Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DISTILLING A 'NEW REGIONALIST' PLANNING AGENDA FOR SOUTH AFRICA: IS THE PROVINCIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PGDS) MEASURING UP?

There is a renaissance of regions in the economic geography of globalisation. Sub-national regions and supra-national regions have become increasingly important and regions have become the critical foundations of development processes. National economic vitality depends to a large extent on maximising the growth potential of economic regions and their ability to compete nationally and internationally. Numerous authors highlight the region as the new economic space that can promote strategic planning and economic development in a post-modernist era ((Deas and Ward, 2000; Vigar et al., 2000; Keating, 1998). The region becomes the nexus for ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ planning processes and strategic regional-scale planning is increasingly being seen as key in achieving sustainable growth and development. In South Africa too, there is now a growing recognition of the importance of this ‘new regionalist’ planning agenda and the value it can add to creating an effective inter-governmental planning system. It is particularly useful when focusing on the role of provincial planning, often considered to be the weak link within the inter-governmental planning system in South Africa.
Cointegration and Dynamic Causal Links Amongst African Stock Markets

The paper examines links between African stock markets using cointegration and errorcorrection modelling. Two long-run stable cointegration relations are found; one hinging on a larger market (South Africa) and the other on a smaller market (Ghana). The short-run error correction framework shows significant feedback and causal effects both ways from smaller to larger markets. There is also evidence of significant effects of misalignments in the South African shortrun stock returns model on the short-run model of Ghana.
Heavy metals in fluvial sediments of the Odra River flood plains - introductory research

Heavy metals in fluvial sediments of the Odra River flood plains - introductory research The article presents the results of research on concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in fluvial sediment samples collected in the flood plains of the Odra River. The samples were collected from the presently flooded area and from the area which was formerly flooded. The extraction of sediment samples was conducted using aqua regia and four other extractants: 0.01M CaCl2, 0.1M HCl, 0.005M DTPA and 0.02M EDTA. The analysis of the results revealed different concentration values for particular sample collection sites situated along the course of the Odra River. The differentiation of metal concentrations in the investigated samples depending on the extractants was also observed. The concentrations of metals were determined using the technique of atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization (F-AAS).
FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF EFAVIRENZ LIQUISOLID COMPACTS

Objective: The present research is aimed to enhance the dissolution rate of Efavirenz using liquisolid compact technology. Methods: About 16 different formulations were developed using factorial design with carriers (Neusilin and Fugicalin), binder (PVP K-30) and vehicle (polyethylene glycol 300) as independent variables and aerosil 200 is used as coating material. The In-vitro drug release from the LSC has used a dependent variable. The empirical method by Spireas and Bolton was applied to calculate the amounts of carrier and coating materials and obtained the improved flow characteristics and hardness by changing the proportion of carrier and coating materials. Results: A 2 3 factorial design is used and developed LSC using Neusilin (LSC-N1 to LSC-N8) and Fugicalin (LSC-F1 to LSC-F8). The physicochemical evaluation of all formulations exhibited well within the specification limits with respect to weight variation, hardness, friability and content uniformity. The In-vitro drug release from these LSC was evaluated in 0.1 N HCl and the optimized formulation (LSC-N8) was compared with pure drug (capsule) and physical mixture (tablet). The release studies proved that the liquisolid tablets results in higher release profile than pure drug and physical mixture due to increase in surface and wetting properties of the drug. Conclusion: LSC technique confirmed the enhanced dissolution rate of Efavirenz, which in turn helps in improving bioavailability.
The young radio lobe of 3C 84: inferred gas properties in the central 10 pc

We analyse the environment of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in the centre of a massive elliptical galaxy NGC 1275 in the Perseus cluster, hosting the radio source 3C 84. We focus on the young radio lobe observed inside the estimated Bondi accretion radius. We discuss the momentum balance between the jet associated with the lobe and the surrounding gas. The results are compared with the proper motion of the radio lobe obtained with the very long baseline interferometry. We find that under assumption of a high-density environment >~ 100 cm^-3), the jet power must be comparable to the Eddington luminosity --- this is clearly inconsistent with the current moderate activity of 3C 84, which indicates instead that the jet is expanding in a very low density region (<~1 cm^-3), along the rotation axis of the accretion flow. The power required for the jet to expand in the low-density environment is comparable to the past average jet power estimated from the X-ray observations. We estimate the classical Bondi accretion rate, assuming that (1) gas accretion is spherically symmetric, (2) accretion is associated with the jet environment, and (3) the medium surrounding the jet is representative of the properties of the dominant accreting gas. We find that Bondi accretion is inconsistent with the estimated jet power. This means that either accretion of the cold gas in the NGC 1275 is more efficient than that of the hot gas, or the jets are powered by the SMBH spin.
Fasciola hepatica: epidemiology, perspectives in the diagnostic and the use of geoprocessing systems for prevalence studies.

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that is located in the liver of ruminants with the possibility to infect horses, pigs and humans. The parasite belongs to the Trematoda class, and it is the agent causing the disease called fasciolosis. This disease occurs mainly in temperate regions where climate favors the development of the organism. These conditions must facilitate the development of the intermediate host, the snail of the genus Lymnaea . The infection in domestic animals can lead to decrease in production and control is made by using triclabendazole. Triclabendazole resistance in F. hepatica has been reported worldwide including in Brazil. Another concern is the increase number of human cases with the consumption of contaminated vegetables in regions where sanitation is inadequate together with the presence of infected animals and the absence of efficient control methods. The knowledge of the epidemiology of animal fasciolosis, including their occurrence, distribution and monitoring with techniques such as PCR and ELISA is reaching a new level with the usage of the Geographic Information System. The objective is to use new technologies for early fasciolosis diagnostic, as well as, to develop geoprocessing technics that could allow the determination of its prevalence and the evolution of clinical cases in animals before hand. This review paper provides an overview of F. hepatica , covering the aspects listed above, including original data.
VORTEX SHEDDING PATTERNS IN FLOW PAST INLINE OSCILLATING ELLIPTICAL CYLINDERS

Vortex shedding patterns in flow past inline oscillating elliptical cylinder are simulated by lattice Boltzmann and direct forcing/fictitious domain method which is validated by finite volume method when this cylinder is fixed. The modes of vortex shedding are analyzed in detail by changing the amplitude and the frequency of oscillation by using the first method in this paper.
Controller Optimization Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm of a Flexible Single-Link Manipulator

This study presents an optimization algorithm to find the optimal value of PD controller parameters of the well-known joint-based collocated (JBC) control scheme which used to control the flexible manipulator. The single link flexible manipulator is modeled using Finite element method (FDM) and Lagrangian approach. An evolutionary Cuckoo Search Algorithm was utilized to optimize the controllers' parameters. Behavior of controlled system response including hub angle and end-point displacement are recorded and assessed. It was noted that the proposed Cuckoo Search Algorithm algorithm is effective to find the optimal value of the PID based controller which was able to achieve better optimum value, and result in better time-domain hub-angle response.
Approaches to Processes of Constructing in Software Construction Kits

A shorter version of this paper appears in Proceedings of the International Workshop on Applied Learning Technologies, IEEE Computer Society Press, 2000 (MERL WP2000-07). We have developed a genre of software construction kits and a framework for implementing them. The framework is both conceptual and structural. Its conceptual aspect derives from constructivist learning theory, and its structural aspect extends the Java Abstract Windowing Toolkit. This framework, called the ¨ Kit4Kits,¨ supports generation of software kits that are highly graphical and highly interactive. They are characterized by two main processes: players ´ building of objects
Use of Knowledge System in the Rural Community in Improving Livelihood Status of the Farmers under RDRS

The study was focused to determine the extent of use of knowledge system in improving livelihood status of the farmers. The relationship between selected characteristics of the farmers and extent of use of knowledge system in improving their livelihood status was also explored. The study was conducted in Raipur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila under Thakurgaon District. The population of the study was 146 and seventy percent of the population was selected at random and as such 101 farmers were selected as sample. Data were collected through interview schedule by the researcher himself during 07 February to 28 March 2004. The majority (69 percent) of the respondents possessed medium extent of knowledge while 17 percent low and 14 percent possessed high extent of knowledge on livelihood. Out of thirteen selected characteristics of the respondents level of literacy, farm size, and annual income, farming and living expenditure, innovativeness, communication exposure, cosmopoliteness, organizational participation, aspiration and fatalism had positive significant relationship with the extent of use of knowledge system in improving livelihood status. Key words: Information system, livelihood status, farmers. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1. 1474 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 167-172, June 2007
Present status and diversity of small indigenous fish species (SIS) in the upper reaches of river Brahmaputra in Assam, north-eastern India

An investigation was carried out to assess the status and diversity of small indigenous species (SIS) of fish in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra, Assam. The study was carried out for two years from January, 2013 to December, 2014 in five prominent landing stations. A total of 52 SIS of fish belonging to 15 families and 33 genera were recorded during the study period. Cyprinidae was observed to be the most dominant family with 22 species (42.31%). According to IUCN status (2015), species like Amblyceps arunchalensis and Puntius fraseri were listed as endangered species. It has been observed that the SIS were most abundant during pre-monsoon period and least abundant during winter season in the area of the river under study. The study also revealed that the upper reaches of river Brahmaputra is fairly rich in SIS fish diversity. However, better management strategies such as controlled harvest and scientific fishing policies will ensure sustainable exploitation and conservation of SIS fish in the region.
Area-Calibrated Automation of Coral Classification for Near And Subsurface Reef Videos

Groundwork for an area-calibrated computer-automated system for benthic classification through underwater video is presented. Data acquisition through an underwater video camera is fast, less expensive and processing can be done in one day. Two video acquisition schemes were considered: (1) nearreef videos, where height of 30 cm from the reef surface is maintained, and (2) subsurface video of a reef where the camera is fixed 0.2-0.5m below the surface. Rapid classification is implemented via downsampling a reef image into blocks. Benthic components are classified into living and nonliving categories. For near-reef videos, an overall success rate of 79% is achieved even for corals occurring in various morphologies. Color and texture features derived from video stills were used as inputs to the classifier system. For subsurface reef video, an overall recognition rate of 60 – 70% was achieved. A more accurate percent cover is obtained via an area calibration model developed. This model is based on camera optics and removes the need for an underwater reference object for area correction. The development of an automated rapid reef classification system is most promising for reef studies that need fast and frequent data acquisition of percent cover of living and nonliving components.
Effects of Lace-up and Aircast Ankle Braces on Dynamic Postural Control in Functional Fatigue Condition: A Study on Volleyball Players with Ankle Instability

1. Department of Sport Medicine and Health, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. 2. Department of Sports Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. 3. Department of Corrective Exercises and Sports Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Human breast tissue characterisation with small-angle X-ray scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns from breast tissue samples are compared with their histology. Formalin fixed human breast tissue specimens containing ductal and lobular carcinoma were studied. Histo-pathological information is compared with the scattering data, and there is a clear spatial correlation. Supra-molecular organisation of collagen fibrils is modelled and the model is used to create scattering maps. The model parameters include the axial periodicity (d-spacing), radius and packing of the fibrils, and these are derived from comparison with the experimental scattering patterns. The d-spacing is to 0.5% larger in malignant zones of the tumours than in the healthy zones. There are also characteristic differences in the fibril diameter and packing.
Transition factors in former Communist countries’ property markets.

The article examines to what extent there are still transition factors influencing the property markets in the former Communist countries. When transition began over 20 years ago, there were clear differences from market economies as a direct consequence of their history in terms of institutions, property rights, approaches to markets, business organisation, laws, and physical forms of built environment. The article examines the extent of convergence with market economies and whether transition economies can still be regarded as a distinct group in terms of their property markets.Design/methodology/approach - The article takes a wide range of data, including that from the World Bank, World Economic Forum, Bertelsmann, Jones Lang LaSalle, UNDP, European Mortgage Federation, and Transparency International, and compares transition economies with non-transition economies of similar level of development to see if there remain distinct 'transition' differences.Findings - The initial findings indicate convergence under the influence of the EU, World Bank and FAO but also differences from market economies in areas such as property market transparency, strength of property rights and land governance.Research limitations/implications - There is a need for better quality data on transition countries' property markets. Practical implications - The differences suggest that transition economies continue to require specific policies for the development of their property markets.Originality/value - Whilst there have been studies of 'transition' factors generally in economies, there have not been ones that look specifically at property markets.
The Neural Basis of Self-Touch in a Pain-Free Situation

Abstract Objective: Self-touch is thought to be an act of coping with harmful or stressful situations, based on the mechanism which suppresses somatosensory perception as well as somatosensory cortex activity, and sympathetic activity. In addition, this suppression can be observed in even nonpainful and non-stressful situations. However, its detailed neural mechanism remains unknown. Several studied have shown, not only that the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) plays critical roles in painful situations, but also that there is intrinsic functional connectivity in the DPMS in even non-painful situations. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the neural system consisting of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) would play a basic role in self-touch, and we here investigated interactive effects of these regions in a pain-free self-touch situation. Methods: We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain activity induced by mere self-touch (rubbing the left hand with the right) in a pain-free and stress-free situation, and carried out the Physio-Physiological Interaction (PPI) analysis to investigate the modulatory effects of brain activity. Results: PPI analysis showed that the rostral ACC (rACC) modulated activity in the RVM and left cerebellum (CB) via the right amygdala, such that the modulation linearly suppressed RVM and left CB activity. Furthermore, the latter was positively correlated with right primary somatosensory cortex (SI) activity. Moreover, we also showed that coherent activity in the bilateral secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) modulated activity of both the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and RVM, with the latter also suppressed by the modulation in a linear fashion. Conclusion:These findings suggest that self-touch exerts inhibitory effects on sensory afferents and sympathetic activity through the ACC-amygdala-RVM (AAR) system, and that bilateral sensorimotor integration plays an important role in the effect based on the bodily self.
Asymptotic utility-based pricing and hedging for exponential utility

This paper deals with pricing and hedging based on utility indifference for exponential utility. We consider the limit for vanishing risk aversion or, equivalently, small quantities of the contingent claim. In first order approximation the utility indifference price and the corresponding hedge can be determined from the corresponding quadratic hedging problem relative to the minimal entropy martingale measure. This extends similar results obtained by Mania and Schweizer [21], Becherer [3], and Kramkov and Sirbu [20,19].
Assessing the Effect of Dawadawa Stored Under Different Temperature Regimes in Cooking

Most Africans in general and Ghanaians to be specific have ignored their healthy and nutritious local meals and additives for foreign ones. These have become a major worry to many health practitioners and nutritionists. The research therefore considers the intricacies of understanding the various storage effects of Dawadawa in effective cooking. Exploratory research design was employed in this study to investigate consumer preferences for the different recipes for Dawadawa . This allowed the comparison of the dishes which gave additional explanation compared to the analysis t the analysis based only on individual dishes. Two samples of Dawadawa , 25g of each, were used to prepare and cook the Dafaduka , a one pot rice dish and Ayoyo Soup in order to ascertain consumers’ preference of the flavour and taste of the Dawadawa samples. A panel of 30 HCIM students sampled the dishes for aroma, taste and overall acceptability and stated their response on a sensory evaluation form. The comparison of the two Dawadawa samples for Dafaduka and Ayoyo as certains that whole fresh Dawadawa under room temperature is most preferred by consumers when used for Ayoyo soup than whole fresh Dawadawa refrigerated or room temperatured and used for Dafaduka . Again, the study establishes that refrigerated Soyabean Dawadawa is preferred when used for Dafaduka than the refrigerated or room temperature Soyabean Dawadawa used for Ayoyo soup.
Finite Element Analysis of Osteosynthesis Miniplate for the Reconstruction of Parasymphyseal Compound Fracture

In the last two decades, the use of osteosynthesis miniplate has been growing to aid the healing process and reconstruction of fractured mandibular bone. In principle, the plate is used to provide stable fixation of the fractured bone tissue during the healing process and reconstruction. Based on earlier studies, it is noted that arrangements and geometry of the osteosynthesis miniplate played a critical role in determining the stability of the fractured mandibular bone, as well as the miniplate. In this research, a simulation with finite element method (FEM) was carried out to investigate the influence of the number of holes in an osteosynthesis miniplate on the stability of fractured mandibular bone and the corresponding miniplate after the implantation. For this purpose, a set of osteosynthesis miniplate with three different configurations was taken for simulation using a three-dimensional (3D) model of mandibular bone generated from the patient through computed tomography (CT). The result of the simulation showed that all the miniplates with three configurations tested were stable enough to prevent movement of fractured mandibular bone. Moreover, fixation with a pair of miniplates having four screw holes demonstrated the desired result; as indicated by the lowest value of displacement, pressure on the bone surface and pressure on the miniplate.
SUBSTRATE ASSOCIATION AND PATTERNS OF MICROHABITAT USE BY FISHES AT FERNANDO DE NORONHA ARCHIPELAGO (BRAZIL)

The present study tested the degree of substrate association of five common species and their patterns of non-random preferences to benthic categories. Benthic estimates were made on four sites at the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and using focal observations we determined substrate preferences of each species testing whether the observed patterns were different than randomly expected. Mobile species showed random substrate preferences, whereas site-attached and territorial species showed somewhat distinguished patterns. Differences in substrate preferences of these two groups are likely to be an effect of contrasting foraging strategies. Nevertheless, even mobile species spent over 80% of their time within up to 30 cm above the substrate, suggesting that substrate plays an important role on their life histories, possibly offering protection sites against predators. Keywords: Benthic cover, Oceanic island, Reef fishes.
A brief comparison of optical pathlength difference and various definitions for the interferometric phase

In this paper we discuss that the phase readout in low noise laser interferometers can significantly deviate from the underlying optical pathlength difference (OPD). The cross coupling of beam tilt to the interferometric phase readout is compared to the OPD. For such a system it is shown that the amount of tilt to phase readout coupling depends strongly on the involved beams and their parameters, as well as on the detector properties and the precise definition of the phase. The unique single element photodiode phase is therefore compared to three common phase definitions for quadrant diodes. It is shown that neither phase definition globally shows the least amount of cross coupling of angular jitter.