to reveal rankings, clusters of contributions and collaboration networks. The results obtained are important to enhance our understanding of the technique's anatomy (i.e., its intellectual structure), and can support the identification of new lines of application and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social credit enhances countries' economic and social development. Few studies, however, have addressed this issue or, more specifically, have focused on social credit risk assessment. This evaluation process is often influenced by various factors, and, in many contexts, it is poorly understood or analyzed in ways that fail to take reality into account. This study is based on the principles of multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA), as well as on an integrated use of cognitive mapping and the interactive multiple criteria decision making approach (i.e., TODIM). The objective was to develop an idiosyncratic decision support mechanism for identifying underlying criteria and calculating their corresponding weights (i.e., trade-offs) in risk assessments of social credit applications. This socio-technical approach was grounded in face-to-face work sessions with a panel of experts in credit risk analysis. The results reveal that the proposed methodological combination provides value to the process of evaluating social credit applications because of the privileged contact established with specialized know-how. The study's advantages, limitations, and practical implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work studies the dynamics of chaotic Rössler oscillators in a star network, where the central node or relay system is controlled by an external and similar system. Without the outer systems, the middle oscillator of the network is an amplified observer of the driver. Varying both amplification and coupling parameters leads the outer systems and the driver–relay to various behaviors. To perform the robustness of the synchronization between different blocks of our network, a certain amount of noise is introduced in all the external systems. This is done to deal with not only the noise amplitude but also the cumulative effects since the noise is introduced in all the outer systems. Later, a finite duration feedback (taken as a single interval) from the relay to the driver is considered to improve the synchronization domain between the driver and relay unit and to accelerate the coherent motion between outer systems. We analyze how synchronization works using the Hamiltonian formalism. We confirm our analysis through mathematical developments and numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) serves an important role in breast cancer progression, which has led to the development of novel immunotherapies aimed at blocking tumor immune evasion. Although feline mammary carcinoma is increasingly recognized as a valuable cancer model, no studies on CTLA-4 function had been conducted in this species. The serum CTLA-4, TNF-α and IL-6 levels of 57 female cats with mammary carcinoma were determined by ELISA, and immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate CTLA-4 and FoxP3 expression in tumor cells and interstitial lymphocytes. The results obtained show that serum CTLA-4 levels are increased in cats with mammary carcinoma (P = 0.022), showing an association with a number of clinicopathological features: smaller tumor size, P < 0.001; absence of tumor necrosis, P < 0.001; non-basal status, P < 0.02 and HER-2-positive status. Additionally, a strong positive correlation was found between serum CTLA-4 levels and serum TNF-α (R = 0.88, P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels (R = 0.72, P < 0.001). Concerning the CTLA-4 and FoxP3 expression, although detected in both interstitial lymphocytes and tumor cells, a positive association was found only between interstitial CTLA-4 and FoxP3 expressions (R = 0.387, P = 0.01), which is negatively associated with the serum CTLA-4 levels (P = 0.03). These findings provide a preliminary step in the characterization of immune profiles in feline mammary carcinoma, uncovering a molecular rationale for targeted therapy with CTLA-4 pathway inhibitors. Finally, by strengthening the hypothesis of an immunomodulatory role for this regulator, we further validate the utility of spontaneous feline mammary carcinoma as a model for human breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an increasingly digital world, almost anything can now be done through a computer or smartphone. Digital entrepreneurship is capitalizing on this trend, which brings numerous advantages to firms and society at large. However, the determinants of digital entrepreneurship's success are still unclear, as well as how they relate to each other. This study sought to develop a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) to identify and analyze the determinants of digital entrepreneurship. Two group sessions were held with a panel of decision makers who deal with the digital entrepreneurship phenomenon every day. Based on their shared experience and knowledge, an FCM was developed and validated for this research context. Static and dynamic analyses facilitated a deeper understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between the determinants of digital entrepreneurship, resulting in a well-informed framework that was validated by the panel members. This methodological procedure enabled an objective analysis of the dynamics behind digital entrepreneurship. The advantages and limitations of our constructivist framework are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The online version of the original article can be found at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05228-2Correction to: Annals of Operations Researchhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05228-2Typesetter overlooked to include fourth paragraph of section five of the original submission.Original article has been updated.Publisher's NoteSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.By Xiong Wang; Fernando A. F. Ferreira and Pengyu YanReported by Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Because the perceived ethics of a banking institution can affect its reputation, concern over ethical practices in the banking sector is rapidly increasing. The alignment of such practices with daily operations, however, requires dealing with a wide range of variables, tangible or intangible, and constitutes a notoriously difficult endeavor. Still, due to the rapidly changing economic environment and current sharp competition in the banking industry, a better understanding of this alignment can help bank managers and other key players enhance value creation through more informed decisions, contributing to stronger integration of ethical practices in the banks' daily activities. This paper proposes the use of fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) to analyze the dynamics behind ethical banking practices. Grounded on intensive group meetings with a panel of senior executives from the banking industry, the result is a well-informed process-oriented framework that sheds light on the manner in which ethical practices interrelate with each other. Implications, advantages and shortcomings of our proposal are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing interest in the incorporation of sustainability concerns at different levels of the decision-making process has taken place over the years. This means that firm activity should not be exclusively driven by economic objectives, but also take into account both environmental demands and social needs. It is widely known that business projects are one of the most effective ways to promote change in organizations. For this reason, business projects in the real estate industry are of great importance for countries' economies, namely due to the significant impact that the real estate sector has on the environment and the society. This paper sought to develop a composite sustainability index for real estate projects by using multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods. After validation, the practical application of our index ranked environmental criteria in first place. These were followed by social criteria and then economic criteria. The results also reveal that the involvement of additional stakeholders can affect the structure of the composite index. Advantages, shortcomings and managerial implications of our proposal are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the introduction of quasi-markets into publicly funded healthcare systems, nurse intrapreneurs who create innovations within these systems have become increasingly important to improving healthcare outputs. This study sought to examine how self-motivation and managerial skills mediate the influence of entrepreneurial traits on nurses' intrapreneurial intentions in the Portuguese National Health Service. A structural equation model was assessed using primary data collected from a sample of 536 nurses working at seven public hospitals in Portugal. The results suggest that nurses who are more determined to become intrapreneurs are more likely to take risks, more self-confident about their managerial skills and slightly more self-motivated. In addition, while innovativeness has no significant effect, proactivity contributes to increasing nurses' self-confidence in their own skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality games for rehabilitation are attracting increasing growth. In particular, there is a demand for games that allow therapists to identify an individual’s difficulties and customize the control of variables, such as speed, size, distance, as well as visual and auditory feedback. This study presents and describes a virtual reality software package (Bridge Games) to promote rehabilitation of individuals living with disabilities and highlights preliminary researches of its use for implementing motor learning and rehabilitation. First, the study presents seven games in the software package that can be chosen by the rehabilitation team, considering the patient’s needs. All game characteristics are described including name, function presentation, objective and valuable measurements for rehabilitation. Second, preliminary results illustrate some applications of two games, considering 343 people with various disabilities and health status. Based on the results, in the Coincident Timing game, there was a main effect of movement sensor type (in this instance the most functional device was the keyboard when compared with Kinect and touch screen) on average time reached by sample analyzed, F(2, 225) = 4.42, p < 0.05. Similarly, in the Challenge! game, a main effect was found for movement sensor type. However, in this case, touch screen provided better performance than Kinect and Leap Motion, F(2, 709) = 5.90, p < 0.01. Thus, Bridge Games is a possible software game to quantify motor learning. Moreover, the findings suggest that motor skills might be practiced differently depending on the environmental interface in which the game may be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main threats to primates worldwide are the degradation, fragmentation, and loss of their habitats; hunting (especially for bushmeat); and illegal trade. For many species, the most important threat is forest fragmentation, resulting in small populations that are restricted to isolated forest patches. In this situation, primates are particularly vulnerable to disease. The Endangered blonde capuchin ( Sapajus flavius) is now restricted to a few forest patches in Northeast Brazil. We investigated the occurrence of parasites and bacterial diseases in one of three free-ranging groups of S. flavius in a small forest patch in Paraíba state, Northeast Brazil. We tested for antibodies against Leishmania spp ., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp. (24 strains), and Brucella spp.. We used molecular analysis to detect Plasmodium spp., and evaluated blood smears for the presence of hemoparasites. All individuals tested negative for Leptospira spp. and B. abortus, but 8 of 48 (16%) presented antibodies for both Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi. We identified antibodies to T. gondii in 12% of the individuals tested. Plasmodium brasilianum infection was present in 4% of the individuals tested, and blood smears showed microfilariae parasites in 46% of the individuals tested. The occurrence of these infectious diseases in S. flavius may pose a significant threat in terms of reduced recruitment and poor survival rates, and an understanding of the influence of pathogens is crucial for the management of small populations of primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities’ weaknesses have been revealed by their struggle to respond to current challenges (e.g., pandemic crises and population and urbanization exponential growth). Urban planners are thus increasingly concerned about implementing initiatives in their metropolises that favor a better present and future quality of life. In this context, cities need to become enablers of economic and social development and increased prosperity through the integration of technologies into projects promoting smarter and more sustainable urban ecosystems. These ecosystems are, however, highly complex due to their specificities and multifaceted nature, which makes analyzing them a difficult endeavor. Based on a constructivist and complementarity logic, this study sought to develop a multicriteria analysis model to support relevant decision-making processes in this study context. A panel of experts was recruited to create the analysis system using a combination of cognitive mapping and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique in an neutrosophic context. This approach overcomes various flaws identified in previous related research. The entire procedure focused on enhancing the experts’ learning through participation not only to structure the problem under analysis but also to identify and prioritize the factors and/or determinants of smartness and urban sustainability. The model provides a holistic, solid, and clear vision of the decision problem that fosters appropriate choices when creating and evaluating smart, sustainable urban ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real estate brokers or realtors are expected to possess superior knowledge of their local markets and typically require commissions in return for their services in real estate sales. To justify these commissions, it is important to evaluate brokerage service performance. We develop a learning-oriented decision-making process for evaluating real estate brokerage services, which concentrates on understanding the nature, the role, and the interaction of the evaluation aspects of real estate brokerage service quality by integrating cognitive maps and the Decision EXpert approach. Results suggest that this framework permits new rudiments to be considered in the realtor decision-making and sales process, facilitating transparency, and understanding of realtor functions that may lead to recommendations to improve the performance and quality of these functions. Avenues for future research are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrapreneurship affects our daily lives and is a research topic of great importance. Given the current economic climate, its relevance to firm performance has increased considerably both among academics and practitioners. Specifically, our approach has focused on the identification, analysis and explanation of the determinants/variables that influence the intrapreneurship process in the health care service industry, including the private, public and social sectors. The methodology employed consisted of collecting primary data via a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to health care employees and middle managers from the northern and center regions of Portugal, and the study covered 202 professionals from 45 organizations. The results show that the participating health care team members present intrapreneurial behavior, and health care organizations create favorable internal conditions that support the theoretical concepts of intrapreneurship and firm entrepreneurial orientation (FEO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new typed combinatory calculus with a type constructor that, to each type $$\sigma $$ , associates the star type $$\sigma ^*$$ of the nonempty finite subsets of elements of type $$\sigma $$ . We prove that this calculus enjoys the properties of strong normalization and confluence. With the aid of this star combinatory calculus, we define a functional interpretation of first-order predicate logic and prove a corresponding soundness theorem. It is seen that each theorem of classical first-order logic is connected with certain formulas which are tautological in character. As a corollary, we reprove Herbrand's theorem on the extraction of terms from classically provable existential statements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cat management campaigns have been implemented on several islands worldwide. However, few successful campaigns have occurred on permanently inhabited islands. Cats are known for causing severe impacts on the native insular fauna, posing an important threat to biodiversity. Moreover, this species is also responsible for zoonosis maintenance and transmission. A thorough understanding of cat population structure (e.g., supervised vs. unsupervised) is strongly suggested as a management action on inhabited islands, as it might promote more efficient and effective management of this species. Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The total cat population on the main island was estimated at 1287 animals, most of them supervised and subsidized around inhabited areas. Free-roaming cats currently threaten the endemic terrestrial fauna of Fernando de Noronha, and the cat density found by the present work is among the highest ever recorded on an island. Using population dynamic simulations, the long-term effects of reproduction control and removal of cats from the archipelago were assessed. Removal of cats was also suggested as a necessary management strategy to achieve negative population growth. In addition, it was more cost-effective than reproduction control. However, applying both removal and sterilization strategies to this population resulted in a higher population decrease than removal alone. For these reasons, a combination of reproductive control and cat eradication should be implemented in Fernando de Noronha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]