Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The political economy of timber governance in Ghana

introduction in the Ghanaian forestry sector, several attempts to launch policy reform and improve resource governance have been attempted, but have had limited success. This is, for example, the case with the attempt to reform the forest fiscal regime. it is also the case with the legal ban on chainsaw lumbering. in spite of reform initiatives forest taxation levels have remained low, allocation of timber rights remains discretionary, and widespread illegal/criminalized chainsaw lumber constitutes almost the entire domestic timber supply (hansen and lund 2011; hansen et al. 2012).
Role of the familial Dutch mutation E22Q in the folding and aggregation of the 15–28 fragment of the Alzheimer amyloid-β protein

Amyloid fibrils, large ordered aggregates of amyloid β proteins (Aβ), are clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aggregation properties of amyloid β proteins can be strongly affected by single-point mutations at positions 22 and 23. The Dutch mutation involves a substitution at position 22 (E22Q) and leads to increased deposition rates of the AβE22Q peptide onto preseeded fibrils. We investigate the effect of the E22Q mutation on two key regions involved in the folding and aggregation of the Aβ peptide through replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of the 15–28 fragment of the Aβ peptide. The Aβ15–28 peptide encompasses the 22–28 region that constitutes the most structured part of the Aβ peptide (the E22–K28 bend), as well as the central hydrophobic cluster (CHC) (segment 17–21), the primary docking site for Aβ monomers depositing onto fibrils. Our simulations show that the 22–28 bend is preserved in the Aβ(15–28) peptide and that the CHC, which is mostly unstructured, interacts with this bend region. The E22Q mutation does not affect the structure of the bend but weakens the interactions between the CHC and the bend. This leads to an increased population of β-structure in the CHC. Our analysis of the fibril elongation reaction reveals that the CHC adopts a β-strand conformation in the transition state ensemble, and that the E22Q mutation increases aggregation rates by lowering the barrier for Aβ monomer deposition onto a fibril. Thermodynamic signatures of this enhanced fibrillization process from our simulations are in good agreement with experimental observations.
KYNURENINE METABOLITES AND INFLAMMATION MARKERS IN DEPRESSED PATIENTS TREATED WITH FLUOXETINE OR COUNSELLING

1 Depression could result from changes in tryptophan availability caused by activation of the kynurenine pathway as a result of inflammation. In the present study, we examined patients newly diagnosed with depression to determine whether kynurenines and related factors change in parallel with improvements in mood. 2 Concentrations of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT; serotonin), 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA), oxidized tryptophan metabolites, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory mediators (interleukin (IL)‐2, C‐reactive protein (CRP), neopterin) were measured in peripheral blood during an 18 week period of treatment with fluoxetine, fluoxetine plus tri‐iodothyronine (T3) or psychiatric counselling. 3 The results showed significant improvements in mood, with reduced 5‐HT concentrations in patients given fluoxetine and a rise in plasma tryptophan in patients given counselling or fluoxetine and T3. The addition of T3 to the fluoxetine regimen appeared to slow recovery from depression, although the use of T3 was associated with a fall in thyroxine concentrations. Changes in 5‐HT concentrations did not correlate with psychiatric scores and were seen only in drug‐treated groups, not those given counselling. There were no associated changes in absolute concentrations of kynurenines, BDNF, CRP, neopterin or IL‐2. With fluoxetine treatment, there were correlations between the concentrations of kynurenine metabolites and the psychiatric rating scores, whereas no correlations were found with BDNF or inflammatory markers. 4 It is concluded that depression scores are largely independent of inflammatory status, but kynurenine metabolism may be related to the degree of depression after fluoxetine treatment.
La estrategia medioambiental: una visión prospectiva

Environmental management models in a nation are strongly bound to the level of management development, the legislating push of the government and other well-known variables. Since these models are evolutive and situational, the best way to approach their coherence and the future states that they will reach, involves using a prospective tool based on the structural analysis, such as MICMAC. In this sense, current environmental management is able to oriented itself, not exclusively on the basis of the present relationship between variables, but also themselves on the basis of planners the foreseeable evolution.
Design and implementation of an application server load balancing architecture supporting the end-to-end provisioning of value-added services

Service providers can offer a wide variety of value added services, such as managed home networking, home-automation and security management, multimedia multiparty conferencing and content delivery. Very often hard- and software from different vendors are used to implement these services. In most cases, multiple application servers need to be deployed for each service in order to balance the load of the service sessions. We describe an architecture that offers automatic load balancing of service sessions over the available application servers, abstracting from the actual type of the service and its implementation by translating the service and vendor specific request formats into an internal XML format. The load balancing of the service sessions is done taking into account the capabilities of each application server (which service(s) does it implement), its load, and the location of running sessions (a request to join an active session has to be forwarded to the application server running the session). Furthermore, scalability is ensured by organizing the application servers into pools. New application servers can easily be added.
Understanding policy intent and misconfigurations from implementations: Consistency and Convergence

We study the problem of inferring policy intent to identify misconfigurations in access control implementations. This is in contrast to traditional role-mining techniques, which focus on creating better abstractions for access control management. We show how raw metadata can be summarized effectively, by grouping together users with similar permissions over shared resources. Using these summary statements, we apply statistical techniques to detect outliers, which we classify as security and accessibility misconfigurations. Specifically, we show how our techniques for mining policy intent are robust, and have strong consistency and convergence guarantees.
Prenatal laser treatment of a placental chorioangioma

Large placental chorioangiomas are rare complications in pregnancy. We present a case of a placental chorioangioma, complicated by polyhydramnios, in which obliteration of its blood supply using diode laser coagulation at 25 weeks of gestation was followed by an uneventful pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby with a normal follow‐up at the age of 9 months. Laser coagulation of the feeding vessels seems to be an effective treatment for chorioangiomas when the blood supply is superficial and the feeding vessels are small in diameter. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stance Detection for the Fake News Challenge : Identifying Textual Relationships with Deep Neural Nets

The issue of “fake news” has arisen recently as a potential threat to high-quality journalism and well-informed public discourse. The Fake News Challenge was organized in early 2017 to encourage development of machine learning-based classification systems that perform “stance detection” -i.e. identifying whether a particular news headline “agrees” with, “disagrees” with, “discusses,” or is unrelated to a particular news article -in order to allow journalists and others to more easily find and investigate possible instances of “fake news. ” We developed several deep neural network-based models to tackle the stance detection problem, ranging from relatively simple feed-forward networks to elaborate recurrent models featuring attention and multiple vocabularies. We ultimately found that an LSTM-based bidirectional conditional encoding model using pre-trained GloVe word embeddings delivered the best performance: greater than 97% classification accuracy on the dev set.
The Effects of Owner Idendity and Financial Markets on R&D Investments: A Study of Western European Firms

In this paper we theoretically analyze and empirically test the influence of stock market investors, the degree of ownership concentration and the identity of large shareholders on firm-level R&D investments. Our analysis is based on a unique dataset of 1,000 firms publicly traded in six European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the UK). Controlling for industry- and firm-level effects, our findings show that a high share of institutional investors within national financial markets is negatively associated with widely held corporations' R&D investments. Moreover, higher shares held by families and financial institutions in a firm's ownership are negatively associated with R&D investments. Results are robust to potential sample selection biases due to firms' discretional R&D disclosure.
Boundary-approaching particle swarm optimization in reliability-based design optimization

The purpose of reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) is to find a balanced design that is not only economical but also reliable in the presence of uncertainty. Practical applications of RBDO involve discrete design variables, which are selected from commercially available lists, and non-smooth (non-differentiable) performance functions. The proposed PSO algorithm extends standard PSO to include a new feature: boundary-approaching. The proposed boundary-approaching PSO algorithm (B-PSO) is used to find the optimal design of a ten-bar truss, whose component sizes are selected from commercial standards, while reliability constraints are imposed by the current design code. In multiple trials, the B-PSO algorithm is able to deliver competitive solutions with consistency.
Improving diagnostic accuracy of MDCT coronary angiography in patients with mild heart rhythm irregularities using ECG editing.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of MDCT coronary angiography in a population of patients with mild heart rhythm irregularities before and after editing the ECG. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-eight patients who underwent MDCT coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criterion was the presence of mild heart rhythm irregularities (i.e., premature beats; atrial fibrillation; mistriggering; or low heart rate, defined as 40 beats per minute or less) during the scan. All patients underwent MDCT with the following parameters: 16 detectors; collimation, 0.75 mm; gantry rotation time, 375 msec; 120 kV; and effective milliampere-second setting, 500-600. Images were reconstructed in two settings: before ECG editing and after ECG editing (i.e., arbitrary modification of temporal windows within the cardiac cycle at the site of mild heart rhythm irregularities). Data sets were scored for the presence of significant stenoses (> or = 50% lumen reduction) in coronary segments > or = 2 mm diameter. The results of the two groups were compared with a McNemar test, and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS The sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of MDCT coronary angiography for the detection of significant stenoses before and after ECG editing were 63% (41/65) and 92% (78/85); 97% (251/260) and 96% (305/317); 87% (62/71) and 87% (81/93); 91% (251/275) and 97% (305/313), respectively (p < 0.05). The proportion of nonassessable segments was reduced from 17% (70/416) before ECG editing to 2% (10/416) after. CONCLUSION ECG editing significantly improves diagnostic accuracy in a selected population of patients with mild heart rate irregularities.
Imbedding interprofessional collaboration into the next generation of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation scholar and fellow programs

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is the largest philanthropy in the United States devoted solely to health and health care. For more than 40 years, RWJF has worked to improve the health and health care of all Americans. The Foundation is striving to build a national Culture of Health that will enable all Americans to live longer, healthier lives now and for generations to come. This editorial describes how RWJF is deliberately incorporating interprofessional collaboration into its next generation of leadership programs.
Comparative investigations of algorithms for the detection of breaths in newborns with disturbed respiratory signals.

The correct detection of the beginning of inspiration and expiration in the respiratory signals is an essential prerequisite for accurate lung function testing in newborns. Five algorithms for breath detection using pneumotachographically measured flow and volume signals were investigated with regard to the error rate. To compare and to evaluate the reliability of these algorithms 12 minimally and 12 severely disturbed flow and volume signals from spontaneously breathing newborns were used. With the exception of an algorithm based on Walsh-transformed signals, all algorithms work reliably (error rate <1.1%) if disturbances are minimal. In severely disturbed signals there is a great difference between the algorithms. The most robust algorithm tested (trigger of the flow signal with an additional plausibility check of the recognized breath) resulted in an error rate of <3.4%. Not all algorithms tested are suitable for real-time applications because they differ considerably in delay time for breath detection.
Improving Interorganizational Effectiveness through Voice Mail Facilitation of Peer-to-Peer Relationships

This study examines the impact of the introduction of voice mail on 1 the effectiveness of the interorganizational relationship between a manufacturing firm and its network of dealerships and 2 the sales performance of these dealerships. As voice mail was introduced into two of five sales regions, this trial intervention provided an opportunity to assess these organizational impacts using a quasi-experimental research design. The results indicate that voice mail enhanced interorganizational effectiveness as measured by dealership sales performance in two primary ways: directly, due to the store and forward nature of voice mail; and indirectly, due to improved interorganizational relationships between the manufacturer's field representatives and the dealerships' sales managers enabled by the more effective use of written communication media. The study also demonstrates the importance, when examining the organizational impacts of information technology, of devising data-gathering procedures which tightly link the functionality of the technology being examined to specific organizational processes.
Behind Identity Theft and Fraud in Cyberspace: The Current Landscape of Phishing Vectors

Increased consumer anti-phishing awareness and improved anti-spam technologies has gradually reduced the impact of traditional phishing spams in recent years. To keep up their game in a multi-billion dollar cybercrime industry, hackers have been continuously innovative in developing polymorphic phishing vectors. Spear phishing, malware, search engines poisoning, use of rogue Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates, mobile and social media attacks are among the modern and prominent vectors for phishing attacks today. This paper examines today’s most adopted phishing vectors by cybercriminals as observed by security vendors, security analysts and anti-phishing campaigners. Learning the current landscape of these vectors is a key step in developing effective technological, social and legal devices to mitigate the impacts of these threats across the globe. The paper concludes that almost of all today’s phishing attacks begin with spear phishing. Phishers focus more their attacks towards small and medium enterprises. Malware toolkits are the key player in all major attacks. Mobile and social media attacks have rapidly grown recently and promise to be the future of phishing.
NEDL1, a Novel Ubiquitin-protein Isopeptide Ligase for Dishevelled-1, Targets Mutant Superoxide Dismutase-1*

Approximately 20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) arises from germ-line mutations in the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process have been elusive. Here, we show that a neuronal homologous to E6AP carboxyl terminus (HECT)-type ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase (NEDL1) physically binds translocon-associated protein-δ and also binds and ubiquitinates mutant (but not wild-type) SOD1 proportionately to the disease severity caused by that particular mutant. Immunohistochemically, NEDL1 is present in the central region of the Lewy body-like hyaline inclusions in the spinal cord ventral horn motor neurons of both FALS patients and mutant SOD1 transgenic mice. Two-hybrid screening for the physiological targets of NEDL1 has identified Dishevelled-1, one of the key transducers in the Wnt signaling pathway. Mutant SOD1 also interacted with Dishevelled-1 in the presence of NEDL1 and caused its dysfunction. Thus, our results suggest that an adverse interaction among misfolded SOD1, NEDL1, translocon-associated protein-δ, and Dishevelled-1 forms a ubiquitinated protein complex that is included in potentially cytotoxic protein aggregates and that mutually affects their functions, leading to motor neuron death in FALS.
The Case of the Vanishing Quebec Physicians: How to Improve Access to Care

Compared to most Canadian provinces, Québec is endowed with a large and fast growing number of family doctors relative to its population. In spite of this, Québec’s family physicians and the general public regularly report that provincial residents have poor access to healthcare services. This Commentary examines this paradox, looking at what has held back past reforms to primary care and what to do about it. In 2012, there were 115 family doctors in Quebec for every 100,000 people, compared to 100 in Ontario and 109 for Canada as a whole. But roughly 15 percent of Quebec patients report not having a regular family doctor compared to about 4 percent of Ontarians. Further, 68 percent of Quebecers reported having a “somewhat�? or “very difficult�? time accessing after-hours care versus 58 percent of Ontarians. Why? Quebec physicians tend to spend less time at work than their counterparts in Ontario. Quebec stands out as an exceptional case among most developed countries for the shortest physician’s work week at 34.9 hours, compared to 43 in Ontario. Younger doctors (under age 45) work even less, at 32.7 hours per week. Quebec also has fewer enrolled patients per physician, 1,081 on average compared to 1,539 in Ontario. These numbers are lower still for younger doctors. Over the last decade, Quebec has attempted, with little success, to improve primary-care access with the creation of family health teams. But Quebec’s Groupe de Médecine Familiale expansion has been fraught with delays and, even where groups have sprung up, they are enrolling a much lower number of patients than desired. A renewed, determined effort at primary-care reform with stronger financial incentives and commitment from governments and providers is required. Financing these teams through a mixed capitation system that encourages patient mobility, registering with family doctors and physician accountability in meeting access benchmarks should go a long way to strengthen the pursuit of better access for patients. Such a model could be extended in the future to allow primary-care givers greater budgetary control to purchase some basic services on behalf of their patients. Physician buy-in and a willingness to provide more primary care in the community as opposed to hospitals are key ingredients of a successful transition.
Source Camera Identification Issues: Forensic Features Selection and Robustness

Statistical image features play an important role in forensic identification. Current source camera identification schemes select image features mainly based on classification accuracy and computational efficiency. For forensic investigation purposes; however, these selection criteria are not enough. Consider most real-world photos may have undergone common image processing due to various reasons, source camera classifiers must have the capability to deal with those processed photos. In this work, the authors first build a sample camera classifier using a combination of popular image features, and then reveal its deficiency. Based on the experiments, suggestions for the design of robust camera classifiers are given. Copyright © 2011, IGI Global.
Internet Financial Reporting in Malaysia: The Preparers' View

This paper reports the opinion and awareness of the Internet financial reporting (IFR) from the preparers’ perspectives and examines the individual firm motives to engage the IFR. The researchers interviewed ten senior managers using semi-structured and in-depth questionnaires to seek their views and opinions on IFR issues. All respondents claimed ownership structure influenced IFR, and seven respondents agreed industry members and firm size influenced such reporting practice. As for corporate governance mechanisms, the respondents were largely unsure about its influence. This paper bridges the gap by interviewing preparers concerning issues pertaining to IFR in Malaysia. Among the more significant issues are the security of the Web site, timeliness of reporting and adoption of XBRL.
The effects of periodontal treatment on pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND Preterm infants are at greater risk than term infants for physical and developmental disorders. Morbidity and mortality increases as gestational age at delivery decreases. Observational studies indicate an association between poor periodontal health and risk for preterm birth or low birthweight, making periodontitis a potentially modifiable risk factor for prematurity. AIM To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2011 and July 2012 and discuss all published RCTs testing whether periodontal therapy reduces rates of preterm birth and low birthweight. METHODS Search of databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library. RESULTS The single RCT identified showed no significant effect of periodontal treatment on birth outcomes. DISCUSSION All published trials included non-surgical periodontal therapy; only two included systemic antimicrobials as part of test therapy. The trials varied substantially in terms of sample size, obstetric histories of subjects, study preterm birth rates and the periodontal treatment response. The largest trials--also judged to be high-quality and at low risk of bias--have yielded consistent results, and indicate that treatment does not alter rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION Non-surgical periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing, does not improve birth outcomes in pregnant women with periodontitis.