Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Performance of the Kuwaiti Banking Sector Before andAfter the Recent Financial Crisis

The objective of this research is to investigate the determinants of the performance of the Kuwaiti banking sector before and after the recent financial crisis over the period of 2006-2012. The data utilized is based on the yearly financial statements of the Kuwaiti banks that are listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange over the same period. There are several methods have been used to identify the determinants which impact the performance of the banking sector. In this research, a ratio analysis technique is considered efficient and more reliable method than other approaches. Other factors such as trend, government regulations and other economic factors are also included. The study found that the overall banking sector performance increased considerably in the first two years of the analysis. A significant change in trend is noticed at the onset of the global financial crisis in September 2008, reaching its peak before the global financial crisis. This resulted in decreasing the profitability, return on equity, assets and capital.
Proton pump inhibitors suppress absorption of dietary non-haem iron in hereditary haemochromatosis

Background and Aims: During the long-term treatment of patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) the authors observed that proton pump inhibitors (PPI) reduced the requirement for maintenance phlebotomy. Gastric acid plays a crucial role in non-haem iron absorption and the authors performed a case review and intervention study to investigate if PPI-induced suppression of gastric acid would reduce dietary iron absorption in C282Y homozygous patients. Methods: Phlebotomy requirements to keep serum ferritin ∼50 μg/l before (mean 6.1 (SE 0.6) years) and during (3.8 (0.9) years) administration of a PPI were evaluated in seven patients and a post-prandial study was performed to determine whether PPIs reduce absorption of non-haem iron (14.5 mg) from a test meal in a further 14 phlebotomised patients with normal iron stores. Results: There was a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the volume of blood removed annually before (2.5 (0.25) l) and while taking (0.5 (0.25) l) a PPI. Administration of a PPI for 7d suppressed absorption of non-haem iron from the meal as shown by a significant reduction (all p<0.01) in: area under the serum curve (2145 (374) versus 1059 (219)), % recovery of administered iron at peak serum iron (20.5 (3.2) versus 11.0 (2.0)%) and peak serum iron (13.6 (2.4) vs 6.1 (1.2) µmol/l) (all values are before vs during PPI). Conclusions: Administration of a PPI to patients with HH can inhibit the absorption of non-haem iron from a test meal and the habitual diet.
Impact of HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment on N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide as surrogate of myocardial function

Objective: Vasoactive cardiovascular hormones such as the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are produced upon ventricular stretch and play a central role in neurohumoral pathways of the heart regulating cardiovascular remodeling and volume homeostasis. The impact of HIV infection on these neurohumoral pathways of the heart and its potential reversibility by combinations of antiretroviral therapies remain unclear. Methods: We assessed serum levels of NT-proBNP in 219 antiretroviral therapy–naïve HIV-infected patients with a normal cardiac and renal status at treatment initiation and after attainment of viremic control. Results: Before antiretroviral therapy, NT-proBNP as a surrogate of myocardial function displayed a significant correlation with absolute CD4+ cell count (r = −0.31; P < 0.001) as well as with HIV viral load (r = 0.26; P < 0.001). The median levels of NT-proBNP were 80 pg/ml (36–205) in patients with a CD4+ cell count less than 200 cells/&mgr;l and 42 pg/ml (20–80; P < 0.001) with a CD4+ cell count more than 500 cells/&mgr;l. After viremic control, no statistical correlation was present. Conclusion: Higher NT-proBNP levels were observed in treatment-naïve patients with low CD4+ cell count and high HIV viral load, indicating a subclinical impact of HIV infection on myocardial function. This association is reversible by the initiation of antiretroviral therapy and subsequent viral suppression.
Gender Differences in Agitation After Traumatic Brain Injury

Kadyan V, Mysiw WJ, Bogner JA, Corrigan JD, Fugate LP, Clinchot DM: Gender differences in agitation after traumatic brain injury. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:747–752. Objective:To determine sex differences in extent and type of posttraumatic agitation during acute rehabilitation. Design:This prospective, observational study was performed at a Midwest, regional, university-based acute rehabilitation center. Results:In a total of 158 subjects, comprising 120 men (76%) and 38 women (24%), there were no significant differences between male and female subjects for age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Rancho Los Amigos Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale, Mini Mental State Exam, days in acute hospital, and days in rehabilitation. No difference in incidence was observed between sexes based on the criterion of agitation as three or more abnormal total Agitated Behavior Scale scores in 48 hrs (P = 0.890). Also, no difference in posttraumatic agitation between the two sexes (P = 0.396) was observed with the criterion of agitation as two or more abnormal total Agitated Behavior Scale scores in 2 days. There were no differences observed between the sexes for peak intensity and average intensity for the total score or each of the factor scores of the Agitated Behavior Scale. Conclusion:Posttraumatic agitation is seen in approximately 50% of patients after traumatic brain injury and usually lasts for <10 days. There are no significant sex differences in the frequency, duration, presentation, or extent of posttraumatic agitation. These data imply that both sexes, despite any predetermined notions, should be treated equally with respect to posttraumatic agitation management.
Oligodendrocyte progenitor migration in response to injury of glial monolayers requires the polysialic neural cell‐adhesion molecule

Injury to the nervous system results in reactive astrogliosis that is a critical determinant of neuronal regeneration. To analyze glial responses to mechanical injury and the role of the polysialic neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) in this process, we established primary glia cultures from newborn rat cerebral cortex. Scratching a confluent monolayer of primary glial cells resulted in two major events: rapid migration of oligodendrocyte progenitor‐like (O‐2A) cells into the wounded area and development of polarized morphology of type 1 astrocytes at the wound edge. Migrating O‐2A progenitors had a bipolar morphology and exhibited A2B5 and O4 immunolabeling. Once these cells were established inside the wounded area, they lost A2B5 immunoreactivity and differentiated into glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive astrocytes. Migrating O‐2A cells expressed PSA‐NCAM, but type 1 astrocytes at the wound edge did not. Treatment of wounded cultures with Endo‐N, which specifically removes PSA from the surface of cells, resulted in a significant decrease in O‐2A cell migration into the wounded area and completely blocked the wound closure. Video time‐lapse analysis showed that, in the presence of Endo‐N, O‐2A cells remained motile and migrated short distances but did not move away from the monolayer. These results demonstrate that O‐2A progenitors contribute to reactive astrogliosis in culture and that PSA‐NCAM is involved in this process by regulating cell migration. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Impact of internet banking service quality on customer satisfaction in the banking sector of Ghana

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last two decades is drastically altering the way business is done in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and Ghana in particular. The banking sector is no exception to this revolution. Inspite of the increasing adoption of internet banking and it relevance towards customer satisfaction in the Ghanaian banking industry, very little empirical investigation or research has been conducted in understanding factors of internet banking service quality that lead to customer satisfaction. This study thus aims to fill the gap in the literature by focusing on the impact of internet banking service quality on customer satisfaction in the banking sector of Ghana. The theoretical perspective of customer satisfaction indicates that the higher the level of service offered the higher the satisfaction associated with product or services being offered. The measure of the services is usually found in the service quality measure or the SERVQUAL and SERVPERF. The study draws on customer satisfaction using the service quality dimension or the SERVQUAL and SERVPERF models originated by Parasuraman et al., (1988), Cronin and Taylor (1992). The study makes use of mainly qualitative research approach although the quantitative research approaches was partially used for the study. The use of the above approaches meant that both primary and secondary data sources were extensively relied on. The study make use of a 5 point Likert scale with “1” being strongly agreed and “5” being strongly disagreed. The study applied the spearman ranked correlation, the chi square (χ2) and regression analyses to evaluate the hypothesised relationships. The findings indicated that speed of delivery, ease of use. Reliability, pleasure, control and privacy were all positively correlated and significant at 1% level. Additionally the regression analysis also indicated that with the exception of pleasure and control all the variables were significant at 5% levels. Finally, base on the findings of this study, it was recommended that there is the need to educate majority of the banking population on internet banking.
The Effect of Various Ligation Methods on Friction in Sliding Mechanics

Aim: To evaluate the effect of ligation method on friction and the efficacy of the new slick elastomeric modules (TP Orthodontics, USA) and slide elastomeric modules (Leone Orthodontics, Italy) which claim to reduce friction at the module/wire interface. Materials and methods: Slick and slide modules were compared with regular modules, modules tied in figure of eight fashion, tight stainless steel ligatures, and loose stainless steel ligatures. Brackets used for the study were 0.022" × 0.028" maxillary first premolar twin brackets (MBT Prescription, Gemini series, 3M Unitek USA.) The effect of bracket width on friction produced with four different methods of ligation was also studied using 0.022" × 0.028" maxillary first premolar single width brackets (Alexander prescription, Leone Co. Italy). Results: When considering tooth movement along a 0.019" × 0.025" in stainless steel archwire, Super slick module produce less friction when compared to regular module, module tied in ‘figure of 8’ pattern and tight SS ligation produced more friction when compared to loose SS ligation and slide module. Slide modules produce least friction when compared to other available methods of ligation. Modules tied in a ‘figure of 8’ pattern generate highest friction. Conclusion: Slide modules produce least friction followed by loose SS ligation, slick modules, regular modules, tight SS ligation and highest friction was produced by regular modules tied in a ‘figure of 8’ pattern. Width of bracket had no influence on friction produced.
Use of Information Communication Technologies in the Post Graduate Students

The present study was undertaken to find out the use of Information Communication Technologies among the Post Graduate students of Post Graduate Institute, Dr. PDKV, Akola (MS). Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy. Research in agriculture in our country is growing fast but because of many odds and speed-breakers, the speed of agricultural communication is very slow. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been one of the most ambitious field in agriculture sector. The country is having rapid computerization in different field of agriculture i.e. weather forecasting to production of crop. It was concluded that majority of students (about 86.67 per cent) had high level of extent of use of Information in their research and education purpose and maximum students use ICT gadgetry provided by University most of the time. The relational analysis revealed that academic performance, training of ICT and family income had positive and significant relationship with use of ICT, whereas, age, parent’s occupation and family background do not show any significant relationship with the use of ICT.
In Vivo Evaluation of Anti Diabetic, Hypolipidemic, Antioxidative Activities of Saudi Date Seed Extract on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.

INTRODUCTION Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) is major fruit of gulf region. In folk medicine; dates have been traditionally use. The date seed is used as hypoglycaemic, expectorant, tonic, aphrodisiac, antidiarrheic and mouth hygiene. AIM This study intended to evaluate the anti-diabetic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidative activities of date seed extract in diabetes-induced rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Total of seven groups of rats, consisting of control rats and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats treated with aqueous seed extract in concentration of 100g/L in dosage of 10ml/day/rat. To evaluate the anti-diabetic property, glucose and weight was analysed weekly and at the end of eight week all rats were sacrificed. To evaluate the hypolipidaemic and antioxidative activities, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were estimated. Liver enzymes and kidney function tests were performed. Moreover to verify the glycaemic effect; glycated haemoglobin and serum insulin was performed. RESULTS Aqueous seed extract in concentration of 100 gm/L in dosage of 10ml/day/rat brings a significant reduction of blood glucose levels in diabetic rats in comparison of control rats. There were significant differences in the investigated clinical chemistry and oxidative stress parameters between control and diabetic rats with both seed extract of Ajwa and Sukkari dates. CONCLUSION Present study verifies the antidiabetic property, of aqueous seed extracts of two different varieties of dates namely Ajwa and Sukkari of Kingdom of Saudi on streptozotocin induced Diabetic rats. Prolong treatments with the extract restores the function of liver and kidney and balance the oxidative stress condition in diabetic treated rats.
Differential methylation of the X‐chromosome is a possible source of discordance for bipolar disorder female monozygotic twins

Monozygotic (MZ) twins may be subject to epigenetic modifications that could result in different patterns of gene expression. Several lines of evidence suggest that epigenetic factors may underlie mental disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ). One important epigenetic modification, of relevance to female MZ twins, is X‐chromosome inactivation. Some MZ female twin pairs are discordant for monogenic X linked disorders because of differential X inactivation. We postulated that similar mechanisms may also occur in disorders with more complex inheritance including BD and SZ. Examination of X‐chromosome inactivation patterns in DNA samples from blood and/or buccal swabs in a series of 63 female MZ twin pairs concordant or discordant for BD or SZ and healthy MZ controls suggests a potential contribution from X‐linked loci to discordance within twin pairs for BD but is inconclusive for SZ. Discordant female bipolar twins showed greater differences in the methylation of the maternal and paternal X alleles than concordant twin pairs and suggest that differential skewing of X‐chromosome inactivation may contribute to the discordance observed for bipolar disorder in female MZ twin pairs and the potential involvement of X‐linked loci in the disorder. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The flavonoid, eriodictyol, induces long-term protection in ARPE-19 cells through its effects on Nrf2 activation and phase 2 gene expression.

PURPOSE Eriodictyol, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, is among the most potent compounds reported to protect human RPE cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. The present study sought to determine whether eriodictyol-induced phase 2 protein expression further enhances the resistance of human ARPE-19 cells to oxidative stress. METHODS The ability of eriodictyol to activate Nrf2 and to induce the phase 2 proteins heme-oxygenase (HO)-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1, and the cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) were analyzed. Cytoprotection assays in ARPE-19 cells that were overexpressing HO-1 or NQO-1 were performed, cell survival after short-term and long-term eriodictyol treatment was compared, and the mechanism of protection using a dominant negative Nrf2 and shRNA specific for HO-1 was tested. RESULTS Eriodictyol induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, enhanced the expression of HO-1 and NQO-1, and increased the levels of intracellular glutathione. ARPE-19 cells that overexpress HO-1 or NQO-1 were more resistant to oxidative stress-induced cell death than control cells. Eriodictyol induced long-term protection significantly greater than its short-term protection. This effect was correlated temporally with the activation of Nrf2 and the induction of phase 2 enzymes and could be blocked with the use of a dominant negative Nrf2 and shRNA specific to HO-1. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the greatest benefit from eriodictyol may be its ability to regulate gene expression and enhance multiple cellular defenses to oxidative injury.
Going up or going down? Occupational mobility of skilled migrants in Australia

Skilled migration programs are now widespread among western settler societies, but little is known about the recent outcomes of skilled migrants. Using a feminist framework and qualitative interviews of 22 migrants, this article sheds light on the job-seeking experiences of professional skilled migrants in Australia, who are from non-English speaking backgrounds. The article reveals that many are unable to find commensurate employment post-arrival. They experience downward occupational mobility; that is they find jobs that are lower in skill level compared to the job held pre-migration. The range of job-seeking strategies is examined to determine whether migrants can improve occupational outcomes, revealing differences between the mobility of women and men. Job-seeking for women is more complex due to the gendering effects of family responsibility, making their job search more difficult. The research further highlights the underutilisation of human capital, which is in need of addressing for skilled migrants, and the wider economy.
Cognition and Social–Physiological Factors Associated With Malnutrition in Hospitalized Older Adults in Taiwan

Background: Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized geriatric patients. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of cognitive status and its associated factors on the nutritional status of hospitalized geriatric patients. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study design was conducted. Two instruments, the Mini Nutritional Assessment and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), were administered to 401 geriatric participants. Linear regression was used to examine the contribution of cognitive status and its associated factors to the nutritional status of participants. Results: Participants had a mean age of 85 years, and three quarters (73.6%) were men. Participants earned a mean MMSE score of 19.1 ± 8.0 and a mean Mini Nutritional Assessment score of 20.2 ± 5.2. Two thirds (67.1%) were at risk for malnutrition, and 22.7% experienced malnutrition. One third (33.1%) had mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment, and 32.2% had severe cognitive impairment. The MMSE scores accounted for 21% of the total variability in nutritional status. In addition, the Charlson Comorbidity Index score and care status were also significant predictors of malnutrition and, together with the MMSE scores, accounted for 53% of the variability in the nutritional status of participants in the regression model. Conclusions: Findings indicate that cognitive status, concomitant comorbidities, and care status are significant predictors of malnutrition. The results of this study provide information to help clinicians identify at-risk populations for malnutrition and develop appropriate nutrition programs based on individual needs.
Arbitrary-amplitude electrostatic traveling structures in a plasma.

A fluid model of a plasma in the case of a general polytropic process is considered. An alternative method of analysis of electrostatic traveling structures to the formalism of the Sagdeev pseudopotential [Rev. Plasma Phys. 4, 23 (1966)] is used to obtain an existence domain for compressive solitons and to establish the absence of rarefactive solitons and monotonic double layers in a two-component plasma.
Diamond surface-channel FET structure with 200 V breakdown voltage

An enhancement mode diamond FET using a hydrogen-terminated surface as hole conductive channel has been fabricated with 200 V gate to drain breakdown voltage. At the 8.5-/spl mu/m gate length the maximum drain current was 22 mA/mm. 90 mA/mm maximum drain current was obtained at a gate length of 3.0 /spl mu/m. Scaling to below 1 /spl mu/m gate length assuming undegraded breakdown conditions will result in a projected RF power handling capability above 6 W/mm.
Contribution of Erythrocytes to Thrombin Generation in Whole Blood

Summary Thrombin generation (TG) initiated by diluted tissue-factor was investigated in whole human blood, in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and in PPP supplemented with red blood cells (RBCs). TG was characterized by the lag time preceding the thrombin burst and by the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP). RBCs at normal haematocrit were found to influence the lag time to the same extent as platelets. When TG was carried out in PRP or in PPP + RBCs, both the ETP and lag time were dependent on the platelet count or on the haematocrit, but the shapes of the dose-response curves were different. The inhibition of TG in PPP+ RBCs by two direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors: hirudin and DX 9065A, and two antithrombin III (AT)-dependent anticoagulants: heparin and SR 90107A was found to be similar to that previously described in PPP and in PRP: hirudin and DX 9065A only delayed TG whereas heparin and SR 90107A both delayed and decreased TG. FACscan analysis following labelling with FITC-annexin V or with phycoerythrin-labelled anti-glycophorin A of samples taken in the course of TG initiated in PPP + RBCs showed that no significant haemolysis occurred and revealed that 0.51 ± 0.075% (mean ± sem, n = 3) of RBCs steadily exposed procoagulant phospholipids on their outer surface throughout the TG course. Furthermore, incubation of factors Xa and Va with washed RBCs sampled during TG in PPP +RBCs resulted in a significant and constant prothrombinase activity. Taken together, these data show for the first time that normal RBCs may participate in the haemostatic process through exposure of procoagulant phospholipids.