Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Internet Addiction with Anxiety Disorders: Treatment Protocol and Preliminary Before-After Results Involving Pharmacotherapy and Modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Background The growth of the Internet has led to significant change and has become an integral part of modern life. It has made life easier and provided innumerous benefits; however, excessive use has brought about the potential for addiction, leading to severe impairments in social, academic, financial, psychological, and work domains. Individuals addicted to the Internet usually have comorbid psychiatric disorders. Panic disorder (PD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are prevalent mental disorders, involving a great deal of damage in the patient’s life. Objective This open trial study describes a treatment protocol among 39 patients with anxiety disorders and Internet addiction (IA) involving pharmacotherapy and modified cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods Of the 39 patients, 25 were diagnosed with PD and 14 with GAD, in addition to Internet addiction. At screening, patients responded to the MINI 5.0, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions Scale, and the Young Internet Addiction Scale. At that time, IA was observed taking into consideration the IAT scale (cutoff score above 50), while anxiety disorders were diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Patients were forwarded for pharmacotherapy and a modified CBT protocol. Psychotherapy was conducted individually, once a week, over a period of 10 weeks, and results suggest that the treatment was effective for anxiety and Internet addiction. Results Before treatment, anxiety levels suggested severe anxiety, with an average score of 34.26 (SD 6.13); however, after treatment the mean score was 15.03 (SD 3.88) (P<.001). A significant improvement in mean Internet addiction scores was observed, from 67.67 (SD 7.69) before treatment, showing problematic internet use, to 37.56 (SD 9.32) after treatment (P<.001), indicating medium Internet use. With respect to the relationship between IA and anxiety, the correlation between scores was . 724. Conclusions This study is the first research into IA treatment of a Brazilian population. The improvement was remarkable due to the complete engagement of patients in therapy, which contributed to the success of the treatment from a behavioral perspective, and gave patients the confidence to continue to manage Internet use in their lives.
An Assessment Of The Costs, Benefits And Optimality Of The Common Monetary Area In Southern Africa

Abstract In this paper we aim to answer the following two questions: 1) has the Common Monetary Area in Southern Africa (CMA) been an optimal currency area (OCA)Œ 2) What are the costs and benefits of the CMA for its participating countriesŒ To answer these questions, we carry out a two-step econometric exercise based on the theory of generalised purchasing power parity (G-PPP). The first exercise tests whether the CMA (but also Botswana as a de facto member) forms an OCA by detecting the existence of common long-run trends in their bilateral real exchange rates. The second exercise identifies the determinants of deviations from G-PPP in the CMA as measured through the degree of pairwise price correlation. These determinants stand for the costs and benefits of joining a monetary union, namely the degree of trade openness, the degree of production diversification (and the interaction between these two), the synchronicity of business cycles and the kind of gross capital inflows received by the member countries.
Switching from abciximab to eptifibatide for percutaneous coronary interventions: a local analysis (SWAP study).

BACKGROUND Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) are recommended as adjunctive therapy with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Before October 2000, abciximab (AB) was the only GPI available at the authors' institution. Eptifibatide (EP) was added to the formulary in October 2000 and became the preferred agent primarily due to lower cost. OBJECTIVES To describe the impact of switching from AB to EP in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and compare clinical and practice-related outcomes of these agents following PCI. METHODS Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who received PCI for all indications except as primary therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The AB group consisted of all consecutive patients within the six months preceding formulary addition of EP in October 2000. A matching number of consecutive patients following this date were included in the EP group. RESULTS A total of 160 patients were included (80 per group). Use of adjunctive GPI increased from 11% to 25% of PCI within three months of adding EP to the formulary (P<0.001). The composite of in-hospital death, myocardial infarction, recurrent ischemia and repeat revascularization occurred in 12.5% of EP- and 2.5% of AB-treated patients (P<0.025). Minor bleeding was more common in the EP group than in the AB group at 8.8% and 2.5%, respectively (not significant). Premature GPI discontinuation was significantly more common in the EP group (46.3% versus 7.5%, P<0.001). The mean +/- SD length of stay post-PCI was 44.4+/-51.2 h for EP and 25.1+/-12.3 h for AB (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Adjunctive GPI usage more than doubled following the introduction of EP to the formulary. The present results suggest that EP may be associated with inferior clinical outcomes compared with AB for PCI patients.
An Analysis of Trade Performance of the Australian Passenger Motor Vehicle Industry: Trends, Patterns, and Determinants

This article presents an empirical analysis of the trends, patterns, and determinants of the Australian passenger motor vehicle industry trade in the context of policy liberalization. Although export orientation and import penetration ratios have shown rising trends, especially since the early 1990s, faster growth in import penetration has led to a surge in the industry’s trade deficit. Econometric results appear to suggest that tariff protection, export incentives, and government assistance have made the industry less competitive, in domestic and world markets. These findings indicate that further liberalization may help improve the Australian passenger motor vehicle industry’s trade performance.
Validation of two enzyme immunoassays for aminoglycoside residues according to European Decision 657/2002

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections in human and veterinary practice. Owing to their toxicity, the European Community has established maximum residue limits (MRL) in foodstuffs of animal origin (EEC No 2377/90). In the present study, the performance of two new enzyme immunoassays (EIA), I'screen Gentamicin and I'screen Neomycin, for the quantitative detection of the aminoglycosides, gentamicin and neomycin, in milk and tissue are described. Validation of these EIAs has been performed in accordance to the criteria of European Decision 657/2002. Assays sensitivity at the MRLs was 95% for milk samples and 100% for tissue samples, while specificity was 100% at 33 and 25% of the MRLs for milk and tissues, respectively. The performance of these EIAs indicates that they can be used as easy screening methods for the analysis of aminoglycosides in milk and tissue samples.
A Kinetic Analysis of the Auxin Transcriptome Reveals Cell Wall Remodeling Proteins That Modulate Lateral Root Development in Arabidopsis[W][OPEN]

We identified genes involved in auxin-dependent lateral root formation using high temporal resolution and genome-wide transcript abundance analysis of auxin-treated Arabidopsis roots. Cell wall modification mutants, revealed by a reverse-genetic screen, had root phenotypes, supporting the hypothesis that auxin-mediated cell wall remodeling is an essential feature of lateral root development. To identify gene products that participate in auxin-dependent lateral root formation, a high temporal resolution, genome-wide transcript abundance analysis was performed with auxin-treated Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Data analysis identified 1246 transcripts that were consistently regulated by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), partitioning into 60 clusters with distinct response kinetics. We identified rapidly induced clusters containing auxin-response functional annotations and clusters exhibiting delayed induction linked to cell division temporally correlated with lateral root induction. Several clusters were enriched with genes encoding proteins involved in cell wall modification, opening the possibility for understanding mechanistic details of cell structural changes that result in root formation following auxin treatment. Mutants with insertions in 72 genes annotated with a cell wall remodeling function were examined for alterations in IAA-regulated root growth and development. This reverse-genetic screen yielded eight mutants with root phenotypes. Detailed characterization of seedlings with mutations in CELLULASE3/GLYCOSYLHYDROLASE9B3 and LEUCINE RICH EXTENSIN2, genes not normally linked to auxin response, revealed defects in the early and late stages of lateral root development, respectively. The genes identified here using kinetic insight into expression changes lay the foundation for mechanistic understanding of auxin-mediated cell wall remodeling as an essential feature of lateral root development.
Gastrointestinal candidiasis in a murine model of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome

A murine model of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (scid mice) affords an opportunity to study the interaction of Candida albicans with a host lacking functional B- and T-cell mechanisms. We have previously reported no significant difference in yeast recovery after intravenous challenge of BALB/c mice and scid mice with C. albicans (S. Mahanty, R.A. Greenfield, W.A. Joyce, and P.W. Kincade, Infect. Immun. 56:3162-3166, 1988). In this study, we evaluate the course of gastrointestinal candidiasis after a single oral challenge with C. albicans. BALB/c and scid mice received H2O containing 10(6) C. albicans per ml for 16 h. Half the mice of each strain continuously received H2O containing 1 mg of tetracycline per ml. Stool samples were cultured for yeast twice weekly until they were negative three consecutive times or positive for 8 weeks. Mice were then sacrificed for quantitative cultures of liver, spleen, and kidneys. At eight weeks postinoculation, 2 of 13 BALB/c mice, 0 of 14 BALB/c mice receiving tetracycline, 6 of 12 scid mice, and 8 of 13 scid mice receiving tetracycline had positive stool cultures (P less than 0.05, likelihood ratio chi-square). Quantitative recovery of yeasts from stools was also higher in the scid mice. Cultures of liver, spleen, and kidneys wer negative in all BALB/c mice and essentially all negative in scid mice; a single colony was isolated from the kidney of one scid mouse and the liver of another scid mouse. We conclude that B cells and/or T cells and their products are important in gastrointestinal colonization with C. albicans but that even in their absence, dissemination of infection from the gastrointestinal tract does not consistently occur. Thus, other aspects of host defense must be critical in containing gastrointestinal Candida colonization.
Congestion, Agglomeration, and the Structure of Cities

Supersede WP 13-25. Congestion costs in urban areas are significant and clearly represent a negative externality. Nonetheless, economists also recognize the production advantages of urban density in the form of positive agglomeration externalities. The long-run equilibrium outcomes in economies with multiple correlated but o setting externalities have yet to be fully explored in the literature. Therefore, I develop a spatial equilibrium model of urban structure that includes both congestion costs and agglomeration externalities. I then estimate the structural parameters of the model using a computational algorithm to match the spatial distribution of employment, population, land use, land rents, and commute times in the data. Policy simulations based on the estimates suggest that congestion pricing may have ambiguous consequences for economic welfare.
Exploring Chinese cultural influences and hospitality marketing relationships

Marketing has always been recognised as an economic activity involving the exchange of goods and services. Only in recent years have socio‐cultural influences been identified as determinants of marketing behaviour, revealing marketing as a cultural as well as economic phenomenon. Nevertheless, the influence on business activity of cultural differences is obvious but not simple to analyse, describe or categorise. Therefore, the cultural aspect of marketing remains a weak and subsidiary element in the theoretical realm of hospitality management. It has been suggested that cultural differences are an important influence on the successful outcomes of business. This exploratory study examines the new approach to relationship marketing (RM) in the context of eastern culture, to uncover the context and construction of relationships in Chinese society. Traditional Chinese culture stresses the importance of human interaction. The essence of this interaction is kuan‐hsi (personal relationships) which goes far beyon.
Submicron aerosol source apportionment of wintertime pollution in Paris, France by double positive matrix factorization (PMF 2 ) using an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and a multi-wavelength Aethalometer

Abstract. Online non-refractory submicron aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements in urban areas have successfully allowed the apportionment of specific sources and/or physical and chemical properties of the organic fraction. However, in order to be fully representative of PM pollution, a comprehensive source apportionment analysis is needed by taking into account all major components of submicron aerosols, creating strengthened bonds between the organic components and pollution sources. We present here a novel two-step methodology to perform such an analysis, by taking advantage of high time resolution of monitoring instruments: the aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and the multi-wavelength absorption measurements (Aethalometer AE31) in Paris, France. As a first step, organic aerosols (OA) were deconvolved to hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), biomass burning OA (BBOA) and oxygenated OA (OOA) with positive matrix factorization (PMF), and black carbon was deconvolved into its wood burning and fossil fuel combustion fractions. A second PMF analysis was then carried out with organic factors, BC fractions and inorganic species (nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, chloride), leading to a four-factor solution allowing highly time-resolved characterization of the major sources of PM1. Outputs of this PMF2 include two dominant combustion sources (wood burning and traffic) as well as semi-volatile and low-volatile secondary aerosols. While HOA is found to be emitted by both wood burning and traffic, the latter sources occurred to significantly contribute also to OOA.
On the Dynamics of Economic Growth

This paper examines the dynamics of economic growth. First, it demonstrates that the standard neoclassical growth model with constant elasticity of intertemporal substitution is not consistent with the patterns of development we observe in the real world, once we consider the initial conditions. Second, it examines an alternative growth model, which is consistent with endogenously determined initial conditions and also generates dynamics that are in accord with the historical patterns of growth rates, capital flows, savings rates and labor supply. The alternative model is a generalized version of the neoclassical growth model, with increasing rates of intertemporal substitution due to a Stone-Geary type of utility.
Sexual violence against adult women primary care attenders in east London.

BACKGROUND Sexual violence against women is common. The prevalence appears to be higher in north America than Europe. However, not all surveys have differentiated the experience of forced sex by a current or former partner. Few women are thought to report these experiences to their general practitioner (GP). AIM To measure the prevalence of rape, sexual assault, and forced sexual intercourse by a partner among women attending general practices, to test the association between these experiences of sexual violence and demographic factors, and to assess the acceptability to women of screening for sexual violence by GPs. DESIGN OF STUDY Cross-sectional survey. METHOD A self-administered questionnaire survey of 1207 women aged over 15 years was carried out in 13 general practices in Hackney, east London. RESULTS Eight per cent (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.2 to 9.6) of women have experienced rape, 9% (95% CI = 7.0 to 10.6) another type of sexual assault, and 16% (95% CI = 13.6 to 18.1) forced sex by a partner in adulthood: 24% (95% CI = 21.2 to 26.5) have experienced one or more of these types of sexual violence. Experiences of sexual violence demonstrated high levels of lifetime co-occurrence. Women forced to have sex by partners experienced the most severe forms of domestic violence. One in five women would object to routine questioning about being raped and/or sexually assaulted, and one in nine about being forced to have sex by a partner. CONCLUSION Experiences of sexual violence are common in the lives of adult women in east London, and they represent a significant public health problem. Those women who have one experience appear to be at risk of being victims again. A substantial minority object to routine questions about sexual violence.
Expression of zinc finger transcription factor Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 in rat brain

Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1, a Kruppel‐like zinc finger gene, plays an important role in B‐cell development. In addition to expression in B lymphocytes, Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 is also highly expressed in the brain, although its function there is still unclear. In the present study, regional and subcellular distributions of Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 in rat brain were investigated by immunostaining and biochemical fractionation. Using antibodies recognizing the first 18 amino acid residues of Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1, the distribution of 2 isoforms of Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 gene products, Bcl11A‐L/Evi9a and Bcl11A‐S/Evi9c, was examined. In rat brain, both Bcl11A‐L/Evi9a and Bcl11A‐S/Evi9c were expressed, although the amount of Bcl11A‐S/Evi9c protein was higher. Bcl11A‐S/Evi9c was widely expressed in different regions of the rat brain. In contrast, Bcl11A‐L/Evi9a was more restricted, being expressed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb. At the subcellular level, biochemical fractionation and confocal analysis of adult rat brain revealed that, in addition to being in the nuclei of neurons, fractions of Bcl11A‐L/Evi9a and Bcl11A‐S/Evi9c could be found in extranuclear locations. Double staining with the synaptic marker synaptophysin indicated a synaptic distribution of Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1. Postsynaptic density was also biochemically purified and subjected to immunoblotting using Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 antibodies. The results showed that Bcl11A‐L/Evi9a was enriched in the PSD I and PSD II fractions. In contrast, only a trace amount of Bcl11A‐S was detected in PSD fractions. Our study also indicated that a fraction of Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 was present in the cytoplasm, even at synapses. To regulate gene expression in the nuclei, nuclear translocation of Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 may be one of the mechanisms controlling neuronal Bcl11A/Evi9/CTIP1 function. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benefits of Boarding Home Placement in Patients with Schizophrenia

Objective: To determine if boarding home placement of patients with schizophrenia decreases the need for acute inpatient treatment, during and after the placement. Method: Data was collected from the medical records of 74 patients initially diagnosed with schizophrenia in our hospital from July 2001 to June 2002. The progress of these patients was then tracked until February 2005. Data gathered was analyzed for standard deviation, correlations, paired sample test and t test two-tailed analysis. Results: Of those patients, 35 had no boarding home (BH) placement and used our inpatient services with a frequency of 1.1 day a month on average. Another 20 patients were placed in a BH after an average period of ten months without placement in a BH. During the pre-BH period they needed more acute inpatient care (3.3 versus 1.1 day/month) than patients that did not receive BH services (P < 0.0003). Following BH placement, these 20 patients spent an average of 14 months in a BH requiring only 0.34 days/month of inpatient treatment. On discharge from the BH, for the next eleven months they needed only 0.22 days/month of inpatient services. This rate of hospitalization was less than that of the same patients before BH placement (P = 0.0003) and patients that were not placed in a BH (P < 0.001). The remaining 19 patients were lost to follow-up, likely as result of their travel patterns. Conclusion: The patients who received BH care required fewer days of hospitalization than the same patients in the pre-BH period and fewer days of hospitalization than the patients who did not receive BH care. This effect persisted for at least 11 months after leaving the boarding home.
Intellectual Capital and Financial Performance in Serbia

Purpose This research paper explores the impact of intellectual capital (IC) and its various components on financial performance of 100 Serbian companies within the real sector (which includes all companies in the Serbian economy not including banking and insurance). Design/methodology/approach The performance measures used were net profit, operating revenues, operating profit, return on equity (ROE), and return on assets (ROA), whereas IC efficiency was measured using value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC). A multiple-regression model was used to assess the relationship among individual components of VAIC and financial performance. Findings Net profit, operating revenue, and operating profit are not the consequence of the efficient use of IC in Serbian companies. On the other hand, human and structural capital affect ROE and ROA, whereas physical capital influences ROE. Research limitations/implications VAIC is an accounting measure of performance and therefore does not provide an adequate framework for analyzing synergy between human, structural, and physical capital. In addition, the model fails to offer adequate analysis for those companies that have negative values for equity and operating profit. Practical implications The presented results are especially useful for further research regarding the role and significance of IC for Serbian companies. By focusing on adequate IC management and use, the Serbian economy's competitiveness level would increase. Originality/value This paper is original as no previous empirical work on IC and its effects on financial performance have been carried out among Serbian companies in the real sector. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analysis on the concentration–advertising relationship in the hospitality industry

This paper empirically investigates the non-linear relationship between advertising and concentration in the hotel industry. Using data collected from the Taiwanese hotel industry, this paper finds that (1) the influence of concentration on advertising intensity is inverted U-shaped in the room service market and (2) concentration in the food and beverage markets has no significant effect on advertising intensity.