Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Takeover activity and the long-run performance of reverse leveraged buyouts

This study examines the long-term stock price performance of firms that experience a reverse leveraged buyout (LBO), and further explores the high incidence of takeover activity that occurs within this group of firms. The initial motivation for this paper was based on recent evidence showing that over a three year period an investment in a typical initial public offering (IPO) underperforms an investment in the seasoned stock of a firm of similar size and industry. Our study shows that the return performance of reverse LBOs behaves quite differently from those of IPOs. From a sample of 85 firms that had a reverse LBO during the period 1983-1988, we measure the return performance over the three-year period beginning one day after the firm goes public. Regardless of the method used to adjust returns, the sample records significantly positive cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) over the initial two-year trading period. We also find that the number of sample firms falls from 85 to just 48 by the end of the third year. Further investigation shows that 33 of the 37 "delisted" firms (38.8%) were taken over within three years after going public. In contrast, a group of 425 "comparable firms" experienced a takeover rate of just 12.1% over the same time period. Shareholders of target firms usually receive large takeover premiums from bidding firms, which suggests that the reverse LBOs' strong performance may be driven by takeover activity. Accordingly, we create two subsamples of acquired and nonacquired firms and repeat our tests. Not only does the acquired sample account for all the positive abnormal returns, the group records a CAR in excess of 100% over the three-year period.
Response to the Environment: Social Capital and Sustainability

This article examines the empirical connection between social capital and attitudes to issues of ecological sustainability within the community of Broken Hill. More specifically, it focuses on the empirical link between the way people think and act towards other people within the community and the way they think and act towards the environment. This relationship is tested using the results from a questionnaire survey. The results indicate that attitudes to the environment form a coherent factor that is distinct from the social capital factors, but is nonetheless related to the higher order factor. Those with stronger social capital scores have more positive attitudes to the environment. The implications for environmental policy and the potential for grassroots action are examined in the concluding discussion.
Rapid biochemical characterization of Haemophilus species by using the micro-ID

Biotyping of Haemophilus influenzae into five type and H. parainfluenzae into three types based on indole production, ornithine decarboxylase, and urease has been reported (M. Kilian, Acta Pathol. Microbiol. Scand. Sect. B 82:835--842, 1976). A commercially available test system designed for the 4-h identification of Enterobacteriaceae. Micro-ID, proved efficacious for the rapid biotyping of these two Haemophilus species. The nitrate reductase, indole production, ornithine decarboxylase, urease, and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside hydrolysis tests in Micro-ID correlated over 99% with conventional methodology. By utilizing the indole and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside tests it was possible, with 261 of 272 (96.1%) isolates, to distinguish H. influenzae from H. parainfluenzae. Cerebrospinal fluid isolates were over 90% H. influenzae biotype I, and conjunctival isolates were approximately 70% biotype II. Type b H. influenzae were predominantly biotypes I and II; these type b isolates were also overwhelmingly indole producers. Although over 90% of biotypes I and II have been reported to produce beta-lactamase, this was not confirmed by the small number of beta-lactamase producers encountered here. The 4-h Micro-ID should prove a useful mechanism, amenable to the routine clinical laboratory, for the further exploration of the association of Haemophilus with the site of isolation, antigenicity, and antibiotic resistance.
"Political Leadership and Representation in West European Democracies: A Test of Three Models of Voting"

Recently the spatial theory of elections has been challenged by critics who dispute the realism of its assumptions and the empirical veracity of its predictions. This paper critically evaluates two theoretical alternatives to the spatial model and subjects these to a series of strategic tests using data from six West European party systems. It is argued that a model of representational policy leadership, which combines insights from the spatial and the "directional" theories of voting, best accounts for the observed patterns of voting. Thus, voters prefer parties that offer clear and intense political alternatives, but they turn away from parties that deviate too radically from voters' own stated policy positions. In terms of party strategies, it is demonstrated that spatial theorems, contrary to claims made for the directional theory, hold for all three models of voting. The policy leadership model, however, does explain why parties in multiparty systems tend to be more dispersed than predicted in spatial theory.
Long-range protein–water dynamics in hyperactive insect antifreeze proteins

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are specific proteins that are able to lower the freezing point of aqueous solutions relative to the melting point. Hyperactive AFPs, identified in insects, have an especially high ability to depress the freezing point by far exceeding the abilities of other AFPs. In previous studies, we postulated that the activity of AFPs can be attributed to two distinct molecular mechanisms: (i) short-range direct interaction of the protein surface with the growing ice face and (ii) long-range interaction by protein-induced water dynamics extending up to 20 Å from the protein surface. In the present paper, we combine terahertz spectroscopy and molecular simulations to prove that long-range protein–water interactions make essential contributions to the high antifreeze activity of insect AFPs from the beetle Dendroides canadensis. We also support our hypothesis by studying the effect of the addition of the osmolyte sodium citrate.
Does Latin America Comprise Transnational Subregions?

We live in a world of nations, but also one of multi-nation systems. These systems, or transnational regions, affect global economics, politics and diplomacy. Latin America is a widely recognised and documented transnational region. It contains subregional nation systems that might have all of the characteristics and significance of regions and might also affect the broader integration of Latin America. The author defines regionality on the basis of economic integration and measures it with two methods for Latin America, North America, three Latin American subregional systems and one arbitrarily defined nation system within Latin America. He finds a high degree of integration in Latin America, the Andean nations and the Southern Cone of South America. He finds only a modest degree of integration in North America and not significantly greater integration in South America than in Latin America. The division of Latin America into subregions is consistent with the incidence of sub-regional trade initiatives in the past two decades and might be at least partly responsible for the limited progress to date towards Latin America-wide integration. Latin American subregions might now be providing a foundation on which to build regionalism in the future.
Bringing Gramsci back in: labor control in Italy's new temporary help industry

This article examines the labor control processes being implemented in Italy's recently developed temporary help industry. The social science literature generally predicts that voluntary forms of labor control require genuine compromises between management and its workforce. Based on interviews, observational field-work, and analysis of industry documents, the authors compare this expectation against the details of the Italian case. Overall, they find that management is attempting to build consensus not by granting temporary workers meaningful concessions, as the literature would generally suggest, but rather by reframing temporary work as a viable opportunity for upward social mobility, and reinforcing these ideological messages with coercion when needed.These findings suggest that ideological power may play a larger role in the labor control process than previously recognized, and that Gramsci's theory of ideological hegemony deserves greater attention from scholars studying such matters.
BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA AND DUODENUM RUPTURE IN A PATIENT WITH SEVERE HAEMOPHILIA B 84

Correspondence to: Narcis F. Tepeneu, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Surgery and Orthopaedics Clinic , Emergency Children’s Hospital ‘’Louis Turcanu ‘’ , I. Nemoianu Street No. 2, Timisoara, Tel . +40-256-203373, E-mail: nftepeneu@yahoo.com SUMMARY: We present the case of a 4 year old patient with severe haemophilia B, admitted as a emergency case in the Pediatric Surgery and Orthopaedics Clinic Timisoara, by transfer from the county hospital Târgu-Mureo, with a politrauma after a domestic accident. The onset was acute, after the patient stumbled and hit himself on the edge of a metallic object. On admission he presented a worse general status, pale tegument, dry mucous membranes, a temperature of 37,8 oC, weak pulse of 120 b/min, blood pressure of 86/40 mm Hg. Abdominal examination showed a slightly distended abdomen, which did not move with respiration and presented tenderness, guarding in the epigastric area and right upper quadrant and signs of peritoneal irritation. After a short period in which the patient was stabilised and paraclinical investigations were conducted, which determined hypovolemic shock and raised the suspicion of massive hemoperitoneum, a surgical intervention was performed. Intraoperative findings were a wide post-traumatic incomplete rupture of dudenum IV with massive hemoperitoneum, extensive duodeno-jejunal intramural haematoma, pancreatic contusion. A intestinal resection of the IVth part of the duodenum and of the first jejunal loop was performed, followed by a termino-terminal duodeno-jejunal anastomosis, drainage of the the hemoperitoneum and peritoneal drainage. Substitution with FIX concentrate was initiated , initially as a continous intravenous infusion, afterwards in bolus injections. Local and general evolution was favorable, without complications and the patient was released from the hospital on the 12th postoperative day.
Is Share Price Relevant?

This study examines the cross-sectional effect of the nominal share price. We endeavor to understand two interesting puzzles associated with share price. First, the nominal share prices of the US stocks have remained remarkably constant since the Great Depression despite inflation. Second, there is no consensus about the motivations for firms to split their stocks, since financial theory suggests share price is independent of its value. The findings indicate that share price per se matters in cross-sectional asset pricing: stock return is inversely related to its nominal price. It is shown that a strategy of buying these penny stocks can generate a significant alpha even after considering the transaction costs. The abnormal returns of these penny stocks are robust in the presence of other firm characteristics such as size, book-to-market equity, earning/price ratio, liquidity and past returns; and are also not explained by the existing factors. These results also cast some light on the stock-split phenomenon. Intuitively, if firm managers know that low price would generate higher future returns, they are more likely to split their stocks on behalf of shareholders.
Wanted! Evidence based guidelines for unseen invigilated examinations

Assessment has been the subject of vast amounts of literature in higher education for at least the past two decades. In undergraduate health science and science courses assessment of practical classes or clinical performance are quite common assessment components for students. Additionally, assessment components also frequently include unseen, invigilated, timed examinations. They are widely used to summarise what students know at certain times i.e. assessment of learning, in order to report achievement and progress. This is in spite of extensive literature around engaging students in assessment for learning through coursework assessments, particularly in the context of group work. This paper explores aspects of unseen invigilated examinations, such as their alignment with ‘traditional’ as opposed to ‘alternative’ assessments, the use of multiple choice questions, whether of a lower or higher cognitive level, the mix of multiple choice questions, short answer and essay questions used in papers, open book versus closed book papers and argues that there is a need for the development of evidence-based guidelines or principles which help guide and inform practice for the construction of unseen invigilated examinations.
Remaking America: Public Memory, Commemoration, and Patriotism in the Twentieth Century

In a compelling inquiry into public events ranging from the building of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial through ethnic community fairs to pioneer celebrations, John Bodnar explores the stories, ideas, and symbols behind American commemorations over the last century. Such forms of historical consciousness, he argues, do not necessarily preserve the past but rather address serious political matters in the present.
Long-term efficacy of remission-maintenance regimens for ANCA-associated vasculitides

Objective To compare long-term efficacy of remission-maintenance regimens in patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. Methods The 28-month Maintenance of Remission using Rituximab in Systemic ANCA-associated Vasculitis trial compared rituximab with azathioprine to maintain remission in patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis or renal-limited ANCA-associated vasculitis. Thereafter, prospective patient follow-up lasted until month 60. The primary endpoint was the major-relapse rate at month 60. Relapse and serious adverse event-free survival were also assessed. Results Among the 115 enrolled patients, only one was lost to follow-up at month 60. For the azathioprine and rituximab groups, respectively, at month 60, the major relapse-free survival rates were 49.4% (95% CI 38.0% to 64.3%) and 71.9% (95% CI 61.2% to 84.6%) (p=0.003); minor and major relapse-free survival rates were 37.2% (95% CI 26.5% to 52.2%) and 57.9% (95% CI 46.4% to 72.2%) (p=0.012); overall survival rates were 93.0% (95% CI 86.7% to 99.9%) and 100% (p=0.045) and cumulative glucocorticoid use was comparable. Quality-adjusted time without symptoms and toxicity analysis showed that rituximab-treated patients had 12.6 months more without relapse or toxicity than those given azathioprine (p<0.001). Antiproteinase-3-ANCA positivity and azathioprine arm were independently associated with higher risk of relapse. HRs of positive ANCA to predict relapse increased over time. Conclusion The rate of sustained remission for ANCA-associated vasculitis patients, following rituximab-based or azathioprine-based maintenance regimens, remained superior over 60 months with rituximab, with better overall survival. Trial registration number NCT00748644.
Parameters of calcium homeostasis in normal neuronal ageing

The last decade has witnessed a significant turn in our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the decline of cognitive functions in aged brain. As has been demonstrated by detailed morphological reassessments, the senescence‐related changes in cognition cannot be attributed to a simple decrease in the number of neurons. It is becoming clearer that a major cause of age‐induced deterioration of brain capability involves much subtler changes at the level of synapses. These changes are either morphological, i.e. reduction in the number of effective synapses and/or functional alterations, i.e. changes in the efficacy of remaining synapses. Important questions are now raised regarding the mechanisms which mediate these synaptic changes. Clearly, an important candidate is calcium, the cytotoxic role of which is already firmly established. The wealth of evidence collected so far regarding the changes of Ca2+ homeostasis in aged neurons shows that the overall duration of cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals becomes longer. This is the most consistent result, demonstrated on different preparations and using different techniques. What is not yet clear is the underlying mechanism, as this result could be explained either through an increased Ca2+ influx or because of a deficit in the Ca2+ buffering/clearance systems. It is conceivable that these prolonged Ca2+ signals may exert a local excitotoxic effect, removing preferentially the most active synapses. Uncovering of the role of Ca2+ in the synaptic function of the aged brain presents an exciting challenge for all those involved in the neurobiology of the senescent CNS.
Morphological evaluation of the mandibular lingula using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND Lingula is a tongue-like flap of bone that overlaps the mandibular foramen antero-medially and location is clinically significant in oral and maxillofacial surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess the shape and precise location of lingula using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 3-dimensional images provided by CBCT of 63 patients (28 females, 35 males, age range 25-70 years) were retrospectively evaluated. All CBCT images were performed due to implant planning. From both sides of 63 mandibles were classified in the following shapes: triangular, truncated, nodular and assimilated. The location was determined by 5 distances from the lingula: the anterior and the posterior borders of the mandibular ramus, man-dibular notch and lover border of mandible. Height of the lingula was measured from the lingular tip to the mandibular foramen. RESULTS Nodular shape of lingula was the most commonly found (32.5%). The mean distance of lingula from anterior and posterior borders of mandibular ramus was 18.5 ± 2.3 and 16.9 ± 3.5 mm, respectively. The lingula was located at 18.1 ± 3.6 mm from the mandibular notch and 38.3 mm from the lover border of mandible. The mean height of lingula was 7.8 ± 2.4 mm. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides the morphological variation and localization of the lingula. The lingula is an important clinical landmark for mandibular osteotomy, and for determining the distance to mandibular foramen entrance.
The New Marketing Myopia

During the past half century, in general, marketers have heeded Levitt's (1960) advice to avoid “marketing myopia” by focusing on customers. In this article, the authors argue that marketers have learned this lesson too well, resulting today in a new form of marketing myopia, which also causes distortions in strategic vision and can lead to business failure. This “new marketing myopia” stems from three related phenomena: (1) a single-minded focus on the customer to the exclusion of other stakeholders, (2) an overly narrow definition of the customer and his or her needs, and (3) a failure to recognize the changed societal context of business that necessitates addressing multiple stakeholders. The authors illustrate these phenomena and then offer a vision of marketing management as an activity that engages multiple stakeholders in value creation, suggesting that marketing can bring a particular expertise to bear. They offer five propositions for practice that will help marketers correct the myopia: (1) map the company's stakeholders, (2) determine stakeholder salience, (3) research stakeholder issues and expectations and measure impact, (4) engage with stakeholders, and (5) embed a stakeholder orientation. The authors conclude by noting the implications for research.
H/C versus O/C atomic ratio characterization of selected coals in Slovenia

Application of the H/C and O/C atomic ratios plotted into the van Krevelen’s diagram is well known approach for chemical characterization of coals, more precisely, of their organic part. Determination of coals by the two atomic ratios closely relies to their petrographic type as well as to their coalification rank. Elemental data, together with the coal quality data of 23 coals from the territory of Slovenia are comprised in this study. Coals vary in age from the Carnian anthracite to the Pliocene ortho-lignites, and were deposited in paralic as well as in intermountain basins of different tectonic settings. The highest H/C and O/C atomic ratios are characteristic for the xylite-rich ortho-lignites from Velenje (Pliocene) and Globoko (Pontian), whereas the lowest for the Orle anthracite (Carnian). The Upper Oligocene “hard brown coals” and younger metaand ortho-lignites treated in this study are typical humic coals. Relatively high H/C ratios are evident for two sapropelic coals, the Se~ovlje para-bituminous and the Ra{a (Croatia) ortho-bituminous coal, both of the lower Paleogene age. No inertinitic coals are known from our country, however, inertinite macerals are recorded in almost all of them.
Input Demand and the Shortand Long-Run Employment Thresholds: An Empirical Analysis for the German Manufacturing Sector

Abstract The concept of the `employment threshold' plays an important role in the public discussion of unemployment. The employment threshold is defined as that growth rate of output necessary to keep employment constant despite the continuous rise in productivity. It is related to the Okun coefficient which describes the relationship between the changes in output and unemployment. Many contributions to this debate give the impression that the employment threshold is more or less a structural characteristic independent of economic variables. In this paper we derive short- and long-run employment thresholds from an input demand system and show empirically that they depend on factor prices and capital accumulation. Higher wage rates raise the employment threshold and reduce the probability that a positive output shock will increase employment.
Health Insurance Status and Physician Behavior in Germany

Germany has a two-tier system of statutory and primary private health insurance. Both insurance types provide fee-for-service insurance, but chargeable fees for identical services are more than twice as large for privately insured as for statutorily insured patients. Using German SOEP 2002 data, I analyze the effect of insurance status on the insured's number of doctor visits. Conditional on health, privately insured patients are less likely to contact a physician than publicly insured but more frequently visit a doctor following a first contact. This is indirect evidence for the hypothesis that physicians over-treat privately insured patients at least relative to the statutorily insured.