Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Episodic Non-Linearity And Non-Stationarity In Asean Exchange Rates Returns Series

A method proposed by Hinich and Patterson (1995) is employed in this study to examine the stability of the non-linear dependency structures underlying the exchange rates returns series of four ASEAN countries- Indonesia (IDR), the Philippines (PHP), Singapore (SGD) and Thailand (THB). The bicorrelation test results reveal the episodic and transient nature of these non-linear dependencies, which suggest that they are not persistent enough for investors to benefit from it. By transforming the returns into a set of binary data, the extended test procedure demonstrates that, while the GARCH-type models are commonly applied to financial time series such as exchange rates, they cannot provide an adequate characterization for the underlying process of IDR, PHP and THB bilateral exchange rates. Further investigation reveals that the violation of the covariance stationarity assumption as required by the GARCH process is due to the presence of episodic non-stationarity in the data. Given the prevalence of these episodic transient features across financial markets in the world, there is the need for researchers to take into account these salient features in their model construction.
The Effect of Analysts' Disaggregated Forecasts on Investors and Managers: Evidence Using Pre-Tax Forecasts

I examine whether analysts' tax forecasts are informative to investors and whether analysts' tax forecasts impact firm behavior. Using I/B/E/S data from 2002–2014, I find that investors utilize both analysts' pre- and after-tax earnings forecasts in evaluating firm performance, indicating analysts' tax forecasts are value-relevant. Furthermore, evidence that investors discount earnings management through the income tax expense is limited to firms with tax forecast coverage. In examining the impact of analysts' tax forecasts on firm behavior, I find analysts' tax forecast coverage is positively associated with quantitative and qualitative tax footnote disclosure. The results suggest that analysts' tax forecasts are value-relevant and that analysts' tax coverage impacts firm decisions related to the income tax expense account. This evidence informs academics and practitioners as to the role of analysts' tax forecasts.
INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG AFRICAN PASTORALISTS: THE DATOGA OF TANZANIA

Breast-feeding and weaning practices were observed for a cohort of 81 children under 3 years of age in the context of a longitudinal study of social, ecological and nutritional factors affecting growth in a semi-nomadic population of pastoralists in northern Tanzania (WaDatoga of Mbulu District). The adequacy of indigenous infant and young child feeding practices was assessed in relation to current international recommendations. Objectives were to provide baseline data for future investigations of any changes in young child feeding practices which accompany population shifts towards settlement and non-pastoral modes of subsistence, and to improve understanding of the strengths and limitations of indigenous feeding practices in this type of population. It was found that while breast-feeding was universally initiated, other aspects of young child feeding practices do not meet current international recommendations. Prelacteal feeds are commonly used, supplementary feeding with non-human milks usually occurs before 4 months of age, use of solid foods normally begins later than 6 months, and breast-feeding does not continue until 2 years of age for the majority of children. The data have implications for the design of breast-feeding promotion and improved weaning food interventions among African pastoralists.
Folic acid awareness among female college students: neural tube defects prevention.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the level of awareness among female college students on the importance of preconception folic acid supplementation in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). We have also studied their response after educating them. METHODS This is a questionnaire-based study. Five hundreds questionnaires were distributed to the female students of the 3 colleges, namely, Humanities, Sciences, and Health in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2008. The questions included an enquiry on their knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid preconception, and if they will implement what they learned after listening to lectures, delivered by the 4th year medical students, who were trained and supervised by the faculty members of the King Abdul-Aziz University. RESULTS Two hundred and seventeen questionnaires were filled, and returned (43.4%). Mean age +/- SD was 20.96 +/- 2.25 years. Almost 88% were not aware of the importance of folic acid in preventing NTDs. After listening to the lecture, 82.9% thought that they will surely use folic acid preconception, and 98.6% will relay the important message about the importance of folic acid to others. CONCLUSION There is a need to increase the awareness of the importance of folic acid among females' childbearing age. Medical students' involvement in educating college students was an effective way to increase their awareness. Similar educating programs are required, in order to reduce the high incidence of NTDs.
Inflammatory cytokines in eyes with uveal melanoma and relation with macrophage infiltration.

PURPOSE The presence of an inflammatory phenotype, characterized by an increased expression of HLA antigens and an immunologic infiltrate, carries a bad prognosis in uveal melanoma. This study was conducted to determine whether the aqueous humor (AqH) from eyes with uveal melanoma contains inflammatory cytokines and whether their presence is associated with inflammation. METHODS Immediately after enucleation, AqH was obtained from 37 eyes containing uveal melanoma. Samples were stored at -80°C until use. Fifteen different cytokines were measured with a multiplex bead array. Intratumoral macrophages were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. The presence of specific cytokines was compared with histopathologic, genetic, and clinical tumor characteristics, as well as patient survival. RESULTS Several cytokines showed significantly higher expression in the AqH of uveal melanoma-containing eyes than in the AqH of eyes undergoing cataract surgery. MCP-3 was associated with the presence of CD68(+) macrophages. Correlations were found between some cytokine levels and a few known prognostic factors of uveal melanoma, but cytokine levels were not of predictive value for survival. CONCLUSIONS Uveal melanoma-containing eyes often carry increased levels of inflammation-related cytokines in their AqH. However, the presence of most specific cytokines was not related to the presence of macrophages, clinical or histopathologic parameters, or prognosis.
Differential effect of baseline adiponectin on all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients depending on initial body mass index. Long-term follow-up data of 4.5 years.

OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the interaction of adiponectin levels and body mass index (BMI) for predicting all-cause mortality in a cohort of hemodialysis (HD) patients. DESIGN Longitudinal, observational cohort study. SETTING HD unit. SUBJECTS Sixty patients (mean age: 64 ± 13 years, 39 men) with end-stage renal disease on maintenance HD followed up for 4.5 years represented the prospective study cohort. INTERVENTION Associations between baseline plasma adiponectin levels and initial BMI with all-cause mortality were assessed taking into account the assumption of nonlinear correlations. The association between adiponectin, BMI, and serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with survival was determined cross-sectionally. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE All-cause mortality. RESULTS Nonlinear survival modeling showed that there was a U-shaped association of BMI with all-cause mortality, whereas there was an inverse U-shaped association for plasma adiponectin levels. Using a BMI of 24 kg/m(2) as a cutoff, an interaction effect of BMI on the association between adiponectin and mortality was observed (P = .045). In participants with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m(2), each 15 μg/mL increase in plasma adiponectin levels was associated with a decreased hazard of death (hazard ratio: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.99) in unadjusted analysis. In HD patients with BMI < 24 kg/m(2), no significant association was observed between adiponectin and mortality (P = .989). Cross-sectional analysis showed that in the subgroup of patients in whom the protective effect of adiponectin was observed (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m(2)), a positive linear association existed between adiponectin and IL-10 levels (r = 0.345, P = .027) as well as a negative association with IL-6 levels (r = -0.322, P = .040). No association was observed in patients with BMI < 24 kg/m(2), neither with IL-10 nor with IL-6. CONCLUSIONS Obesity possibly modifies the effect of adiponectin on all-cause mortality in HD patients, thus explaining the published conflicting results in recent literature regarding the association of plasma adiponectin levels and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients.
The Role of Scientific Advice in Innovation Policy Making

Many of the policy issues that governments need to consider in their economic development plans strongly depend on the input of scientists. Scientific advice, risk assessment or management guidelines for policy makers can change the policy profiles and their impact on the economy and society. How does a science system supporting policy design and implementation work? What kind of measures can strengthen the science base for policy making? How can governments support science in research aimed at providing evidence needed for the implementation of an evidence-based policy approach? All these issues have been addressed by both national and regional governments, and they are also included in the innovation policy agenda of the European Union. One of the objectives of the bloc’s Innovation Union initiative, which is the flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy, is to strengthen the science base for policy making in the EU. Thus, great emphasis is placed on the role of science in providing the input for designing and implementing policies at both the European and country levels. This paper aims to explain the rationale behind the stronger involvement of science in the policy making process and to identify the channels through which science contributes to devising comprehensive and pro-active research and innovation policies. This paper is of a conceptual nature. The main research question addressed is: what is the conceptual framework for assessing the impact of science-based policies on innovation?
Ion‐exchange macroporous hydrophilic gel monolith with grafted polymer brushes

The grafting of functional polymers to the pore surface of macroporous monolithic polyacrylamide cryogels was found to be an efficient and convenient method for the preparation of macroporous polyacrylamide gels, so‐called cryogels (pAAm cryogels), with both controlled extent of functional group incorporated and with tailored surface chemistries. Anion‐exchange polymer chains of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) and poly([2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]‐trimethylammonium chloride) (pMETA), and cation‐exchange polymer chains of polyacrylate have been grafted onto pAAm cryogels using potassium diperiodatocuprate as initiator. It was possible to achieve the ion‐exchange capacity up to 0.2–0.5 mmol/ml. The graft polymerization did not alter the macroporous structure of the pAAm cryogel, however the flow rate of solutes through the cryogel matrix decreased with increase in the density of polymer grafted. The sorption of low‐molecular‐weight (metal ion, dye) and high‐molecular‐weight (protein) substances on the grafted monolithic pAAm column has been studied. The results indicate that a ‘tentacle’‐type binding of protein to grafted polymer depended on the architecture of the grafted polymer layer and took place after a certain degree of grafting has been reached. The binding of proteins by tentacle‐like polymer chains allowed for increasing the binding capacity for proteins on the grafted pAAm cryogels up to 6–12 mg/ml. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The male sling for post-prostatectomy incontinence: mean followup of 18 months.

PURPOSE We review our experience with 42 consecutive patients undergoing the bone anchored male sling procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed, and complete data and followup were available in 38 of the 42 patients. Success was defined as wearing 1 thin pad or less per day, or social continence. Variables such as severity of incontinence, age, detrusor overactivity, previous artificial urinary sphincter, history of radiation and intraoperative flow pressures were analyzed for success and risk of failure. RESULTS With a mean followup of 18 months (range 6 to 26), 39.5% (15 of 38) were considered a success (socially continent). A statistically significant trend in the degree of preoperative incontinence predicting success was identified. Social continence in mild, moderate and severe cases was achieved in 67%, 50% and 0%, respectively (p =0.001/95% CI). Only 15.8% of patients were completely dry and not wearing pads. Significant perineal pain was reported in the early postoperative period but resolved in all patients. Infection occurred in 3 patients with erosion found in 1. CONCLUSIONS Although these results are not as encouraging as previous reports, carefully selected patients with mild to moderate incontinence are good candidates for the male sling. Patients with a history of radiation, previous artificial urinary sphincter or severe incontinence should be counseled about the higher risk of treatment failure. Patients should be informed of the possibility of progressive failure with time and the occurrence of significant perineal pain in the early postoperative period.
Causes and Impacts of Remittances: Household Survey Evidence from Egypt

This research provides a qualitative and empirical investigation of the microeconomic causes and impacts of remittances in Egypt. We use data from a field study, involving interviews of 304 remittance-receiving families across 16 Egyptian governorates during May 2015–May 2016. Our Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Tobit regressions show that the duration of migration, migrant’s age, household income, and household head’s job are the most important predictors of the level of remittances. The first three variables induce the value of received remittances, while the final variable, household head’s job, acts to the contrary and reduces remittances. In terms of remittances allocation, everyday expenses and real estate investments absorb the vast majority of channeled remittances. Most of the respondents (85%) do not invest remittances, and those who invest remittances mainly reside in Upper and Lower Egypt due to the low living costs in these regions.
Maintaining social cultural dominance through intergroup helping: A critical discourse analysis of an international fundraising campaign

A British coffee chain’s fundraising campaign constitutes a background for this study to examine the underlying ideologies behind British charitable giving. The chosen charity executes projects in ‘developing countries’ by providing education for children in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The inter-group relations that are mediated by the campaign -the poor versus wealthy, the empowered versus the oppressed, the colonizer versus the victim- allows us to investigate charitable behaviour from inter-group perspective through the prism of power and inequality. The study takes a critical stance from a discursive paradigmatic perspective to analyse visual contents used in the campaign. The applied visual critical discourse analysis was inspired by Barthes’s semiotic theory. Findings revealed that the adverts’ interpretative repertoires serve ideologies that sustain the donors’ social-cultural dominance over the recipients by justifying group-based social hierarchies. The chains of signifiers do not question donors moral position but rationalise status quo and maintain undisturbed consumption. Findings suggest the possibility that prosocial behaviour that is incited under consuming conditions do not challenge but reconstruct and eventually sustain global inequality.
The Roles of Lipocalin-2 in Small-for-Size Fatty Liver Graft Injury

Objective:To investigate the roles and underlying mechanism of an inflammatory mediator—lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) in small-for-size fatty graft liver injury. Background:Understanding of the distinct mechanism regulating small-for-size fatty liver graft injury will be crucial to prevent marginal graft failure during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods:The roles of Lcn2 in small fatty graft injury were investigated in orthotopic liver transplantation model rats, human LDLT samples, an in vitro simulated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model, and a hepatic ischemic reperfusion plus major hepatectomy (IR + H) model in mice. Results:Our result showed that Lcn2 was significantly upregulated together with elevation of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) and activation/infiltration of intragraft macrophages after liver transplantation using small-for-size fatty liver graft compared with that of using small-for-size normal liver graft. Intragraft and plasma levels of Lcn2 were intensified in patients who underwent transplantation with small-for-size fatty graft after LDLT. Lcn2 and CXCL10 were expressed higher in fatty hepatocytes after the simulated IR injury compared with normal hepatocytes. Overexpression of Lcn2 significantly deteriorated IR + H–induced hepatic injury in correlation with upregulation of CXCL10 and augmentation of infiltrated macrophages. On the contrary, hepatic injury of small fatty liver remnant after IR + H operation was attenuated in the Lcn-2−/− mice because of suppression of CXCL10 expression and diminishment of macrophage infiltration. Conclusions:Lcn2 is an important regulator in small-for-size fatty liver graft injury and targeting Lcn2 may be feasible for preventing marginal graft failure in LDLT.
Weigh your words - memory-based lemmatization for Middle Dutch

This article deals with the lemmatization of Middle Dutch literature. This text collection—like any other medieval corpus—is characterized by an enormous spelling variation, which makes it difficult to perform a computational analysis of this kind of data. Lemmatization is therefore an essential preprocessing step in many applications, since it allows the abstraction from superficial textual variation, for instance in spelling. The data we will work with is the Corpus-Gysseling, containing all surviving Middle Dutch literary manuscripts dated before 1300 AD. In this article we shall present a language-independent system that can ‘learn’ intra-lemma spelling variation. We describe a series of experiments with this system, using Memory-Based Machine Learning and propose two solutions for the lemmatization of our data: the first procedure attempts to generate new spelling variants, the second one seeks to implement a novel string distance metric to better detect spelling variants. The latter system attempts to rerank candidates suggested by a classic Levenshtein distance, leading to a substantial gain in lemmatization accuracy. This research result is encouraging and means a substantial step forward in the computational study of Middle Dutch literature. Our techniques might be of interest to other research domains as well because of their language-independent nature. 1 Spelling Variation in Middle Dutch Middle Dutch is a typical example of a historical language displaying a considerable amount of spelling variation (Van der Voort van der Kleij, 2005; Ernst-Gerlach and Fuhr, 2006; Kestemont and Van Dalen-Oskam, 2009; Souvay and Pierrel, 2009). Especially before the advent of the printing press, there existed no standard language variety of Dutch, let alone a standard spelling. As such, medieval Dutch spelling was generally highly phonological and ‘personal’ in nature, since it would represent each writer’s own dialectal pronunciation and local spelling habits. That is why even highly frequent words could be spelled in very different ways, reflecting the abundant variety of dialects and local substandards then found in the Low Countries (Fig. 1). This spelling variation makes it difficult to process medieval texts in any computational application. For instance for authorship attribution, it Correspondence: Mike Kestemont, Universiteit Antwerpen, Stadscampus, Prinsstraat 13, Room D.118, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium. E-mail: mike.kestemont@ua.ac. be Literary and Linguistic Computing, Vol. 25, No. 3, 2010. The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ALLC and ACH. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org 287 doi:10.1093/llc/fqq011 Advance Access published on 4 August 2010 at U nivrsiteit Antw epen Bibotheek on Agust 0, 2010 llc.oxfjournals. org D ow naded rom
Training and Detraining Effects of the Resistance vs. Endurance Program on Body Composition, Body Size, and Physical Performance in Young Men

Lo, MS, Lin, LLC, Yao, W-J, and Ma, M-C. Training and detraining effects of the resistance vs. endurance program on body composition, body size, and physical performance in young men. J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2246-2254, 2011—The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the body composition, body size, muscle strength, and &OV0312;O2max after 24 weeks of resistance or endurance training and detraining in young men. Thirty healthy college-aged men (20.4 ± 1.36 years) participated in the study. Subjects were assigned to resistance training group (RTG, n = 10), endurance training group (ETG, n = 10), and control group (CG, n = 10). The training program consisted of running or weight-resistance exercise for 3 sessions per week under supervision. &OV0312;O2max, upper and lower body strength (UBS, LBS), body fat, lean body mass, and body circumference were measured at baseline and after training and detraining. After the training period, the exercise groups demonstrated significant increases in &OV0312;O2max and LBS (p < 0.05). The UBS, lean mass (LM), and body size of arm and calf were significantly greater in the RTG than in the other 2 groups (p<0.05). In addition, the strength and LM of the RTG were still greater than the baseline values after 24 weeks of detraining (p < 0.05). The conclusions of this study are (a) that endurance or resistance training alone led to training-specific improvements in physical performance, body composition, and body size of the arms for the young men examined and (b) that the RTG maintained the gains in strength and LM for more prolonged periods after training ceased than the endurance training group.
A nanowire gauge factor extraction method for material comparison and in-line monitoring

We propose a new non-destructive extraction method of gauge factor (GF) of nanowires (NW) for in-line monitoring of this parameter and piezoresistive material properties comparisons. Unlike destructive conventional techniques which also suffer from reproducibility issues, this method allows a direct measurement of the GF locally at the nanoscale and at the wafer level. GFs have been reliably measured on a wide range of silicon-based NEMS resonators with different designs, crystalline structures and doping levels. For monocrystalline devices, the extracted values are in good agreement with typical values obtained for NWs fabricated with well-controlled top-down processes. These values are also compared with polysilicon (polySi) NEMS, which look promising for low cost solutions.