Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feminist advocacy and the push for sex work policy change

abstract This article proposes reasons for change in policy on sex work in South Africa and the feminist advocacy to lobby and petition for this change. It seeks to understand how recent advocacy by both sex workers and the organisations advocating on behalf of sex workers in pushing for policy change is feminist and explores whether it is in conversation with feminist principles. The article achieves this through an analysis of the activism, strategies, and campaigns to affect policy change, and the varying successes of these in raising awareness around issues faced by sex workers are highlighted. The exploration of sex work policy advocacy is contextualised through a comparison of various policy approaches regulating sex work globally. Feminist advocacy needs to focus on solutions from Africa and the South and consider the impact of the West on local advocacy. This includes the use of legislative frameworks implemented in first world countries, the links being made between sex work and trafficking and the impact of funding on research on sex work. Feminist advocacy is divided, and the article examines the possible reasons for this division and how feminist advocacy can be more effective, considering the unique socio-economic conditions in South Africa and the imperatives for policy change.
Bayesian Hierarchical Compositional Models for Analysing Longitudinal Abundance Data from Microbiome Studies

Gut microbiome plays a significant role in defining the health status of subjects, and recent studies highlight the importance of using time series strategies to analyse microbiome dynamics. In this paper, we develop a Bayesian model for microbiota longitudinal data, based on Dirichlet distribution with time-varying parameters, that take into account the compositional paradigm and consider principal balances. The proposed model can be effective for predicting the future dynamics of a microbial community in the short term and for analysing the microbial interactions using the value of the estimated parameters. The usefulness of the proposed model is illustrated with six different datasets, and a comparison study with four alternative models is provided.
Prediction of Reading Achievement Under Programmed and Traditional Instruction.

the term "linear program" is applied to carefully organized material which is presented in short sequential steps, each requir ing a response and feedback after each response (Skinner, 1961). According to linear programming theory, the program is written to assure a very high probability that responses will be correct. Thus, it is assumed that the child will be reinforced at each step and will learn well. Programmed Reading (Buchanan, 1963) employs these essen tial characteristics of the linear program. It also relies heavily on linguistic principles. It utilizes the principle of correspondence be tween sounds and symbols. All the sounds that are classified as "regular" are taught first. Sight words are held at a minimum throughout the program. The child learns the structure of words and the structural features of the language. Word patterns, intona tion, and inflection are also emphasized. In a summary of the Cooperative Research Program in First Grade Reading Instruction in which Programmed Reading was in cluded as one of the methods in the linguistic or code-emphasis ap proach, Dykstra (1968) concluded that Chall's assertion (1967) that code-emphasis programs produce better reading achievement than meaning-emphasis programs, is supported. Better overall read ing and spelling achievement characterized the code-emphasis pro grams. However, he also adds a note of caution in pointing out that other aspects of the code-emphasis programs such as higher expec tation of achievement could account for the pupil's superiority. It should also be noted that pupils who used basal series were higher in several achievement indices such as oral reading and para graph understanding.
Uniqueness theorem for static black hole solutions of σ-models in higher dimensions

We prove the uniqueness theorem for self-gravitating nonlinear σ-models in higher-dimensional spacetime. Applying the positive mass theorem, we show that the Schwarzschild–Tagherlini spacetime is the only maximally extended, static asymptotically flat solution with non-rotating regular event horizon with a constant mapping.
Natural Compounds Affecting Inflammatory Pathways of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and chronic joint disease, affecting more than 240 million people worldwide. Although there are numerous advances in using drugs in treating OA, the use of natural compounds has aroused much interest among researchers due to their safety margin. Recent discovery shows that natural compounds play an extensive role in the oxidative stress signaling pathway in treating OA. Thus, this review summarizes the commonly used natural compounds for treating OA focusing on the oxidative stress signaling pathway and its downstream mediators. Selected databases—such as Scopus, Web of Science, Nature, and PubMed—were used to search for potentially relevant articles. The search is limited to the last 15 years and the search was completed using the Boolean operator’s guideline using the keywords of natural product AND oxidative stress AND osteoarthritis OR natural extract AND ROS AND degenerative arthritis OR natural plant AND free radicals AND degenerative joint disease. In total, 37 articles were selected for further review. Different downstream mechanisms of oxidative stress involved in the usage of natural compounds for OA treatment and anabolic and catabolic effects of natural compounds that exhibit chondroprotective effects have been discussed with the evidence of in vitro and in vivo trials in this review.
Amplitude analysis of $B^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^+ \pi^-$ decays

The Dalitz plot distribution of $B^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^+ \pi^-$ decays is studied using a data sample corresponding to $3.0\rm{fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The data are described by an amplitude model that contains contributions from intermediate $K^*(892)^0$, $K^*(1410)^0$, $K^*_2(1430)^0$ and $D^*_2(2460)^-$ resonances. The model also contains components to describe broad structures, including the $K^*_0(1430)^0$ and $D^*_0(2400)^-$ resonances, in the $K\pi$ S-wave and the $D\pi$ S- and P-waves. The masses and widths of the $D^*_0(2400)^-$ and $D^*_2(2460)^-$ resonances are measured, as are the complex amplitudes and fit fractions for all components included in the amplitude model. The model obtained will be an integral part of a future determination of the angle $\gamma$ of the CKM quark mixing matrix using $B^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^+ \pi^-$ decays.
GAN-based Technology of Generating Spoofing-jamming I/Q Signal

The existing wireless communication interference methods rely heavily on the characteristics of the target signals obtained in communication reconnaissance, require complex prior knowledge, and have problems in keeping up with the dynamic changes of relevant parameters. This paper proposes a GAN-based tech-nology of generating spoofing-jamming I/Q signals. The jammer will be able to deceive and interfere with op-ponents through GAN by generating spoofing-jamming I/Q signals highly correlated to real I/Q signals without prior knowledge. This paper first introduces the principle of GAN and the GAN model to be adopted; uses a software radio system composed of LabView and NI USRP software and hardware plat-forms to simulate real communication scenarios to collect real I/Q signal data; generates spoofing-jamming I/Q signals through GAN model; uses t-SNE algorithm to perform dimensionality reduction on both the real and the spoofing-jamming I/Q signal data to visualize their distributions; finally, tests the spoofing-jamming I/Q signals on receiver’s pre-trained classifier. The experimental results show that GAN provides an effective method for generating high-quality spoofing-jamming I/Q signals.
An Analytic Review of Brick’s “Political Economy of Customary Organizations in Rural Afghanistan”

This paper discusses The Political Economy of Customary Organizations in Rural Afghanistan by Jennifer Brick (2008) (hereafter, “the work”), which tries to ascertain whether public goods can be provided in a failed state and proposes a mechanism that provides social order as a public good. Brick achieves this by studying customary and non-customary organisations in rural Afghanistan and develops a theory to explain when a rural local authority might fulfil the purpose of public provision and governance. This paper demonstrates and analyses Brick’s findings, and proposes one main criticism to Brick’s quantitative research method.
Breast Milk Retinol Levels after Vitamin A Supplementation at Different Postpartum Amounts and Intervals

Maternal vitamin A (VA) supplementation in risk areas for Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was launched to improve the level of this nutrient in nursing mothers and in their breast milk. This longitudinal and randomized study aimed to evaluate the levels of retinol in breast milk after supplementation with VA in varying amounts (200,000 IU or 400,000 IU) and different postpartum intervals. Women were distributed into four intervention groups and given a single 200,000 IU postnatal dosage of VA at time 0 h (postnatal morning) (G200 0H); a single 200,000 IU dosage of VA in week four (G200 4W); 200,000 IU of VA at time 0 h + 200,000 IU of VA 24 h after the first supplementation (G400 24H); and 200,000 IU of VA at time 0 h + 200,000 IU of VA one week after the first supplementation (G400 1W). Breast milk samples were collected over a 12-week period (0 h, 24 h and 1, 4, 12 weeks post-natal). Retinol levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The Generalized Estimated Equation (GEE) assessed the different retinol levels. The G200 (0H), G400 (24H), and G400 (1W) groups presented higher retinol levels at 24 h than the G200 (4W) group (p < 0.001). The retinol levels of all groups were similar at times 1, 4 and 12 weeks after delivery (p > 0.05). Maternal VA supplementation increased retinol levels in the colostrum. Different supplementation dosages or postpartum administration times did not result in added benefit to retinol levels in mature breast milk.
A non-redundant role of complement protein C1q in normal and adverse pregnancy

Complement component 1q (C1q) is the recognition molecule of the classical pathway of the complement system that can bind to an array of closely spaced antigen-bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. In addition to its involvement in defence against a range of pathogens and clearance of apoptotic and necrotic cells, C1q has also been implicated in immune and non-immune homeostasis. C1q is locally produced by immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. C1q is also synthesized by decidual endothelial cells, thus acting as a link between decidual cells and trophoblasts, as well as contributing to the remodelling of spiral arteries. Furthermore, C1q is produced by the extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invading the decidua. As a pro-angiogenic molecule, C1q is also important for normal placentation processes as it favors the active angiogenesis in the developing decidua. These observations have been validated by C1q gene knock-out mice which showed pre-eclampsia (PE)-like symptoms, characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, glomerular endotheliosis, and increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio, and increased oxidative stress. The role of C1q in normal and adverse human pregnancy is being studied extensively due to its absence or low level as a likely precipitating factor for the development of PE.
Discussion on Innovative Methods of Higher Teacher Education and Training Based on New Artificial Intelligence

In Chinese colleges, teachers’ teaching level and proficiency in business knowledge are an important part of maintaining the knowledge system of colleges and universities. Therefore, in order to improve the teaching level of Chinese colleges and improve the knowledge reserve of college students, we should spare no effort to develop and improve the professional level of each teacher. The research on teacher training mode based on the development of teachers’ teaching ability is of great significance to the development of colleges and the improvement of teaching quality. The new generation of artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in the training of college teachers. This paper randomly selects 897 undergraduate teachers from 10 private colleges in a certain region of China who participate in higher teacher training for research. It mainly studies the application effect of several typical artificial intelligence technologies in evaluating higher teacher education and training. Specifically, the paper uses artificial intelligence as a carrier to predict the performance indicators of the three main modules involved in higher teacher education and training. The prediction results of several artificial intelligence techniques show that the support vector machine method based on immune algorithm optimization corresponds to the largest coefficient of determination and the smallest root mean square error. Therefore, it predicts the best. Furthermore, the comparison results between the predicted data and the measured data show that the artificial intelligence technology has a better prediction effect on the three module indicators. At the same time, there is a good exponential function relationship between the prediction data corresponding to the two main modules of organization and personnel.
Safety of the Oral Triphala Recipe from Acute and Chronic Toxicity Tests in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Background: The Indian Ayurvedic herbal formula Triphala (TPL) is known for its pharmacological properties for immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anti-cancer. This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic toxicities of the Triphala recipe in a rat model. Methods: To assess the acute toxicities, 5000 mg/kg of TPL was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats. For chronic toxicities, different dose levels of TPL at 600, 1200, and 2400 mg/kg/day were given daily for 270 days. General health and behaviors and the body and organ weights of the rats were monitored. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were evaluated for hematology and biochemistry profiles. The evaluation of the internal organs’ appurtenance and necropsy was performed to confirm the tissue histopathology. Results: The results showed that there was no sign of acute toxicity in the TPL group with a decrease in sex organ weights. No significant differences in the rats’ behaviors, physical health, body, or organ weights were found between the controls and the rats receiving the 270/day of oral Triphala at 600, 1200, and 2400 mg/kg/day. However, some alterations in blood chemistries and hematology, including glucose, BUN, red blood cells, Hb, HCT, and MCV, were observed without abnormalities in histopathology. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that the long-term use of TPL in rat models is safe. No toxic effects were found, suggesting possible safety for long-term use in humans.
Derivation of Quantum Mechanics algebraic structure from invariance of the laws of Nature under system composition and Leibniz identity

Products and tensor products are linked by a universal property. Imposing the invariance of the laws of Nature under tensor composition along with Leibniz identity determines quantum and classical mechanics algebraic structure through the interplay between products, coproducts, and the tensor product. Violations of Bell's inequalities distinguishes quantum from classical mechanics.
Experiences of Active Everyday Life Among Persons with Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease: A Qualitative Study

Introduction Identifying strategies to prevent or delay cognitive decline among the rising numbers of elderly is acknowledged as a global public health priority. Research suggests that an active lifestyle in terms of participation in activities has the potential to reduce the risk of later-life cognitive decline. The concept of “active everyday life”, however, needs to be further explored. Aim The study aimed to explore and describe the active everyday lives of persons with prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in terms of quality of participation in activities and perceived restrictions. Methods This qualitative study was part of a larger project, the MIND-ADMINI trial. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted with seven participants (2 males, 5 females; mean age of 72.3) at baseline before the intervention. The data were collected from January to October 2018 and analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Results Four categories emerged from the analysis: (i) active body and mind; (ii) doing desired meaningful activities to feel engaged, contented, and satisfied; (iii) doing in the context of being connected to others; (iv) ability in making decisions and taking actions. From these categories, which presented the key elements of an active everyday life, a core category was identified: Living a complete life in flow. Conclusion The findings suggest key elements of participation quality that contribute to an active life. The identified elements are important to be considered in rehabilitation to provide opportunities and possibilities for participation to enable and improve the quality of participation among persons with cognitive impairments.
Differences in the Practice of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Management Among Spine Surgeons in Saudi Arabia

Background This study aims to explore the ease of adopting clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in managing traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) among spine surgeons, with particular focus on the use of steroids, high-dependency unit, early spinal cord decompression, and maintaining a target mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among the practicing spinal surgeons in Saudi Arabia and included surgeons from neurosurgical and orthopedic backgrounds. The study period was from April to June 2020. The respondents provided sociodemographic data, training background, years of experience, and their clinical practices in managing TSCI via a survey tool constructed based on a literature review. The data were analyzed to evaluate the association between a surgeon’s demographics and clinical practices. Results Ninety-eight spinal surgeons responded, comprising 40% of the practicing spine surgeon population in Saudi Arabia. The only area where the neurosurgical spine and orthopedic spine surgeons’ practices differed significantly was maintaining MAP within a target range. Other differences between practices were not statistically significant. The authors also found a significant correlation between the surgeon’s school of training and their experience concerning steroids administration. On the other hand, the surgeon experience and volume of treated TSCI cases correlated significantly with admission to a high-dependency unit. Conclusions The adoption of CPGs remains a challenge to many spinal surgeons. Neurosurgeons are more into keeping the MAP at certain target, whereas the school of training and surgeon experience were the largest determinants of the surgeon’s practice in managing TSCI in Saudi Arabia. Clinical Relevance As the variability in managment among spine surgeons remains a challenge, international and national spine societies are expected to build clinical practice guidelines from the limited existing literature. Level of Evidence 3.
Integral Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Quadcopter UAV Under Variable Payload and Disturbance

The quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system is considered a good platform for control scheme design as it is highly nonlinear with coupled dynamics and an under-actuated system. Considering these challenges, this manuscript aimed to propose a control algorithm to control the quadcopter system in the presence of uncertainty and disturbance influences. The integral adaptive sliding mode control scheme has been proposed to control the system. The proposed control scheme is composed of the outer loop controller to control the position of the quadcopter, while the inner loop controls the attitude of the quadcopter. The proposed control law has three major terms, firstly the equivalent control which is developed based on the Lyapunov approach to handle most of the uncertainty and disturbance, secondly the adaptive switching gain, which is achieving fast adaptation against uncertainty, finally the switching function which has been approximated by a tangent hyperbolic function to reduce the unwanted chattering phenomena. The proposed control scheme and its performance have been investigated via a MATLAB/Simulink. The results prove that the implemented control scheme is robust even in the presence of uncertainties and disturbance and the quadcopter tracks the predefined trajectories with limited chattering influence.
An Eye on Kupffer Cells: Development, Phenotype and the Macrophage Niche

Macrophages are key participants in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis under normal and pathological conditions, and implement a rich diversity of functions. The largest population of resident tissue macrophages is found in the liver. Hepatic macrophages, termed Kupffer cells, are involved in the regulation of multiple liver functionalities. Specific differentiation profiles and functional activities of tissue macrophages have been attributed to the shaping role of the so-called tissue niche microenvironments. The fundamental macrophage niche concept was lately shaken by a flood of new data, leading to a revision and substantial update of the concept, which constitutes the main focus of this review. The macrophage community discusses contemporary evidence on the developmental origins of resident macrophages, notably Kupffer cells and the issues of heterogeneity of the hepatic macrophage populations, as well as the roles of proliferation, cell death and migration processes in the maintenance of macrophage populations of the liver. Special consideration is given to interactions of Kupffer cells with other local cell lineages, including Ito cells, sinusoidal endothelium and hepatocytes, which participate in the maintenance of their phenotypical and functional identity.