Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition to and Tax-Rate Flexibility in a Cash-Flow-Type Tax

The difficulty of making a transition from an income-type to a consumption-type tax is often cited as an obstacle to such a change in policy. Put simply, the problem is the double taxation of "old savings" or "old capital. " A person who has accumulated wealth under an income tax will be hit with an extra tax on the consumption financed by that accumulation under a shift to a consumption tax. Such a transition effect raises issues of equity, political feasibility, and efficiency. In the typical implementation of a consumption tax, the same sorts of transition phenomena associated with a shift from an income tax follow from any change in the rate of tax. That is, introduction of a consumption tax is the same as raising the rate of consumption tax from zero to whatever positive rate is envisioned for the new system. Consequently, the problem of transition to a consumption tax generalizes to the problem of changing the rate of consumption tax. In this paper I consider the design of rules that render consumption taxes in the family of business cash-flow taxes immune to the incentive and incidence effects of changes in rate of tax. I show that two fairly simple approaches are available to deal with it: grandfathering the tax rate applicable to a given period's investment, or substituting depreciation allowances for the usual expensing of investment, coupled with a credit for the equivalent of interest on the undepreciated investment stock. A cost of this approach is its requirement to identify true depreciation and, in the second case, the real rate of interest.
Design, analysis and simulation of magnetic biased inductors with saturation-gap

Permanent magnet biasing, is a known technique for increasing the energy storage capability of inductors operating in DC applications. The opposing flux introduced by a permanent magnet will extend the saturation flux limit of a given magnetic material. When full biasing of the core is achieved, the effective saturation current limit of a given inductor is doubled. This results in a smaller requirement in number of turns and area cross-section, allowing for smaller and/or more efficient inductors. By adding some switching elements, the benefits of biased inductors can also be used in AC applications. This paper presents a review of the scientific literature on biased hybrid inductors and the evolution of the used magnets and cores configurations. A recently developed biasing configuration, the saturation-gap, will also be analyzed and the design parameter will be identified using finite element software. The simulation results will be compared with empirical laboratory measurements on physical units.
Fructosamine and Glycated Albumin and the Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes and Death

Background— Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is the standard measure to monitor glucose control in diabetes mellitus and is a marker of future cardiovascular risk. Fructosamine and glycated albumin are markers of short-term glycemic control, but their associations with cardiovascular outcomes are uncharacterized. Methods and Results— We measured glycated albumin and fructosamine in 11 104 participants with and without diabetes in the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study in 1990 to 1992 (baseline). We evaluated associations of fructosamine and glycated albumin with risk of coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and mortality. We compared associations with those observed for HbA1c. During two decades of follow-up there were 1096 new cases of coronary heart disease, 605 of ischemic stroke, 1432 of heart failure, and 2860 deaths. Elevated baseline concentrations of fructosamine and glycated albumin were significantly associated with each of the outcomes even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, with especially strong associations in persons with diabetes mellitus. Associations were of similar magnitude to those observed for HbA1c and—as has been previously observed for HbA1c—the associations tended to be J-shaped, with an elevation of risk at the lowest levels of each biomarker. Conclusions— The acceptance of new measures of hyperglycemia is partly dependent on establishing their association with long-term outcomes. We found that fructosamine and glycated albumin were associated with vascular outcomes and mortality and that these associations were similar to those observed for HbA1c.
Relaxin Treatment in an Ang-II-Based Transgenic Preeclamptic-Rat Model

Relaxin is a peptide related to pregnancy that induces nitric oxide-related and gelatinase-related effects, allowing vasodilation and pregnancy-related adjustments permitting parturition to occur. Relaxin controls the hemodynamic and renovascular adaptive changes that occur during pregnancy. Interest has evolved regarding relaxin and a therapeutic principle in preeclampsia and heart failure. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder, featuring hypertension, proteinuria and placental anomalies. We investigated relaxin in an established transgenic rat model of preeclampsia, where the phenotype is induced by angiotensin (Ang)-II production in mid pregnancy. We gave recombinant relaxin to preeclamtic rats at day 9 of gestation. Hypertension and proteinuria was not ameliorated after relaxin administration. Intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus was unaltered by relaxin. Heart-rate responses and relaxin levels documented drug effects. In this Ang-II-based model of preeclampsia, we could not show a salubrious effect on preeclampsia.
The Effectiveness of a Web Based Office Ergonomics Training Intervention in Jamaica

This study examined the impacts of a web based ergonomics training intervention on the ergonomics knowledge and associated behavior(s) in a sample of workers employed at an insurance company in Kingston, Jamaica. A pre-test/post-test design was used. Baseline data was collected through a selfadministered questionnaire and a workstation self-evaluation checklist. Training was administered through an electronic presentation and brochure. Post-intervention data was collected utilizing a questionnaire focusing on knowledge, behavior, and reaction to training. Results from comparisons of preand postintervention data revealed that the intervention was successful in increasing ergonomics knowledge and in changing the selfreported behavior of participants, leading to more ergonomically sound practices in the workplace. Findings of this research may be used to assist in further study of office ergonomics in Jamaica and further, in the wider Caribbean region.
Representation of scenes from collections of images

The goal of computer vision is to extract information about the world from collections of images. This information might be used to recognize or manipulate objects, to control movement through the environment, to measure or determine the condition of objects, and for many other purposes. The goal of this paper is to consider the representation of information derived from a collection of images and how it may support some of these tasks. By "collection of images" we mean any set of images relevant to a given scene. This includes video sequences, multiple images from a single still camera, or multiple images from different cameras. The central thesis of this paper is that the traditional approach to representation of information about scenes by relating each image to an abstract three dimensional coordinate system may not always be appropriate. An approach that more directly represents the relationships among the collection of images has a number of advantages. These relationships can also be computed using practical and efficient algorithms. We present a hierarchical framework for scene representation. We develop the algorithms used to build these representations and demonstrate results on real image sequences. Finally, the application of these representations to real world problems is discussed.
“Politics, Values, and the Power of Discourse in the Reform of the Welfare State”

This paper explores the democratic legitimation of reform of the welfare state by considering how governments actively sought to justify policy change through public discourse, whether by appeals to an existing national value consensus or by selectively emphasizing other values. By focussing on moments of crisis or transition when values are generally made explicit through normative discourse in public debates as opposed to continuing as unquestioned background assumptions embedded in institutional practice, this chapter seeks to offer comparative insights not only into the values that remain central to different polities’ notions of social justice but also into the discourses that appeal to values in their efforts to legitimate policy change. It also considers how the national institutional context and political climate affects the locus of discourse as its effectiveness. Finally, it raises questions about whether there is a new emerging value consensus about the appropriate kinds of policies for a new, less vulnerable, more competitive welfare state in the open economy.
Downregulation of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Related Molecular Elements of the Endocannabinoid System in Epileptic Human Hippocampus

Endocannabinoid signaling is a key regulator of synaptic neurotransmission throughout the brain. Compelling evidence shows that its perturbation leads to development of epileptic seizures, thus indicating that endocannabinoids play an intrinsic protective role in suppressing pathologic neuronal excitability. To elucidate whether long-term reorganization of endocannabinoid signaling occurs in epileptic patients, we performed comparative expression profiling along with quantitative electron microscopic analysis in control (postmortem samples from subjects with no signs of neurological disorders) and epileptic (surgically removed from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy) hippocampal tissue. Quantitative PCR measurements revealed that CB1 cannabinoid receptor mRNA was downregulated to one-third of its control value in epileptic hippocampus. Likewise, the cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein-1a mRNA was decreased, whereas 1b isoform levels were unaltered. Expression of diacylglycerol lipase-α, an enzyme responsible for 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis, was also reduced by ∼60%, whereas its related β isoform levels were unchanged. Expression level of N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D and fatty acid amide hydrolase, metabolic enzymes of anandamide, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol's degrading enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase did not change. The density of CB1 immunolabeling was also decreased in epileptic hippocampus, predominantly in the dentate gyrus, where quantitative electron microscopic analysis did not reveal changes in the ratio of CB1-positive GABAergic boutons, but uncovered robust reduction in the fraction of CB1-positive glutamatergic axon terminals. These findings show that a neuroprotective machinery involving endocannabinoids is impaired in epileptic human hippocampus and imply that downregulation of CB1 receptors and related molecular components of the endocannabinoid system may facilitate the deleterious effects of increased network excitability.
Interleukin‐6 myokine signaling in skeletal muscle: a double‐edged sword?

Interleukin (IL)‐6 is a cytokine with pleiotropic functions in different tissues and organs. Skeletal muscle produces and releases significant levels of IL‐6 after prolonged exercise and is therefore considered as a myokine. Muscle is also an important target of the cytokine. IL‐6 signaling has been associated with stimulation of hypertrophic muscle growth and myogenesis through regulation of the proliferative capacity of muscle stem cells. Additional beneficial effects of IL‐6 include regulation of energy metabolism, which is related to the capacity of actively contracting muscle to synthesize and release IL‐6. Paradoxically, deleterious actions for IL‐6 have also been proposed, such as promotion of atrophy and muscle wasting. We review the current evidence for these apparently contradictory effects, the mechanisms involved and discuss their possible biological implications.
The paradoxes of peacebuilding post-9/11

Preface 1 Introduction: What kind of peace is possible in the post-9/11 era? / Stephen Baranyi 2 Peace in Guatemala: Settling for what seems possible of aiming for what is desirable / Gabriel Aguilera Peralta 3 Decentralization and sustainable peacebuilding in Mozambique: Bringing the elements together again / Eduardo J. Sitoe and Carolina Hunguana 4 Local governance and sustainable peace: the Haitian case / Herard Jadotte and Yves-Francois Pierre 5 Palestine 1993-2006: Failed peacebuilding, insecurity and poor governance / Khalil Shikaki 6 Afghanistan: What kind of peace? The role of rural development in peacebuilding / Omar Zakhilwal and Jane Murphy Thomas 7 Transition from Civil War to Peace: Challenges for Peace-building in Sri Lanka / Jayadeva Uyangoda 8 The fate of former combatants in Guatemala: Spoilers or agents for change? / Wenche Hauge and Beate Thoresen 9 Fighting for peace? Former combatants and the Afghan peace process / Arne Strand 10 Considering the international DDR experience and spoiling: Lessons for Palestine / Pamela Scholey and Khalil Shikaki 11 Conclusions / Stephen Baranyi and Kristiana Powell References Index
An Evolutionary Approach to Multivariate Feature Selection for FMRI Pattern Analysis

Multivariate pattern recognition has recently gained in popularity as an alternative to univariate fMRI analyis, although the exceedingly high spatial dimensionality has proven problematic. Addressing this issue, we have explored the effectiveness of evolutionary algorithms in determining a limited number of voxels that, in combination, optimally discriminate between single volumes of fMRI. Using a simple multiple linear regression classifier in conjunction with as few as five evolutionarily selected voxels, a subject mean single trial binary prediction rate of 74.3% was achieved on data generated by tactile stimulation of the arm compared to rest. On the same data, feature selection based on statistical parametric mapping resulted in 63.8% correct classification. Our evolutionary feature selection approach thus illustrates how, using appropriate multivariate feature selection, surprising amounts of information can be extracted from very few voxels in single volumes of fMRI. Moreover, the resulting voxel discrimination relevance maps (VDRMs) showed considerable overlap with traditional statistical activation maps, providing a model-free alternative to statistical voxel activation detection.
Churches and Charity in the Immigrant City: Religion, Immigration, and Civic Engagement in Miami

In addition to being a religious countryUover ninety percent of Americans believe in God--the United States is also home to more immigrants than ever before. "Churches and Charity in the Immigrant City "focuses on the intersection of religion and civic engagement among Miami's immigrant and minority groups. The contributors examine the role of religious organizations in developing social relationships and how these relationships affect the broader civic world. Essays, for example, consider the role of leadership in the promotion and creation of "civic social capital" in a Haitian Catholic church, transnational ties between Cuban Catholics in Miami and Havana, and several African American congregations that serve as key comparisons of civic engagement among minorities.This book is important not only for its theoretical contributions to the sociology of religion, but also because it gives us a unique glimpse into immigrants' civic and religious lives in urban America.
MHD Boundary Layer Slip Flow and Heat Transfer of Ferrofluid along a Stretching Cylinder with Prescribed Heat Flux

This study investigates the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of ferrofluid along a stretching cylinder. The velocity slip and prescribed surface heat flux boundary conditions are employed on the cylinder surface. Water as conventional base fluid containing nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) is used. Comparison between magnetic (Fe3O4) and non-magnetic (Al2O3) nanoparticles is also made. The governing non-linear partial differential equations are reduced to non-linear ordinary differential equations and then solved numerically using shooting method. Present results are compared with the available data in the limiting cases. The present results are found to be in an excellent agreement. It is observed that with an increase in the magnetic field strength, the percent difference in the heat transfer rate of magnetic nanoparticles with Al2O3 decreases. Surface shear stress and the heat transfer rate at the surface increase as the curvature parameter increases, i.e curvature helps to enhance the heat transfer.
Study of Algorithm for Heart Rate Detection Based on Bipolar Motion ECG

Heart rate is a very important indicator for both amount of exercise and motor function. A waistband-like bipolar ECG collect system was designed and used. Traditional method was ineffective to get correct heart rate value from the bipolar ECG signals collected under motion state. Two popular time-frequency analysis methods were used and compared. The result showed that Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) method could recover heart rate information from polluted ECG signals effectively. After DWT and reconstruct operation, heart rate can be calculated exactly.
An approach for information technology to utilize knowledge management tools

This paper presents a practical oriented work which focuses on how Knowledge Management (KM) has embraced Information Technology Management (ITM), specifically, key aspects such as knowledge activities, strategies, leadership, tools, systems, training, culture,¿, etc. The article talks about the future plans towards IT enabled KM System/ Tools Development in information technology. As well as the paper comprises state-of-the-art KM tools, grouped by specific classification areas and functionalities. Trends and integration efforts are detailed with a focus on identifying current and future ITM and market evolution.
cDNA Microarray Image Processing Using Spot Centroid of Intensity

cDNA microarray is an independent platform that offers the ability to analyze large amount of data, and an important application in the organism¿s metabolism and the gene expression analysis. cDNA microarray Image analysis aims to measure the intensity of each spot in the scanned image and this intensity represents the amount of a specific gene of the studied cell. The result can directly affect the subsequent analysis such as identifying different genes with different expressions. microarray image analysis includes three tasks: spot gridding, segmentation and information extraction. In this paper, mathematical morphology and spot centroid of intensity are applied to achieve an automatic way of spot segmentation. Three analysis results, including this paper, ScanAlyze software, method of Hongwei Li and method of Angulo J are compared. It shows that the arithmetic of the paper is accurate, stable and effective.
Are Happy Faces Attractive? The Roles of Early vs. Late Processing

Facial attractiveness is closely related to romantic love. To understand if the neural underpinnings of perceived facial attractiveness and facial expression are similar constructs, we recorded neural signals using an event-related potential (ERP) methodology for 20 participants who were viewing faces with varied attractiveness and expressions. We found that attractiveness and expression were reflected by two early components, P2-lateral (P2l) and P2-medial (P2m), respectively; their interaction effect was reflected by LPP, a late component. The findings suggested that facial attractiveness and expression are first processed in parallel for discrimination between stimuli. After the initial processing, more attentional resources are allocated to the faces with the most positive or most negative valence in both the attractiveness and expression dimensions. The findings contribute to the theoretical model of face perception.
Regulation of NMDA Receptors by Neuregulin Signaling in Prefrontal Cortex

Recent linkage studies have identified a significant association of the neuregulin gene with schizophrenia, but how neuregulin is involved in schizophrenia is primarily unknown. Aberrant NMDA receptor functions have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Therefore, we hypothesize that neuregulin, which is present in glutamatergic synaptic vesicles, may affect NMDA receptor functions via actions on its ErbB receptors enriched in postsynaptic densities, hence participating in emotional regulation and cognitive processes that are impaired in schizophrenia. To test this, we examined the regulation of NMDA receptor currents by neuregulin signaling pathways in prefrontal cortex (PFC), a prominent area affected in schizophrenia. We found that bath perfusion of neuregulin significantly reduced whole-cell NMDA receptor currents in acutely isolated and cultured PFC pyramidal neurons and decreased NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs in PFC slices. The effect of neuregulin was mainly blocked by application of the ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, IP3 receptor (IP3R) antagonist, or Ca2+ chelators. The neuregulin regulation of NMDA receptor currents was also markedly attenuated in cultured neurons transfected with mutant forms of Ras or a dominant-negative form of MEK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1). Moreover, the neuregulin effect was prevented by agents that stabilize or disrupt actin polymerization but not by agents that interfere with microtubule assembly. Furthermore, neuregulin treatment increased the abundance of internalized NMDA receptors in cultured PFC neurons, which was also sensitive to agents affecting actin cytoskeleton. Together, our study suggests that both PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ and Ras/MEK/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling pathways are involved in the neuregulin-induced reduction of NMDA receptor currents, which is likely through enhancing NR1 internalization via an actin-dependent mechanism.
CoKIM: Collaborative and Social Knowledge-Based Incident Manager

Dealing with user incidents, questions and problems are important tasks during the maintenance of the software. It is specially important for service providers, which must provide the users with a quick and reliable answer. Many times the incident has been previously solved for other users. In these cases, an appropriate knowledge management strategy could help to improve response times as well as the accuracy of such responses. This paper presents the work in progress of Co KIM, a knowledge based framework for incident management, based on the collaboration between users and experts. The framework is able to propose solutions for incidents based on the previous responses for other similar problems. The selection of the solutions is based on the previous responses from experts and the rating of experts, clients and responses.
A mobile agent diffusion routing algorithm for WSNs

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is expected to have a significant impact on the efficiency of military and civil applications. Routing in WSNs is very challenging due to their inherent characteristics. Currently, many routing protocols have been proposed for WSNs, and energy efficiency is their primary objective. In the paper, a mobile agent diffusion routing algorithm (MADR) is proposed. It aims at low energy consumption than protocols that flood the whole network with query such as directed diffusion (DD). The MADR is to get a tradeoff between delay time and energy efficiency with mobile agent diffusion. It includes policies used for agent diffusion, sensor node and sink node. Simulation experiments show that MADR has the following advantages: (1) quick response without flooding; (2) energy efficiency with mobile agents.