Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DISENTANGLING THE ANNUITY FROM THE REDISTRIBUTIVE ASPECTS OF SOCIAL SECURITY IN THE UNITED STATES

In the United States, the life‐cycle relationship between initial Social Security contributions and subsequent benefits causes the effect of Social Security on income distribution to be overestimated in a single‐period analytical framework. By separating the annuity from the redistributive aspects of Social Security we provide a life‐cycle framework for measuring its net effect on redistribution. To this point in its history, we find all income classes have received positive net life‐cycle income transfers and, in an absolute sense, upper‐income groups have done at least as well as lower‐income groups. This suggests a reason for the near‐universal support of Social Security by past generations, as well as the controversy which now surrounds it. As it becomes apparent to younger cohorts of taxpayers that many of them will be net losers, it is inevitable that Social Security will be subject to the same controversy as other welfare programs which attempt to redistribute income.
Human resource management and performance in healthcare organisations.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to compare the evidence from a range of reviews concerned with the links between human resource management (HRM) and performance. The aim of the paper is to review this diverse literature, and to derive human resource (HR) implications for healthcare researchers, policy makers and managers. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Recent reviews of the human resource management and performance literature are examined, in addition to the inclusion of a previously unpublished review. Their methods, HRM focus, findings and recommendations are contrasted in order to produce this review. FINDINGS The paper finds that relationships have been found between a range of HRM practices, policies systems and performance. Despite being an important concern for HR professionals, there is little research exploring the link between HRM and performance in the health sector. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS The paper sees that recent studies have found HRM practices to be associated with patient outcomes such as mortality, yet they yield little information regarding the processes through which HRM affects individual performance and its consequent impact on patient care. The use of approaches that seek to gain an understanding of workers' interpretations of their experience, i.e. the psychological process through which HRM can affect individual performance, may shed some light on how these processes work in practice. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper shows that increasing autonomy for healthcare organisations in the UK, i.e. Foundation Trusts, may offer increased opportunity for locally tailored HR systems and practices. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The paper presents findings drawn from a review of previous research on a subject of increasing relevance to HR researchers and practitioners in healthcare organisations. The paper indicates alternative approaches to research and practice in light of extant research.
Risk Premia and the VIX Term Structure

The shape of the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) term structure conveys information about the price of variance risk rather than expected changes in the VIX, a rejection of the expectations hypothesis. The second principal component, SLOPE, summarizes nearly all this information, predicting the excess returns of synthetic Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 variance swaps, VIX futures, and S&P 500 straddles for all maturities and to the exclusion of the rest of the term structure. SLOPE’s predictability is incremental to other proxies for the conditional variance risk premia, economically significant, and inconsistent with standard asset pricing models.
High Efficiency On-Chip Single-Photon Detection for Diamond Nanophotonic Circuits

Nanophotonic integrated circuits made from diamond-on-insulator templates are promising candidates for full-scale classical and quantum optical applications on a chip. For operation on a single photon level, both passive devices as well as light sources and single photon detectors co-implemented with a waveguide architecture are essential. Here, we present an in-depth investigation of the efficiency and timing characteristics of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) situated directly atop diamond waveguides. Effects of nanowire length and critical current on the SNSPD performance are elaborated and true single-photon detection capability is confirmed by statistical measures.
Tele-Health Monitoring of Patient Wellness

Abstract The vital signs of chronically ill patients are monitored daily. The record flags when a specific vital sign is stable or when it trends into dangerous territory. Patients also self-assess their current state of well-being, i.e. whether they are feeling worse than usual, neither unwell nor very well compared to usual, or are feeling better than usual. This paper examines whether past vital sign data can be used to forecast how well a patient is going to feel the next day. Reliable forecasting of a chronically sick patient’s likely state of health would be useful in regulating the care provided by a community nurse, scheduling care when the patient needs it most. The hypothesis is that the vital signs indicate a trend before a person feels unwell and, therefore, are lead indicators of a patient going to feel unwell. Time series and classification or regression tree methods are used to simplify the process of observing multiple measurements such as body temperature, heart rate, etc., by selecting the vital sign measures, which best forecast well-being. We use machine learning techniques to automatically find the best combination of these vital sign measurements and their rules that forecast the wellness of individual patients. The machine learning models provide rules that can be used to monitor the future wellness of a patient and regulate their care plans.
Home-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Chronic, Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Can Be Effective

Four patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were referred for home-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. All patients had failed extensive trials of behavioral and cognitive therapy and pharmacotherapy in a variety of settings (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, and day program) and were generally considered chronic and refractory to treatment. Generalization from treatment sites to natural settings in which they lived did not occur. They were evaluated at baseline, after treatment, and at an 18-month follow-up using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Conducting end-state functioning and reliable change assessment according to the methods specified by Jacobson and Truax, the authors found that 3 patients achieved clinically significant gains after treatment and 2 patients maintained those gains at the 18-month follow-up. Data suggested better overall adjustment for 3 of the patients at follow-up. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of home-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic, refractory OCD; implications for further, controlled trials are discussed.
Space vector pulse width modulation for a seven level inverter applied to an induction motor drive

Recent evolution in power electronics and semiconductor switching devices has paved the way for amelioration of various power electronic systems. Hence, various multilevel inverter configurations have been put forward with reduced device count and increased output levels. Pulses with modulated (PWM) adjustable speed drives are employed in various industrial drive applications to achieve superior performance. Among which Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) and Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) techniques are stands out. Space vector techniques are becoming common in industrial drive applications due to its improved harmonic profile and better DC bus utilization. This paper envisages to analyze and identify an optimal modulation technique for a reduced switch seven level MLI running an induction motor drive in closed loop through Indirect Field Oriented Control (IFOC). The SPWM and the SVPWM techniques are applied to a seven MLI fed induction motor drive. The performance of both systems is analyzed and compared using MATLAB/simulink tool.
Effects of zinc on SN56 cholinergic neuroblastoma cells

Zinc is a trace element necessary for proper development and function of brain cells. However, excessive accumulation of zinc exerts several cytotoxic effects in the brain. The aim of this work was to see whether cytotoxic effects of zinc are quantitatively correlated with changes in acetyl‐CoA metabolism. The zinc levels up to 0.20 mmol/L caused concentration‐dependent inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity that correlated with the increase in trypan blue‐positive fraction and the decrease in cultured cell number (r = 0.96, p = 0.0001). Chronic exposure of cells to 0.15 mmol/L zinc decreased choline acetyltransferase and aconitase activities, cytoplasmic acetyl‐CoA and whole cell ATP level by 38%, 57%, 35%, and 62%, respectively but caused no change in mitochondrial acetyl‐CoA level and activities of other enzymes of glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle. dl‐α‐lipoamide when added simultaneously with zinc to cultured cells or their homogenates attenuated its chronic or acute suppressive effects. In homogenates of chronically Zn‐treated cells, lipoamide overcame PDH but not aconitase inhibition. Presented data indicate that acute‐transient elevation of zinc caused reversible inhibition of PDH, aconitase activities and acetyl‐CoA metabolism, which when prolonged could lead to irreversible enzyme inactivation yielding decrease in cell viability and secondary suppression of their cholinergic phenotype.
MU-MIMO Resource Optimization for Device-to-Device Underlay Downlink Cellular Networks

Device-to-Device (D2D) is an emerging technology that is typically employed as an underlay of the uplink (UL) cellular networks. The downlink cellular spectrum, however, is rarely reused by D2D links due to the strong interference from the base station to the D2D receivers. To this end, we propose to enable D2D transmissions in the downlink by multiplexing D2D and cellular users using beamforming techniques. In particular, a cross-layer design approach is adopted to jointly optimize beamforming, spectrum allocation, and power control, so that the total system transmission power is minimized. To deal with the non-convex and combinatorial nature of the problem, we transform the formulation into a convex optimization problem by identical deformation and relaxations, and propose a semidefinite relaxation (SDR) based algorithm to approximate the optimal solution. Moreover, we focus on the feasibility of the convex problem, and propose an improved algorithm which reduces the probability of users out of service. The simulation results show that the performance of our proposed algorithm is close to the optimal solution, and the improved algorithm gives a higher efficiency on user admission control.
Multistressed Low-Earning Families in Contemporary Policy Context: Lessons from Work Support Recipients in Singapore

This article examines the profile of 466 recipients of a work support program. It shows the high prevalence of multistressors among low-earning families, including low education, single parenthood, health and mental health problems, criminal history, and children's health and behavior problems. Cluster and regression analyses identified different types of multistressed families and showed a statistically significant relationship between the most disadvantaged cluster and lower economic performance. The findings imply that emphasis on work in current policy needs to be complemented with greater assistance to overcome barriers to employment.
FEM modelling of split ring resonator based metamaterials for UWB notch filter applications

A conventional circular double split-ring resonator (SRR) type unit cell structure exhibiting two resonant frequencies in the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless communication domain was designed in this paper. This structure, considered as possible individual sub-wavelength building block of a notch filtering system, was numerically implemented by using the Finite Element Method (FEM) based Comsol Multiphysics software. The dependence of resonance frequencies on the SRR model parameters, like split width (g), conducting strip width (c), the gap between rings (d), substrate thickness (h) and substrate permittivity was investigated through this paper. Surface current density distribution for three different ring slits was also computed here for a proper selection of the slit width of the resonant rings.
Active use of the metapleural glands by ants in controlling fungal infection

Insect societies face constant challenges from disease agents. Ants deploy diverse antimicrobial compounds against pathogens and the key sources are metapleural glands (MGs). Are MG products passively secreted and used indiscriminately or are they selectively used when ants are challenged by pathogens? In 26 species from five subfamilies, ants use foreleg movements to precisely groom the MG opening. In the absence of experimental infection, MG grooming rates are low and workers groom themselves after contacting the MGs. The derived leaf-cutter ants (Atta and Acromyrmex) also groom their fungal gardens, substrata (leaves), queens and nest-mates after MG grooming. Atta respond to a challenge by fungal conidia by increasing the rate of MG grooming, but do not do so when an inert powder is applied. This increase occurs in the first hour after a potential infection, after which it returns to baseline levels. Ants with open MGs produce more infrabuccal pellets (IP) than ants with sealed MGs and conidia within pellets from the former are less likely to germinate. Thus, ants selectively groom their MGs when disease agents are present, suggesting that they also selectively use their MG secretions, which has important implications for understanding the evolution of hygienic behaviour in social groups.
Towards Bundle Adjustment with GIS Constraints for Online Geo-Localization of a Vehicle in Urban Center

Vehicle geo-localization using a single camera is a challenging issue promoted by several limitations that GPS incurs in dense urban area. While most of the existing solutions rely on viewpoint recognition techniques, the combination of Structure from Motion algorithm and the geometric information provided by Geographic Information System (GIS) has emerged as a promising alternative. In this system paper, we introduce a monocular SLAM process that exploits both "Digital Elevation Model" layer (DEM) and "3D buildings model" layer of a GIS to reach an accurate and robust geo-localization. Our solution relies on a constrained bundle adjustment that exploits the DEM to correct the camera trajectory while the 3D buildings model is used to constrain the reconstructed 3D points cloud. ore over, our solution is designed to achieve an on-line and real-time (i.e. about 30 Hz) localization while most of the state of the art solutions are off-line. In addition to evaluations on different synthetic and real large scale sequences, an Augmented Reality application is realized proving these statements.
The Europeanization of Public Discourse in Italy

European integration has raised hopes and concerns about its effect on the distribution of power among different actors, and in particular on the role of the civil society. Focusing on the Europeanization of public discourse in Italy as a case study, this article addresses the specific problem of the formation of supranational public spheres. On the basis of content analyses of daily press and interviews, we argue that various forms of Europeanization of the public discourse are indeed on the rise, with a growing presence not only of purely European actors but also of European targets and frames. Europeanization appears to have been traditionally a ‘top-down’ process: in fact the more Europeanized is a policy, actor, target or issue scope, the less civil society actors seem to have access to the public sphere. However, some changes across time emerge, with the development of (conflictual) forms of ‘Europeanization from below’.
An Organizational Model of Soviet Industrial Planning

r THis is a period of ferment, with great possibilities for change, in the . Soviet planning system. The decentralization movement of 1957; the multifaceted rationality controversy, offering the promise of a new and improved pricing system which for the first time would correspond with the planners' relative evaluation of physical alternatives; even the whiff, from elsewhere within the "socialist camp," of Lange-esque planning through price parameters-all these create possibilities for changes in planning operations that could be as significant as those of the first Five-Year Plan.
In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation and Comparative Bioavailablity of Vincamine in Prolonged-Release Preparations

Developing an in vitro dissolution test that gives good correlation with in vivo data for a particular drug product is an important objective. Available dissolution data of vincamine prolonged-release preparations show different in vitro release behavior at different pH using the conventional dissolution techniques. This does not allow development of an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC). In the present work, the flow-through cell (FTC) dissolution system (USP apparatus 4) was utilized to compare the release rate of three marketed prolonged-release oral formulations of vincamine; namely, a brand innovator formulation used as the reference and two formulations from different manufacturers as test products. Both the open and closed systems of FTC were used at variable pH. A comparative bioavailability study was then conducted in 16 healthy volunteers for a test versus the reference product by administering a single dose of 60 mg in a crossover design. Vincamine plasma concentrations were analyzed by a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. This was followed by assessment of IVIVC according to level A as specified by USP 23; the absorbed fraction of vincamine was determined using the Wagner-Nelson method. The results indicated that the pH of the medium affects the release rate pronouncedly. The relative bioavailability based on Cmax and AUC0–12 were found to be 83.15% and 84.15%, respectively. Good correlation was obtained between fraction absorbed in vivo and fraction dissolved in vitro by applying the open system of the FTC. This technique gave the most favorable results with regard to the percentage vincamine released and the IVIVC
Reference distributions for immunoglobulins A, G, and M: A practical, simple, and clinically relevant approach in a large cohort

Serum immunoglobulins are measured millions of times each year, yet clinical interpretations remain hampered by inadequate age‐ and gender‐specific reference limits. In order to provide more reliable and comprehensive reference distributions for IgA, IgG, and IgM measurements, we analyzed automated immunoassay values from 115,017 serum samples from northern New England patients (99% Caucasian) who were tested in our laboratory between 1986 and 1995. Measurements were standardized to reference material, CRM 470 (RPPHS). A simple, practical, and clinically relevant approach was used to determine reference distributions for the immunoglobulins over a wide range of ages for males and females. Levels of IgA and IgM varied considerably by age, and by gender for IgM. For each of the analytes, the observed 5th and 95th centiles were symmetric about the median and approximately constant over the entire age range. When immunoglobulin reference values are expressed as multiples of the age‐ and gender‐specific regressed medians, the resulting distributions fit a log‐Gaussian distribution well. This finding enables interpretation of serum immunoglobulin measurements using a common unit (multiples of the median) that is independent of age or gender. Insights gained from this study can help improve and simplify the interpretation of immunoglobulin measurements. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 12:363–370, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Future Of Power

Power evolves. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, unsurpassed in military strength and ownership of world resources, the United States was indisputably the most powerful nation in the world. But the global information age is rendering these traditional markers of power obsolete. To remain at the pinnacle of world power, the United States must adopt a strategy that considers the impact of the internet on global power resources. The Future of Power examines what it means to be powerful in the twenty-first century and illuminates the road ahead.
Banking sector development and economic growth in ARF countries: the role of stock markets

The paper examines the long-run relationship between banking sector development, stock market development and economic growth in 26 ASEAN regional forum (ARF) countries for the period 1961–2012. Using principal component analysis for the construction of development indices and panel vector auto-regressive model for testing the Granger causalities, the study shows that a long-run relationship between banking sector development, stock market development and economic growth exists in ARF countries. The study also uniquely finds the existence of bidirectional causality between banking sector development and economic growth and a unidirectional causality from stock market development to economic growth. It, however, reveals the existence of unidirectional or bidirectional causal links between banking sector development and stock market development. Hence, future studies on economic growth that exclude the dynamic interrelationship of these variables will be unreliable.
Succinate dehydrogenase activity in fibres classified by myosin ATPase in three hind limb muscles of rat.

1. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was assessed in situ in single fibres of cross‐sectioned extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and soleus muscles of rat by means of microphotometric recordings of initial maximum reaction rates. 2. Each fibre assessed for SDH activity was subjectively classified into myosin subgroups by its histochemical reaction for myofibrillar actomyosin ATPase (myosin ATPase) following preincubation at pH 4.6 according to Brooke & Kaiser (1970). 3. The majority of fibres classified into myosin types I and IIa were highly reactive for SDH, such that those myosin groups could be interchangeable with the metabolic subgroups of Peter, Barnard, Edgerton, Gillespie & Stempel (1972); myosin I = slow‐twitch oxidative, myosin IIa = fast‐twitch oxidative glycolytic. 4. The myosin type IIb fibres, however, demonstrated marked variability in activity levels of SDH. Over 40% of those fibres had high SDH activity, and thus could not be equated with the metabolic subgroup fast‐twitch glycolytic. 5. The histochemical reaction for myosin ATPase in muscle fibres therefore cannot be used as a reliable means to predict the fibres’ metabolic characteristics.