Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tinkering on the Fringes? Redistributive Land Reforms and Chronic Poverty in Southern Africa

Land redistribution is often seen as a powerful tool in the fight against poverty in areas where a majority of people are rural-based and make a living mostly, if not entirely, off the land. In Southern Africa, landlessness due to the asset alienation that occurred during colonial occupation has been acknowledged as one of several ultimate causes of chronic poverty. Strategies for poverty reduction therefore tend to focus on addressing the resultant imbalance in access to, and ownership of land resources. Land redistribution is thought to offer poor people secure livelihoods, as well as impartible assets to bequeath to future generations, hence reducing inter-generational transfers of poverty. In addition to redistribution, tenure reform is thought to help some landed but vulnerable households secure their livelihoods through enhanced rights to land. This has been known to spur poor households to increase investment on land, and lead to better production and higher productivity. This paper looks at land reforms in Southern Africa, making five key observations with respect to land reforms and poverty in the region: First, although there is political appetite for deracialising land holding, there is little evidence to show a commitment to link this process to poverty reduction. In all three countries under investigation - Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe - policy rhetoric on land as a poverty-reducing asset often has not been followed through with a serious commitment of resources, either for enhancing access to land or for supporting those that have been 'assetted'. Second, as currently designed, land reform efforts extend poverty 'traps' in the space economy rather than creating new opportunities. The quality of land provided and the terms of access both compromise the ability of beneficiaries to make a living as envisaged in plans. Third, in all three countries there has been policy capture of land reform initiatives by non-poor political and bureaucratic elite at the expense of the poor. Fourth, in all three countries, there has been reluctance to meaningfully reform customary forms of tenure seen as safeguarding the interests of the poor, yet at the same time there is growing evidence of commoditisation of land under such customary tenure that may not always work for poor households. Fifth, there is paucity of good quality data at country level for the systematic monitoring of the impact of land reforms. Monitoring and evaluation systems emerge as afterthoughts. The paper concludes that although some poor people have had their lives transformed by access to more land in the short term, there is no systematic linkage between the programmes for land reform in the region and poverty reduction. As a follow up, the paper calls for systematic research that can produce good quality qualitative and quantitative data on the impact of land reforms on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries (vulnerable non-poor, poor and chronically poor) especially in Type-1 (redistribution) and Type-2 (tenure) reform countries.
Impact of chamber wall loss of gaseous organic compounds on secondary organic aerosol formation: explicit modeling of SOA formation from alkane and alkene oxidation

Abstract. Recent studies have shown that low volatility gas-phase species can be lost onto the smog chamber wall surfaces. Although this loss of organic vapors to walls could be substantial during experiments, its effect on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation has not been well characterized and quantified yet. Here the potential impact of chamber walls on the loss of gaseous organic species and SOA formation has been explored using the Generator for Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of the Organics in the Atmosphere (GECKO-A) modeling tool, which explicitly represents SOA formation and gas–wall partitioning. The model was compared with 41 smog chamber experiments of SOA formation under OH oxidation of alkane and alkene series (linear, cyclic and C12-branched alkanes and terminal, internal and 2-methyl alkenes with 7 to 17 carbon atoms) under high NOx conditions. Simulated trends match observed trends within and between homologous series. The loss of organic vapors to the chamber walls is found to affect SOA yields as well as the composition of the gas and the particle phases. Simulated distributions of the species in various phases suggest that nitrates, hydroxynitrates and carbonylesters could substantially be lost onto walls. The extent of this process depends on the rate of gas–wall mass transfer, the vapor pressure of the species and the duration of the experiments. This work suggests that SOA yields inferred from chamber experiments could be underestimated up a factor of 2 due to the loss of organic vapors to chamber walls.
Allelopathic effects of invasive species (Alliaria petiolata, Lonicera maackii, Ranunculus ficaria) in the Midwestern United States

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) are three invasive species in US Midwestern forests. The comparative allelopathic effects of leaf extracts of these species on germination and reproduction of Arabidopsis thaliana were investigated in a growth room. Highest extract concentrations (0.3 and 0.2 g fresh leaf tissue/mL distilled water) of L. maackii delayed germination in potting soil compared to the control. Extracts of L. maackii also decreased the number of siliques in potting soil compared to the control and to A. petiolata extracts, with extracts of R. ficaria having intermediate effects. In field soil, extracts of L. maackii and R. ficaria significantly decreased the number of siliques compared to extracts of A. petiolata. In a third experiment, effects on germination of three agricultural species (Brassica oleracea, Lactuca sativa and Ocimum basilicum), were studied. Ranunculus ficaria and L. maackii extracts were least harmful to germination, while A. petiolata extracts were most harmful. Germination of L. sativa and O. basilicum was more sensitive to A. petiolata and R. ficaria extracts, while germination of B. oleracea was more sensitive to L. maackii extracts. These results showed differential allelopathic effects of these invasive species, which varied with test species and experimental conditions.
Efficiency Evaluation of Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Conservatism in Predicting of Financial Performance of Accepted Firms in Tehrans Stock Market

With regard to the subject of separation of management from ownership and appearance of conflict of interests between owners and managers, topics of interest to various stakeholders such as creditors, owners, government and even managers is performance evaluation of firms and managers. By the same token this paper is paid to the efficiency evaluation corporate governance mechanisms and conservatism in Predicting of Financial Performance of accepted firms in Tehran’s stock market. In this study, data for the 46 firms accepted for years 1388 and 1389 were evaluated based. In order to analyze the data employ statistical technique of factor analysis and discriminant analysis. The finding express to conservatism indexes allied with financial ratios have significant relationship with company’s performance and significant role in separation of strong performance and poor performance companies but corporate governance variable have not significant influence in separation of strong performance and poor performance companies and can’t employ for improvement of the model accuracy of company’s performance prediction. On the whole provided model for performance prediction, predicted correctly the %80/4 of classification to two groups of strong and poor companies.
Physiological and Pathological Roles of Free Radicals in Male Reproduction

Oxidative stress (OS) is a condition caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) overgeneration and decreased antioxidant defense mechanisms in the cell. OS has become a prominent factor in male reproductive dysfunction as ROS cause damage to sperm DNA, lipids and proteins, alterations to critical sperm structures and signaling pathways, leading to a decreased sperm activity and fertilizing capacity. At the same time, small amounts of ROS play vital roles in events leading to sperm maturation and acquisition of functional activity, which is why a proper oxidative balance is of paramount importance for a proper male fertility. Understanding the physiological and pathological roles of ROS in male reproduction has become an essential pillar of modern andrology; however, numerous questions related to the controversial behavior of ROS in male reproductive cells and tissues still remain unanswered. This chapter aims to summarize current evidence available on the relationships between free radicals, antioxidants and male reproduction and to trigger more scientific interest, particularly with respect to the design of efficient strategies to diagnose or treat male sub- or infertility associated with OS.
The Interplay among Self-efficacy, Perceptions of Instructional Supervision, and Teaching Performance: A Case of Iranian EFL Teachers

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between language teachers' perception of instructional supervision and their self-efficacy. In addition, it intended to delve into the interplay among self-efficacy, perception of supervision, and teaching performance of Iranian EFL teachers. Employing a mixed-method design, the researchers collected the data, using questionnaires and observation. A total number of 116 EFL instructors teaching at language institutes in Shiraz participated in the quantitative phase of the study. Making use of purposive sampling, the researchers asked 46 of the participants to cooperate in the second phase of the study in which data was collected through classroom observations. In order to analyze the collected data, the researchers utilized descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and code-recode agreement techniques. The findings of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and their perception of instructional supervision (r = 0.22, p<0.05). Moreover, the participants' teaching performance was significantly correlated with their self-efficacy (r = 0.64, p<0.05) and their perception of supervision (r=0.10, p<0.05). In addition, further investigation of the data revealed that teachers' self-efficacy was the only variable that made a significant unique contribution to their teaching performance (Beta = 0.43, p<0.05).
Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract Consumption on Blood Pressure and Anthropometric Measures in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Crossover Placebo Controlled Study

Background: Stress is known to contribute to obesity and hypertension and both are considered to be primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) contains chlorogenic acid (CGA) which is attributed with several health benefits including anti-obesity and anti-hypertensive effects. Objectives: To investigate the short term effects of GCBE intake on blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric parameters in healthy volunteers. Methodology: A single blinded cross-over placebo controlled study was performed on 16 healthy volunteers who consumed either GCBE or caffeine as placebo. The volunteers took the interventions for a week with a one-week wash-out period in between before switching intervention groups. Results: After administration of GCBE (equivalent to 500mg of CGA/day) for seven days, participant’s diastolic and systolic blood pressures were significantly reduced from 76.9± 9.1 at baseline to 72.6±5.9mmHg (p<0.001), and from 119.1±11.9 to 114.5±9.6 mmHg (p=0.001), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) and body weight were also significantly reduced following GCBE intake. NO significant changes in these parameters were observed after the placebo. Conclusion: This study showed that 500mg CGA/day can significantly reduce blood pressure (BP), BMI and weight of healthy individuals.
The Role of Eicosanoids on Nodulation Reactions to Bacterium Serratia marcescens in Larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis

Nodulation is the first step of the cellular defense reactions to bacterial infections in insects. In the present study, injecting larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, with eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors, immediately prior to intrahemocoelic injections of the bacterium, Serratia marcescens, sharply reduced the nodulation response to bacterial challenges. Separate treatments with specific inhibitors including dexamethasone (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor), indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and phenidone (a dual cyclooxgenase/lipoxygenase inhibitor) also impaired the ability of European corn borers to form nodules in reaction to bacterial challenges. The inhibitory influence of phenidone was apparent within 30 mins after infection, and nodulation was significantly reduced, relative to the control insects, over following 4 h. These findings support the hypothesis that eicosanoids act in nodulation reactions to bacterial infections in European corn borers.
The relation between mutual fund flows, stock returns and macroeconomic variables: evidence from Portugal

In this article we analyze the relations between mutual fund flows, stock market returns and macroeconomic variables during the period 2000-2012 inPortugal. We found evidence of a statistically significant positive co-movement between mutual fund flows and stock market returns which is consistent with a common reaction to information about future economic activity. Moreover, our results suggest that both mutual fund flows and stock market returns are forward-looking and help to forecast the evolution of macroeconomic variables. These results have relevant implications for all the decision-makers that need to forecast economic activity.
Book indexing : a reflection on the contrasting complexities and ease of conceptualisation and how we can deepen our understanding

The complexities, as well as seemingly simplicities of book indexing are considered against conceptualisation and determining what an entity is about. This is done by considering an academic, theoretical perspective as well as the perspective of indexers in praxis. Various viewpoints on conceptionalisation are briefly considered, namely the simplistic approach, content-oriented approach, requirements-oriented approach and socio-cognitive view. Suggestions on bridging the gap between pragmatic indexing and theoretical indexing discourse are offered.
Quality improvement and shelf life extension of fresh apricot fruit (Prunus Armeniaca cv. Shahroudi) using postharvest chemical treatments and packaging during cold storage

The main objective of this work was to assess the effectiveness of salicylic acid (SA), calcium chloride (CaCl2) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and packaging on some qualitative properties of apricot fruit during cold storage. The experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design as factorial, with three replicates. Fruits were dipped in SA (0.1 or 0.5 mM), CaCl2 (1 or 2%) or NaHCO3 (0.2 or 0.5%) solutions for 3 min at 22°C. Then, fruits were placed into polyethylene trays and wrapped with cellophane films to create a passive modified atmosphere packaging, whilst the second group remained unwrapped. Fruits were stored in a cool room at 0.5 ± 0.5°C. Regardless of chemical treatments, total soluble solids (TSS), organoleptic characteristics, and shelf life were higher in packed fruit compare to unpacked fruit. The TSS, weight loss and firmness were lower in fruits covered with cellophane compared to unwrapped fruit. Fruits that treated with SA (0.5 mM) and covered with cellophane film had the lowest TSS while treated fruit with CaCl2 (1%) with no cover indicated the highest TSS. Generally, there was a significant decrease in fruit firmness under the cellophane layer compare to unpacked fruits while in treated fruit with CaCl2 (1%) firmness in packed fruit was obviously higher than unpacked fruits. The best visual quality and taste were obtained in treated fruit with CaCl2 (2%), followed by SA (0.5 mM) when they were packed with cellophane film. The highest shelf life obtained in treated fruit with SA (0.1 mM), followed by NaHCO3 (0.5%). Overall, a combination of chemical treatments and packaging with cellophane film improved fruit quality and extend shelf life significantly compared to the control.
Effects of Various Processing Methods on the Ultrastructure of Tendon Collagen Fibrils from Qinchuan Beef Cattle Observed with Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy was utilized to study the effects of ultrasound oscillation, microwave heating, water bath cooking, and acid-base soaking on the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils of Qinchuan beef cattle tendons. D-spacing length and roughness of collagen fibrils always showed a 1.02% increment in the group which was processed for 20 min rather than for 10 min under different ultrasound frequencies. Microwave heating had a slight impact on D-spacing length and roughness at lower power (140–560 W), and collagen fibrils always showed a 1.02% increment for 20 min. Then, visible changes were noted with increasing power and time. D-spacing length reduced by 1.01% at 50°C for treatment periods of 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min, and there was no obvious change at 60°C; the periodic structure disappeared after cooking for 20 min, when fibrils had become gelatinized at 70°C. Collagen fibrils became disorganized at pH 3, following acid-base soaking. The present study indicated that acid-base soaking had an outstanding effect on the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils, especially in an acidic environment in consideration of the special structure of collagen.
Maxwell Stress Induced Flow-Deformation and Optical Nonlinearities in Liquid Crystals (Invited Paper)

We present a critical account of intense pulsed-laser field induced refractive index changes caused by flow, crystalline axis reorientation and distortion and other high order photonic processes in transparent liquid crystals. In particular, the optical nonlinearity associated with Maxwell Stress induced flow-reorientation in nematic liquid crystals is explicitly calculated, and their possibility for all-optical switching application is experimentally demonstrated. Similar flows processes have also been observed in Blue-Phase liquid crystals with nanosecond and picosecond pulsed-lasers.
Tests for cured proportion for recurrent event count data - Uncensored case with covariates

Sumathi and Rao (2008) proposed a cure model for the recurrent event count data. The proposed model was based on the zero inflated Poisson (ZIP) distribution. Several tests were proposed for testing the cured proportion for recurrent event count data (Sumathi and Rao (2010)). In any health related studies, whether epidemiological or long term follow up studies, it is very essential for an investigator to record the information of patients regarding their demographic and socio-economic status as well as their medical history, at the time of clinical examination. These factors, commonly known as covariates, do play a vital role in influencing the health status of the individuals. The present paper is an extension of the work of Sumathi and Rao (2010). It proposes tests for testing the cured proportion in the presence of covariates when the data are uncensored. The covariates are related to the mean parameter of the proposed model, using the log link function. Although testing for p  0 has been done in the past (Broek (1995)), testing for 0 p  p has not been studied for the ZIP model. The small sample performances of the proposed tests are studied using simulations.
Laterality and performance in combat sports

Literature has shown a relationship between laterality and an over-representation of left-handed athletes in certain sports, and especially in sports one against one, such as judo, tennis, boxing or fencing; the main explanation has been attributed to greater chance of success. Some authors have explained it through a genetic or innate superiority hypothesis, however others defend the strategic advantage hypothesis. The study aim is an overview about laterality, sporting success, over-representation of left-dominant athletes executing techniques, and the possibility of modulating that over-representation through training and based on negative frequency-dependent selection hypothesis, given that in sports such as fencing, boxing or judo, tactical designs and training actions have been developed based on the opponent’s predominant side while execut-
ISMC 2017 13 th International Strategic Management Conference WHICH PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT DIMENSIONS REALLY AFFECT PEOPLE IN RESTAURANTS ?

Physical environment is an important subject in the literature to analyze restaurant visiting behaviors of consumers. There are different studies, discribings, scales, and different dimensions and items of these scales to understand how physical environment influences consumers’ behaviors. In the present study, two of these scales, named SERVICESCAPE and DINESCAPE, were used with a holistic view and correct dimensions and items of them were determined. This holistic questionnaire was applied to 204 people from Istanbul and Kocaeli, Turkey, who dine out in these cities. The data gathered from these surveys in April,2017 was analyzed through the SPSS statistical packaged software. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliabiliry Analysis and Regression Analysis were carried out in this process. Results show that facility aesthetics, ambient conditions and layout from the physical environment dimensions are positively related to revisit intention; electronic equipment and facility aesthetics, on the other hand, are not positively related to revisit intention. Managerial implications and suggestions for future researches were given. © 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.uk
LINER galaxy properties and the local environment

We analyse the properties of a sample of 5560 LINER galaxies selected from SDSS-DR12 at low redshift, for a complete range of local density environments. The host LINER galaxies were studied and compared with a well-defined control sample of 5553 non-LINER galaxies matched in red shift, luminosity, morphology and local density. By studying the distributions of galaxy colours and the stellar age population, we find that LINERs are redder and older than the control sample over a wide range of densities.In addition, LINERs are older than the control sample, at a given galaxy colour, indicating that some external process could have accelerated the evolution of the stellar population. The analysis of the host properties shows that the control sample exhibits a strong relation between colours, ages and the local density, while more than 90 per cent of the LINERs are redder and older than the mean values, independently of the neighbourhood density. Furthermore, a detailed study in three local density ranges shows that, while control sample galaxies are redder and older as a function of stellar mass and density, LINER galaxies mismatch the known morphology-density relation of galaxies without low-ionization features. The results support the contribution of hot and old stars to the low-ionization emission although the contribution of nuclear activity is not discarded.