Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Road tax interactions among local governments: a spatial panel data analysis of the French case over the period 1984–2000

ABSTRACT This article contributes to the literature on local tax interactions. Its novelty lies in its focus on the interactions of local governments via an indirect local tax on vehicles such as the road tax sticker and its analysis of interactions between direct and indirect local taxation. The main purpose of this article is to provide an empirical analysis of the reaction of road tax policy in a given French ‘department’ to changes in road tax policy in other ‘departments’. The analysis uses a novel panel data set covering the 96 French metropolitan ‘departments’ for the period from 1984 to 2000. First, the results confirm the presence of significant spatial interactions between French ‘departments’ due to the road tax sticker. Second, the estimation results also show that the business tax rate and/or the property tax rate on developed land are complements to the road tax sticker, whereas the residence tax rate and/or the property tax rate on undeveloped land are substitutes to the road tax instrument. Finally, I find that ‘departments’ with a larger, younger and older population set higher rates for the road tax sticker. The results are robust regarding alternative weight matrices.
The Unintended Effects of Financial Accounting Standard 123R on Stock Repurchase and Dividend Activity

We investigate whether Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 123R, which requires a firm to recognize its stock-based compensation at fair value, affects the firm’s stock repurchase activity. Specifically, we examine the effect of the standard on the incentive to substitute stock repurchases for dividends. As stock-option holdings increase, firms alter their payout composition; rather than offering dividends, they increase their stock repurchases to return cash to their shareholders. Prior research also indicates that stock repurchases are used to manage earnings per share (EPS). Managers are likely concerned that FAS 123R negatively impacts earnings, as firms must now record stock-based compensation at fair value. Overall, we find that FAS 123R is associated with an increase in stock repurchases and that this effect is greater the higher the level of management stock options; the impact on dividend yields, however, is less pronounced. Our study reveals the unintended economic consequences of a change in accounting by demonstrating its effects on how firms return cash to their shareholders.
Assessing graph models for description of brain networks

Both structural and functional brain networks have been investigated in the literature with enthusiasm via graph-theoretical methods. However, an important issue that has not been adequately addressed before is: what is the optimal graph model for describing brain networks, both in structural and functional aspects? We address this question in the following three aspects. First, multi-resolution structural brain networks are reconstructed via cortical surface parcellation based on white matter fiber density information. Second, the global and local graph properties of the constructed networks are measured using state-of-the-art graph analysis algorithms and tools, and are further compared with five popular random graph models. Third, a functional simulation study is conducted to evaluate the synchronizability of the five models. Our results suggest that the STICKY graph model fits brain networks the best in terms of global and local graph properties, and the fastest speed of functional synchronization.
Debates on the Narcissism Conundrum: Trait, Domain, Dimension, Type, or Disorder?

Abstract The clinical implications of the term narcissism are a matter of continuous debate. This article critically examines pertinent literature of the last 12 years using a set of validators and attempting to identify narcissism as a trait, a domain, a dimension, or a personality disorder/type. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)–specific literature (particularly in epidemiological, developmental, and laboratory-testing areas) is scarce when compared with other personality disorders. A tendency to ideologically dominated clinical reports is observed with individual cases or small samples of nonclinical populations. Clinical descriptions of the condition vary within a wide range of descriptors, superficial or ambiguous conceptualizations, different subtypes, and inconclusive meta-analytical findings. Comorbidity with many Axes I and II conditions and the presence of narcissistic behavioral and emotional manifestations in other DSM conditions were frequent findings. The reintroduction of NPD in the personality disorders DSM-5 proposal seems to be related to nonclinical or heuristic considerations. It is concluded that NPD as such shows nosological inconsistency and that its consideration as a trait domain with needed further research would be strongly beneficial to the field.
Determinants of Agricultural Protection in China and the Rest of the World

This paper examines why the Chinese government has distorted its agricultural sector more than elsewhere, in both its antiagricultural and proagricultural periods. The updated panel data on agricultural distortions from 1981 to 2010, compiled by Anderson and Nelgen (2013), are adopted. We find that the different effects of arable land per capita, food self‐sufficiency ratios, poverty, and inequality on agricultural distortions in China and the rest of the world explain why China has distorted its agricultural sector more than elsewhere.
Adenoviral transduction of human E‐selectin into isolated, perfused, rat aortic segments: an ex vivo model for studying leukocyte‐endothelial interactions

E‐selectin, a member of the selectin family of adhesion molecules, is thought to play an important role in leukocyte‐endothelial (EC) interactions during inflammation and atherosclerosis. To critically examine the role of E‐selectin in leukocyte‐EC interactions in the vascular system, we created a recombinant adenoviral vector containing a human E‐selectin cDNA (AdRSVE‐sel) and examined the effect of AdRSVE‐sel in an ex vivo vascular model of a rat aortic segment. A segment of abdominal aorta was isolated from a male Sprague‐Dawley rat transduced with AdRSVE‐sel ex vivo. After 72 h, surface expression of transduced E‐selectin in the segment was confirmed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry using anti‐E‐selectin mAb. Aortic segments were connected to a perfusion system and the adhesion of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), and a human monocytic cell line (THP‐1) to the EC surface was studied in the presence of a physiological level of flow (0.85 ml/min, approximate luminal surface shear stress=1.76 dyn/cm2). Adhesion of PMN was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and quantified using fluorescently labeled PMN. AdRSVE‐sel transduced aortic segments mediated significantly more PMN and THP‐1 adhesion than control segments transduced with AdRSVLacZ. Pretreatment of AdRSVE‐sel transduced aortic segments with anti‐E‐selectin mAb inhibited PMN adhesion significantly, as well as THP‐1. These data indicate that human E‐selectin expressed in rat aortic segments can support the adhesion of human PMN as well as THP‐1 under physiological flow conditions. This genetically modified, excised, vascular‐segment model provides a useful tool for the study of leukocyte recruitment in the vascular system.
Animal Ethics in Animal Research

The use of animals in research has always been surrounded by ethical controversy. This book provides an overview of the central ethical issues focusing on the interconnectedness of science, law and ethics. It aims to make theoretical ethical reasoning understandable to non-ethicists and provide tools to improve ethical decision making on animal research. It focuses on good scientific practice, the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), ethical theories applied to specific cases and an overview of regulatory issues. The book is co-authored by experts in animal research, animal welfare, social sciences, law and ethics, and provides both animal researchers and members of animal ethics committees with knowledge that can facilitate their work and communication with stakeholders and the public. The book is written to provide knowledge, not to argue a certain position, and is intended to be used in training that aims to fulfil EU Directive 2010/63/EU.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder From Vietnam to Today: The Evolution of Understanding During Eugene Brody's Tenure at the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease

The psychological and behavioral consequences of exposure to traumatic events have been described throughout our history. However, the term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was not formally introduced into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, until after Dr Eugene Brody-whose broad interests included refugee populations and victims of trauma-had already served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (JNMD) for 15 years. Advances in molecular biology, genetics, and imaging that occurred during Brody's tenure at the JNMD contributed significantly to our current understanding of the human fear response and the neurobiology of PTSD. Comprehensive treatment guidelines summarizing evidence-based treatment were published during his tenure, and the most recent American Psychiatric Association update to practice standards was published in the year before his passing. Thus, this review of the history and present state of the science of PTSD summarizes the lessons learned while Dr Brody dedicated his life to teaching us.
Periodontal attachment loss in an untreated isolated population of Brazil.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and to investigate the association of demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk indicators with CAL in an untreated isolated population in Brazil. METHODS All subjects aged > or =12 years were identified by a census. Participants were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured, written questionnaire. RESULTS Among the 214 subjects who were interviewed and examined clinically, CAL > or =5 mm in at least one site was observed in 8% of the 12- to 19-year-olds and in all dentate subjects > or =50 years of age; the age-dependent prevalence of CAL > or =7 mm in at least one site ranged from 5% among 12- to 19-year-olds to 83% among subjects > or =50 years old. Multivariate analysis identified plaque (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8), supragingival calculus (OR = 2.9 to 10.6), age > or =30 years (OR = 11.4), and smoking (OR = 2.4) as risk indicators for CAL > or =5 mm and smoking (OR = 8.2) as a risk indicator for CAL > or =7 mm. CONCLUSIONS CAL is highly prevalent in this isolated population. The high occurrence of CAL in young age groups and the confirmation of traditional risk indicators for CAL in this study suggest that other factors, such as host susceptibility, may be needed to explain the high levels of CAL found. Age and behavioral factors were risk indicators associated significantly with the CAL found in this population and may be useful indicators of high-risk subjects for periodontal diseases.
Analysis of Matched Case-Control Data With Incomplete Strata: Applying Longitudinal Approaches

Background: Matched case-control data have a structure that is similar to longitudinal data with correlated outcomes, except for a retrospective sampling scheme. In conditional logistic regression analysis, sets that are incomplete due to missing covariates and sets with identical values of the covariates do not contribute to the estimation; both situations may cause a loss in efficiency. These problems are more severe when sample sizes are small. We evaluated retrospective models for longitudinal data as alternatives in analyzing matched case-control data. Methods: We conducted simulations to compare the properties of matched case-control data analyses using conditional likelihood and a commonly used longitudinal approach generalized estimating equation (GEE). We simulated scenarios for one-to-one and one-to-two matching designs, each with various sizes of matching strata, with complete and incomplete strata, and with dichotomous and normal exposures. Results and Conclusions: The simulations show that the estimates by conditional likelihood and GEE methods are consistent, and a proper coverage was reached for both binary and continuous exposures. The estimates produced by conditional likelihood have greater standard errors than those obtained by GEE. These relative efficiency losses are more substantial when data contain incomplete matched sets and when the data have small sizes of matching strata; these can be improved by including more controls in the strata. These losses of efficiency also increase as the magnitude of the association increases.
Partial Derivative Guidance for Weak Classifier Mining in Pedestrian Detection

Boosting over weak classifiers is widely used in pedestrian detection. As the number of weak classifiers is large, researchers always use a sampling method over weak classifiers before training. The sampling makes the boosting process harder to reach the fixed target. In this paper, we propose a partial derivative guidance for weak classifier mining method which can be used in conjunction with a boosting algorithm. Using weak classifier mining method makes the sampling less degraded in the performance. It has the same effect as testing more weak classifiers while using acceptable time. Experiments demonstrate that our algorithm can process quicker than [1] algorithm in both training and testing, without any performance decrease. The proposed algorithms is easily extending to any other boosting algorithms using a window-scanning style and HOG-like features.
Awareness of identity alteration and diagnostic preference between borderline personality disorder and dissociative disorders

ABSTRACT Aim: This study inquires into identity alteration among college students and its relationship to borderline personality disorder (BPD) and/or dissociative disorders (DDs). Methods: Steinberg Identity Alteration Questionnaire (SIAQ), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and self-report screening tool of the BPD section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-BPD) were administered to 1301 college students. Participants who fit the diagnostic criteria of BPD (n = 80) according to the clinician-administered SCID-BPD and 111 non-BPD controls were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV DDs (SCID-D) by two psychiatrists blind to the group membership and scale scores. Results: Test-retest evaluations and internal consistency analyses suggested that SIAQ was a reliable instrument. Of the participants, 11.3% reported a SIAQ score 25 or above alongside some impairment. SIAQ scores differentiated participants who fit the diagnostic criteria for a DD from those who did not. While self-report identity alteration was correlated with all childhood trauma types, clinician-assessed identity alteration was correlated with childhood sexual abuse only. Those who fit criteria for both disorders had the highest identity alteration scores in self-report and clinician-assessment. Although both syndromes had significant effect on self-report identity alteration total scores, in contrast to DD, BPD did not have an effect on the clinician-administered evaluation. Conclusion: An impression of personality disorder rather than a DD may seem more likely when identity alteration remains subtle in clinical assessment, notwithstanding its presence in self-report. Lack of recognition of identity alteration may lead to overdiagnosis of BPD among individuals who have a DD.
Nesiritide Treatment of Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

OBJECTIVE: To report the efficacy of nesiritide in treating noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old African American woman with a complex medical history including morbid obesity, acute bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and numerous hospitalizations for volume overload presented to the emergency department with severe dyspnea. A portable chest X-ray displayed perihilar congestion and bilateral pulmonary edema. An echocardiogram demonstrated normal left-ventricular systolic and diastolic function. She was aggressively treated with nitrates, diuretics, bronchodilators, and oxygen. Despite these efforts, the patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) continued to show respiratory acidosis, the oxygen saturation was significantly depressed, and the dyspnea continued. Since standard therapies were failing after 12 hours, the patient was treated with intravenous nesiritide. The results were profound in terms of rapid symptomatic and prognostic improvement (i.e., ABG) beginning within 45 minutes of administration, and the patient was discharged after a 5-day hospital course. DISCUSSION: Nesiritide is a human B-type natriuretic peptide that has been shown to improve hemodynamic function and symptoms associated with decompensated heart failure. This is primarily due to the actions of this medication, including diuresis, decreased mean arterial pressure, and improvement of pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure as determined by published clinical trial outcomes. This case describes the use of nesiritide as an effective adjunctive therapy in treating a patient with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. CONCLUSIONS: Nesiritide appears to be an efficacious treatment for acute pulmonary edema, resistant to standard-of-care therapies, in the presence of normal left-ventricular function.
Twitter sentiments based suggestive framework to predict trends

Abstract In recent years the increasing computer power and availability of social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr etc. has emerged as an effective medium to express instant views about commercial products, social conditions, political situations etc. Twitter is one such powerful source of information, which can be utilized to investigate the opinion of users. This paper presents an efficient visualization-based framework, which detects opinion from tweets employing lexical analysis approach. The approach is illustrated by taking the example of film industry, where views and reviews affect the opinion about a movie and hence the box office collection. The results obtained were found to be in corroboration with the box office collections. This work is a crucial endeavor to complement the existing techniques of data analysis with the pre-suggestive measures of visualizing the real time opinion of user.
The Approaches to Teaching Inventory: a critique of its development and applicability.

BACKGROUND The Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI) is structured as two main scales, reflecting a teacher-centred information-transmission approach versus a student-centred conceptual-change approach, each subdivided into intention and strategy subscales. Its use in higher education investigations is increasing and, by default, it is assuming an operational definition of variation in 'approaches to teaching'. However, the ATI's conceptual foundations and procedures of development have not been systematically scrutinized. AIMS The present paper presents a comprehensive historical review and critique of the ATI's development. METHOD The procedures applied in the ATI's initial development are critically evaluated. Close attention is paid to the source of its foundation item pool, the criteria used in selecting from those foundation items, the adequacy of subject samples used in item trialling and the uses made of resultant trial response data in determining the final form of the inventory. The historical record is examined closely to determine the conceptual and psychometric credibility of the instrument. CONCLUSIONS There are serious and irreversible concerns with the rigour and methodology adopted in the psychometric development of the ATI. The ATI manifestly does not reflect a functionally useful range of 'approaches to teaching', and its application to activities connected with the professionalization (and evaluation) of university teaching is rejected.
The Evaluation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Veterans With Mental Health Conditions

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for veterans with mental health conditions and to evaluate its efficacy on psychological well-being and stress reduction. Design: Single-group, pretest–posttest design. Method: 30 veterans within a mental health clinic of a VA (Veterans Administration) medical center were enrolled in an 8-week standard MBSR program. Perceived stress, sleep, mindfulness, and depression were measured via self-reports at baseline and study end. Feasibility was measured by compliance and satisfaction with the course. Findings: Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (p =.002) and Beck Depression Inventory–II (p = .005) were significantly reduced (p = .002). The global measure for sleep from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index improved significantly (p = .035). Satisfaction and compliance were high. Conclusion: MBSR is a feasible intervention that has potential efficacy for veterans with mental health conditions. Future controlled trials are needed in this area.
Determinants of risk disclosures in Kenyan listed companies

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between risk disclosure and firm characteristics of companies quoted on the Nairobi Securities Market. The study involved all firms that were listed on the NSE between years 2010 and 2016, except the financial institutions. Annual reports were used to determine the variables. A regression analysis was conducted using the random effect model to determine the relationship between the disclosure index and firms’ characteristics. The results show that risk disclosure was positively related to gearing level, company size, profitability, and the industry type. However, it was not found to be related to the liquidity level, ownership and board composition. Key words: Risk disclosure, firm characteristics, annual reports, Nairobi stock exchange.
Envelope Gene of the Human Endogenous Retrovirus HERV-W Encodes a Functional Retrovirus Envelope

ABSTRACT A member of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) family termed HERV-W encodes a highly fusogenic membrane glycoprotein that appears to be expressed specifically in the placenta. It is unclear whether the glycoproteins of the HERVs can serve as functional retrovirus envelope proteins to confer infectivity on retrovirus particles. We found that the HERV-W envelope glycoprotein can form pseudotypes with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 virions and confers tropism for CD4-negative cells. Thus, the HERV-W env gene represents the first HERV env gene demonstrated to encode the functional properties of a retrovirus envelope glycoprotein.