Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STIGMA AND ALIENATION IN WILLIAM MKUFYA'S UA LA FARAJA

The phrase AIDS has come to signal an almost apocalyptic level of devastation. These facets of AIDS have been represented in the media, film, novel and the images of the epidemic as it has progressed through sub-Sahara Africa are by now mind-numbingly familiar: painfully wasted bodies, haunted eyes, isolation, fear, imminent death. The words accompanying these images are also becoming predictable in their descriptions of "plague", "horror", "calamity", "conflagration" and deaths. Although AIDS is a biological illness caused by a biological agent, it has increasingly become a cultural disease. The pandemic"s propinquity to death and its association with sex, has led to AIDS phobia, inculpation and stigmatization of the afflicted. This paper seeks to explore the representation of stigma and its aliena ting effects in Mkufya"s novel Ua la Faraja (2005). We will utilize Tzvetan Todorov"s narratological theory which emphasizes the crucial role of characters in literary representation.
Self‐sealing in sedimentary basins

[1] Over the last decade, the picture that has emerged from several geologic disciplines is that the Earth's crust is permeable to great depths and that fluids are more or less constantly moving, transporting both heat and mass and affecting virtually every geologic process. In contrast, workers in the petroleum industry have maintained that sections of the crust contain impermeable pressure seals and hydraulically sealed compartments. We show that these starkly different conceptions can be reconciled by a theory of self-sealing through gas generation in sedimentary basins. The model especially applies to older sedimentary basins where overpressuring cannot be readily explained as the result of ongoing sedimentation and compaction disequilibrium. In our conceptual model, overpressuring is created by catagenic gas generation and maintained by a combination of vertical and horizontal gas capillary seals. Data from the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma provide support for the self-sealing hypothesis. Well logs reveal the presence of 9 or 10 gas-water interfaces over a 30-m overpressured interval. Capillary pressure measurements show that the force necessary for gas to displace water from a shale is ∼3 × 106 Pa, a pressure equivalent to that exerted by a column of water 300 m high. A theory of self-sealing explains the anomalous overpressuring observed in some older sedimentary basins by invoking known mechanisms and forces; it is both parsimonious and falsifiable.
Formulation and in vitro evaluation of antineoplastic drug loaded nanoparticles as drug delivery system

The main aim of the present work was to formulate anti-neoplastic drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles using biodegradable polymers (Chitosan and Eudragit RS 100) by emulsion droplet coalescence method. The model drug used here is 5-fluorouracil which is a pyrimidine analogue that is mainly used to treat colonic carcinoma, under the category of anti-neoplastic drugs. Tween 20 was used as emulsifier and colloidal stabilizer. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, surface morphology by TEM, surface charge, drug loading and entrapment efficiency, and for drug release by diffusion. Results show that the prepared nanoparticles are in nanosize, below 1000 nm, having appropriate zeta potential values with better entrapment of drug and controlled release of drug for a period of 12 h. From the obtained formulations, EF5 was selected as best with high entrapment efficiency, optimum zeta potential, and showing more controlled release of drug. Key words: Eudragit RS 100, chitosan, nanoparticles, emulsion droplet coalescence method, control release.
C O ] 9 F eb 2 01 8 Zero Forcing in Claw-Free Cubic Graphs

The zero forcing number of a simple graph, written Z(G), is a NP-hard graph invariant which is the result of the zero forcing color change rule. This graph invariant has been heavily studied by linear algebraists, physicists, and graph theorist. It’s broad applicability and interesting combinatorial properties have attracted the attention of many researchers. Of particular interest, is that of bounding the zero forcing number from above. In this paper we show a surprising relation between the zero forcing number of a graph and the independence number of a graph, denoted α(G). Our main theorem states that if G 6= K4 is a connected, cubic, claw-free graph, then Z(G) ≤ α(G)+1. This improves on best known upper bounds for Z(G), as well as known lower bounds on α(G). As a consequence of this result, if G 6= K4 is a connected, cubic, claw-free graph with order n, then Z(G) ≤ 2 5 n+1. Additionally, under the hypothesis of our main theorem, we further show Z(G) ≤ α(G), where α(G) denotes the matching number of G.
Characterization of coal power plants plume dynamics under typical synoptic conditions over the Iberian Peninsula

This work describes the pollution plumes of seven Spanish coal power plants under the most typical meteorological conditions that affect the Iberian Peninsula at synoptic scale. The aim is to understand how meteorology modulates the plume dynamics (length, altitude, orientation) and their contribution to NO2 and SO2 surface concentration. Using the BSC-ES operational air quality forecasting system (CALIOPE-AQFS), the behavior of the plumes is analyzed for a representative day of each of the six most common synoptic situations. The results show that the plumes from Atlantic facilities are mainly driven by synoptic conditions whereas for power plants located over the Mediterranean and on mountainous regions, mesoscale dynamics dominate. Moreover, when the injection of the pollutants is done within the planetary boundary layer there is an increase in the NO2 and SO2 surface concentrations close to (<15-20 km) the sources.
Current quests in nucleosynthesis: present and future neutron-induced reaction measurements

We present some open questions in nucleosynthesis focused on the measure- ment of relevant neutron capture cross-sections and on new experimental methods. We review the recent 63 Ni(n, ) experiment carried out at the n_TOF facility at CERN and its astrophysical implications as well as future experiments and opportunities at n_TOF. We argue some improvements in the measurement of cross-sections by activation arising from a new method for the generation of stellar neutron spectra. We show preliminary results of the experimental validation of the method. We discuss the astrophysical im- plications of the 181 Ta(n, ) stellar cross-section measured with this method. Finally, we describe challenging experiments consisting of in situ radioactive ion beams and stellar neutron beams.
Polarization anisotropy of DNA in nanochannels

The local alignment of DNA stretched in nanofluidic channels is measured using polarization sensitive detection. With increased degree of stretching the polarization anisotropy increases both in the deGennes and the Odijk regime. The technique is expected to find use in studies of, for example, local conformational changes in polymer physics in confined spaces, studies of protein-DNA interactions and compactation of DNA.
The Value of International Patent Rights

I study an inventor's decision to file for patent protection in each of an arbitrary set of countries, as a means of estimating the global value of patent rights, and the distribution from which patented inventions are drawn. Using oversampled, invention-level data from the 1974 international patent cohort, I estimate a randomcoefficient, multinomial probit model for the 18 leading patenting countries. The Monte Carlo simulation results are consistent with those of patent renewal models, except in the right tail of the distribution, where the international model imputes significantly more value (up to $50 million worldwide) to the most valuable iuventions. The international component of annual capitalized patent returns alone represents over $14 hillion in 1974 dollars, or about 21% of annual private business R&D in the countries under investigation. The average internationally protected patented invention generates about $245,000 in patent rights, with over half the total value captured by the top 5% of inventions. With the exception of Japan, the largest developed countries appear to grant more value in patent rights at home than they hold abroad.
MEASURE-EXPANSIVE HOMOCLINIC CLASSES

Let p be a hyperbolic periodic point of a diffeomorphismf on a compactC Riemannian manifoldM . In this paper we introduce the notion of C1 stably measure expansiveness of closedf -invariant sets, and prove that (i) the chain recurrent set R( f ) of f is C1 stably measure expansive if and only if f satisfies both Axiom A and no-cycle condition, and (ii) the homoclinic class H f (p) of f associated top is C1 stably measure expansive if and only if H f (p) is hyperbolic.
Rationales for Public Participation in Environmental Policy and Governance: Practitioners' Perspectives

Participation has become a mantra in environmental governance. However, there are signs that the participatory agenda has started to lose its momentum and justification because of disappointments about actual achievements. Rather than focusing on improving participatory processes or articulating best practices, in this paper we seek to understand the more fundamental reasons why difficulties are encountered. In our interviews with professionals involved in participation in environmental governance we found varying and potentially conflicting rationales for participation, with instrumental and legalistic rationales dominating. We contend that the institutional and political context in which this participation takes place is an important explanation of this prevalence. This includes the provisions for participation in EU directives, failing policy integration, institutional and political barriers, and failing political uptake of results from participation. We conclude there is a need for more reflexive awareness of the different ways in which participation is defined and practised in contemporary environmental policy making and for a more realistic assessment of possibilities for changes towards more participatory and deliberative decision making.
Trade, Diversification and Growth in Nigeria

Nigeria’s trade policy is at a crucial turning point. Historically, the country has had a very restrictive import regime that generated substantial transfers to domestic producers and strong anti-export bias. Yet, in its current poverty reduction strategy, Nigeria identified deeper trade integration as a means to foster economic growth and alleviate poverty. Border tariffs are being reduced, trade regulations are under review, and ambitious modernization programs for customs services and port infrastructure have been launched. The envisioned reforms involve far-reaching changes to the trade regime that promise to create new opportunities by improving the efficiency of production and consumption, while requiring adjustment of domestic producers to the new, more competitive economic environment.
Usefulness of diagnostic models in the process of qualifying thought contents as delusional: case analysis

Joanna Marta Biegańska1, Bartosz Janik2: 1Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Psychology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland, 2Department of Cognitive Science, Institute of Philosophy, and Department of Philosophy of Law and Legal Ethics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. E-mail: bartosz. janik@uj.edu. pl Usefulness of diagnostic models in the process of qualifying thought contents as delusional: case analysis
Virtual Community For A Creative City

Abstract Cities provide conditions for the development of creativity and creative capital; some cities have made it an area of strategic intervention. Surely, there is a strong link between the creativity of a city and the value of social capital in a given territory. Hence, it is vital to answer the following questions: To what extent does investment in human capital determine the value of creative capital? What to invest in? Can one invest efficiently taking advantage of the attractive and popular virtual space? These are the questions explored by the present authors. Their specific goal is to assess the importance of social networks as a modern ICT tool for establishing relations, and of open networks in the dissemination of knowledge and in the development of creative communities.
Dielectric Studies of Some Indian GraniteSamples

Granite samples were collected from various places of South India. Chemical analysis of these granite samples were investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The major contents observed are SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. Larger grain size is observed in FESEM micrographs. This indicates longer time grown granites. Measurement of dielectric constant (e) and loss (tanδ) have been carriedout on granite samples as a function of frequency from 1Hz to 5MHz and temperature from300K to 725K. An effective and alternate approach is adopted for investigating dielectric relaxationbehaviour viz. electric modulus spectroscopy. This includes fitting of dielectric response to Bergmann frequency domain function. The average activation energiesevaluated from these fitsare E1=0.34eV and E2=0.51eV. The results are discussed.
Extracting the Frequent Item Sets by Using Greedy Strategy in Hadoop

Information mining came into the presence because of mechanical advances in numerous various controls. As it were, every one of the information on the planet are of no incentive without components to proficiently and successfully remove data and learning from them. In contrast with other information mining fields, visit design mining is a generally late improvement. This paper exhibits a novel approach through which the Apriori calculation can be progressed. The adjusted calculation presents elements time devoured in exchanges filtering for competitor itemsets and the quantities of tenets produced are additionally diminished. Catchphrases: Apriori, Frequent itemsets, Minimum Support, Confidence, Greedy Method.
Control Tolerante a Fallas Activo: Estimación y acomodación de fallas en sensores aplicado al modelo LPV de una bicicleta sin conductor

This paper presents an Active Fault Tolerant Control design applied to a riderless bicycle LPV model affected by additive sensor fault and measurement noise. Within the Active Fault Tolerant Control, the detection and diagnostic system is based on the estimations computed by a fault observer, used to determine a fault occurrence. The proposed algorithms, considered as the main contributions in this work, achieves noise-free estimations for the faults and state, in order to compute the fault indicator and control law, respectively. The fault tolerance of the system is guaranteed through the fault accommodation based on a set of observers. The results have been corroborated using a riderless bicycle LPV model, with a controller that aims at keeping it stood-up along its translation motion.
The thin green line: sustainable bioenergy feedstocks or invaders in waiting.

Numerous fast growing and highly competitive exotic crops are being selected for production of renewable bioenergy. Tolerance of poor growing conditions with minimal inputs are ideal characteristics for bioenergy feedstocks, but have attracted concern for their potential to become invasive. Miscanthus × giganteus is one of the most promising bioenergy crops in the US, but grower adoption is hindered by high establishment costs due to sterility. Newly developed fertile tetraploid M. × giganteus may streamline cultivation while reducing establishment costs. However, fertile seed dramatically increases the potential propagule pressure, and thus probability of off-site plant establishment. To empirically evaluate the invasive potential of fertile M. × giganteus in the Southeastern US, we compared fitness and spread potential relative to ten grass species comprising 19 accessions under both high and low levels of competition and disturbance. We chose species known to be invasive in the US (positive controls: Arundo donax, naturalized M. sinensis, M. sacchariflorus , Phalaris arundinacea, Sorghum halepense) and non-invasive (negative controls; Andropogon gerardii, ornamental M. sinensis, Panicum virgatum, Sorghum bicolor, Saccharum spp.). This novel design allows us to make relative comparisons of risk among species with varying invasiveness. After three years of establishment and growth in Blacksburg, Virginia, neither aboveground disturbance nor interspecific weed competition influenced fitness for fertile M. × giganteus or our positive and negative control groups. Fertile M. × giganteus produced 346% and 283% greater aboveground biomass than our positive and negative species, respectively. However, fertile M. × giganteus produced 74% fewer inflorescences m -2
Electrostatic shock structures in dissipative multi-ion dusty plasmas

A comprehensive analytical model is introduced for shock excitations in dusty bi-ion plasma mixtures, taking into account collisionality and kinematic (fluid) viscosity. A multicomponent plasma configuration is considered, consisting of positive ions, negative ions, electrons, and a massive charged component in the background (dust). The ionic dynamical scale is focused upon; thus, electrons are assumed to be thermalized, while the dust is stationary. A dissipative hybrid Korteweg–de Vries/Burgers equation is derived. An analytical solution is obtained, in the form of a shock structure (a step-shaped function for the electrostatic potential, or an electric field pulse) whose maximum amplitude in the far downstream region decays in time. The effect of relevant plasma configuration parameters, in addition to dissipation, is investigated. Our work extends earlier studies of ion-acoustic type shock waves in pure (two-component) bi-ion plasma mixtures.
Examining the Effects of Casino Promotions on Gaming Volumes

Casino operators employ a variety of promotions such as play incentives, retail gifts and invitational events to stimulate casino visits and gaming volumes. Despite the wide use of promotions, there have been very few studies that assess the effect of casino promotions on gaming. However, concern has grown among researchers and managers regarding the cost effectiveness and profitability of casino promotions. This paper proposes a model for examining the effects of casino promotions on gaming volumes. The proposed model can be used by casino managers to identify promotions that affect gaming volumes and to guide development of successful casino promotions.
Reproductive performance of the marine green porcelain crab Petrolisthes armatus Gibbes, 1850 in its introduced range favors further range expansion

Invasive marine crustaceans can exhibit population-level variation in reproductive traits that are consistent with a response to stressful conditions near the range edge, or alternatively, that may favor establishing new exotic populations. Reproductive characteristics of the green porcelain crab Petrolisthes armatus Gibbes, 1850 were not previously known in its invasive range in the Atlantic waters of the southeastern USA. We compared fecundity estimates, size at sexual maturity, and various other morphological aspects among crabs collected from two sites at each of four locations spanning approximately 230 km from North Inlet, South Carolina (SC), to Savannah, Georgia (GA), USA. Reproductive output and smallest ovigerous female sizes within the invaded range also were compared to those in the native range, which extends from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to Brazil in the Western Atlantic Ocean. Reproductive output and egg number were higher and female size at maturity was smaller for crabs from more northern locations (North Inlet and Charleston, SC). Crabs were sexually dimorphic, but population-level differences in overall morphology (e.g., dimensions of the carapace, chelipeds, and secondary sexual characteristics) were not evident in two populations examined (North Inlet, SC, and Bluffton, SC). Secondary sexual characteristics (i.e., abdomen length, abdomen width and pleopod length) contributed the most to the morphological differences between males and females. Using allometric methods, size at sexual maturity was estimated to be 3.99 mm carapace width (CW) for males at North Inlet and 2.96 mm CW for males at Bluffton. Minimum sizes of ovigerous females at our study sites were smaller (3.0 mm to 4.2 mm CW) than a published value for a native population (4.0 mm CW). Reproductive output also was higher in the introduced range (0.05–0.11) than in native populations (0.03–0.07). Along a latitudinal gradient at the northern extent of the invaded range, females allocated more energy to producing offspring at range-edge locations. These results indicate that both within the introduced range and compared to the native range, P. armatus exhibits considerable variation in reproductive performance, which may have assisted in the species′ successful invasion and may aid the species in continuing its range expansion.
On the Inequity of Flat-rate Electricity Tariffs

Proposals to reform default ‘flat-rate’ electricity tariffs are rarely met with enthusiasm by consumer groups or policymakers because they produce winners and losers. Proposals to initiate more cost-reflective time-of-use rates will be met with cautious interest if the basis of customer participation is ‘opt-in’. Using the smart meter data of 160,000 residential customers from the Victorian region of Australia’s National Electricity Market, our tariff model reveals that households in financial hardship are the most adversely affected from existing flat-rate structures. Even after network tariff rebalancing, Hardship and Concession & Pensioner Households are, on average, beneficiaries of more cost-reflective tariff structures once Demand Response is accounted for.
Effect of caffeine concentration and incubation time on the cell concentration of wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a eukaryotic organism that has been studied intensively. Its genome has been completely sequenced, and many of its pathways and genes have homologues to those in humans. We conducted an experiment to determine the effect of caffeine concentration and incubation time on the cell concentration of wild-type S. cerevisiae . We had treatments of 0mM, 10mM, 20mM, and 30mM of caffeine. We counted the number of cells every two hours, from t = 0 to t = 8 hours, using haemocytometers. After collecting the data, we used a two-way ANOVA and found significant differences in cell concentration at varying caffeine concentrations and time intervals. Moreover, the interaction between caffeine and incubation time had a significant effect on cell concentration. Although cell concentration increased as time passed, caffeine had an overall inhibitory effect on the growth of S. cerevisiae .
Accrual Quality and Borrowing Costs in the Syndicated Loans Market

We investigate the role of accrual quality in influencing borrowing costs in the syndicated loan market. Using a large sample of syndicated loans, and controlling for issue, and issuer characteristics that could influence borrowing costs, we show that lower accrual quality can exacerbate conditions of information asymmetry and lead to higher borrowing costs. Our results suggest that this may be more predominant in loans with multiple-arrangers. Additionally, we also show that accrual quality influences the syndicate structure and whether a loan has a single- or multiple-arrangers.