Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF TAX REVENUE ON NIGERIAN ECONOMY (CASE OF FEDERAL BOARD OF INLAND REVENUE)

In recent time, the impact of paying tax is not felt by payees in Nigeria and indeed has put them in doubt and confusion as to the use of the fund by the relevant government in the development of the economy. This uncalled for practices have definitely made some Nigerians want to avoid and evade tax. The study focused on the impact of tax revenue on Nigeria economy. Descriptive survey design was adopted and simple random sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample size. 100 copies of questionnaires were administered to workers of the Federal Board of Inland Revenue (FBIR), Lagos, Nigeria. 75 questionnaires were retrieved and found usable for the study hence, giving a 75% response rate. A pilot study was conducted and this gave a reliability value of 0.78 which according to Nunnally (1978) is reliable enough to measure the research construct. Four Hypotheses were formulated and tested using Chi-square statistical tool of analysis. The findings show that tax revenue significantly impact on Federal Government Budget implementation in Nigeria, Tax administrative system significantly affected the revenue generated in Nigeria, Tax evasion significantly affected government revenue in Nigeria, and Lack of training on the part of tax officers significantly affected the generation of government revenue in Nigeria. It was recommended that Notice of tax returns at the beginning of every financial year should be supported with handbills and poster written in local languages such as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other languages as this will enable illiterates perform their civil responsibilities; Tax payment should meet convenience of the tax-payers; an advance payment of tax should be encouraged and estimated by the tax-payer himself, based on the tax payable for the previous year or on 80% of tax payable for the preceding year. The balance of tax is payable when the final assessment has been paid within one month of issue of the notice of assessment. It further recommended that the state should set up its own revenue courts. The Federal Government has set that ball rolling by setting up a federal revenue court to look into cases of tax avoidance and evasion. The jurisdiction of these courts should be extended to states to ensure prompt prosecution of tax evaders.
Results of the nationwide epidemiologic survey of Kawasaki disease in 1995 and 1996 in Japan.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study is to describe recent epidemiologic patterns of Kawasaki disease based on information included in patient records that had been obtained through a nationwide hospital survey in Japan. METHODS A questionnaire and diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease that had been approved by the Kawasaki Disease Research Committee were sent to all pediatric departments of hospitals (2638 hospitals) with a bed capacity of at least 100. The subjects all were new patients who were treated during a 2-year period from 1995 to 1996. RESULTS A total of 12 531 children contracted the disease during the observation period. The incidence was 102.6 for 1995 and 108.0 for 1996 per 100 000 children younger than age 5 years. The male:female ratio was 1.37. The age distribution pattern showed a peak near 6 months of age. Geographic variations in the incidence suggested the existence of local outbreaks. Cardiac sequelae were seen in 12% of the patients. CONCLUSION More than 6000 patients suffered from Kawasaki disease each year, and its annual incidence is increasing steadily. The probable existence of local outbreaks is worthy of note. Other epidemiologic patterns were unchanged from previous years.
Simultaneous confidence bands for time-series prediction function

Although many types of confidence bands exist for nonparametric regression with i.i. d. data, theoretical properties of such bands have never been established under dependence. We propose simultaneous confidence bands for nonparametric prediction function of time-series data using spline estimation. Asymptotic properties are established under the assumption of strong mixing, and simulation experiments have provided strong evidence that corroborates with the asymptotic theory. As an application, after removing the environmental Kuznets curve trend effects, the impact of the economic intervention on environmental quality change is quantified for the USA and Japan, with different conclusions.
Warming mobilises young and old soil carbon equally

Warming mobilises young and old soil carbon equally F. Conen, J. Leifeld, B. Seth, and C. Alewell Institute of Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland Research Station Agroscope Reckenholz-tänikon ART, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland Received: 3 August 2006 – Accepted: 23 August 2006 – Published: 29 August 2006 Correspondence to: F. Conen (franz.conen@unibas.ch)
Cooperative Competition for Future Mobility

In May 2011, the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge (GCDC) was held, providing the possibility for teams to develop and compare their cooperative driving solutions in a competitive setting. The challenge was organized to further accelerate developments in the area of cooperative driving. Nine international teams challenged each other to handle both an urban and a highway scenario. These scenarios have been chosen such that the performance of the implementation of cooperative adaptive cruise control of each participant can be judged. Evaluation of the vehicle behavior has been performed by means of video-based roadside units, installed at the test site in The Netherlands, that is capable of tracking the individual vehicles, in addition to the information obtained through wireless communication. Judgment criteria include both macroscale criteria, such as platoon length and traffic light throughput, and individual criterion, like string stability. Most teams performed well, although clear differences in performance and reliability could be observed. The GCDC showed that it is possible to cooperatively drive with heterogeneous systems. It is envisioned to make the GCDC a regular event and to further extend the active role of roadside communication units, as well as include automated lateral vehicle control.
Butein provides neuroprotective and anti‐neuroinflammatory effects through Nrf2/ARE‐dependent haem oxygenase 1 expression by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway

Butein, 3,4,2′,4′‐tetrahydroxychalcone, has various pharmacological effects. However, no study has demonstrated the specific neurobiological mechanisms of the effects of butein in neuronal cells. The present study examined the role of butein as an antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory inducer of haem oxygenase 1 (HO1) in mouse hippocampal HT22, BV2 microglial and primary mouse hippocampus neurons.
Molecular Characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Northeastern China

A study of 426 rabbits from 3 cities in Jilin province (Changchun City and Jilin City) and Liaoning province (Shenyang City) was conducted between May and June 2015. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in rabbits was 0.94% (4/426), with 0% (0/116), 1.72% (3/174), and 0.74% (1/136) in Jilin, Changchun, and Shenyang City, respectively. Only 3 farms (farm 1 and farm 3 in Changchun City, farm 8 in Shenyang City) were PCR-positive for E. bieneusi. Moreover, rabbits of more than 6 months (1.72%) had the highest E. bieneusi prevalence, followed by rabbits of 4-6 months (1.26%), 2-3 months (0.58%), and less than 1 month (0%). Analysis of ITS gene of E. bieneusi suggested that all 4 E. bieneusi isolates were genotype D, and were classified as group 1a. The present results first demonstrated the existence of zoonotic E. bieneusi in domestic rabbits in China. Effective control measures should be implemented to prevent E. bieneusi infection in domestic rabbits, other animals, and humans.
Tribolium castaneum RR-1 Cuticular Protein TcCPR4 Is Required for Formation of Pore Canals in Rigid Cuticle

Insect cuticle is composed mainly of structural proteins and the polysaccharide chitin. The CPR family is the largest family of cuticle proteins (CPs), which can be further divided into three subgroups based on the presence of one of the three presumptive chitin-binding sequence motifs denoted as Rebers-Riddiford (R&R) consensus sequence motifs RR-1, RR-2 and RR-3. The TcCPR27 protein containing the RR-2 motif is one of the most abundant CPs present both in the horizontal laminae and in vertical pore canals in the procuticle of rigid cuticle found in the elytron of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Depletion of TcCPR27 by RNA interference (RNAi) causes both unorganized laminae and pore canals, resulting in malformation and weakening of the elytron. In this study, we investigated the function(s) of another CP, TcCPR4, which contains the RR-1 motif and is easily extractable from elytra after RNAi to deplete the level of TcCPR27. Transcript levels of the TcCPR4 gene are dramatically increased in 3 d-old pupae when adult cuticle synthesis begins. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that TcCPR4 protein is present in the rigid cuticles of the dorsal elytron, ventral abdomen and leg but not in the flexible cuticles of the hindwing and dorsal abdomen of adult T. castaneum. Immunogold labeling and transmission electron microscopic analyses revealed that TcCPR4 is predominantly localized in pore canals and regions around the apical plasma membrane protrusions into the procuticle of rigid adult cuticles. RNAi for TcCPR4 resulted in an abnormal shape of the pore canals with amorphous pore canal fibers (PCFs) in their lumen. These results support the hypothesis that TcCPR4 is required for achieving proper morphology of the vertical pore canals and PCFs that contribute to the assembly of a cuticle that is both lightweight and rigid.
Phylogenomics and Molecular Signatures for Species from the Plant Pathogen-Containing Order Xanthomonadales

The species from the order Xanthomonadales, which harbors many important plant pathogens and some human pathogens, are currently distinguished primarily on the basis of their branching in the 16S rRNA tree. No molecular or biochemical characteristic is known that is specific for these bacteria. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses were conducted on 26 sequenced Xanthomonadales genomes to delineate their branching order and to identify molecular signatures consisting of conserved signature indels (CSIs) in protein sequences that are specific for these bacteria. In a phylogenetic tree based upon sequences for 28 proteins, Xanthomonadales species formed a strongly supported clade with Rhodanobacter sp. 2APBS1 as its deepest branch. Comparative analyses of protein sequences have identified 13 CSIs in widely distributed proteins such as GlnRS, TypA, MscL, LysRS, LipA, Tgt, LpxA, TolQ, ParE, PolA and TyrB that are unique to all species/strains from this order, but not found in any other bacteria. Fifteen additional CSIs in proteins (viz. CoxD, DnaE, PolA, SucA, AsnB, RecA, PyrG, LigA, MutS and TrmD) are uniquely shared by different Xanthomonadales except Rhodanobacter and in a few cases by Pseudoxanthomonas species, providing further support for the deep branching of these two genera. Five other CSIs are commonly shared by Xanthomonadales and 1–3 species from the orders Chromatiales, Methylococcales and Cardiobacteriales suggesting that these deep branching orders of Gammaproteobacteria might be specifically related. Lastly, 7 CSIs in ValRS, CarB, PyrE, GlyS, RnhB, MinD and X001065 are commonly shared by Xanthomonadales and a limited number of Beta- or Gamma-proteobacteria. Our analysis indicates that these CSIs have likely originated independently and they are not due to lateral gene transfers. The Xanthomonadales-specific CSIs reported here provide novel molecular markers for the identification of these important plant and human pathogens and also as potential targets for development of drugs/agents that specifically target these bacteria.
Recurrent preterm birth in women treated with 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate: the contribution of risk factors in the penultimate pregnancy

Objective: Examine rates of recurrent, spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in women treated prophylactically with 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) when the penultimate PTB was due to preterm labor (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM). Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, database study of 1183 singleton gestations that initiated prophylactic 17P at <21 weeks with a penultimate PTB. Primary outcomes examined were rates of recurrent PTB at <37 and <32 weeks’ gestation in the PTL (n = 939) and pPROM (n = 244) cohorts. Results: Recurrent PTB <37 weeks occurred in 38% versus 28.3% of the PTL and pPROM cohorts, respectively (p <0.005). Rates of recurrent PTB <32 weeks were similar. Logistic regression revealed three risk factors increased the odds of recurrent PTB: >1 previous PTB (OR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.33–2.44]); penultimate birth at 28–33.9 weeks’ gestation (OR 1.61 [95% CI: 1.22–2.13]); and, PTL as the indication for delivery in the penultimate PTB (OR 1.66 [95% CI: 1.16–2.37]). Conclusion: Several historical factors increase the risk for recurrent PTB in women receiving 17P. Contrary to earlier studies of PTL and pPROM recurrence, women receiving prophylactic 17P with a penultimate PTB due to pPROM are at lower risk of recurrent PTB than those with a history of PTL.
Spatial Distribution of White-Matter Hyperintensities in Alzheimer Disease, Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, and Healthy Aging

Background and Purpose— White-matter hyperintensities (WMHs) detected by magnetic resonance imaging are thought to represent the effects of cerebral small-vessel disease and neurodegenerative changes. We sought to determine whether the spatial distribution of WMHs discriminates between different disease groups and healthy aging individuals and whether these distributions are related to local cerebral perfusion patterns. Methods— We examined the pattern of WMHs by T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery–weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 3 groups of subjects: cerebral amyloid angiopathy (n=32), Alzheimer disease or mild cognitive impairment (n=41), and healthy aging (n=29). WMH frequency maps were calculated for each group, and spatial distributions were compared by voxel-wise logistic regression. WMHs were also analyzed as a function of normal cerebral perfusion patterns by overlaying a single photon emission computed tomography atlas. Results— Although WMH volume was greater in cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer disease/mild cognitive impairment than in healthy aging, there was no consistent difference in the spatial distributions when controlling for total WMH volume. Hyperintensities were most frequent in the deep periventricular WM in all 3 groups. A strong inverse correlation between hyperintensity frequency and normal perfusion was demonstrated in all groups, demonstrating that WMHs were most common in regions of relatively lower normal cerebral perfusion. Conclusions— WMHs show a common distribution pattern and predilection for cerebral WM regions with lower atlas-derived perfusion, regardless of the underlying diagnosis. These data suggest that across diverse disease processes, WM injury may occur in a pattern that reflects underlying tissue properties, such as relative perfusion.
Blind to Time? Temporal Trends in Effect Sizes in IS Research

This research-in-progress paper describes cumulative meta-analysis, or meta-trend analysis, a form of meta-analysis that considers temporal trends in effect sizes. While this method is common in medical sciences, it is just starting to gain traction in behavioral research, and temporal trends have typically not been addressed in IS research. A review of 64 meta-analysis papers from 15 IS journals confirms that IS research is generally blind to time. No IS paper has employed meta-trend analysis to test for temporal trends, and less than a quarter of the papers reviewed have any treatment or mention of the possible impact of time. Support from ecological systems theory, in particular the idea of proximal processes, is used to explain why IS researchers may expect temporal trends in effect sizes. To illustrate this, meta-trend analysis is conducted on several frequently examined relationships between IS constructs. Preliminary evidence of temporal trends is observed.
At least 27 alternatively spliced forms of the neural cell adhesion molecule mRNA are expressed during rat heart development

The major membrane-associated or transmembrane isoforms of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) are generated by alternative splicing at the 3' end of the mRNA. Further diversity in NCAM structure is observed in the extracellular region of the polypeptide, where the insertion of additional amino acid residues can result from alternative splicing events occurring at the exon 7-exon 8 and exon 12-exon 13 junctions. Here we report the characterization of tissue-specific patterns of alternative splicing at the exon 12-exon 13 junction by using the polymerase chain reaction. Nine alternatively spliced sequences in rat heart between exon 12 and exon 13 were identified. Each sequence consisted of different combinations of the three small exons (15, 48, and 42 bp in length) and the AAG triplet that make up MSD1, the 108-bp muscle-specific sequence found in human skeletal muscle NCAM (G. Dickson, H.J. Gower, C. H. Barton, H. M. Prentice, V. L. Elsom, S. E. Moore, R. D. Cox, C. Quinn, W. Putt, and F. S. Walsh, Cell 50:1119-1130, 1987). Although the rat equivalent of MSD1 (designated 15+ 48+ 42+ 3+) was detected in all ages of heart examined, it was only one of four or five major splice combinations at any given age. The only alternatively spliced sequence found in the exon 7-exon 8 junction of heart NCAM mRNA was the 30-bp variable alternatively spliced exon previously identified in rat brain. Twenty-seven NCAM forms with distinct sequences were found by analysis of individual NCAM transcripts from postnatal day 1 heart tissue for alternative splicing at the exon 7-exon 8 junction, the exon 12-exon 13 junction and the 3' end. Several combinations of splicing patterns in these three different regions of the gene appeared to be preferentially expressed. The observation that the expression of alternatively spliced forms of NCAM is developmentally regulated suggests a role for NCAM diversity in cardiac development.
Hybrid R&D

We develop a model of R&D competition and collaboration in which individual firms carry out independent in-house research and also undertake joint research projects with other firms. We examine the impact of collaboration on in-house research and explore the circumstances under which a hybrid organization of R&D which combines the two is optimal for firms and society. We find that investments in independent research and in joint research are complementary: an increase in the number of joint projects also increases in-house research. Firm profits are highest under a hybrid organization if the number of firms is small (less than 5) while they are highest with pure in-house research if the number of firms is large (5 or more). However, social welfare is maximized under a hybrid organization of R&D in all cases. Our analysis also yields new results on the role of cooperative R&D. We find that non-cooperative decision making by firms leads to larger R&D investments and higher social welfare than fully cooperative decision making. However, a hybrid form of decision making where there is bilateral cooperation in joint projects and non-cooperative decision making in in-house research yields the highest level of welfare in concentrated industries.
Statistical Characterization of 60-GHz Indoor Radio Channels

An extensive review of the statistical characterization of 60-GHz indoor radio channels is provided from a large number of published measurement and modeling results. First, the most prominent driver applications for 60 GHz are considered in order to identify those environment types that need to be characterized most urgently. Large-scale fading is addressed yielding path-loss parameter values for a generic 60-GHz indoor channel model as well as for the office environment in particular. In addition, the small-scale channel behavior is reviewed including the modeling of time-of-arrival and angle-of-arrival details and statistical parameters related to delay spread, angular spread and Doppler spread. Finally, some research directions for future channel characterization are given.
Microarray-Based Identification of Bacteria in Clinical Samples by Solid-Phase PCR Amplification of 23S Ribosomal DNA Sequences

ABSTRACT The rapid identification of the bacteria in clinical samples is important for patient management and antimicrobial therapy. We describe a DNA microarray-based PCR approach for the quick detection and identification of bacteria from cervical swab specimens from mares. This on-chip PCR method combines the amplification of a variable region of bacterial 23S ribosomal DNA and the simultaneous sequence-specific detection on a solid phase. The solid phase contains bacterial species-specific primers covalently bound to a glass support. During the solid-phase amplification reaction the polymerase elongates perfectly matched primers and incorporates biotin-labeled nucleotides. The reaction products are visualized by streptavidin-cyanine 5 staining, followed by fluorescence scanning. This procedure successfully identified from pure cultures 22 bacteria that are common causes of abortion and sterility in mares. Using the on-chip PCR method, we also tested 21 cervical swab specimens from mares for the presence of pathogenic bacteria and compared the results with those of conventional bacteriological culture methods. Our method correctly identified the bacteria in 12 cervical swab samples, 8 of which contained more than one bacterial species. Due to the higher sensitivity of the on-chip PCR, this method identified bacteria in five cervical swab samples which were not detected by the conventional identification procedure. Our results show that this method will have great potential to be incorporated into the routine microbiology laboratory.
Neighbor supporting ad hoc multicast routing protocol

An ad hoc network is a multi-hop wireless network formed by a collection of mobile nodes without the intervention of fixed infrastructure. Limited bandwidth and a high degree of mobility require that routing protocols for ad hoc networks be robust, simple, and energy-conserving. This paper proposes a new ad hoc multicast routing protocol called neighbor-supporting multicast protocol (NSMP). NSMP adopts a mesh structure to enhance resilience against mobility. NSMP utilizes node locality to reduce the overhead of route failure recovery and mesh maintenance. NSMP also attempts to improve route efficiency and reduce data transmissions. Our simulation results show that NSMP delivers packets efficiently while substantially reducing control overhead in various environments.