Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Produce Cess in Tanzania: Policy Options for Fiscal Reforms

Rural taxation policy is a major issue in many countries of Africa as they pursue more decentralized forms of governing and at the same time work to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness of their tax systems. Tanzania has struggled with this issue since at least 1962, when it expanded countrywide the limited decentralization that had occurred under the colonial regime, then abolished LGAs in 1972 in favor of “Madaraka Mikoani”, only to reinstate them and enshrine them in the constitution in 1984. With wide powers to set tax policy and practice at local level, made possible by the Local Government Finance Act (LGFA) of 1982, Tanzania soon experienced a dizzying array of taxes and fees, with dramatically differing rates across LGAs.
Lamotrigine in pregnancy

Objective: To characterize the magnitude and course of alterations in total and free lamotrigine (LTG) clearance (Cl) during pregnancy and the postpartum period, to assess the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) on seizure frequency, to determine the ratio to individual target LTG concentration that is associated with increased seizure risk, and to evaluate maternal postpartum toxicity. Methods: A cohort of women were enrolled before conception or during pregnancy in this prospective, observational study. Visits occurred every 1 to 3 months with review of seizure and medication diaries, examination, and blood sampling. Total and free LTG Cls were calculated. Individualized target concentrations were used for TDM. The ratio to target concentration (RTC) was compared between patients with and without increased seizures. A receiver operating characteristic curve determined the threshold RTC that best predicts increased seizure frequency. Results: Analysis of 305 samples in 53 pregnancies demonstrated increased total and free LTG Cl in all trimesters above nonpregnant baseline (p < 0.001), with peak increases of 94% and 89% in the third trimester. Free LTG Cl was higher in white compared with black women (p < 0.05). Increased seizure frequency (n = 36 women with epilepsy) in the second trimester was associated with a lower RTC (p < 0.001), and RTC < 0.65 was a significant predictor of seizure worsening. An empiric postpartum taper reduced the likelihood of maternal LTG toxicity (p < 0.05) (n = 27). Newborn outcomes were similar to the general population (n = 52). Conclusions: These novel data contribute to a rational treatment plan and dosing paradigm for lamotrigine use during pregnancy, parturition, and the postpartum period.
Decision making at the time of ICD generator change: patients' perspectives.

These findings suggest that many patients are misclassified as having poor exercise capacity and therefore subjected to unnecessary further testing. Our study has several limitations. First, it lacked statistical power to compare subjective assessment vs DASI scores for predicting postoperative outcomes. Second, participants did not undergo formal exercise testing; hence, we cannot quantify the degree to which overestimation of exercise capacity by the DASI contributed to our results. Nonetheless, previous research has demonstrated substantial correlation between DASI scores and objective exercise testing in surgical patients.6 Our study raises concerns about using subjective assessment to evaluate preoperative exercise capacity and points to the need for improved methods of assessing preoperative exercise capacity to predict patient outcomes. Further research is needed to select the correct assessment tool, with the DASI questionnaire being one potential approach that merits evaluation in adequately powered studies.
A Review of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-Based Dynamic Monitoring Technologies for Structural Health Monitoring

In the past few decades, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology has been widely used in structural health monitoring (SHM), and the monitoring mode has evolved from long-term deformation monitoring to dynamic monitoring. This paper gives an overview of GNSS-based dynamic monitoring technologies for SHM. The review is classified into three parts, which include GNSS-based dynamic monitoring technologies for SHM, the improvement of GNSS-based dynamic monitoring technologies for SHM, as well as denoising and detrending algorithms. The significance and progress of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), Precise Point Position (PPP), and direct displacement measurement techniques, as well as single-frequency technology for dynamic monitoring, are summarized, and the comparison of these technologies is given. The improvement of GNSS-based dynamic monitoring technologies for SHM is given from the perspective of multi-GNSS, a high-rate GNSS receiver, and the integration between the GNSS and accelerometer. In addition, the denoising and detrending algorithms for GNSS-based observations for SHM and corresponding applications are summarized. Challenges of low-cost and widely covered GNSS-based technologies for SHM are discussed, and problems are posed for future research.
Structured matrix estimation and completion

We study the problem of matrix estimation and matrix completion under a general framework. This framework includes several important models as special cases such as the gaussian mixture model, mixed membership model, bi-clustering model and dictionary learning. We consider the optimal convergence rates in a minimax sense for estimation of the signal matrix under the Frobenius norm and under the spectral norm. As a consequence of our general result we obtain minimax optimal rates of convergence for various special models.
Abortion: Evidence of an Issue Evolution

Theory: Using Carmines and Stimson's issue evolution model of partisan change, I argue that the abortion issue has transformed the two major United States political parties and that this process follows a predictable pattern, as outlined by Carmines and Stimson. Hypotheses: By applying the theory of issue evolution to abortion, I develop three hypotheses: 1) The reputation for each party's stance on abortion among party elites has grown clearer and more distinct over the last 20 years; 2) At the mass level, people have changed their party identification in a manner consistent with their attitudes on abortion; 3) The changes among party elites and masses are causally connected, with elite-level changes producing mass-level responses. Methods: Simple time series analyses are used on two datasets, roll call votes on abortion in the United States Congress and public opinion polls from General Social Surveys, 1972-94. Results: Democrats and Republicans shift dramatically on the abortion issue at both the elite and mass levels. Moreover, this change closely follows with the issue evolution model. The process unfolds gradually, and causality appears to run from elites to masses, rather than from masses to elites.
Features and Educational Content Related to Milk Production in Breastfeeding Apps: Content Analysis Informed by Social Cognitive Theory

Background Low milk production is one of the main reasons for premature breastfeeding cessation. Smartphone apps have the potential to assist mothers with promoting, interpreting, tracking, or learning about milk production. It is not known whether breastfeeding apps contain high-quality, engaging, and diverse content and features that could be used by mothers to increase their breastfeeding self-efficacy and answer their questions about milk production. Objective The overarching objective of this study was to identify and evaluate features and content within breastfeeding apps that could be used by mothers to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and answer their questions about milk production. The secondary objectives were to quantify the diversity of representation of breastfeeding experiences within breastfeeding apps and to define the type of organization that is most likely to create free apps and/or apps with high-quality, engaging, and diverse features and content related to milk production. Methods Breastfeeding apps were identified in the Apple App Store. All features that assist mothers with tracking, promoting, or interpreting milk production in the first 0-6 months postpartum were noted. Every screen containing educational information about milk production was identified and saved for review. Images of mothers and caretakers within the selected screenshots were assessed. Three scoresheets informed by Social Cognitive Theory were created to evaluate all identified features, educational content, and images representing the breastfeeding experience. Results Forty-one breastfeeding apps were reviewed. Only seven apps contained both features and educational content related to milk production. Thirteen apps that contained educational content related to milk production received a mean combined content and cultural diversity score of 15.3 of 78. Of the 48 photos reviewed in screenshots that contained educational content on milk production, 87.5% (n=42) were of white women and their infants. For-profit companies and large organizations were most likely to create free apps and apps that received high scores on the combined content and diversity or features scoresheet, respectively. Conclusions Features and educational content related to milk production and breastfeeding imagery within breastfeeding apps were evaluated using three novel scoresheets informed by Social Cognitive Theory. Few apps contained both features that promote breastfeeding self-efficacy and high-quality, engaging, educational content with images of diverse caretakers. Thus, it is likely that parents, especially those from minority or low-income groups, have limited options when selecting a breastfeeding app. App developers could use the scoresheets and findings in this review to develop breastfeeding apps that assist mothers with interpreting, tracking, or learning about milk production through high-quality and engaging features, content, and imagery.
6‐Gingerol Inhibits Rosiglitazone‐Induced Adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes

We investigated the effects of 6‐gingerol ((S)‐5‐hydroxy‐1‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐decanone) on the inhibition of rosiglitazone (RGZ)‐induced adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells. The morphological changes were photographed based on staining lipid accumulation by Oil‐Red O in RGZ (1 µmol/l)‐treated 3T3‐L1 cells without or with various concentrations of 6‐gingerol on differentiation day 8. Quantitation of triglycerides content was performed in cells on day 8 after differentiation induction. Differentiated cells were lysed to detect mRNA and protein levels of adipocyte‐specific transcription factors by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. 6‐gingerol (50 µmol/l) effectively suppressed oil droplet accumulation and reduced the sizes of the droplets in RGZ‐induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells. The triglyceride accumulation induced by RGZ in differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells was also reduced by 6‐gingerol (50 µmol/l). Treatment of differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells with 6‐gingerol (50 µmol/l) antagonized RGZ‐induced gene expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α. Additionally, the increased levels of mRNA and protein in adipocyte‐specific fatty acid binding protein 4 and fatty acid synthase induced by RGZ in 3T3‐L1 cells were decreased upon treatment with 6‐gingerol. Our data suggests that 6‐gingerol may be beneficial in obesity, by reducing adipogenesis partly through the down‐regulating PPARγ activity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower for Longer: Neutral Rates in the United States

We use a semi structural model to estimate neutral rates in the United States. Our Bayesian estimation incorporates prior information on the output gap and potential output (based on a production function approach) and accounts for unconventional monetary policies at the ZLB by using estimates of “shadow” policy rates. We find that our approach provides more plausible results than standard maximum likelihood estimates for the unobserved variables in the model. Results show a significant trend decline in the neutral real rate over time, driven only in part by a decline in potential growth whereas other factors (including excess global savings) matter. Neutral rates likely turned negative during the Global Financial Crisis and are expected to increase only gradually looking forward.
The World Anti-Doping Code: can you have asthma and still be an elite athlete?

Key points The World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) does place some restrictions on prescribing inhaled β2-agonists, but these can be overcome without jeopardising the treatment of elite athletes with asthma. While the Code permits the use of inhaled glucocorticoids without restriction, oral and intravenous glucocorticoids are prohibited, although a mechanism exists that allows them to be administered for acute severe asthma. Although asthmatic athletes achieved outstanding sporting success during the 1950s and 1960s before any anti-doping rules existed, since introduction of the Code’s policies on some drugs to manage asthma results at the Olympic Games have revealed that athletes with confirmed asthma/airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) have outperformed their non-asthmatic rivals. It appears that years of intensive endurance training can provoke airway injury, AHR and asthma in athletes without any past history of asthma. Although further research is needed, it appears that these consequences of airway injury may abate in some athletes after they have ceased intensive training. The World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) has not prevented asthmatic individuals from becoming elite athletes. This review examines those sections of the Code that are relevant to respiratory physicians who manage elite and sub-elite athletes with asthma. The restrictions that the Code places or may place on the prescription of drugs to prevent and treat asthma in athletes are discussed. In addition, the means by which respiratory physicians are able to treat their elite asthmatic athlete patients with drugs that are prohibited in sport are outlined, along with some of the pitfalls in such management and how best to prevent or minimise them. The WADA Code places restrictions on asthma medication, but does not prevent asthma patients becoming elite athletes http://ow.ly/4mZdq0
Pragmatic Competence in EFL Context: Suggestions in University Office Hour Discourse

Office hour interactions at universities are one type of communicative activity in which international instructors and their Turkish EFL students are involved as a form of academic or institutional discourse (Drew & Heritage, 1992). In such real world communication, both parties employ several linguistic strategies and attend to various interactional goals to address the academic concerns at hand (Chiang, 2011; Chiang & Mi, 2008; Limberg, 2007; 2010; Reindhart, 2010; Skyrme, 2010). Embracing a discourse analytic approach, this study investigated the primary functions and topics of office hour interactions; discourse organization of office hour interactions with regard to the features of participants’ contributions (e.g. turn-taking and turn length, verbosity or dominance, etc.); suggestion-response episodes; and successful and problematic aspects in office hour interactions. The study utilized the theoretical framework of relational work. Thirty-eight office hour interactions constituted the primary data source. The participants included 3 international instructors and their 34 Turkish EFL students. Post-interaction questionnaires and classroom observations served as secondary data sources in the study. The data analysis demonstrated that office hour interactions have various purposes and topics mostly related to the course content offered by the instructors, their expertise, and their experiences. Additionally, both parties co-constructed the discourse segments of equal and unequal contribution in which they achieved interactional and transactional goals using distinctive linguistic and discourse strategies. The co-constructed suggestion-response episodes included both instructor-initiated suggestions and students’ self-suggestory acts. The use of modals and semi-modals, imperatives, and interrogatives played a key role in instructor-initiated suggestions, whereas the students mostly relied on interrogatives. However, each party made their choices relying on the interactional goals they wished to accomplish through the use of suggestion forms. Finally, both the international instructors and their Turkish EFL students attended to different types of relational work that contributed to the successful and problematic aspects of office hour interactions, and that were mostly connected to suggestions.
[Acid-base profile evaluation in central and peripheral arterial and venous blood in cattle].

In veterinary medicine mainly venous blood is used for acid-base balance determinations. This blood, however, does not allow to evaluate the respiratory component, therefore arterial blood samples have to be taken and examined in cases requiring such measurements (respiratory tract diseases, assessment of the degree of compensation in disturbed acid-base conditions). For this reason, central and peripheral arterial blood samples from the a. axillaris and a. subclavia, and the a. auricularis, respectively, were taken from 14 head of cattle, and the values of selected acid-base parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, BE and SAT) were compared. Simultaneously, venous blood samples (v. jugularis) were also examined. Comparison of arterial and venous blood samples (Tab. I) revealed statistically significant differences in pH (p < 0.01) as well as in pCO2, pO2 and SAT values (p < 0.001). In HCO3 and BE, no significant differences were observed. Comparison of arterial blood samples in relation to sampling sites (peripheral and central) disclosed no significant differences in the single parameters; all values correlated at a high level (Tab. II, Figs. 1-6). The highest correlation levels were determined for BE (r = 0.984), HCO3 (r = 0.959), pH (r = 0.944) and pCO2 (r = 0.938) whereas those recorded for SAT (r = 0.877) and pO2 (r = 0.874) were lower. Arterial blood sampling from the a. auricularis caudalis seems to be simpler than sampling from the more central parts that are difficult to approach mainly in fat animals. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TRPM1 is required for the depolarizing light response in retinal ON-bipolar cells

The ON pathway of the visual system, which detects increases in light intensity, is established at the first retinal synapse between photoreceptors and ON-bipolar cells. Photoreceptors hyperpolarize in response to light and reduce the rate of glutamate release, which in turn causes the depolarization of ON-bipolar cells. This ON-bipolar cell response is mediated by the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR6, which controls the activity of a depolarizing current. Despite intensive research over the past two decades, the molecular identity of the channel that generates this depolarizing current has remained elusive. Here, we present evidence indicating that TRPM1 is necessary for the depolarizing light response of ON-bipolar cells, and further that TRPM1 is a component of the channel that generates this light response. Gene expression profiling revealed that TRPM1 is highly enriched in ON-bipolar cells. In situ hybridization experiments confirmed that TRPM1 mRNA is found in cells of the retinal inner nuclear layer, and immunofluorescent confocal microscopy showed that TRPM1 is localized in the dendrites of ON-bipolar cells in both mouse and macaque retina. The electroretinogram (ERG) of TRPM1-deficient (TRPM1−/−) mice had a normal a-wave, but no b-wave, indicating a loss of bipolar cell response. Finally, whole-cell patch-clamp recording from ON-bipolar cells in mouse retinal slices demonstrated that genetic deletion of TRPM1 abolished chemically simulated light responses from rod bipolar cells and dramatically altered the responses of cone ON-bipolar cells. Identification of TRPM1 as a mGluR6-coupled cation channel reveals a key step in vision, expands the role of the TRP channel family in sensory perception, and presents insights into the evolution of vertebrate vision.
Elites Behaving Badly

This paper presents a model to account for the behaviour of social elites, in terms of their decisions to distribute resources between themselves, and a mass of disadvantaged members of society. Privileged members of society have the opportunity to allocate resources either to improve their own productive capacity, or to enhance the productive capacity of the disadvantaged. Redistribution in favour of the disadvantaged increases the productive capacity of society, but comes at the cost of rising political aspirations of the poor, which erodes the power of the elite. The paper derives conditions under which (a) the elite will redistribute to the point of equality with the disadvantaged; (b) conditions under which the disadvantaged are subject to extreme forms of extraction by the elite; as well as (c) the range of intermediate redistributive activity likely to be employed by the privileged. Examination of empirical evidence suggests that the model generalizes across the experience of a panel of 102 countries.
Interlocking Patent Rights and Value Appropriation: Insights From the Razor Industry

This paper analyzes a duopoly-like situation in the wet shaving industry featuring an innovation leader and a follower. In this, the leader claims to have filed “interlocking” patents. The explorative case study examines how the leader filed said patents and how their structures have affected potential value appropriation. In fact, the market leader has claimed technical elements in multiple patents, while the patents themselves do not legally overlap. This analysis will also cover triggers and boundary conditions that facilitate or limit such claim compositions. Finally, the market leader has seemingly been able to successfully appropriate value from its strategy. This study will contribute to the literature on value appropriation, the interplay between corporate engineering and intellectual property functions, as well as the economics literature on patent thickets.
Sex Differences in Obesity-Induced Inflammation

Obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 . Once thought to simply be a nutritional disorder, obesity has become a major health concern characterized by a state of constant low-grade inflammation caused by chronic adiposity. This state of inflammation is characterized by circulating inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, leptin, and TNF- α , as well as varying levels of glucose-regulating hormones produced by obese adipose tissue. When left untreated, obesity can lead to a number of diseases including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, neurodegeneration, type II diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and infertility. The distribution of adiposity differs in men and women, and these differences, along with the differences in sex hormones and sex hormone levels, can exacerbate or attenuate the course of disease pathology. Obesity can also be exacerbated by stress, which can worsen disease pathogenesis. In this review, we will explore how obesity affects inflammation and disease and how sex can affect the course of these diseases.