Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Customer behaviour model of brown sugar commodity

There is a gap between consumption and production of sugar in many countries and especially in Indonesia. Brown sugar business is important to be developed as a healthy alternative sweetener. Business development is supposed to be based on consumer behaviour. We found some behaviour of brown sugar customers in purchasing, such as ensuring density, taste, neatness of packaging and later on the price of brown sugar to be bought. There are several factors that influence customer behaviour in purchasing of brown sugar. The fourth independent variables on α 5% (age of respondent, income, texture, and dummy for purchasing reason), and the third independent variables on α 25% (service of seller, market cleaning, and dummy for vocation) affected the customer behaviour in purchasing of brown sugar significantly. The implication of this research is to obtain information about the factors that must be considered in formulating a marketing strategy based on customer behaviour. It is very useful to the existence of brown sugar business, and to increase the brown sugar business scale to meet the needs of national and international markets for alternative sources of healthy sweetener.
Evidence for the Degradation of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Dependent Glutamate Dehydrogenase of Candida utilis During Rapid Enzyme Inactivation

The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (NADP-GDH) from the food yeast Candida utilis was found to be rapidly inactivated when cultures were starved of a carbon source. The addition of glutamate or alanine to the starvation medium stimulated the rate of inactivation. Loss of enzyme activity was irreversible since the reappearance of enzyme activity, following the addition of glucose to carbon-starved cultures, was blocked by cycloheximide. A specific rabbit antibody was prepared against the NADP-GDH from C. utilis and used to quantitate the enzyme during inactivation promoted by carbon starvation. The amount of precipitable antigenic material paralleled the rapid decrease of enzyme activity observed after transition of cells from NH4+-glucose to glutamate medium. No additional small-molecular-weight protein was precipitated by the antibody as a result of the inactivation, suggesting that the enzyme is considerably altered during the primary steps of the inactivation process. Analysis by immunoprecipitation of the reappearance of enzyme activity after enzyme inactivation showed that increase of NADP-GDH activity was almost totally due to de novo synthesis, ruling out the possibility that enzyme activity modulation is achieved by reversible covalent modification. Enzyme degradation was also measured during steady-state growth and other changes in nitrogen and carbon status of the culture media. In all instances so far estimated, the enzyme was found to be very stable and not normally subject to high rates of degradation. Therefore, the possibility that inactivation was caused by a change in the ratio of synthesis to degradation can be excluded.
Internationalization Strategy of Chinese E-Business Companies

Abstract The e-business market has experienced a speeding development at emerging market. This research aims to identify the corporate-level factors that influence decisions of pursuing an internationalization strategy at e-business companies from emerging market, based on the study of Chinese e-business companies. The Probit model and General Estimation Equation (GEE) estimation are performed to analyze the effect of corporate-level factors on the decisions of internationalization strategy, and the Heckman selection model is further performed to analyze the sample selection of Chinese e-business companies in their strategic decisions. This research will be helpful to managers and administrators of e-business companies from emerging market.
Platelet transfusion: a systematic review of the clinical evidence

Platelet (PLT) transfusion is indicated either prophylactically or therapeutically to reduce the risk of bleeding or to control active bleeding. Significant uncertainty exists regarding the appropriate use of PLT transfusion and the optimal threshold for transfusion in various settings. We formulated 12 key questions to assess the role of PLT transfusion.
Corruption Experience, Corruption Tolerance, and Institutional Trust in East Asian Democracies

This essay revisits the causal relationship between corruption and institutional trust in East Asian democracies. Utilizing recent data from the Asian Barometer surveys, we find that corruption undermines institutional trust, while tolerance of malfeasance mitigates such a detrimental effect. We further explore the conditions under which Asian citizens are more likely to tolerate corruption. Our findings complement the conventional wisdom on the effects of corruption on institutional trust, and shed light on why some citizens in East Asian democracies are able to retain political trust despite the prevalence of corruption.
Comparison between Recreational Male Ironman Triathletes and Marathon Runners

Recent investigations described a personal best marathon time as a predictor variable for an Ironman race time in recreational male Ironman triathletes. Similarities and differences in anthropometry and training were investigated between 83 recreational male Ironman triathletes and 81 recreational male marathoners. Ironman triathletes were significantly taller and had a higher body mass and a higher skin-fold thickness of the calf compared to the marathoners. Weekly training volume in hours was higher in Ironman triathletes. In the Ironman triathletes, percent body fat was related to overall race time and both the split time in cycling and running. The weekly swim kilometres were related to the split time in swimming, and the speed in cycling was related to the bike split time. For the marathoners, the calf skin-fold thickness and running speed during training were related to marathon race time. Although personal best marathon time was a predictor of Ironman race time in male triathletes, anthropometric and training characteristics of male marathoners were different from those of male Ironman triathletes, probably due to training of different muscle groups and metabolic endurance beyond marathon running, as the triathletes are also training for high-level performance in swimming and cycling. Future studies should compare Olympic distance triathletes and road cyclists with Ironman triathletes.
The New Metropolitan Police of Buenos Aires: Officers’ Shared Perceptions on Community Policing and Organizational Practices

ABSTRACT This exploratory research surveys police officers of the city of Buenos Aires who have joined the metropolitan police force. Specifically, it examines the officers’ perceptions of community policing, reasons for joining the forces, and their beliefs concerning the integration of female police officers. Police officers reported solid knowledge about community policing and their role as its instruments. They expressed some doubt that the values of community policing are permeating throughout the organization, and that there was not enough time for officers to actually engage communities. The leadership of the department should focus efforts to ensure that community policing values are instilled throughout the organization, and providing officers with the time needed to develop community relations with the public.
Correlation between overactive bladder symptom score and neuropsychological parameters in Alzheimer’s disease patients with lower urinary tract symptom

ABSTRACT Purpose To examine an association between the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and neuropsychological parameters. Moreover, we investigate the factors that affect each item in the questionnaire. Materials and Methods A total of 376 patients (males: 184; females: 192) with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were recruited. Cognitive testing was conducted using the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), and Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) was assessed using OABSS and voiding diary. Results The prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) (defined as OABSS ≥3 with an urgency score of ≥2) in patients with AD was 72.6%. Among the OAB subjects, the most common severity of symptom was moderate (72.6%), followed by mild (21.2%), and severe (5.8%). It was found that OABSS had a very high correlation with aging (r=0.75; p<0.001). When compared with neuropsychological parameters, it was found that OABSS was highly correlated with the CDR scores (r=0.446; p<0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between the changes in OABSS scores and those in other neuropsychological parameters. Based on the individual symptom scores, urgency incontinence was highly correlated with the CDR scores (r=0.43; p<0.001). Conclusions OABSS is a useful tool in assessing AD patients with LUTS. There was a consistent positive association between OABSS severity, including urgency incontinence, and CDR scores.
To Lag or Not to Lag?: Re-Evaluating the Use of Lagged Dependent Variables in Regression Analysis*

Lagged dependent variables (LDVs) have been used in regression analysis to provide robust estimates of the effects of independent variables, but some research argues that using LDVs in regressions produces negatively biased coefficient estimates, even if the LDV is part of the data-generating process. I demonstrate that these concerns are easily resolved by specifying a regression model that accounts for autocorrelation in the error term. This actually implies that more LDV and lagged independent variables should be included in the specification, not fewer. Including the additional lags yields more accurate parameter estimates, which I demonstrate using the same data-generating process scholars had previously used to argue against including LDVs. I use Monte Carlo simulations to show that this specification returns much more accurate coefficient estimates for independent variables (across a wide range of parameter values) than alternatives considered in earlier research. The simulation results also indicate that improper exclusion of LDVs can lead to severe bias in coefficient estimates. While no panacea, scholars should continue to confidently include LDVs as part of a robust estimation strategy.
Use of medication algorithms in first episode psychosis: a naturalistic observational study

Medical algorithms are evidence‐based guidelines which help physicians to make their decisions regarding treatment. Non‐adherence to medical algorithms is a matter of concern. The aims of this study were to investigate physicians' adherence to an algorithm for antipsychotics, patients' adherence to the physicians' recommendations and whether these factors influence one year outcome.
An investigation of the neurotrophic factor genes GDNF, NGF, and NT3 in susceptibility to ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, highly heritable, neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in early childhood. Genes involved in neuronal development and growth are, thus, important etiological candidates and neurotrophic factors have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF (beta subunit)), and neurotrophic factor 3 (NT3) are members of the neurotrophin family and are involved in the survival, differentiation, and maintenance of neuronal cells. We have examined 10 coding and intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across GDNF, NGF, and NT3 in a family‐based association sample of 120 DSM‐IV ADHD probands and their biological parents, as well as a case‐control analysis with 120 sex‐matched controls. Borderline significant overtransmission of the C allele of a non‐synonymous C/T SNP (rs6330) in NGF which codes an alanine/valine change was found in the family‐based sample (Chi‐square = 3.69, odds ratio (OR) = 1.65, P = 0.05). Although this SNP is located in the 5′ pro‐NGF sequence and not the mature NGF protein, it may affect intracellular processing and secretion of NGF. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Golimumab, an Anti‐Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Human Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

The population pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered golimumab (50 mg or 100 mg every 4 weeks) were characterized in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in GO‐REVEAL, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 study. A total of 2029 serum golimumab concentrations from 337 patients were analyzed using NONMEM. A 1‐compartment pharmacokinetic model with first‐order absorption and elimination was chosen to describe the observed concentration‐time data. For a patient of standard weight (70 kg), the population estimates (typical value ± standard error) for golimumab pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: apparent clearance = 1.38 ± 0.04 L/d, apparent volume of distribution = 24.9 ± 1.04 L, and absorption rate constant = 0.908 ± 0.121 per day. The between‐subject variability was 37.6% in apparent clearance and 37.9% in apparent volume of distribution. Body weight, antibody‐to‐golimumab status, baseline C‐reactive protein level, and smoking status were identified as significant covariates on apparent clearance. Body weight was also a significant covariate on apparent volume of distribution. None of the concomitant medications examined (methotrexate, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs) were significant covariates on apparent clearance, although the median trough golimumab concentration in patients receiving methotrexate was higher than for those not receiving methotrexate. These significant covariates account for part of the variability in systemic exposure to golimumab observed in patients with PsA.
Late diagnosis of HIV infection in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: consequences for AIDS incidence

Objective: To assess the repercussion of late diagnosis of HIV infection on AIDS incidence in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Design: Analysis of AIDS surveillance data. Setting: Spain. Patients: AIDS cases reported from 1994 though 2000. Main outcome measures: Late testers were defined as persons who had a first positive HIV test in the month of or immediately preceding AIDS diagnosis. Their incidence trend was compared against that for the remaining cases, and the influence of demographic factors evaluated. Results: Of 30 778 AIDS cases, 8499 (28%) were late testers, and of these, 1061 (12%) died within 3 months of diagnosis of HIV infection. From 1995 to 2000, AIDS diagnoses declined by 36% among late testers versus 67% for the remainder (P < 0.001). The percentage of late testers increased from 24% in 1994–1996 to 35% in 1998–2000 (P < 0.001). Among the 7825 AIDS cases diagnosed in 1998–2000, late testing was independently associated (P < 0.01) with male sex, age over 44 years, residence in provinces with a lower AIDS incidence, foreign origin, and no record of injecting drug use or prison stay. Conclusions: A growing proportion of AIDS cases involves late diagnosis of HIV infection. Persons who are unaware of their HIV infection cannot benefit from antiretroviral therapy and, hence, early diagnosis would strengthen the impact of such therapy and so reduce AIDS incidence.
Relationship Between Personality Traits, Generativity, and Life Satisfaction in Individuals Attending University Programs for Seniors

Personality traits of older adults and their contribution to life satisfaction and generative interest were assessed. A total of 342 older participants (66% women), mean age = 67.89 years old (SD = 6.52, range = 55–84 years old), who attended the University of the Experience in Salamanca (Spain), were evaluated. Information on sociodemographic data, perceived health and activity, personality traits, generativity, and life satisfaction was collected using self-reported questionnaires. Results confirmed a relation between personality traits, life satisfaction, and generativity. In addition, generative concern, neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness predicted life satisfaction at this stage. Moreover, the role of personality on generativity was confirmed. Individuals with interest and agreeableness toward others, who are organized, persistent, and motivated, are more predisposed to generativity. These results open the way to develop intervention programs that enhance positive personality traits and generative interest to improve quality of life of older people.
Asymmetric Relationship between Investors' Sentiment and Stock Returns: Evidence from a Quantile Non‐Causality Test

This study investigates the causal relationship between investor sentiment and stock returns in the USA by conducting a quantile Granger nonâ€ causality test. Employing two proxies for investor sentiment â€“ the sentiment index developed by Baker and Wurgler in 2007 and the University of Michigan Consumer Survey, a consumer confidence index â€“ we find that the causal relationship between investor sentiment and stock returns strengthens when a tail quantile interval is considered. This finding implies that the investor sentiment could provide the incremental predictability for the stock returns under the extreme market situation, which cannot be found using a traditional Granger causality test. Interestingly, the findings can be explained by investors' loss aversion and herding behavior.
Long-term effect of efavirenz autoinduction on plasma/peripheral blood mononuclear cell drug exposure and CD4 count is influenced by UGT2B7 and CYP2B6 genotypes among HIV patients.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the long-term effect of efavirenz autoinduction on its plasma/peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) exposure and the CD4 count, and the importance of sex and pharmacogenetic variations. METHODS Treatment-naive HIV patients (n = 163) received efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy. Plasma and intracellular (PBMC) concentrations of efavirenz and 8-hydroxyefavirenz were determined at weeks 4 and 16 of antiretroviral therapy. CD4 count was determined at baseline, and at weeks 12, 24 and 48. Genotyping for CYP2B6*6, CYP3A5*3, CYP3A5*6, CYP3A5*7, ABCB1 3435C/T and UGT2B7 (-327G→A, *2) was done. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the median plasma (32%) and intracellular (53%) 8-hydroxyefavirenz concentrations with a decrease in the efavirenz metabolic ratio (MR) (calculated by dividing the concentration of efavirenz by that of 8-hydroxyefavirenz) (20% and 5%, respectively) by week 16 compared with at week 4. While the CYP2B6 genotype significantly influenced efavirenz pharmacokinetics at weeks 4 and 16, the effect of the UGT2B7 genotype and sex was significant only at week 16. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test indicated that the change in 8-hydroxyefavirenz concentration and efavirenz MR over time was significant in females and in CYP2B6*1 and UGT2B7*1 carriers. The intracellular 8-hydroxyefavirenz level at week 16 was a negative predictor of the CD4 count at week 24 (P = 0.03) and at week 48 (P = 0.007). CYP2B6 (P = 0.02) and UGT2B7 (P = 0.05) genotypes predicted the CD4 count at week 48. Among CYP2B6*1/*1 and UGT2B7*1/*1 carriers there was no significant change in the mean CD4 count after week 24, while it continuously increased until week 48 in CYP2B6*6 and UGT2B7*2 carriers. CONCLUSIONS The effects of long-term efavirenz autoinduction on its plasma/PBMC exposure and the CD4 count over time display wide interpatient variability, partly due to sex and CYP2B6 and UGT2B7 genetic variation. Patients with the CYP2B6*1/*1 and UGT2B7*1/*1 genotypes are at risk of suboptimal immune recovery due to pronounced long-term autoinduction.
The Impact of Perceptions of Democratic Decline: Explaining French and German Foreign Policy toward Russia

In the last ten years, Russia’s growing assertiveness in international affairs has morphed into aggression as exemplified in Moscow’s military interventions first in Georgia in 2008 and subsequently in Ukraine in 2014. European countries responded to these events in markedly different ways. Whereas they decided not to implement sanctions against Russia in 2008, they reversed the non-confrontational course and sanctioned many of Russia’s top officials and a variety of businesses in 2014. This dissertation uses discourse analysis to investigate the motivations behind these contrary responses through the examination of French and German foreign policy rhetoric. I argue that explanations based on the realist expectations of balancing behavior, neoliberal institutionalist and liberal accounts highlighting the role of international institutions, and economic and other domestic interests, or constructivist explanations focusing on identity and international norms cannot fully explain French and German responses to Russia’s interventions. Rather, the reversal of their positions on sanctioning Russia can be traced to changes in the perceptions of the French and German policy makers regarding the state of democracy in Russia. Consistent with the logic of democratic peace research, I find that French and German policy makers refrained from taking confrontational action against Russia in 2008 when they perceived it as an emerging democracy but were willing to confront Russia in 2014 when they perceived it to be regressing into authoritarianism. Theoretically, this dissertation demonstrates the importance of perceptions of the target regime, specifically with respect to the democratic peace theory, and suggests that these interpretations apply also to the trajectory of domestic politics in the target state. It expands the scope of democratic peace theory to include transitioning states and argues that democratic foreign policy is not limited to the dyads of
A Tick-Borne Encephalitis Model in Infant Rats Infected With Langat Virus

Abstract Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the causative agent of human TBE, a severe infection that can cause long-lasting neurologic sequelae. Langat virus (LGTV), which is closely related to TBEV, has a low virulence for human hosts and has been used as a live vaccine against TBEV. Tick-borne encephalitis by natural infection of LGTV in humans has not been described, but one of 18,500 LGTV vaccinees developed encephalitis. The pathogenetic mechanisms of TBEV are poorly understood and, currently, no effective therapy is available. We developed an infant rat model of TBE using LGTV as infective agent. Infant Wistar rats were inoculated intracisternally with 106 focus-forming units of LGTV and assessed for clinical disease and neuropathologic findings at Days 2, 4, 7, and 9 after infection. Infection with LGTV led to gait disturbance, hypokinesia, and reduced weight gain or weight loss. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of RANTES, interferon-&ggr;, interferon-&bgr;, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were increased in infected animals. The brains of animals with LGTV encephalitis exhibited characteristic perivascular inflammatory cuffs and glial nodules; immunohistochemistry documented the presence of LGTV in the thalamus, hippocampus, midbrain, frontal pole, and cerebellum. Thus, LGTV meningoencephalitis in infant rats mimics important clinical and histopathologic features of human TBE. This new model provides a tool to investigate disease mechanisms and to evaluate new therapeutic strategies against encephalitogenic flaviviruses.