Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Economic Development: A Review and Assessment of its Current Status in South Africa

In recent years, local economic development (LED) has become a widely practised development strategy in the countries of the North at both the local government and community levels. LED is less widely implemented in the South where, in most instances, it appears to be still in an incipient phase. This paper investigates the current status of LED in South Africa, where, over the past decade, local governments, community groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have become significantly more active in locality-based economic development. Several local governments have established comprehensive LED programmes including the establishment of LED units and the pursuit of a range of developmental strategies, whilst in parallel, an array of community and NGO initiatives are in place. In almost all cases, however, results are still of a rather limited nature and this paper assesses some of the reasons for this situation.
Age, the Stress Process, and Physical Distress

Objectives: This article examines the nature of distal stressors over a 15-year period and the extent to which they contribute to the explanation of additional variation in the life stress model. Methods: The study uses data collected from a community sample of adults to test specific hypotheses. Results: Findings show that (a) distal stressors significantly increase variance explained in physical symptoms and maintain a direct effect on physical symptoms, (b) recent stressors mediate the effects of distal stressors on distress, and (c) social resources have direct and mediating effects on physical distress. Variations exist for different age groups or life stages. Discussion: The implications of the findings are discussed in the context of life course, theoretical issues of temporality, types of stressors, and the role of social resources. The major conclusion is that there are multiple pathways to distress that differ for different stages in the life course.
Exact algorithms for linear matrix inequalities

Let $A(x)=A\_0+x\_1A\_1+. +x\_nA\_n$ be a linear matrix, or pencil, generated by given symmetric matrices $A\_0,A\_1,. ,A\_n$ of size $m$ with rational entries. The set of real vectors x such that the pencil is positive semidefinite is a convex semi-algebraic set called spectrahedron, described by a linear matrix inequality (LMI). We design an exact algorithm that, up to genericity assumptions on the input matrices, computes an exact algebraic representation of at least one point in the spectrahedron, or decides that it is empty. The algorithm does not assume the existence of an interior point, and the computed point minimizes the rank of the pencil on the spectrahedron. The degree $d$ of the algebraic representation of the point coincides experimentally with the algebraic degree of a generic semidefinite program associated to the pencil. We provide explicit bounds for the complexity of our algorithm, proving that the maximum number of arithmetic operations that are performed is essentially quadratic in a multilinear B\'ezout bound of $d$. When $m$ (resp. $n$) is fixed, such a bound, and hence the complexity, is polynomial in $n$ (resp. $m$). We conclude by providing results of experiments showing practical improvements with respect to state-of-the-art computer algebra algorithms.
Studies on prolysostaphin processing and characterization of the lysostaphin immunity factor (Lif) of Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus

Lysostaphin is an extracellular glycylglycine endopep‐tidase produced by Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus ATCC1362 that lyses staphylococcal cells by hydrolysing the polyglycine interpeptide bridges of the peptidoglycan. Renewed analysis of the sequence of the lysostaphin gene (Iss), and the sequencing of the amino‐terminus of purified prolysostaphin and of mature lysostaphin revealed that lysostaphin is organized as a preproprotein of 493 amino acids (aa), with a signal peptide consisting of 36 aa, a propeptide of 211 aa from which 195 aa are organized in 15 tandem repeats of 13 aa length, and a mature protein of 246 aa. Prolysostaphin is processed in the culture supernatant of S. simulans biovar staphylolyticus by an extracellular cysteine protease. Although prolysostaphin was staphylolytically active, the mature lysostaphin was about 4.5‐fold more active. The controlled expression in Staphylococcus carnosus of Iss and Iss with deletions in the prepropeptide region indicated that the tandem repeats of the propeptide are not necessary for protein export or activation of Lss, but keep Lss in a less active state. Intracellular expressed pro‐ and mature lysostaphin exert staphy‐lolytic activity in cell‐free extracts, but do not affect growth of the corresponding clones. We characterized a lysostaphin immunity factor gene (lif) which is located in the opposite direction to Iss. The expression of lif in S. carnosus led to an increase in the serine/glycine ratio of the interpeptide bridges of peptidoglycan from 2 to 35%, suggesting that lysostaphin immunity depends on serine incorporation into the interpeptide bridge. If, in addition to lif, Iss is co‐expressed the serine/glycine ratio is further increased to 58%, suggesting that Lss selects for optimal serine incorporation. Lif shows similarity to FemA and FemB
Planning with Task-Oriented Knowledge Acquisition for a Service Robot

We propose a framework for a service robot to behave intelligently in domains that contain incomplete information, underspecified goals and dynamic change. Human robot interaction (HRI), sensing actions and physical actions are uniformly formalized in action language BC. An answer set solver is called to generate plans that guide the robot to acquire task-oriented knowledge and execute actions to achieve its goal, including interacting with human to gather information and sensing the environment to help motion planning. By continuously interpreting and grounding useful sensing information, robot is able to use contingent knowledge to adapt to unexpected changes and faults. We evaluate the approach on service robot Ke-Jia that serves drink to guests, a testing benchmark for general-purpose service robot proposed by [email protected] competition.
Binding of an ankyrin-1 isoform to obscurin suggests a molecular link between the sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrils in striated muscles

Assembly of specialized membrane domains, both of the plasma membrane and of the ER, is necessary for the physiological activity of striated muscle cells. The mechanisms that mediate the structural organization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum with respect to the myofibrils are, however, not known. We report here that ank1.5, a small splice variant of the ank1 gene localized on the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane, is capable of interacting with a sequence of 25 aa located at the COOH terminus of obscurin. Obscurin is a giant sarcomeric protein of ∼800 kD that binds to titin and has been proposed to mediate interactions between myofibrils and other cellular structures. The binding sites and the critical aa required in the interaction between ank1.5 and obscurin were characterized using the yeast two-hybrid system, in in vitro pull-down assays and in experiments in heterologous cells. In differentiated skeletal muscle cells, a transfected myc-tagged ank1.5 was found to be selectively restricted near the M line region where it colocalized with endogenous obscurin. The M line localization of ank1.5 required a functional obscurin-binding site, because mutations of this domain resulted in a diffused distribution of the mutant ank1.5 protein in skeletal muscle cells. The interaction between ank1.5 and obscurin represents the first direct evidence of two proteins that may provide a direct link between the sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrils. In keeping with the proposed role of obscurin in mediating an interaction with ankyrins and sarcoplasmic reticulum, we have also found that a sequence with homology to the obscurin-binding site of ank1.5 is present in the ank2.2 isoform, which in striated muscles has been also shown to associate with the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Accordingly, a peptide containing the COOH terminus of ank2.2 fused with GST was found to bind to obscurin. Based on reported evidence showing that the COOH terminus of ank2.2 is necessary for the localization of ryanodine receptors and InsP3 receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, we propose that obscurin, through multiple interactions with ank1.5 and ank2.2 isoforms, may assemble a large protein complex that, in addition to a structural function, may play a role in the organization of specific subdomains in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Exploring the implications of construal level for social comparison theory

This dissertation examines the relationship between two social psychological theories: Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) and Construal Level Theory (Liberman & Trope, 1998). More specifically, this research assesses how a person’s level of mental abstraction (i.e., construal level) might influence the way social comparison information from individuals or aggregates is used to form self-evaluations. Typically, comparison information from individuals (versus information about aggregates) is given disproportionate weight when forming self-evaluations; in other words, there is a “local” (i.e., individual) dominance effect in the utilization of social comparison information (e.g., Zell & Alicke, 2010). It is predicted that with greater mental abstraction (i.e., higher construal level), this tendency will be reversed, and instead comparison information from aggregates will be relied upon more when evaluating the self. In other words, abstract mindsets (versus concrete mindsets) should result in a “global” (i.e., aggregate) dominance effect in the weighting of social comparison information. Six studies examine the influence of construal level on the use of aggregate versus individual social comparison information. Two pilot studies provide initial evidence that abstract mindsets lead to a global dominance effect. The generalizability of these effects is tested by providing comparison feedback on different tasks (Study 1 and Study 4), testing the influence of different construal mindset manipulations (Study 2), as well as manipulating the psychological distance (an antecedent of construal level; e.g., Trope and Liberman, 2003) of social comparison targets (Studies 3 – 4). Additionally, the relative weighting of individual versus aggregate comparison targets is directly tested by comparing self-evaluations with only aggregate comparison information, and with both aggregate and individual comparison information (Study 2 and Study 4). Results across all studies indicate that while social comparisons with better off or worse off targets typically result in robust effects, evidence of local dominance and effects of construal manipulations are much more subtle. Theoretical implications for
Further evidence that a new type of Japanese pickles reduce the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats

A new type of pickles (nukazuke) that contain GABA and angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitory peptides and that reduce blood pressure of rats was studied further. Seven kinds of nukazuke forcefully administrated orally for one day reduced temporarily the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, a fermented shougoin daikon administrated freely for 4 weeks did not increase the blood pressure of the rats, but suppressed it throughout the experiment. Taken together with previous data (Oda et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 2014) it was concluded that the nukazuke could reduce the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Thus, the newly developed functional pickles appear to be beneficial for pickles business. Graphical Abstract A new type of nukazuke administrated for 4 weeks did not increase the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats, but suppressed it throughout the experiment.
A Survey on Clustering Based Feature Selection Technique Algorithm for High Dimensional Data

A high dimensional data is enormous issue in data mining and machine learning applications. Feature selection is the mode of recognize the good number of features that produce well-suited outcome as the unique entire set of features. Feature selection process constructs a pathway to reduce the dimensionality and time complexity and also improve the accuracy level of classifier Feature selection involves identifying a subset of the most useful features that produces compatible results as the original entire set of features. In the primary step, features are separated into clusters hence we are study various technique and algorithm such as of graphtheoretic clustering methods a Density-based Clustering Algorithms Distance-based Clustering ,Distributed Clustering Techniques
The Impact of the Topology on Cascading Failures in a Power Grid Model

Cascading failures are one of the main reasons for large scale blackouts in power transmission grids. Secure electrical power supply requires, together with careful operation, a robust design of the electrical power grid topology. Currently, the impact of the topology on grid robustness is mainly assessed by purely topological approaches, that fail to capture the essence of electric power flow. This paper proposes a metric, the effective graph resistance, to relate the topology of a power grid to its robustness against cascading failures by deliberate attacks, while also taking the fundamental characteristics of the electric power grid into account such as power flow allocation according to Kirchoff Laws. Experimental verification on synthetic power systems shows that the proposed metric reflects the grid robustness accurately. The proposed metric is used to optimize a grid topology for a higher level of robustness. To demonstrate its applicability, the metric is applied on the IEEE 118 bus power system to improve its robustness against cascading failures.
Are Associations Between Parenting Style and Academic Achievement Moderated by Ethnicity and Individualism-Collectivism?

Are Associations Between Parenting Style and Academic Achievement Moderated by Ethnicity and Individualism-Collectivism? by Thiago Louis Bomfim De Oliveira MA, Amberton University 2010 MA, Amberton University 2008 BA, Dallas Baptist University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2015 Abstract Researchers have long been concerned in documenting the nature of associations between parenting styles and academic achievement in adolescents. Social learning theory has shown how domains such as individualism, collectivism, and ethnicity are associated with parent behavior. Research suggests compatibility between individualism and authoritative parenting and collectivism with authoritarian parenting styles, which couldResearchers have long been concerned in documenting the nature of associations between parenting styles and academic achievement in adolescents. Social learning theory has shown how domains such as individualism, collectivism, and ethnicity are associated with parent behavior. Research suggests compatibility between individualism and authoritative parenting and collectivism with authoritarian parenting styles, which could have critical implications in the relationship between parenting styles and academic achievement. Despite the robust research on parenting styles, no research has investigated the moderating roles of individualism and collectivism. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the associations between parenting style and academic achievement and whether some of the associations were moderated by ethnicity, individualism, and collectivism. The sample consisted of 225 parents who were recruited via an online newsletter sent by school personnel. Parenting styles were measured by the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire while individualism and collectivism variables were measured by the Self-Construal Scale. Correlation coefficients calculated the associations between parenting styles and academic achievement, while the regression analyses addressed the moderator hypotheses. Authoritative parenting had a significant positive correlation with GPA, while both authoritarian and permissive parenting styles had a significant negative correlation with GPA. Within the moderator hypotheses, neither ethnicity nor individualism and collectivism served as a significant moderator between parenting styles and GPA. These findings may inform parents and educators of the importance of parenting styles on education, beyond the explanatory power of ethnicity or value system. Are Associations Between Parenting Style and Academic Achievement Moderated by Ethnicity and Individualism-Collectivism? by Thiago Louis Bomfim De Oliveira MA, Amberton University 2010 MA, Amberton University 2008 BA, Dallas Baptist University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Parental Influence on Adolescents ’ Political Participation

The intergenerational transmission of political attitudes and behaviors is thought to be one of the main forms of political socialization. The political interest of children and adolescents largely mirrors the interest patterns and ideological preferences of their parents. There is less knowledge, however, about the causal mechanism that might be at work: 1) do parents actively promote value patterns among their children, 2) do they function as a role model, or 3) do they simply transmit their socio-economic status to their children, with as a result a resemblance in accompanying political attitudes? In this article we investigate this causal mechanism by relying on the results of the Comparative Youth Survey which was conducted in Belgium, Canada and Romania. Our results suggest that the discussion and the interaction within the family have a strong effect on adolescents’ participation patterns. Families with a higher socio-economic status are also more effective in transmitting their attitudinal and behavioral patterns toward the next generation. We also find more conclusive evidence for intergenerational transmission in stable democracies like Belgium or Canada, than in a newly emerging democracy like Romania.
Reconsidering the "Software Crisis": A Study of Hypermedia Systems Development

With the advent and growth of the Web, hypermedia information systems have propagated within and beyond organizations. Much concern has been expressed about the quality of hypermedia systems being developed and the apparent absence of disciplined development practices. There has been talk that the infamous “software crisis” is afflicting hypermedia systems development, allegedly brought about by shoddy project management, inadequate requirements analysis and planning, and ad hoc “quick and dirty” development approaches. This paper reports on the findings of a survey of 438 organisations in Ireland, the objectives of which were to test the validity of assertions of a “hypermedia crisis”, and to explore what mechanisms if any are being used to guide and control hypermedia systems development. The preliminary conclusions are that hypermedia development is much more disciplined that popularly believed, and the state of practice is much healthier than depicted by many academic researchers.
Adverse effects of intradermal allogeneic lymphocyte immunotherapy: acute reactions and role of autoimmunity.

BACKGROUND Immunotherapy with allogeneic lymphocytes was introduced as a therapeutic option for selected infertile couples in different centres worldwide 20 years ago. It has been suggested for other indications as well, e.g. for pregnant women at risk of a child with Rhesus-D haemolytic disease, or as a vaccine which might reduce the receptiveness for HIV-1 infection. Here we report on our experience on adverse side-effects of intradermal lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) for infertile couples using partner's lymphocytes. METHODS Prospective 4 week follow-up of all couples from 2000 to 2003 for acute reactions (feedback 2687/3246 [corrected] 83%). All couples treated between 1996 and 2002 received questionnaires after 2-3 years (feedback 1914/3041, 63%). RESULTS Local reactions predominantly consisted of redness and itching for approximately 2 weeks. Systemic reactions could be attributed to LIT in 6-8%. Blisters at the injection sites were characteristic of LIT but not dependent on the HLA class I mismatch status between cell donor and host. The incidence of autoimmune disease was 0.1%. Four patients developed thromboembolism in pregnancy which was not ascribed to antiphospholipid syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Acute side-effects are comparable to those reported after intradermal vaccination for infectious diseases. Specific risks for anaphylaxis, autoimmune or graft versus host disease were not detected.
What Is the Molecular Signature of Mind–Body Interventions? A Systematic Review of Gene Expression Changes Induced by Meditation and Related Practices

There is considerable evidence for the effectiveness of mind–body interventions (MBIs) in improving mental and physical health, but the molecular mechanisms of these benefits remain poorly understood. One hypothesis is that MBIs reverse expression of genes involved in inflammatory reactions that are induced by stress. This systematic review was conducted to examine changes in gene expression that occur after MBIs and to explore how these molecular changes are related to health. We searched PubMed throughout September 2016 to look for studies that have used gene expression analysis in MBIs (i.e., mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, relaxation response, and breath regulation). Due to the limited quantity of studies, we included both clinical and non-clinical samples with any type of research design. Eighteen relevant studies were retrieved and analyzed. Overall, the studies indicate that these practices are associated with a downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B pathway; this is the opposite of the effects of chronic stress on gene expression and suggests that MBI practices may lead to a reduced risk of inflammation-related diseases. However, it is unclear how the effects of MBIs compare to other healthy interventions such as exercise or nutrition due to the small number of available studies. More research is required to be able to understand the effects of MBIs at the molecular level.
Radial Basis Function based Iterative Learning Control for stochastic distribution systems

In this paper, an Iterative Learning Control (ILC) scheme is presented for the control of the shape of the output probability density functions (PDF) for a class of stochastic systems in which the relationship between approximation basis functions and the control input is linear, and the stochastic system is not necessarily Gaussian. A Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) has been employed for the output PDF approximation and the coefficients of the approximation are linearly related to the control input. A three-stage method for the ILC-based PDF control is proposed which incorporates a) identifying PDF model parameters; b) calculating the control input; and c) updating RFBN parameters. The latter is accomplished based on P-type ILC law and the difference of the desired and calculated output PDF within a batch. Conditions for the convergent ILC rules have been derived. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.