Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control Allocation, Revenue Sharing, and Joint Ownership

This article develops a two-period double moral hazard model with incomplete contracting to explore the implication of a possible adverse effect of unilateral control on the optimal revenue sharing and control allocation in a joint venture. We identify conditions under which joint ownership and control become optimal when unilateral control gives the controlling party opportunities to inefficiently extract private benefits at the expense of the joint revenue. Moreover, this adverse consequence of control may also lead to the separation of share ownership and control, i.e., it may be optimal for the minority owner to have the control rights.
A Novel Adaptive Inertia Particle Swarm Optimization (AIPSO) Algorithm for Improving Multimodal Biometric Recognition

In this paper, we present an efficient feature selection scheme for biometric authentication (for both unimodal and multimodal systems) that allows selecting the dominant features and increase the performance of the overall system. More precisely, we propose an Adaptive Inertia Particle Swarm Optimization (AIPSO) algorithm such that the particle inertia weights are iteratively updated according to the particle fitness value. We then use AIPSO for selecting Log Gabor features for the face and palmprint modalities independently and on the fused Log Gabor space of these two modalities considered for fusion. Final classification (in both schemes) is performed on the projection space of the selected features using Kernel Direct Discriminant Analysis (KDDA). Extensive experiments are carried out on 250 users selected from FRGC face database, PolyU palmprint database and a virtual person multimodal biometric database built from the considered face and palmprint databases. We compare the proposed selection method with well known feature selection schemes such as Sequential Floating Forward Selection (SFFS), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) and Normal PSO in terms of both number of features selected and performance. Experimental result results show better performance of our AIPSO compared to all other techniques with an improvement of around 5% in performance and a reduction of around 62% of features compared to the initial system (with full features).
Fish consumption doesn't reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Several observational studies have investigated the association between fish consumption and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the results were inconsistent. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to evaluate the effect of fish consumption on HCC risk. METHODS A systematic search was performed using the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Central database for case-control and coshort studies that assessed fish intake and HCC risk. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were used to estimate summary relative risks (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis were also performed. RESULTS Nine case-control studies and three cohort studies were included, involving a total of 1,071,458 participants and 2,627 HCC cases. Meta-analysis showed that there was no association between fish consumption and a significant reduction in HCC incidence (RR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.62, 1.17]). In our subgroup analyses, the result was substantially affected by adjustment for hepatic viruses' infection status. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of results. Furthermore, there was no evidence of publication bias as suggested by Begg's P value (P = 0.411) and Egger's (P = 0.596) test. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results do not support a significant inverse association of fish consumption with HCC risk. More in-depth studies are warranted to report more detailed results, including stratified results by fish types, preparation methods, and gender.
Enhanced Release of Amyloid -Protein from Codon 670/671 Swedish Mutant -Amyloid Precursor Protein Occurs in Both Secretory and Endocytic Pathways (*)

The mutation at codons 670/671 of β-amyloid precursor protein (βPP) dramatically elevates amyloid β-protein (Aβ) production. Since increased Aβ may be responsible for the disease phenotype identified from a Swedish kindred with familial Alzheimer's disease, evaluation of the cellular mechanism(s) responsible for the enhanced Aβ release may suggest potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we analyzed Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with either wild type βPP (βPP-wt) or “Swedish” mutant βPP (βPP-sw) for potential differences in βPP processing. We confirmed that increased amounts of Aβ and a β-secretase-cleaved COOH-terminally truncated soluble βPP (βPP) were secreted from βPP-sw cells. As shown previously for βPP-wt cells, Aβ was released more slowly than the secretion of βPP from surface-labeled βPP-sw cells, indicating that endocytosis of cell surface βPP is one source of Aβ production. In contrast, by [S]methionine metabolic labeling, the rates of Aβ and βPP release were virtually identical for both cell lines. In addition, the identification of intracellular βPP and Aβ shortly after pulse labeling suggests that Aβ is produced in the secretory pathway. Interestingly, more Aβ was present in medium from βPP-sw cells than βPP-wt cells after either cell surface iodination or [S]methionine labeling, indicating that βPP-sw cells have enhanced Aβ release in both the endocytic and secretory pathways. Furthermore, a variety of drug treatments known to affect protein processing similarly reduced Aβ release from both βPP-wt and βPP-sw cells. Taken together, the data suggest that the processing pathway for βPP is similar for both βPP-wt and βPP-sw cells and that increased Aβ production by βPP-sw cells arises from enhanced cleavage of mutant βPP by β-secretase, the as-yet unidentified enzyme(s) that cleaves at the NH terminus of Aβ.
International Linkages and National Innovation Rates: An Exploratory Probe1

The conventional wisdom among political economists holds that domestic institutions determine national innovation rates. However, after decades of research, there is still no agreement on precisely which domestic institutions matter or exactly how they affect innovation rates. Anecdotal observations within the research on institutions suggest that international linkages may be the missing piece to the national innovation rate puzzle. An exploratory probe is therefore performed here using regression analysis of various measures of innovation, domestic institutions, and international linkages. The results suggest that countries' relationships with the lead innovator strongly affect their innovation rates. The probe further suggests that research should move beyond institutions and linkages, and should focus instead on their political origins. That is, the current focus on institutions or linkages studies effects, not causes. It fails to get at the politics of technological change: the fundamental choices which nations must make in order to innovate successfully in the long run. Copyright 2009 by The Policy Studies Organization.
Initial steps in the opening of a Shaker potassium channel

The structural model of a KV (K+-selective, voltage-gated) channel in the open state is known (Protein Data Bank ID code 2R9R). Each subunit of the channel has four negatively charged residues distributed in the transmembrane segments S1, S2, and S3 that bind to and facilitate the movement within the membrane of the positively charged, voltage-sensing residues of S4. When extrapolated to the closed state, the two outermost negatively charged residues are exposed to extracellular fluid and not bound to S4 residues, all of which have theoretically been driven inward by voltage. If this closed state model is correct, these residues are available to bind external cations. We examined the effects of La3+ on voltage-gated Shaker K+ channels. Addition of the trivalent cation La3+ (50 μM) extracellularly markedly prolongs the lag that precedes channel opening and slows the subsequent rise of K+ current (IK) at all voltages. Decay kinetics of IK at negative voltages are unaltered. Gating current (Ig) recorded from a nonconducting mutant shows that La3+ reduces the initial amplitude of Ig nearly twofold. We postulate that, in the resting state, La3+ binds to the unoccupied, outermost negative residues, hindering outward S4 motion, thus increasing the lag on activation and slowing the rise of IK. In the activated state, La3+ is displaced by outward movement of arginine residues in S4; La3+, therefore, is not present to affect channel closing. The results give strong support to the closed state model of the KV channel and a clear explanation of the effect of multivalent cations on cellular excitability.
Association between the endothelin-1 gene Lys198Asn polymorphism blood pressure and plasma endothelin-1 levels in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy

Objective This study examined the frequency of the Lys198Asn polymorphism in the endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene in women with pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy; and its contribution to levels of plasma ET-1 and blood pressure. Design and methods This was a retrospective study examining the frequency of the ET-1 Lys198Asn polymorphism in 72 proteinuric pre-eclamptics and 81 normal pregnant women. Height, weight, blood pressure and plasma ET-1 were measured antenatally and at 6 weeks post-partum. Using specific mutagenic primers, the frequency of the G/G (normal), G/T heterozygote and T/T (mutant) genotypes of the Lys198Asn polymorphism were examined. Results The polymorphism was not associated with pre-eclampsia. However, in the combined pregnant groups after correction for BMI and group, a significant effect of the T-allele (T/T,G/T) on systolic blood pressure was found (121 ± 1.5 mmHg compared with 116 ± 1.3 mmHg in the G/G homozygotes). A significant interaction was found between the T-allele and pregnancy in determining systolic blood pressure, so that the effect was no longer seen post-partum. Pregnant women with the T/T genotype had significantly elevated plasma ET-1 levels 5.8 pg/ml [confidence interval (CI) 3.7–9.1] compared with 3.1 pg/ml (CI 2.6–3.8) in the G/T heterozygotes and 3.6 pg/ml (CI 3.0–4.1) in the normal G/G homozygotes. Conclusion The Lys198Asn polymorphism does not directly contribute to the incidence of pre-eclampsia. However, the association of the T-allele with raised blood pressure and the T/T genotype with increased plasma ET-1 levels suggest that this polymorphism may interact with other genes or environmental factors to sensitize pregnant women to develop pre-eclampsia.
Complications After Interventional Sonography of Focal Liver Lesions

Objective. To analyze the complications of diagnostic and therapeutic sonographically guided interventional procedures of focal liver lesions observed during a 22‐year period in a single center. Methods. Complications of sonographically guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on focal liver lesions, observed during a 22‐year period in a single center, were reviewed. From 1979 to 2001, 13,222 patients (age range, 7–89 years; mean, 59 years; 8688 male and 4534 female) with 13,777 focal liver lesions underwent 16,648 sonographically guided biopsies and 3035 therapeutic procedures: pyogenic and amebic abscess aspiration, ethanol injection of hydatid liver cysts, and percutaneous ablative treatments (ethanol injection in either multiple or one‐shot sessions, radio frequency ablation, and interstitial laser photocoagulation) of primary and secondary liver tumors. Results. The overall mortality was 0.06%. No death or major complication occurred after diagnostic procedures and liver abscess drainage. In the therapeutic group mortality was 0.6%: 1 patient died of anaphylactic shock during treatment of a hydatid cyst; 7 patients died after liver tumor ablation with ethanol injection (6 after one‐shot treatments and 1 after multisession treatments). Major complications after liver tumor ablative procedures included 10 cases of acute liver failure, 2 cases of acute tubular necrosis, 2 cases of self‐limiting hemoperitoneum, 2 cases of paralytic ileum, 2 abscesses, and 1 case of cholangitis. One case of a biliary cyst fistula and 1 case of intracystic hemorrhage occurred after treatment of hydatid liver cysts. Conclusions. Sonographically guided diagnostic biopsy of focal liver lesions and liver abscess drainage are safe procedures. In contrast, liver tumor ablation procedures have a low but definite risk of mortality and major complications. Puncture of hydatid cysts must be performed only in institutions that can treat anaphylactic shock.
Integrated Ganges basin management: conflict and hope for regional development

The aim of this research is to highlight the various factors relating to the water conflict among the riparian countries in the Ganges basin and to examine the potential benefits of integrated water development. Lack of cooperation between the nations involved who promote a nationalistic approach for the management of the basin have made integrated development difficult. This paper examines the issues related to the utilization of the Ganges water resources, regional water-based development potentials and views of riparian countries on integrated Ganges basin management. It identifies four types of prospective benefit from integrated Ganges basin management: benefits to the river; benefits from the river; reducing costs because of the river; and benefits beyond the river. Finally, it recommends guidelines to overcome the constraints to integrated Ganges management and, hence, achieve overall regional development. This paper stresses the need to develop an integrated water management approach intended to foster regional development and overcome the prospect of severe water conflict along the Ganges basin.
Democracy and the amendments to the Constitution

This study, focusing exclusively on the 26 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, brings together in one place all of the arguments both for and against these amendments, as well as points out the political forces and coalitions forging the opposing sides for each amendment. Originally published by Lexington Books, a Division of D.C. Heath, in 1978.
THE INTERVENING EFFECTS OF PARTICIPATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROCEDURAL JUSTICE AND MANAGERIAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract Prior studies have suggested that the subordinates’ perception of fairness in their organizations’ procedures is related to improvements in the subordinates’ performance. However, the positive relationship between perception of justice and performance may not be a direct one, but is indirect via the intervening variable of participation. It is likely that the importance of maintaining procedural fairness in the organization will lead senior managers (superiors) to select procedures that allow their subordinates more participation privileges in the organization’s affairs because high participative procedures are perceived to be fair. This increase in participation, in turn, is likely to improve the subordinates’ performance. The results, based on a path analytical model and a sample of 83 senior managers, indicate that procedural justice has an indirect effect on performance via participation. On the basis of these results, it is possible to conclude that the importance of procedural fairness in the organization leads to the selection of procedures with high subordinates’ participation, which, in turn, leads to high managerial performance.
Tackling the European Migration Problems

A fortress Europe immigration policy is currently observed throughout the European Union. The European migration problem seems to be that, in the face of high and persistent unemployment rates, additional immigration implies further unemployment. This might not be true if immigration helps to erode institutional constraints and enhances labor market flexibility, a point that is seen of particular virtue in the European setting. The paper also argues that past European migration, although limited, has been positive for the labor markets, and there are only few alternative policy options in the future.
Monetary Policy, Bank Leverage, and Financial Stability

This paper shows that with limited liability banks lever up excessively to finance new loans. Lower monetary policy rates can worsen or reduce these incentives depending on the size of the shock when equity financing is ruled out. When this constrained is relaxed but the bank faces costly dividend adjustment, lower monetary policy rates always worsen risk-taking incentives and the effect is persistent. The reason is that costly dividend adjustment lowers the opportunity cost of lending. In this model, capital requirements are closer to the source of the distortion and thus work better than loan-to-value caps in reducing excessive risk taking.
The United Kingdom’s Quantitative Easing Policy: Design, Operation and Impact

In response to the intensification of the financial crisis in Autumn 2008, the Bank of England, in common with other central banks, loosened monetary policy using both conventional and unconventional policy measures. In the United Kingdom, the principal element of these unconventional measures was the policy of asset purchases financed by central bank money, so-called quantitative easing (QE). Over the period March 2009 to January 2010, £200 billion of assets were purchased, overwhelmingly made up of government securities, representing around 14% of annual GDP. This article reviews the motivation for these central bank asset purchases and describes how they were implemented. It goes on to review a range of evidence for the impact of the asset purchases made to date, both on financial markets and more widely on the economy. While there is considerable uncertainty about the magnitudes, the evidence suggests that QE asset purchases have had economically significant effects.
European social dialogue on psychosocial risks at work: Benefits and challenges

In many European countries, psychosocial risks such as work-related stress, violence, bullying and harassment have become major concerns for occupational safety and health. Has the development of instruments and approaches to meet these challenges kept pace? This article examines the role of European social dialogue as a relatively novel mode of regulation (‘soft law’) in the field of psychosocial risks, considering also the changing political and economic context of the enlarged EU. Although some progress has been achieved, diverging stakeholder perspectives and structural weaknesses still pose serious challenges to effective social dialogue in this area. We draw on the results of a recently completed project on psychosocial risk management, including the findings of a European stakeholder survey among experts in occupational safety and health.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐related lymphoma. Prognostic factors predictive of survival

In an attempt to determine factors predictive of survival in patients seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related lymphoma, the authors studied 60 such patients, all of whom were treated with curative intent. Eleven patients presented with lymphoma primary to the brain (P‐CNS); the remaining 49 had systemic AIDS‐related lymphoma. Patients with P‐CNS lymphoma had more severe underlying HIV‐related disease than did patients with systemic lymphoma as evidenced by a higher incidence of AIDS before the diagnosis of lymphoma (73% versus 37%; P = 0.04), and lower median number of CD‐4–positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood at diagnosis of lymphoma (30/dl versus 189/dl; P = 0.005). Median survival of such patients was 2.5 months versus 6.0 months for patients with systemic lymphoma (P = 0.04). Forty patients with systemic AIDS‐related lymphoma have died; three factors were strongly associated with shorter survival: (1) Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of less than 70% (multivariate relative survival risk [RSR] = 3.1); (2) history of AIDS before the diagnosis of lymphoma (multivariate RSR = 3.0 for opportunistic infection plus Kaposi's sarcoma); and (3) bone marrow involvement (RSR = 3.1)). All three factors (KPS of less than 70%, prior AIDS diagnosis, and marrow involvement) were associated with early demise attributed to AIDS, whereas death attributed to lymphoma per se was associated with only two factors (KPS of less than 70% and marrow involvement). In the absence of all three risk factors, a “good prognosis” group of 17 patients was defined, with a median survival of 11.3 months; the median survival of the remaining patients (“poor prognosis”) was 4.0 months (P = 0.0002). Attainment of complete response to therapy (CR) was strongly related to prolonged survival in the patients in the good prognosis group (17.8 months in patients with CR versus 5.0 months in those with less than CR); however, such meaningful prolongation of survival was not seen in patients with poor prognosis who attained CR (6.3 months versus 3.4 months). The patients with poor prognosis may be unable to tolerate the insult of multiagent chemotherapy, experiencing low CR rates (25%) and death caused by lymphoma and AIDS. However, patients in either prognostic category who attained CR remained at risk for dying of AIDS while the lymphoma was in remission. Thus, it is apparent that meaningful prolongation of survival in the patient with AIDS‐related lymphoma will require not only effective antineoplastic intervention, but also control of the underlying HIV infection. In addition, future therapeutic trials should stratify patients based upon the prognostic factors defined here in an attempt to clarify the results obtained. 68:2466‐2472, 1991.
Tax System in Nigeria - Challenges and the Way Forward

This paper discusses the challenging issues affecting the tax system in Nigeria. It is characterized by lack of statistical data, poor tax administration, and inability to prioritize tax effort, multiplicity of taxes and increase in underground economy. It also proffer challenges so as to engender an efficient and effective tax regime in Nigeria Keywords : Tax system, challenges, administration.
Influence of Different Surface Treatments on the Heat Flux From Solids to Liquid Nitrogen

In this work, a quasi-stationary procedure has been applied to analyze the heat flux from copper samples to liquid nitrogen (LN2). The purpose is to quantify the influence of the surface treatment on the heat flux. Copper samples with different surface roughness as well as copper samples whose surface had been previously laminated with commercially available Kapton (lamination or self-adhesive tape) have been tested. The experimental procedure consisted in cooling down the copper samples in a liquid nitrogen bath from room temperature to 77.3 K (boiling temperature of LN2 at atmospheric pressure). During the cool-down, the temperature has been measured and recorded. From the measured temperature data, the heat flux and the boiling curve were calculated for each copper sample. According to the experimental results, the surface roughness does not have a general influence on the cooling behavior. Regarding the laminated samples, results show a significant change in the boiling curve. In this case the cooling capability in LN2 is therefore enhanced. This behavior is due to the low thermal-conductivity of the lamination material. Indeed, that leads to a small temperature difference between the lamination and the coolant.