Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Revenue Consequences of Using a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base to Determine Taxable Income in the EU Member States

This paper provides an assessment of the revenue consequences that would result from implementation of a common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB). We find that the total tax revenue of the EU member states is reduced by 4.56% under a compulsory CCCTB and by 4.65% under an optional CCCTB. The revenue effect for the individual member states is particularly dependent on the nominal tax rate. According to our findings, the Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia would profit from a compulsory CCCTB, whereas Ireland and the Netherlands would stand to suffer the greatest losses.
The Yield Curve and Macroeconomic Dynamics

We show that microfounded DSGE models with nominal rigidities can be successful in replicating features of bond yield data, including sizeable term premia and volatile long-term yields, which have previously been considered puzzling in general equilibrium frameworks. At the same time, sample moments of consumption growth and inflation can be fit relatively well. The improved model performance does not arise directly from the presence of nominal rigidities. However, this feature introduces (short-run) monetary non-neutrality, so that monetary policy affects consumption dynamics and bond prices. A high degree of 'interest rate smoothing' in the policy rule is essential for our results. Copyright © European Central Bank. Journal compilation © Royal Economic Society 2008.
THE GARCH OPTION PRICING MODEL

This article develops an option pricing model and its corresponding delta formula in the context of the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) asset return process. the development utilizes the locally risk-neutral valuation relationship (LRNVR). the LRNVR is shown to hold under certain combinations of preference and distribution assumptions. the GARCH option pricing model is capable of reflecting the changes in the conditional volatility of the underlying asset in a parsimonious manner. Numerical analyses suggest that the GARCH model may be able to explain some well-documented systematic biases associated with the Black-Scholes model. Copyright 1995 Blackwell Publishers.
A coaxial couple wheeled robot with T-S fuzzy equilibrium control

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a high load capacity coaxial couple wheeled robot (CCWR) and investigate a simple structure but effective fuzzy equilibrium controller based on (Takagi‐Sugeno) T‐S for balance control in wide‐angle range.Design/methodology/approach – By selecting the robot inclination angle and angular rate as input variables and the DC motors' rotation speed as output variables, a T‐S fuzzy controller (FC) is established.Findings – Simplified robot dynamic equilibrium equations are feasible; the robot balance in wide‐angle range could be controlled by the T‐S FC. Despite the existence of small vibrations near the equilibrium position, the system can return to equilibrium within 3 s, showing strong robustness.Practical implications – The robot can achieve self‐balance and pivot around, moreover, it provides a new way for balance control of CCWR in wide‐angle range. And at the same time, the robot can achieve its work in semi‐autonomous and tele‐operated mode.Originality/.
A new classification schema for MOOCs

This paper considers the pedagogies associated with different types of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). It argues that the current discourse around the concept of xMOOCs (primarily based around interaction with content and essentially adopting a behaviourist learning approach), and cMOOCs (which focus on harnessing the power of social media and interaction with peers, adopting a connectivist learning approach), is an inadequate way of describing the variety of MOOCs and the ways in which learners engage with them. It will provide a brief history of the emergence of MOOCs and the key stakeholders. It will introduce an alternative means of categorising MOOCs, based on their key characteristics. It will then describe the 7Cs of Learning Design framework, which can be used to design more pedagogically informed MOOCs, which enhances the learner experience and ensure quality assurance.
System Development Project Effectiveness: Problem‐Solving Competence as a Moderator Variable*

In spite of end-user programming, for the foreseeable future users and information systems (IS) specialists will build systems together. A better understanding of this partnership (which has a troubled history) will help IS managers and users improve their management skills. This study investigates the relative contributions to project effectiveness of problem-solving competence, the quality of the working relationship, and the quality of the development process. Seventy-five medium-sized projects in 16 organizations were investigated using individual, one hour, structured interviews with the IS project leader and with the primary user. Results suggest that more complex models should be used to study system development. Moreover, problem-solving competence demonstrated a complex effect on project effectiveness.
Financial Liberalization and Money Demand in ASEAN Countries: Implications for Monetary Policy

This paper examines the impact of financial market development and liberalization on money demand behavior in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand since the early 1980s. The empirical results indicate continuing instability in the interaction of money growth, economic activity, and inflation. Rapid growth and ongoing changes in financial markets suggest that policy needs to be guided by a wider set of monetary and real sector indicators of inflationary pressures. The feasibility of alternative policy frameworks--including nominal exchange rate targets, and inflation targets--is discussed in the context of the substantial and sustained increase in foreign capital inflows.
Efficient multiplex biallelic zebrafish genome editing using a CRISPR nuclease system

A simple and robust method for targeted mutagenesis in zebrafish has long been sought. Previous methods generate monoallelic mutations in the germ line of F0 animals, usually delaying homozygosity for the mutation to the F2 generation. Generation of robust biallelic mutations in the F0 would allow for phenotypic analysis directly in injected animals. Recently the type II prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) system has been adapted to serve as a targeted genome mutagenesis tool. Here we report an improved CRISPR/Cas system in zebrafish with custom guide RNAs and a zebrafish codon-optimized Cas9 protein that efficiently targeted a reporter transgene Tg(-5.1mnx1:egfp) and four endogenous loci (tyr, golden, mitfa, and ddx19). Mutagenesis rates reached 75–99%, indicating that most cells contained biallelic mutations. Recessive null-like phenotypes were observed in four of the five targeting cases, supporting high rates of biallelic gene disruption. We also observed efficient germ-line transmission of the Cas9-induced mutations. Finally, five genomic loci can be targeted simultaneously, resulting in multiple loss-of-function phenotypes in the same injected fish. This CRISPR/Cas9 system represents a highly effective and scalable gene knockout method in zebrafish and has the potential for applications in other model organisms.
Precise SER Analysis and Performance Results of OSTBC MIMO-OFDM Systems over Uncorrelated Nakagami-m Fading Channels

Although the topic of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) over different fading channels is well investigated, its closed form symbol error rate (SER) expressions and performance results employing orthogonal space time block codes (OSTBCs) over uncorrelated frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels are still not available. The closed form expressions are extremely useful for evaluating system's performance without carrying out time consuming simulations. Similarly, the performance results are also quite beneficial for determining the system's performance in the sense that many practical wireless standards extensively employ MIMO-OFDM systems in conjunction with M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM) constellation. This paper thus, derives exact closed form expressions for the SER of M-ary Gray-coded one and two dimensional constellations when an OSTBC is employed and Nt transmit antennas are selected for transmission over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels. For this purpose, first an exact closed-form of average SER expression of OSTBC based MIMO-OFDM system for M-ary phase shift keying (M-PSK) using traditional probability density function (PDF) approach is derived. We then compute exact closed form average SER expressions for M-ary pulse amplitude modulation (M-PAM) and M-QAM schemes by utilizing this generalized result. These expressions are valid over both frequency-flat and frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading MIMO channels and can easily be evaluated without using any numerical integration methods. We also show that average SER of MIMO-OFDM system using OSTBC in case of frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channels remains independent to the number of taps, L of that fading channel and the performance of the same system for two-tap un-correlated Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels is better than that of the correlated one. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulation of MIMO-OFDM system using multiple transmit and receive antennas for different modulations is presented to validate our theoretical results. Finally, due to availability of closed form expressions, we further provide the performance results of MIMO-OFDM system over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels employing (M-QAM) using OSTBCs under the transmission rate equal to 1, 2 and 3 bit(s)/s/Hz, respectively.
The Effect of Conference Calls on Analysts' Forecasts – German Evidence

This study examines whether conference calls provide additional information to analysts. For a large sample of conference calls, hosted by German firms between 2004 and 2007, our results show that conference calls improve analysts' ability to forecast future earnings accurately. This suggests that additional information is released during conference calls. The reduction in forecast error is economically significant and larger in magnitude when compared to results for the US (Bowen et al., 2002). These findings are consistent with the notion that committing to additional disclosures is likely to yield greater effects in a less stringent disclosure system (Verrecchia, 2001). Since the majority of our sample firms conduct conference calls as closed calls, the evidence of this paper suggests that conference calls may contribute to an information gap between call participants and non-invited parties. Our findings should be of substantial interest to European regulators seeking to level the informational playing field for all investors.
THE CLIMATE AND CULTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE WITHIN SMEs

This paper reports some of the findings of an ESRC Global Environmental Change Programme project which considered the attitudes of individuals (management and non-management) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the environment and environmental compliance. The focus on individuals and an understanding of the relationship between attitudes and behaviour within businesses is essential to implementation of effective sustainable development and self-regulation policies. The research revealed that the environment is important to individuals and that environmental compliance is regarded as ‘the right thing to do’. However, the influence of the regulatory domain on businesses is revealed as considerably more complex than suggested by some other surveys. In particular the positive culture amongst individuals in businesses to the importance of compliance appears to differ from the operational climate of many SMEs; i.e. their capacity and feasibility to act. The research suggests that SMEs in general are ‘vulnerably compliant’ due to a mismatch between climate and culture. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A COMPARISON FOR THE DETECTION OF Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis IN SHEEP AND GOATS BETWEEN ELISA TEST AND THE AGAR GEL

Several enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed for the detection of antibodies against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). However, none is commercially available. The ELISA using sonicated C. pseudotuberculosis to detect total antibody or IgG class antibody in serum was developed in Veterinary Research Institute, Ipoh (VRI). Our objective was to estimate the sensitivity and specifi city of the developed ELISA and the a gar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) which is the diagnostic test for the detection of CLA. AGID test takes three days and ELISA only takes six to eight hours for testing. Using ELISA test, more samples can be tested in a shorter time. A total number of 500 sheep and goat sera were collected for the AGID and ELISA testing. The correlation between the two serological tests was analyzed. The estimated specifi city was 95.1% for the AGID; 93.0% for the ELISA using an optical density measured cutoff point of 0.30; 90.0% using a cutoff of 0.25. The estimated sensitivities were 83.6% for the AGID; 88.0% and 93.0% for the ELISA using the cutoff of 0.30 and 0.25 respectively. Using the cutoff of 0.30 OD, the specifi city is higher, 93.0% compared to 89.9% for the cutoff of 0.25 OD. The correlation between both serologic tests was 91.6%. Th e AGID and ELISA were specifi c but lack sensitivity and consistently identifi ed the infected animals with moderate overlap between the positive test samples.
Design of the 3D Input Method Based on Touch Device for Mobile

This thesis describes the technology to express 3D gesture as an input from common 2-dimension touch input panel without additional hardware development or change to provide near real 3D UI and algorithm to implement such technology. It introduces how 3D user interface has become the major issues among the major mobile vendors and briefly describes existing touch devices which can be divided into resistive and capacitive touch panels. It also introduces Open GLES which takes a major role in graphical presentation of 3D user interface. Algorithm to achieve the 3D gesture in 2D space is presented at last.
Motorcycle safety and the repeal of universal helmet laws.

OBJECTIVES We assessed the implications for motorcyclist safety of recent repeals of universal helmet laws in 6 US states. METHODS We examined cross-sectional time-series data from the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the period 1975 through 2004. RESULTS On average, when compared to state experience with no helmet mandate, universal helmet laws were associated with an 11.1% reduction in motorcyclist fatality rates, whereas rates in states with partial coverage statutes were not statistically different from those with no helmet law. Furthermore, in the states in which recent repeals of universal coverage have been instituted, the motorcyclist fatality rate increased by an average of 12.2% over what would have been expected had universal coverage been maintained. Since 1997, an additional 615 motorcyclist fatalities have occurred in these states as a result of these changes in motorcycle helmet laws. CONCLUSIONS Motorcyclist safety has been compromised in the states that have repealed universal coverage and is likely to be compromised in other states that abandon these statutes.
Processing and Topology of the Yeast Mitochondrial Phosphatidylserine Decarboxylase 1*

Background: Although phosphatidylserine decarboxylase 1 (Psd1) is of central importance for the generation of cellular phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), its biogenesis is only poorly understood. Results: Biogenesis of Psd1 involves processing by two proteases, MPP and Oct1, and an autocatalytic separation of Psd1α from the membrane-anchored Psd1β. Conclusion: Psd1 requires integration into the inner mitochondrial membrane for full enzymatic activity. Significance: This study presents a new model for the biogenesis and topology of Psd1. The inner mitochondrial membrane plays a crucial role in cellular lipid homeostasis through biosynthesis of the non-bilayer-forming lipids phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the majority of cellular phosphatidylethanolamine is synthesized by the mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase 1 (Psd1). The biogenesis of Psd1 involves several processing steps. It was speculated that the Psd1 precursor is sorted into the inner membrane and is subsequently released into the intermembrane space by proteolytic removal of a hydrophobic sorting signal. However, components involved in the maturation of the Psd1 precursor have not been identified. We show that processing of Psd1 involves the action of the mitochondrial processing peptidase and Oct1 and an autocatalytic cleavage at a highly conserved LGST motif yielding the α- and β-subunit of the enzyme. The Psd1 β-subunit (Psd1β) forms the membrane anchor, which binds the intermembrane space-localized α-subunit (Psd1α). Deletion of a transmembrane segment in the β-subunit results in mislocalization of Psd1 and reduced enzymatic activity. Surprisingly, autocatalytic cleavage does not depend on proper localization to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In summary, membrane integration of Psd1 is crucial for its functionality and for maintenance of mitochondrial lipid homeostasis.
Evaluating Economic Feasibility and Technical Progress of Environmentally Sustainable Transport Scenarios by a Backcasting Approach with ESCOT

Abstract The aim of the System Dynamics Model for Economic Assessment of Sustainability Policies of Transport (ESCOT) is to describe a path towards a sustainable transport system in Germany and to assess its economic impacts. ESCOT was developed within the environmentally sustainable transport (EST) project of the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) that was designed to set up the ecological and technical framework of a transition towards sustainable transportation. ESCOT comprises five models: macroeconomic, transport, regional economic, environmental and policy. The economic assessment for environmentally sustainable scenarios shows that the departure from car‐ and road freight‐oriented transport policy is far from leading to an economic breakdown. By expanding the period for the transition, even more encouraging economic results were derived. For the economic assessment, it is important that ESCOT considers not only first round effects, but also secondary effects. This ability makes ESCOT a powerful instrument for the assessment of such large system transitions.
Conflict and Social and Political Preferences: Evidence from World War II and Civil Conflict in 35 European Countries

This paper uses new micro-level evidence from a nationally representative survey of 39,500 individuals in 35 countries to shed light on how individual experiences of conflict shape political and social preferences. The investigation covers World War II and recent civil conflict. Overwhelmingly, the results point to the negative and enduring legacy of war-related violence on political trust and perceived effectiveness of national institutions, although the effects are heterogeneous across different types (external versus internal) and outcomes (victory versus defeat) of conflict. Conflict spurs collective action, but of a dark nature, one associated with further erosion of social and political trust.
Endometrial local injury improves the pregnancy rate among recurrent implantation failure patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation/intra cytoplasmic sperm injection: A randomised clinical trial

Background: Implantation failure is the most important cause of recurrent in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure. It has been reported that endometrial injury using a biopsy catheter resulted in a higher pregnancy rate in following cycle of treatment. The local endometrial trauma increases the implantation rate through the release of chemical mediators such as histamine and growth factor.
Is payout policy part of the corporate governance system? The case of France

This paper examines the place of payout policies in governance systems. It analyses the conditions in which payout is used to regulate agency conflicts and studies the relations between dividend or share repurchase and the other governance mechanisms. Through the study of 167 French firms from 2000 to 2005, the author shows that in France payout is not used to regulate conflicts between majority and minority shareholders, but rather to limit free cash flow risk or conflict between managers and shareholders. In presence of a majority shareholder, the governance systems do not achieve in forcing insiders to disgorge cash. The study confirms the substitutability between debt and payout and shows that blockholders have an effect on payout. On the contrary, the board's characteristics, except the directors' independence, do not influence payout.
The feasibility of non-contact ultrasound for medical imaging

High intensity focused ultrasound in air may provide a means for medical and biological imaging without direct coupling of an ultrasound probe. In this study, an approach based on highly focused ultrasound in air is described and the feasibility of the technique is assessed. The overall method is based on the observations that (1) ultrasound in air has superior focusing ability and stronger nonlinear harmonic generation as compared to tissue propagation and (2) a tightly focused field directed into tissue causes point-like spreading that may be regarded as a source for generalized diffraction tomography. Simulations of a spherically-curved transducer are performed, where the transducer's radiation pattern is directed from air into tissue. It is predicted that a focal pressure of 162 dB (2.5 kPa) is sufficient to direct ultrasound through the body, and provide a small but measurable signal (∼1 mPa) upon exit. Based on the simulations, a 20 cm diameter array consisting of 298 transducers is constructed. For this feasibility study, a 40 kHz resonance frequency is selected based on the commercial availability of such transducers. The array is used to focus through water and acrylic phantoms, and the time history of the exiting signal is evaluated. Sufficient data are acquired to demonstrate a low-resolution tomographic reconstruction. Finally, to demonstrate the feasibility to record a signal in vivo, a 75 mm × 55 mm section of a human hand is imaged in a C-mode configuration.
Smoking, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic stroke: a confluence of epidemics

Purpose of review Smoking and atrial fibrillation are major contemporary health concerns. They commonly coexist and are frequent causes of ischemic stroke. The purpose of this article is to describe recent scientific investigations about smoking, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic stroke, with a primary focus on prevention. Recent findings Smoking predisposes to atrial fibrillation and is useful for the prediction of future atrial fibrillation. Several recent risk prediction models for adverse events associated with atrial fibrillation include smoking as a component. Smoking status identifies patients at high risk of incident atrial fibrillation, adverse events in an emergency ward after admission with atrial fibrillation, thromboembolic events following a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, and potentially poor control of vitamin K antagonist treatment. Summary From multiple perspectives of atrial fibrillation, patients who smoke represent a high-risk population. Appropriate preventive measures targeting this endangered population are paramount. These include smoking cessation, appropriate care in the emergency ward, and careful selection of the optimal antithrombotic strategy to reduce the major burden of ischemic stroke attributed to the confluence of the epidemics of smoking and atrial fibrillation.