Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agrarian reform and the ‘ two economies ’ : transforming South Africa ’ s countryside

This chapter focuses on the rural dimensions of the ‘two economies’ debate, and in particular on the question of what contribution land and agrarian reform can make to reducing inequality and addressing the structural nature of rural poverty in post-apartheid South Africa. It suggests that the problem needs to be conceptualised in terms of an ‘agrarian question of the dispossessed’, that can only be resolved through a wide-ranging agrarian reform. This must include the redistribution of land and the securing of land rights, but go beyond land questions and aim to restructure rural economic space, property regimes and socio-political relations. This approach is premised on the potential for ‘accumulation from below’ in both agricultural and non-agricultural forms of petty commodity production, and expanded opportunities for multiple livelihood strategies. The chapter suggests five core propositions as a possible basis for rethinking land and agrarian reform policies and programmes.
A framework for the response time analysis of fixed-priority tasks with stochastic inter-arrival times

Real-time scheduling usually considers worst-case values for the parameters of task (or message stream) sets, in order to provide safe schedulability tests for hard real-time systems. However, worst-case conditions introduce a level of pessimism that is often inadequate for a certain class of (soft) real-time systems. In this paper we provide an approach for computing the stochastic response time of tasks where tasks have inter-arrival times described by discrete probabilistic distribution functions, instead of minimum inter-arrival (MIT) values.
Genetic factors affecting food‐plant specialization of an oligophagous seed predator

Several ecological and genetic factors affect the diet specialization of insect herbivores. The evolution of specialization may be constrained by lack of genetic variation in herbivore performance on different food‐plant species. By traditional view, trade‐offs, that is, negative genetic correlations between the performance of the herbivores on different food‐plant species favour the evolution of specialization. To investigate whether there is genetic variation or trade‐offs in herbivore performance between different food plants that may influence specialization of the oligophagous seed‐eating herbivore, Lygaeus equestris (Heteroptera), we conducted a feeding trial in laboratory using four food‐plant species. Although L. equestris is specialized on Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (Apocynaceae) to some degree, it occasionally feeds on alternative food‐plant species. We did not find significant negative genetic correlations between mortality, developmental time and adult biomass of L. equestris on the different food‐plant species. We found genetic variation in mortality and developmental time of L. equestris on some of the food plants, but not in adult biomass. Our results suggest that trade‐offs do not affect adaptation and specialization of L. equestris to current and novel food‐plant species, but the lack of genetic variation may restrict food‐plant utilization. As food‐plant specialization of herbivores may have wide‐ranging effects, for instance, on coevolving plant–herbivore interactions and speciation, it is essential to thoroughly understand the factors behind the specialization process. Our findings provide valuable information about the role of genetic factors in food‐plant specialization of this oligophagous herbivore.
Outdoor autonomous navigation using monocular vision

In this paper, a complete system for outdoor robot navigation is presented. It uses only monocular vision. The robot is first guided on a path by a human. During this learning step, the robot records a video sequence. From this sequence, a three dimensional map of the trajectory and the environment is built. When this map has been computed, the robot is able to follow the same trajectory by itself. Experimental results carried out with an urban electric vehicle are shown and compared to the ground truth.
Interdependence as a Mediator between Culture and Interpersonal Closeness for Euro-Canadians and Turks

The present study examines cross-cultural differences in interpersonal closeness to different people and whether these differences can be explained by independent and interdependent self-construal. Turkish and Euro-Canadian samples of university students were asked to indicate how close they feel and how close they ideally would like to be to family members, romantic partners, friends, and acquaintances. As predicted, Turkish participants scored higher on interdependent self-construal, whereas there was no culture difference on independent self-construal scores. Turkish participants rated their actual and ideal closeness with others higher than Euro-Canadian participants did. Both Turkish and Euro-Canadian participants reported feeling closest and ideally wanting to be closest to their romantic partner, and then to their families and friends, followed by acquaintances. Turkish participants desired more closeness with family members and acquaintances than Euro-Canadian participants did. Interdependent self-construal was found to partially mediate the relationships between culture and actual closeness scores forfamily, friends, and acquaintances and between culture and ideal scores for family and acquaintances.
Comparison of the clinical features and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes of mediastinal malignant germ cell tumors with nonmediastinal extragonadal placements

Objective Even though the primary mediastinal extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are rare, they are noteworthy in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses. In this study, we aimed to identify the clinical features of mediastinal malignant GCTs and compare the results of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between mediastinal and nonmediastinal malignant EGCTs. Method Data of the patients with EGCT who were treated and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our hospital between 1988 and 2015 were retrieved retrospectively. Results were compared between mediastinal and nonmediastinal EGCTs. Results Data of 65 patients diagnosed with EGCT (37 [56.92%] cases with mediastinal EGCT and 28 [43.07%] cases with nonmediastinal EGCT) were assessed. The clinical stages, frequency of pretransplant status, mean pretransplant time, and mean number of chemotherapy lines before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were not significantly different between groups. Although the overall survival did not significantly differ between groups, the 5-year survival was significantly higher in mediastinal EGCTs (P=0.02). Yolk sac tumor was significantly more common in mediastinal EGCTs (P=0.05). Mortality rates were higher in seminomas and yolk sac tumors in all cases, higher in embryonal carcinomas in mediastinal EGCT group and higher in yolk sac tumors in nonmediastinal EGCT group. While choriocarcinomas had more aggressive courses in mediastinal EGCTs, seminomas and yolk sac tumors had poorer prognosis in nonmediastinal EGCTs. Short pretransplant time and persistence of elevated posttransplant βhCG and AFP levels were the significant mortality risk factors both in mediastinal and nonmediastinal EGCTs. Conclusion Mediastinal placement of EGCT was not a poor prognostic factor; furthermore, the 5-year survival was significantly higher in mediastinal EGCTs. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the clinical outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of mediastinal and nonmediastinal malignant EGCTs.
Grid matching for sparse signal recovery in compressive sensing

Sparse signal recovery is often performed over an estimation grid whose choice affects the recovery performance. The grid mismatch effect is posed as a total least squares problem based on the errors in variables (EIV) model. An existing approach to model the mismatch namely the interpolation approach is interpreted as an EIV model. The grid mismatch is solved by an alternating descent algorithm, which alternates between basis-pursuit (BP) and least squares (LS) as well as its extension wherein BP is solved by a Bayesian algorithm. These algorithms are compared with respect to the SNR and grid offset for the Nyquist and upsampled grids.
Effect of low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure on oocyte differentiation and follicular development

Background: The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) as an environmental factor on different organs including female reproductive system is of critical concern. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of low-frequency (LF)-EMF on oocyte differentiation and follicular development. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in animal lab of Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. For this purpose, the BALB/c mice were divided into control and experimental group in animal lab. The pregnant mice in the experimental group were exposed to 3 mT EMF field, 4 h/day during the pregnancy period. The LF-EMF was produced by a system using 50 Hz alternative current, in the control group the pregnant mice were kept in a similar condition without exposure to EMF. The neonatal mice from both groups were sacrificed immediately after birth and their ovary was dissected apart and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Result : Microscopy revealed that in the experimental group, in comparison to control group, oocyte nests were mostly broken and irregularly arranged. The primordial follicles were less developed and nuclei of oocytes with an electron microscope appeared heterochromatic, shrunken and had vacuolated cytoplasm. Conclusion: It is concluded that exposure to EMF during the developmental period could affect both oocyte differentiation and folliculogenesis and may result in reduced fertility, by decreasing ovarian reservoir.
Average Rate of Downlink Heterogeneous Cellular Networks over Generalized Fading Channels: A Stochastic Geometry Approach

In this paper, we introduce an analytical framework to compute the average rate of downlink heterogeneous cellular networks. The framework leverages recent application of stochastic geometry to other-cell interference modeling and analysis. The heterogeneous cellular network is modeled as the superposition of many tiers of Base Stations (BSs) having different transmit power, density, path-loss exponent, fading parameters and distribution, and unequal biasing for flexible tier association. A long-term averaged maximum biased-received-power tier association is considered. The positions of the BSs in each tier are modeled as points of an independent Poisson Point Process (PPP). Under these assumptions, we introduce a new analytical methodology to evaluate the average rate, which avoids the computation of the Coverage Probability (Pcov) and needs only the Moment Generating Function (MGF) of the aggregate interference at the probe mobile terminal. The distinguishable characteristic of our analytical methodology consists in providing a tractable and numerically efficient framework that is applicable to general fading distributions, including composite fading channels with small- and mid-scale fluctuations. In addition, our method can efficiently handle correlated Log-Normal shadowing with little increase of the computational complexity. The proposed MGF-based approach needs the computation of either a single or a two-fold numerical integral, thus reducing the complexity of Pcov-based frameworks, which require, for general fading distributions, the computation of a four-fold integral.
Comparison of the effects of two screw insertion patterns on bone fragment translocation in a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate and a 3.5 mm limited-contact dynamic compression plate.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of screw insertion pattern, plate type, application of bone reduction forceps, and additional load screw insertion in an 8-hole 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) and limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) on bone fragment translocation (BFT) in a fracture gap model. STUDY DESIGN In vitro mechanical study. METHODS Two screw insertion patterns were tested in the DCP and newly redesigned LC-DCP using gap model synthetic bone constructs. In Pattern 1, screws were first inserted into the holes at each end of the plate, then screws were inserted into the holes adjacent to the fracture gap. In Pattern 2, screws were only inserted into the holes adjacent to the fracture gap. The effects of tight or loose bone forceps securing the plate, loosening a neutral screw in Pattern 1, and inserting up to 4 additional load screws with each pattern were tested. Changes in the fracture gap were measured after insertion of all neutral screws and after each load screw. RESULTS Pattern 2 BFT was significantly greater than Pattern 1 BFT when bone forceps were loose with both plates (P < .001). In the DCP, the BFT was significantly increased by loosening the bone forceps with Pattern 2 (P < .001) and by loosening 1 neutral screw in Pattern 1 (P < .001). The BFT for each additional load screw inserted was significantly less than 1.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS A tight neutral screw in the same bone fragment as the load screw or bone clamps that tightly secure the plate to the bone can limit BFT.
Modular Organization of Functional Network Connectivity in Healthy Controls and Patients with Schizophrenia during the Resting State

Neuroimaging studies have shown that functional brain networks composed from select regions of interest have a modular community structure. However, the organization of functional network connectivity (FNC), comprising a purely data-driven network built from spatially independent brain components, is not yet clear. The aim of this study is to explore the modular organization of FNC in both healthy controls (HCs) and patients with schizophrenia (SZs). Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of HCs and SZs were decomposed into independent components (ICs) by group independent component analysis (ICA). Then weighted brain networks (in which nodes are brain components) were built based on correlations between ICA time courses. Clustering coefficients and connectivity strength of the networks were computed. A dynamic branch cutting algorithm was used to identify modules of the FNC in HCs and SZs. Results show stronger connectivity strength and higher clustering coefficient in HCs with more and smaller modules in SZs. In addition, HCs and SZs had some different hubs. Our findings demonstrate altered modular architecture of the FNC in schizophrenia and provide insights into abnormal topological organization of intrinsic brain networks in this mental illness.
RSK4 and PAK5 Are Novel Candidate Genes in Diabetic Rat Kidney and Brain

The orphan hepatic nuclear factor (HNF) HNF4α is of pivotal importance for liver development and hepatocellular differentiation and plays an essential role in a regulatory circuitry to control a wide range of metabolic processes. It also targets genes in other organs, including pancreas, kidney, intestine, and colon; promotes expression of an epithelial phenotype; triggers de novo formation of functional tight junctions; and contributes to epithelial cell polarity. In particular, HNF4α dysfunction leads to metabolic disorders, including diabetes. We used the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) cloning procedure and a bioinformatic approach to search for candidate genes associated with impaired liver, pancreas, and kidney function. We identified two novel targets regulated by HNF4α, which participate in the control, at least in part, in cell-cycle regulation and are members of the mitogen-activated kinase pathway. In multiple ChIP assays, ribosomal S6 kinase 4 (RSK4) and p21-activated kinase 5 (PAK5) were confirmed, and in vitro binding of HNF4α was evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) using oligonucleotides, which harbor novel binding sites. We also used EMSA to probe for binding sites in promoters of HNF1α, apolipoprotein B, α1-antitrypsin, and angiotensinogen. We further studied RSK4 and PAK5 kinase expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat kidney and brain and observed significant repression of HNF4α, RSK4, and PAK5 as determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RSK4 and PAK5 may provide a molecular rationale for late-stage complications in disease, and further studies are warranted to explore these targets for the treatment of diabetic nephro- and neuropathy, frequently seen in patients with HNF4α dysfunction.
A Minimax Algorithm Better Than Alpha-beta?: No and Yes

This paper has three main contributions to our understanding of fixed-depth minimax search: (A) A new formulation for Stockman's SSS* algorithm, based on Alpha-Beta, is presented. It solves all the perceived drawbacks of SSS*, finally transforming it into a practical algorithm. In effect, we show that SSS* = alpha-beta + ransposition tables. The crucial step is the realization that transposition tables contain so-called solution trees, structures that are used in best-first search algorithms like SSS*. Having created a practical version, we present performance measurements with tournament game-playing programs for three different minimax games, yielding results that contradict a number of publications. (B) Based on the insights gained in our attempts at understanding SSS*, we present a framework that facilitates the construction of several best-first fixed- depth game-tree search algorithms, known and new. The framework is based on depth-first null-window Alpha-Beta search, enhanced with storage to allow for the refining of previous search results. It focuses attention on the essential differences between algorithms. (C) We present a new instance of the framework, MTD(f). It is well-suited for use with iterative deepening, and performs better than algorithms that are currently used in most state-of-the-art game-playing programs. We provide experimental evidence to explain why MTD(f) performs better than the other fixed-depth minimax algorithms.
Random Walk in an Alcove of an Affine Weyl Group, and Non-colliding Random Walks on an Interval

We use a reflection argument, introduced by Gessel and Zeilberger, to count the number of k-step walks between two points which stay within a chamber of a Weyl group. We apply this technique to walks in the alcoves of the classical affine Weyl groups. In all cases, we get determinant formulas for the number of k-step walks. One important example is the region m>x1>x2>? >xn>0, which is a rescaled alcove of the affine Weyl group Cn. If each coordinate is considered to be an independent particle, this models n non-colliding random walks on the interval (0, m). Another case models n non-colliding random walks on a circle.
Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Hybrid Nanomaterials via Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Focusing

Shape-controlled synthesis of nanomaterials through a simple, continuous, and low-cost method is essential to nanomaterials research toward practical applications. Hydrodynamic focusing, with its advantages of simplicity, low-cost, and precise control over reaction conditions, has been used for nanomaterial synthesis. While most studies have focused on improving the uniformity and size control, few have addressed the potential of tuning the shape of the synthesized nanomaterials. Here we demonstrate a facile method to synthesize hybrid materials by three-dimensional hydrodynamic focusing (3D-HF). While keeping the flow rates of the reagents constant and changing only the flow rate of the buffer solution, the molar ratio of two reactants (i.e., tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and HAuCl4) within the reaction zone varies. The synthesized TTF–Au hybrid materials possess very different and predictable morphologies. The reaction conditions at different buffer flow rates are studied through computational simulation, and the formation mechanisms of different structures are discussed. This simple one-step method to achieve continuous shape-tunable synthesis highlights the potential of 3D-HF in nanomaterials research.
Two Membrane-Associated NiFeS-Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenases from the Anaerobic Carbon-Monoxide-Utilizing EubacteriumCarboxydothermus hydrogenoformans

ABSTRACT Two monofunctional NiFeS carbon monoxide (CO) dehydrogenases, designated CODH I and CODH II, were purified to homogeneity from the anaerobic CO-utilizing eubacterium Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans. Both enzymes differ in their subunit molecular masses, N-terminal sequences, peptide maps, and immunological reactivities. Immunogold labeling of ultrathin sections revealed both CODHs in association with the inner aspect of the cytoplasmic membrane. Both enzymes catalyze the reaction CO + H2O → CO2 + 2 e− + 2 H+. Oxidized viologen dyes are effective electron acceptors. The specific enzyme activities were 15,756 (CODH I) and 13,828 (CODH II) μmol of CO oxidized min−1 mg−1 of protein (methyl viologen, pH 8.0, 70°C). The two enzymes oxidize CO very efficiently, as indicated by kcat/Km values at 70°C of 1.3 · 109 M−1 CO s−1 (CODH I) and 1.7 · 109M−1 CO s−1 (CODH II). The apparentKm values at pH 8.0 and 70°C are 30 and 18 μM CO for CODH I and CODH II, respectively. Acetyl coenzyme A synthase activity is not associated with the enzymes. CODH I (125 kDa, 62.5-kDa subunit) and CODH II (129 kDa, 64.5-kDa subunit) are homodimers containing 1.3 to 1.4 and 1.7 atoms of Ni, 20 to 22 and 20 to 24 atoms of Fe, and 22 and 19 atoms of acid-labile sulfur, respectively. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed signals indicative of [4Fe-4S] clusters. Ni was EPR silent under any conditions tested. It is proposed that CODH I is involved in energy generation and that CODH II serves in anabolic functions.
Single Mothers by Choice

When our mothers told us the facts of life, they generally created a picture of pregnancy as an intentional act participated in by a married couple who had mutually decided that they wanted to create a baby. In this "ideal-type" situation, the husband provides the sperm and the wife provides the egg, and together they hope for a baby to develop. In this same scenario, both partners are in their twenties or early thirties, and the husband provides emotional support to his wife during her pregnancy and celebrates the baby's eagerlyawaited arrival. But we all know that life does not always imitate the "happily ever after" stories we are told in our childhood. What our parents probably didn't tell us was that sometimes young girls get pregnant because they feel pressured into sexual activity to 'prove" their love to their boyfriends, that sometimes parents split up and one parent disappears, that some relationships are ugly and violent and dangerous, that some people don't love or take care of their children, or that sometimes Prince Charming never actually shows up, leaving a woman with the option of marrying a "lesser choice" or not marrying at all. Yet those early fairy tales of "happily ever after" often continue to live in our hearts. This article focuses on a population ofwomen who, for the most part, grew up with the dream ofmeeting their prince and starting their families, but arrived at the age of 35 or 40 or 45 without the first part of that equation having been met; i.e., the appropriate marriage partner somehow never found his way into their lives. Thus they chose to proceed with parenthood as single women. Interestingly, despite traditional scripts that claim that parenthood should only take place within the context ofmarriage (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1988; Parsons, 1951), "women have always been able to view marriage and childrearing as somewhat distinct institutions" (Popenoe, 1996: 25). Thus,