Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constructive Politics as Public Work

This essay argues that fulfilling the promise of participatory democratic theory requires ways for citizens to reconstruct the world, not simply to improve its governance processes. The concept of public work, expressing civic agency, or the capacity of diverse citizens to build a democratic way of life, embodies this shift. It posits citizens as co-creators of the world, not simply deliberators and decision-makers about the world. Public work is a normative, democratizing ideal of citizenship generalized from communal labors of creating the commons, with roots in diverse cultures. Shaped through contention with forces which threaten shared ways of life and their commons, grounded in an understanding of human plurality, public work has political qualities that unmask sentimentalized civic discourses of modern elites. Public work places citizens, not markets or states, as the foundational agents of democracy. It opens a path beyond the political crisis.
CYP2D6 Metabolism and Patient Outcome in the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group Trial (ABCSG) 8

Purpose: Controversy exists about CYP2D6 genotype and tamoxifen efficacy. Experimental Design: A matched case–control study was conducted using the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group Trial 8 (ABCSG8) that randomized postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer to tamoxifen for 5 years (arm A) or tamoxifen for 2 years followed by anastrozole for 3 years (arm B). Cases had disease recurrence, contralateral breast cancer, second non–breast cancer, or died. For each case, controls were identified from the same treatment arm of similar age, surgery/radiation, and tumor–node—metastasis (TNM) stage. Genotyping was conducted for alleles associated with no (PM; *3, *4, *6), reduced (IM; *10, and *41), and extensive (EM: absence of these alleles) CYP2D6 metabolism. Results: The common CYP2D6*4 allele was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In arm A during the first 5 years of therapy, women with two poor alleles [PM/PM: OR, 2.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–5.73, P = 0.04] and women with one poor allele (PM/IM or PM/EM: OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.95–2.93; P = 0.07) had a higher likelihood of an event than women with two extensive alleles (EM/EM). In years 3 to 5 when patients remained on tamoxifen (arm A) or switched to anastrozole (arm B), PM/PM tended toward a higher likelihood of a disease event relative to EM/EM (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 0.86–6.66; P = 0.09) among women on arm A but not among women on arm B (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.03–2.30). Conclusion: In ABCSG8, the negative effects of reduced CYP2D6 metabolism were observed only during the period of tamoxifen administration and not after switching to anastrozole. Clin Cancer Res; 19(2); 500–7. ©2012 AACR.
Direction finding and array calibration based on sparse reconstruction in partly calibrated arrays

A novel convex optimization problem formulation for source localization using partly calibrated arrays composed of subarrays with unknown displacements is introduced. The proposed formulation is based on sparse reconstruction using a mixed trace- and ℓ1-norm minimization and exploits joint sparsity and special structure in the signal model. The new technique is applicable to subarrays of arbitrary topologies and allows the joint estimation of the directions of arrival (DoAs) and the array calibration. As shown by simulations, our new DoA estimation technique outperforms the state of the art method RARE, especially in low number of snapshot and low signal-to-noise ratio regime.
An automatic cell segmentation method for differential interference contrast microscopy

With the huge amount of cell images produced in bio-imaging, automatic methods for segmentation are needed in order to evaluate the content of the images with respect to types of cells and their sizes. Traditional PDE-based methods using level-sets can perform automatic segmentation, but do not perform well on images with clustered cells containing sub-structures. Furthermore, DIC images contain a phase gradient, which should be removed first. We present a method that removes this gradient, finds the cell centres and derives the relevant individual cells.
Power and resistance in Cameroon – strategies, intentionality, intersectionality, and shifting spaces and identities

This paper examines how forest communities in Cameroon engage in social transformation when faced with social injustices and uneven power relations in their interactions with local state authorities and transnational corporations. It focuses on the different strategies that marginalized resource-dependent communities employ in resisting existing forms of domination manifested in public–private-community forest governance relations. We show how power operates in closed governance spaces to work against equitable, democratic and effective policy-making. We take as a point of departure that resistance or social change cannot be understood in isolation from power. Moreover, we engage with the intentionality debate and make the case that some forms of resistance are goal oriented in character. We reveal how disenfranchised communities, using powerful traditional ritual as a form of public protest, can effectively open up closed spaces and obtain effective participation in processes denied them. Our findings have significance for resistance and power debates relating to intentionality, intersectionality and outcomes.
Four-year follow-up of retinal status and glycosylated haemoglobin in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Retinal status and glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) was followed in 32 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (18 females; age upon entering the study 26 +/- 8 years; duration of diabetes 10 +/- 6 years; means +/- SD) during a total of 136 patient-years, i.e. during 4.3 +/- 0.6 years per patient. Annual mean GHb (given in percent of the mean normal GHb) was calculated from 7 +/- 3 determinations of GHb per patient-year. Fluorescein angiographs were performed at least once per patient-year, and retinal status was assessed by counting microaneurysms. Upon entering the study, early diabetic (background) retinopathy was present in 14 patients; at the end of the follow-up period, it was present in 20 patients. Retinal status deteriorated in 4/42 patient-years with excellent metabolic control (annual mean GHb less than or equal to 125%), in 13/70 patient-years with good control (annual mean GHb 126-150%) and in 8/24 patient-years with poor control (annual mean GHb greater than 150%). The incidence rate of retinal deterioration differed significantly between years with excellent control and years with poor control (X2 5.7, df = 1, p less than 0.05). It is concluded that excellent metabolic control within 14 +/- 6 years after onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus appears to be a protective factor against the development or progression of early diabetic retinopathy.
Comparative histomorphometrical study of genital tract in adult laying hen and duck

This study was carried out to compare the histomorphological structures of oviductal regions of the apparently healthy adult laying hens (Gallus gallus dometicus) and ducks (Ansa ansa domesticus). For this purpose, 20 hens and 20 female ducks aged between 1–1.5 years were used. After euthanasia, the oviducts were dissected out and all of the gross morphometrical parameters including length, width and thickness as well as weight and length of them were recorded. For histological studies, after tissue preparation and staining with H&E, histological layers of isthmus, uterus and vagina were recognized and the size of them with micrometry method were determined. Our data analyses indicated that, the mean weight, length of oviduct as well as weight of isthmus, uterus in hen were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of duck, whereas the vaginal thickness and weight were greater in duck than the hen. In histological studies, epithelium and cilia were well developed in duck and lamina propria was filled with glands in the regions of the isthmus and uterus. The length of primary mucosal folds of isthmus and uterus in duck was more than hen. The longest mucosal fold has been seen in uterus. Most of the parameters in duck were greater than hen except the length of secondary fold of three parts of oviduct including isthmus, uterus, and vagina.
TOWARDS A DISCIPLINE FOR DEVELOPING VERIFIED SOFTWARE

In this paper the formal verification of computer systems and software is viewed as an endeavor in applied mathematics. It is argued that a formal verification should consist of three separate but interacting processes: a modelling process, a theorem proving process, and a review and acceptance process. Suggestions are made for improving the development of these processes. Taken together, they outline a proposed discipline for the development of verified software. The ideas presented were principally, though not exclusively, motivated by the authors’ work in reviewing the design verification of the Restricted Access Processor (RAP). Examples are drawn from the RAP verification to support our suggestions for improving formal verification. This paper will be presented at the 9th National Computer Security Conference, September 15–18, 1986 at the National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
PMSM-driven satellite reaction wheel system with adjustable DC-link voltage

This paper presents a digital signal processor-based permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)-driven satellite reaction wheel with DC-link voltage adjustable according to speed and photovoltaic voltage. After the PMSM-driven reaction wheel is established, an improved current-controlled pulse-width modulation scheme is designed to yield precise sinusoidal winding current command tracking, and a simple, robust, model-following control scheme is designed to yield good dynamic speed response. To provide an adjustable and well-regulated DC-link voltage, DC/DC boost and DC/DC buck-boost front-end converters are established and compared. The stable chopping-controlled dynamic braking mechanism is also established.
Controlled Release Fertilizer Increased Phytoremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Sandy Soil

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effect of the application of controlled release fertilizer [(CRF) 0, 4, 6, or 8 kg m–3] on Lolium multiflorum Lam. survival and potential biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (0, 3000, 6000, or 15000 mg kg–1) in sandy soil. Plant adaptation, growth, photosynthesis, total chlorophyll, and proline content as well as rhizosphere microbial population (culturable heterotrophic fungal and bacterial populations) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)-degradation were determined. Petroleum induced-toxicity resulted in reduced plant growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient status. Plant adaptation, growth, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content were enhanced by the application of CRF in contaminated soil. Proline content showed limited use as a physiological indicator of petroleum induced-stress in plants. Bacterial and filamentous fungi populations were stimulated by the petroleum concentrations. Bacterial populations were stimulated by CRF application. At low petroleum contamination, CRF did not enhance TPH-degradation. However, petroleum degradation in the rhizosphere was enhanced by the application of medium rates of CRF, especially when plants were exposed to intermediate and high petroleum contamination. Application of CRF allowed plants to overcome the growth impairment induced by the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils.
Mining trends of library usage

A library is available in multiple versions. Which one should I use? Has it been widely adopted already? Was it a good decision to switch to the newest version? We have mined hundreds of open-source projects for their library dependencies, and determined global trends in library usage. This wisdom of the crowds can be helpful for developers when deciding when to use which version of a library - by helping them avoid pitfalls experienced by other developers, and by showing important emerging trends in library usage.
Event Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks Using a Decentralised Pattern Matching Algorithm

A pattern matching algorithm for performing event detection within large-scale wireless sensor networks is presented. The algorithm is based on distributed cooperative problem solving concepts. Sensory measurements from the physical environment are rendered as sensory patterns. The pattern storage and pattern matching operations are performed in an entirely decentralised manner within the sensor network. A committee of sensor nodes cooperatively negotiates to match sensory patterns with stored patterns. The algorithm also incorporates a sleeping mode for improving performance and prolonging the lifetime of the sensor network.
Comparison between two combined star-delta configurations on synchronous reluctance motors performance

This paper compares the performance of Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRMs) using two different star-delta winding connections under normal operation. All the machine parameters are kept the same while the winding layout is only modified. The compared winding layouts differ in the combination between the number of coils of the star and delta winding sections. The two adopted windings are the only possible configurations that can give a high quality mangetomotive force (MMF) distribution. Experimental validation on a prototype SynRM with one winding is given, showing a good agreement with the theoretical findings.
Quality Issues in Cross‐disciplinary Research: Towards a Two‐pronged Approach to Evaluation

In recent decades there has been increasing demand for and considerable efforts to conduct cross‐disciplinary research. However, assessment of research quality in such endeavours still is often based on mono‐disciplinary criteria and not seldom carried out by reviewers without strong cross‐disciplinary experience. The authors suggest a two‐pronged approach to cross‐disciplinary research evaluation. One part should comprise an individual review of all the disciplines involved based on their mono‐disciplinary sets of criteria. The other part should be a separate evaluation of the cross‐disciplinary aspects based on the review of “problem formulation”, “integration and scope of the disciplines”, “parts and the whole”, “practical managerial aspects” and “the applied aspects” (when relevant). The pros and cons of implementing this approach in a stepwise manner or simultaneously is discussed. It is suggested that funding agencies develop more fair sets of review procedures for cross‐disciplinary research and show willingness to allocate extra funds and time to such forms of research that sometimes are regarded as relatively more “risky” than conventional mono‐disciplinary types.
Comparison of the Acceptability of Various Oil Shale Processes

While oil shale has the potential to provide a substantial fraction of our nation's liquid fuels for many decades, cost and environmental acceptability are significant issues to be addressed. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) examined a variety of oil shale processes between the mid 1960s and the mid 1990s, starting with retorting of rubble chimneys created from nuclear explosions [1] and ending with in-situ retorting of deep, large volumes of oil shale [2]. In between, it examined modified-in-situ combustion retorting of rubble blocks created by conventional mining and blasting [3,4], in-situ retorting by radio-frequency energy [5], aboveground combustion retorting [6], and aboveground processing by hot-solids recycle (HRS) [7,8]. This paper reviews various types of processes in both generic and specific forms and outlines some of the tradeoffs for large-scale development activities. Particular attention is given to hot-recycled-solids processes that maximize yield and minimize oil shale residence time during processing and true in-situ processes that generate oil over several years that is more similar to natural petroleum.
PROPIEDADES PSICOMÉTRICAS DE LOS INVENTARIOS: TCC Y GRPS DEL INVENTARIO DE BUENAS PRÁCTICAS EN UNIVERSITARIOS.

The EEES represents a major shift from traditional educational models in the University education system. The student takes an active role in their learning and the teacher becomes a in the guide the teaching-learning process. Besides this skills related to teamwork and interpersonal relationships (student-student, student-teacher and teacher-teacher ) become more important. In this paper we propose to develop some tools that allow us to evaluate the Student’s Good Practices relating more directly with student-student relationships and cooperative learning. Also deepen the process of adaptation of the Inventory of Good Practices in University Students, original by Chickering and Schlossberg (1995). In the context of the European Higher Education, this questionnaire has been translated into Portuguese and adapted for use with university students by Pinheiro (2007, 2008). Likewise, it has been used to establish intercultural studies, establishing the similarities and differences in the good practices associated with Portuguese and Spanish students (Gonzaga, Gozalo and Pinheiro, 2011). The aim of this study is to estimate the psychometric properties of two scales of the Spanish version of the Inventory of Good Practices in University Students: Work cooperatively with peers and Management of Personal
Treatment Effects of a Modular Intervention for Early-Onset Child Behavior Problems on Family Contextual Outcomes

The overall aim of this multi-informant study was to examine pre–post treatment changes, and maintenance at 3-year follow-up, for multiple dimensions of the family context, for a modular intervention that has previously demonstrated significant clinical improvements in child behavior and maintenance of these effects. Family outcomes included parenting practices (i.e., positive parenting, harsh/inconsistent parenting, psychological/physical aggression), parent functioning (i.e., symptoms of psychopathology, self-efficacy), and family functioning (i.e., family adaptability/cohesion, social support, negative life events). The sample comprised 139 families with children ages 6 to11 who participated in a modular treatment protocol for early-onset oppositional-defiant disorder or conduct disorder that has already been associated with improved child behavior outcomes, delivered in a nonrandomized comparison of research clinic and community settings. Improvement from pre- to post-treatment included indicators of maternal psychological distress and negative parenting practices (e.g., corporal punishment, inconsistent discipline, psychological aggression). Psychological aggression significantly increased following treatment termination; corporal punishment continued to decrease during the 3-year follow-up period. Results are discussed in the context of treatment effects in the broader family context and potential needs for continued intervention research and development.
From False Confession to Wrongful Conviction: Seven Psychological Processes

A steadily increasing tide of literature has documented the existence and causes of false confession as well as the link between false confession and wrongful conviction of the innocent. This literature has primarily addressed three issues: the manner in which false confessions are generated by police interrogation, individual differences in susceptibility to interrogative influence, and the role false confessions have played in documented wrongful convictions of the innocent. Although the specific mechanisms through which interrogation tactics can induce false confessions, and through which they can exert enhanced influence on vulnerable individuals have been widely addressed in this literature, the processes through which false confessions, once obtained by police, may lead to wrongful conviction have remained largely unaddressed. This article addresses this gap in the literature, examining seven psychological processes linking false confession to wrongful conviction and failures of post-conviction relief: (1) powerful biasing effects of the confession itself, including incorporated “misleading specialized knowledge” (inside crime-relevant knowledge displayed by the suspect in the false confession, but acquired through outside sources (such as the interrogator) rather than in the course of the commission of the crime); (2) tunnel vision and confirmation biases, (3) motivational biases, (4) emotional influences on thinking and behavior; (5) institutional influences on evidence production and decision making; and inadequate context for evaluation of claims of innocence, including (6) inadequate or incorrect relevant knowledge, and (7) progressively constricting relevant evidence. We discuss reciprocal influences of these mechanisms and their biasing impact on the perceptions and behaviors of suspects, investigators, prosecution and defense attorneys, juries, and trial and appellate judges.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Gram-Positive Neutrophilic Iron-Precipitating Kineosporia sp. Strain A_224

ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome sequence of the neutrophilic iron-precipitating Kineosporia sp. strain A_224. Analysis of the predicted genes may improve our knowledge of its role in ochrous formations in natural and technical water systems. This is the first public genome sequence of a Kineosporia aurantiaca strain.
Modification of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on radiation-and chemotherapeutic drug-induced chromosomal aberrations.

BACKGROUND Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs, often used as either adjuvant or neoadjuvant or in conjunction with radiation and surgery. Unfortunately, majority of the drugs are toxic to normal tissues, the toxicity being resulting from multidrug protocol used to induce remissions and achieve tumor care. While it has been demonstrated for compounds like the 2-deoxy-glucose (2-DG) used as a modulator for radiation-induced damages, such studies were rarely reported for chemotherapeutic drugs. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of 2-DG on radiation-and chemotherapeutic drug-induced chromosomal aberrations in normal and tumor cells exposed in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS The peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and BMG-1 cells were exposed to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs (bleomycin and mitomycin-C) in the presence and absence of 2-DG. The treated cells were cultured for various durations, arrested at either metaphase or cytokinesis stage of the cell cycle. The stable and unstable aberrations were recorded using Giemsa staining and FISH technique. The cell cycle kinetics was studied using fluorescence plus Giemsa (FPG) staining. RESULTS The presence of 2-DG reduced stable and unstable chromosome aberrations (CA) significantly (P < 0.001), in PBLs induced by radiation, bleomycin and mitomycin-C, when compared to cells treated with radiation or the drugs and increased significantly in BMG cells (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the presence of 2-DG altered the cell cycle kinetics in the PBLs and BMG-1 cells. Thus the overall results showed protection effect on the normal cell damages induced by radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs, while sensitizes the tumor cell. CONCLUSION The obtained results suggest that 2-DG in combination with radiotherapy/chemotherapy could lead to an improvement in tumor therapy by sensitizing the tumor cells while protecting the normal cells.
Modeling and Extraction of Nanometer Scale Interconnects: Challenges and Opportunities (Invited)

We discuss interconnect parasitic extraction in the nanometer domain using the ITRS 2005 roadmap for future technology generations. Resistance becomes the dominant contribution for timing for local wires at 65 nm and beyond, a major qualitative change. For scaled wires, maintaining global wire routes within 1 clock period is expensive in terms of power consumption. An acceptable solution involves reverse scaling of global wires leading to RLC transmission line behavior which results in significant power savings. RLC transmission for scaled signal wires is otherwise negligible.