Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Somalia

This study examines determinants of foreign direct investment in Somalia, measured foreign direct investment inflow (FDI). Used time series data obtained from World Bank and SESRIC for a period of 41 years that is 1970 to 2010. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was used for the unit root test and ordinary Least Square statistical technique was used to assess the degree of influence the variables have on each other. The results show a negative and significant relationship in exchange rate and FDI, while, a positive and significant relationship is observed between inflation, external debt and domestic investment of FDI. Also a negative but insignificant relationship is observed between lack of government and gross domestic product FDI. Therefore, there is need for the government to retain tight monetary and fiscal policies in order to attract foreign direct investment. This study therefore recommends that central bank of Somalia should control the fluctuations of the exchange rate in order to increase the FDI. Since the inflation is higher, the study also recommends having a good government to recover the financial institutions that manage the monetary policy of Somalia.
Biological Effects of Eleven Combined Oral Contraceptives on Serum Triglycerides, γ-Glutamyltransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubin and other Biochemical Variables

Abstract The objectives of this paper are to update and quantify the biological effects of the most commonly used oral contraceptives (OC) on 15 biochemical tests currently determined in clinical laboratories and to compare these effects between the different types of OC. The sample population was constituted by 1604 women using combined OCs and the control group comprised 3466 women in the same age range not taking medication. Women taking OC were divided into 11 groups according to the estrogen/progestogen combination. The effects of OCs were studied after adjustment for age, weight, height, body mass index and alcohol and tobacco consumption. The changes observed with the new progestogens were less important than in the past. In comparison with the controls, the mean serum triglyceride concentration was significantly increased by ＋8.5 % to ＋36.0 % (p<0.05 to p<0.001) in each group while those of total cholesterol and γ-glutamyltransferase were increased only in 3 and 4 estrogen/progestogen combinations respectively. Conversely, the mean concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, phosphate and albumin were significantly decreased. Using a discriminant analysis, three main groups according to the type of progestogen were defined: cyproterone acetate, DL-norgestrel and levonorgestrel, and all other progestogens. The changes in serum triglyceride concentration induced by OC intake must be considered by the clinician and are useful for taking a clinical and risk decision in an individual woman.
Differential viral loads of human papillomavirus 16 and 58 infections in the spectrum of cervical carcinogenesis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) load was reported to be related to the severity of cervical neoplasia but with controversy. The viral load–disease severity relationship was showed in HPV 16, but no study was made in HPV 58, the second most prevalent HPV in cervical cancer in East Asia. We studied cervical HPV loads in HPV 16– and HPV 58–infected cases of normal, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), and invasive cervical cancer (CC) by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) with type-specific primers in defined cell number. With the exception of HPV 16 infection in normal, viral loads varied greatly in each disease regardless of genotypes. The load of HPV 16 differed significantly among disease severities, with a dramatic increase from normal (1.14 ± 2.25 copies/cell) to LSIL, HSIL, and CC (1599 ± 2301, 7489 ± 24,087 and 1878 ± 2979 copies/cell, respectively) (P < 0.01). No significant difference was noted among different HPV 58 infections, with loads in normal, LSIL, HSIL, and CC of 503 ± 641, 7951 ± 27,557, 353 ± 744, and 1139 ± 2895 copies/cell, respectively. In comparison with HPV 16, HPV 58 subclinical infection confers a significant higher load (P < 0.01). Different HPV types behave differentially in the spectrum of cervical carcinogenesis. Unlike HPV 16, the infection load of HPV 58 does not correlate to the clinical severity. The wide variation of HPV loads among different HPV types and among squamous intraepithelial lesions and CC makes the viral load test unrealistic in differentiating different severities of cervical neoplasia.
Etiology of ischemic stroke among young adults of Serbia.

BACKGROUND/AIM Etiology of ischemic stroke (IS) among young adults varies among countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the causes and risk factors of IS in the young adults of Serbia. METHODS A total of 865 patients with IS, aged 15 to 45 years, were treated throughout the period 1989-2005. Etiologic diagnostic tests were performed on the patient by the patient basis and according to their availability at the time of investigation. The most likely cause of stroke was categorized according to the TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria. RESULTS There were 486 men and 379 women, with 19% of the patients < or = 30 years old. Large artery arteriosclerosis and small artery disease were confirmed in 14% of the patients, and embolism and other determined causes in 20%. Undetermined causes made up 32% of the patients, mostly those (26%) with incomplete investigations. Smoking (37%), hypertension (35%) and hyperlipidemia (35%) were the most common risk factors. Rheumatic heart diseases and prosthetic valves were the most common causes of IS. Arterial dissections and coagulation inhibitors deficiency were detected in a small number of patients. CONCLUSION Etiology of IS among Serbian young adults shares characteristics of those in both western and less developed countries.
Phase II study of pemetrexed as second or third line combined chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE To investigate the safety and efficacy of pemetrexed combined with chemotherapy as second or third line in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS This trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pemetrexed given to patients with recurrent or metastatic colorectal carcinoma who previously received 5-FU-based chemotherapy. All patients were required to have a histological diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma with measurable metastatic disease and prior chemotherapy. Patients received pemetrexed at a dose of 500 mg/m2 by 10 minute infusion on day 1, repeated every 21 days. Doses were modified depending on nadir counts. Combined chemotherapy included Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan and cis-platinum. RESULTS Thirty patients were enrolled and twenty-nine were evaluable for response. One patient did not have repeat radiological testing to determine response because he went off study after only one cycle of treatment for economic reasons. For 29 evaluable patients, 1 partial response, 6 stable disease and 22 progressive disease were recorded. Response rate was 3.45% (1/29). All responses occurred in patients receiving a starting dose of pemetrexed 500 mg/m2. Median time to progression for all eligible patients was 2.5 months. The most common toxicities experienced were mild to moderate fever, hepatic damage, myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and skin rash. CONCLUSION Pemetrexed at 500 mg/m2 given every three weeks combined with chemotherapy is associated with moderate response and good tolerability in patients with stage IV CRC.
Pediatric Tuberculosis: The Litmus Test for Tuberculosis Control

Background: The epidemiology of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) from 1995 to 2000 in Harris County, TX, has been previously reported. This study was conducted to evaluate the continued trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clustering and the role of genotyping in pediatric TB. Methods: Data came from the Houston Tuberculosis Initiative, a prospective population-based active surveillance and molecular epidemiology project. The study population consisted of TB patients ⩽18 years of age diagnosed in Harris County, TX, from 2000 to 2004. Available Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were characterized by insertion sequence 6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism and spoligotyping. Results: One hundred three pediatric TB cases were enrolled in the Houston Tuberculosis Initiative study from 2000 to 2004. Sixty-one (59%) patients had potential source cases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were available and genotyped for 36 pediatric cases; 27 (75%) were clustered into 22 different genotypes. Of the 20 genotyped patients with a potential source case, 16 (80%) were clustered. Genotypes matched the potential source case in 12 cases. Eleven of the 16 (69%) genotyped patients without a potential source case were clustered. Conclusions: Compared with pediatric cases between 1995 and 2000, there was a significant increase in the number of patients with unknown potential source cases that were clustered within the Houston Tuberculosis Initiative database. Because genotypic clustering is associated with recent transmission, there appears to be a failure in the identification of potential source cases through contact tracing. Reduced funding of public health departments forces more limited TB control activities and therefore could pose a threat to TB control.
Dose‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A activity by clarithromycin during Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy assessed by changes in plasma lansoprazole levels and partial cortisol clearance to 6β‐hydroxycortisol

A 7‐day triple therapy with lansoprazole, amoxicillin (INN, amoxicilline), and clarithromycin is widely used for eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Because clarithromycin is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, we investigatedwhether the standard triple therapy with clarithromycin would elicit clinically relevant CYP3A inhibition and alter CYP3A‐mediated lansoprazole disposition in H pylori‐positive patients.
The effect of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act on firm productivity

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effect of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX), which was signed by President George W. Bush and came into effect on July 30, 2002, on firm productivity. Design/methodology/approach The authors use the total factor productivity (TFP) as our measure of firm productivity. Findings Analyzing annual firm-level data from the Compustat database for the period of 1991-2006, the authors find that firm productivity increases at a higher rate in the post-SOX period. The results indicate that, although firms incur significant costs in complying with the requirements of the SOX, they also benefit from these requirements as evidenced by the improved productivity over time post-SOX. There is also a shift in the output elasticities from capital toward labor. The SOX has a positive effect on the output elasticity of labor but a negative impact on that of capital. Research limitations/implications The results have the following important implications. The SOX is a value-enhancing regulation in that it not only strengthens a firm’s corporate governance but also improves its productivity. However, compliance with the SOX can impose a long-term cost on firms: the decrease in the capital investment, leading to a decline in the output elasticity of capital. If this decline in the capital investment continues, it can have an adverse effect on firm productivity in the long term. Originality/value This paper extends the literature along the line of the actual operational effects of the SOX regulation by examining its effect on the productivity of firms.
Optimum filler geometry for suppression of moisture diffusion in molding compounds

Inorganic fillers, such as fused silica or organic clay, help tailor/co-optimize the mechanical toughness, thermal conductivity, and moisture diffusivity of polymer mold compounds used to package microelectronic integrated circuits. Despite long history and wide-spread current use, the optimization of filler-infused composites is generally empirical and therefore time-consuming. A physics-based predictive modeling will improve application-specific design of composites that would offer optimum performance and reliability. As an illustrative example, in this paper, we develop a general theory of polymer composites that anticipates the suppression of moisture diffusion as a function of fill-fraction, size-dispersion, shape, and topology of filler nanoparticles. Our results show that the best performance is obtained by incorporation rod-shaped fillers, randomly closed packed at maximum density (~60%). Our numerical results are succinctly captured by the analytical model based on generalized Maxwell Garnett effective medium theory. The analytical model can be used for initial optimization of mold compounds before large-scale numerical modeling is invoked and characterization experiments are designed.
Biofilm development and toxic compound resistance in Lactococcus lactus

Bile acid resistance by Lactococcus lactis depends on the ABC type multidrug transporter LmrCD. Upon the deletion of the lmrCD genes, cells can re-acquire bile acid resistance upon prolonged exposure to cholate yielding the ∆ lmrCD r strain. The resistance mechanism in this strain is non-transporter based. Instead, cells show a high tendency to flocculate suggesting cell surface alterations. Contact angle measurements demonstrate that the ∆ lmrCD r cells is equipped with an increased cell surface hydrophilicity as compared to the parental and wild type strain, while the surface hydrophilicity is reduced in the presence of cholate. ∆ lmrCD r cells are poor in biofilm formation on a hydrophobic polystyrene surface, but in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of cholate, biofilm formation is strongly stimulated. Biofilm cells show an enhanced extracellular polymeric substance production and are highly resistant to bile acids. These data suggest that the non-transporter based cholate resistance in L. lactis is due to alterations in the cell surface that stimulate cells to form resistant biofilms.
Investor Attention and Global Stock Returns

ABSTRACT The author constructs a direct measure of investor attention toward global benchmark indices using Google search volume and empirically examines its impact on stock returns. The author documents a significant decrease in index returns following an increase in investor attention. This result is consistent with the investor recognition hypothesis (Merton [1987]) and the finding of no-media premium in the United States (Fang and Peress [2009]). Additional tests suggest that the attention effect may be attributable to local and U.S. investors. Finally, such negative effect of attention is found to be strengthened (weaken) in the market with positive (negative) sentiments.
An Adaptive Diversity-Based Ensemble Method for Binary Classification

This paper proposes a novel ensemble method to improve the performance of binary classification. The proposed method is a non-linear combination of base models and an application of adaptive selection of the most suitable model for each data instance. Ensemble methods, an important type of machine learning technique, have drawn a lot of attention in both academic research and practical applications, and they use multiple single models to construct a hybrid model. A hybrid model generally performs better compared to a single individual model. The proposed approach in this paper based on a hybrid model has been validated on Repeat Buyers Prediction dataset, and the experiment results show up to 18.5% improvement on F1 score, compared to the best individual model. In addition, the proposed method outperforms two other commonly used ensemble methods (Averaging and Stacking) in terms of improved F1 score.
A Controlled Treatment Study of Internal Memory Strategies (I‐MEMS) Following Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of participation in a memory group intervention focusing on internal strategy use on persons with traumatic brain injury–related memory impairment. ParticipantsNinety-four adults with traumatic brain injury (54 in the experimental group and 40 controls) and resulting memory impairment, with severities ranging from mild to severe. All participants were at least 18 years of age at the time of injury and at least 1 year post injury at the time of study. DesignNon randomized pre/posttest group comparison design. Main Outcome MeasuresHopkins Verbal Learning Test—Revised and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test II. ResultsParticipation in the memory group intervention was associated with improved memory performance immediately postintervention, and improvements were maintained 1 month postintervention. Severe injury was associated with less improvement in memory outcomes than mild and moderate injuries. Age and preinjury education were not related to outcome. ConclusionsIndividuals with traumatic brain injury may benefit from memory group intervention focusing on internal strategy use. Study hypotheses should be retested using a randomized, controlled design, and further research is needed to better delineate influences on intervention candidacy and outcomes.
Implication of Bemisia tabaci Heat Shock Protein 70 in Begomovirus-Whitefly Interactions

ABSTRACT The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a major cosmopolitan pest capable of feeding on hundreds of plant species and transmits several major plant viruses. The most important and widespread viruses vectored by B. tabaci are in the genus Begomovirus, an unusual group of plant viruses owing to their small, single-stranded DNA genome and geminate particle morphology. B. tabaci transmits begomoviruses in a persistent circulative nonpropagative manner. Evidence suggests that the whitefly vector encounters deleterious effects following Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) ingestion and retention. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular basis underlying these coevolved begomovirus-whitefly interactions. To elucidate these interactions, we undertook a study using B. tabaci microarrays to specifically describe the responses of the transcriptomes of whole insects and dissected midguts following TYLCV acquisition and retention. Microarray, real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses indicated that B. tabaci heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) specifically responded to the presence of the monopartite TYLCV and the bipartite Squash leaf curl virus. Immunocapture PCR, protein coimmunoprecipitation, and virus overlay protein binding assays showed in vitro interaction between TYLCV and HSP70. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunolocalization showed colocalization of TYLCV and the bipartite Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus virions and HSP70 within midgut epithelial cells. Finally, membrane feeding of whiteflies with anti-HSP70 antibodies and TYLCV virions showed an increase in TYLCV transmission, suggesting an inhibitory role for HSP70 in virus transmission, a role that might be related to protection against begomoviruses while translocating in the whitefly.
The Swedish Exception

In the years after the First World War, democratic revisionists waged a war for the soul and the future of the international socialist movement. Confronted with an exhausted orthodox Marxism and a rising radical right, the sharpest revisionists developed a new strategy for the left based on state control of the market and communitarian appeals. Although these insurgents gained followers in countries across Europe, they were unable to capture control of any major socialist party on the continent. Only in Scandinavia – and particularly in Sweden – did socialists embrace the new course wholeheartedly. And it was thus only in Sweden that socialists were able to outmaneuver the radical right and cement a stable majority coalition, escaping the collapse of the left and democracy that occurred elsewhere in Europe. The key to understanding the Swedish SAP's remarkable success in the interwar years lies in the triumph of democratic revisionism several decades earlier. Democratic Revisionism in Sweden From its inception, the SAP's view of Marxism was flexible and undogmatic, a stance facilitated by the party's peripheral position in the international socialist movement and by the long-term leadership of Hjalmar Branting (the SAP's leader from its founding in 1889 to his death in 1925). Branting was a democratic revisionist through and through, and, having started his career in liberal circles, his views were shaped by his continuing relationship with them; this not only allowed for extensive cooperation between socialists and liberals, but also manifested itself in Branting's conviction that socialism was the next logical step toward liberalism's completion.
Positive and negative regulations by FGF8 contribute to midbrain roof plate developmental plasticity

The roof plate (RP) of the midbrain shows an unusual plasticity, as it is duplicated or interrupted by experimental manipulations involving the mid/hindbrain organizer or FGF8. In previous experiments, we have found that FGF8 induces a local patterning center, the isthmic node, that is essential for the local development of a RP. Here, we show that the plasticity of the midbrain RP derives from two apparently antagonistic influences of FGF8. On the one hand, FGF8 widens beyond the neural folds the competence of the neuroepithelium to develop a RP by inducing the expression of LMX1B and WNT1. Ectopic overexpression of these two factors is sufficient to induce widely the expression of markers of the mature RP in the midbrain. On the other hand, FGF8 exerts a major destabilizing influence on RP maturation by controlling signaling by members of the TGFβ superfamily belonging to the BMP, GDF and activin subgroups. We show in particular that FGF8 tightly modulates follistatin expression, thus progressively restraining the inhibitory influence of activin B on RP differentiation. These regulations, together with FGF8 triggered apoptosis, allow the formation of a RP progress zone at some distance from the FGF8 source. Posterior elongation of the RP is permitted when the source of FGF8 withdraws. Growth of the posterior midbrain neuroepithelium and convergent extension movements induced by FGF8 both contribute to increase the distance between the source of FGF8 and the maturing RP. Normally, the antagonistic regulatory interactions spread smoothly across the midbrain. Plasticity of midbrain RP differentiation probably results from an experimentally induced imbalance between regulatory pathways.
Pengaruh Return On Equity, Current Ratio, dan Earning Per Share terhadap Kebijakan Dividen pada Perusahaan Keuangan

Kebijakan dividen merupakan keputusan Keuangan yang dilakukan oleh perusahaan. Agar dapat membagikan dividen perusahaan harus memperoleh keuntungan dengan memperhatikan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kebijakan dividen. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh return on equity, current ratio dan earning per share terhadap kebijakan dividen. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada perusahaan sektor Keuangan yang terdaftar di BEI. Jumlah sampel yang diambil sebanyak 10 sampel perusahaan dalam kurun waktu 3 tahun (2011-2013), dengan metode purposive sampling. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara observasi non partisipan. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis linier berganda. Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang dilakukan ditemukan bahwa return on equity, current ratio dan earning per share secara simultan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kebijakan dividen. return on equity secara parsial berpengaruh positif namun tidak signifikan terhadap kebijakan dividen. current ratio secara parsial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kebijakan dividen. earning per share secara parsial berpengaruh positif namun tidak signifikan terhadap kebijakan dividen. Kata kunci : Return On Equity, Current Ratio, Earnings Per Share, Kebijakan Dividen.