Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Postoperative Bowel Function Related to Posterior Compartment Prolapse Repair?

Objectives This study aimed to assess how posterior repair (PR) affects change in bowel function in women undergoing anterior/apical surgery for prolapse. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing prolapse surgery. Our 2 cohorts were women who underwent anterior/apical prolapse surgery either with or without a PR. All women completed the short form of the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8) preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. We compared change in CRADI-8 scores between those who received PR versus those who did not. Results Among 238 women who underwent anterior/apical prolapse surgery, 61 (26%) underwent PR, whereas 177 (74%) did not undergo PR. There were no significant differences in mean CRADI-8 scores at baseline or postoperatively, and scores improved significantly in both groups [baseline scores 23.2 (20.2) for PR vs 18.2 (19.3) for no PR, P = 0.12; postoperative scores 5.0 (10.5) for PR vs 8.4 (15.4) for no PR, P = 0.08]. For our primary outcome, we identified a significantly larger margin of symptom improvement in those who underwent PR compared to those who did not [mean CRADI-8 change scores 18.2 (20.1) for PR vs 9.9 (18.6) for no PR, P < 0.01]. In a linear regression model assessing postoperative CRADI-8 scores, women who underwent PR scored 4.9 points lower on the postoperative CRADI-8, suggesting more improvement in bowel-related symptoms, compared to those who did not undergo PR (95% confidence interval, 1.0, 8.8, P = 0.02). Conclusions Women undergoing surgery for anterior/apical prolapse demonstrated significant improvements in bowel symptoms after surgery. Those receiving concomitant PR had a significantly greater margin of improvement.
A Three-Phase Hybrid Cascaded Modular Multilevel Inverter for Renewable Energy Environment

This paper presents a three-phase hybrid cascaded modular multilevel inverter topology which is derived from the proposed modified H-bridge module. This topology results in the reduction of number of power switches, losses, installation area, voltage stress and converter cost. For renewable energy environment such as photovoltaic (PV) connected to the microgrid system, it enables the tranformerless operation and enhances the power quality. This multilevel inverter is an effective and efficient power electronic interface strategy for renewable energy systems. The basic operation of single module and the proposed cascaded hybrid topology is explained. The ability to operate in both symmetrical and asymmetrical modes is analyzed. The comparative analysis is done with classical cascaded H-bridge and flying capacitor multilevel inverters. The nearest level control method is employed to generate the gating signals for the power semiconductor switches. To verify the applicability and performance of the proposed structure in PV renewable energy environment, simulation results are carried out by MATLAB/Simulink under both steady-state and dynamic conditions. Experimental results are presented to validate the simulation results.
Conservative Accounting and Equity Valuation

This paper examines how conservative accounting affects the relation between accounting data and firm value. The analysis shows that conservative accounting can be characterized equivalently in terms of book value, earnings, or book rate of return. Furthermore, capitalized earnings generally provide a less biased estimate of equity value than book value does. In addition, firm growth affects the way earnings and book value are combined in valuation. A weighted average of book value and capitalized earnings, with the weight on earnings being an increasing and convex function of growth, yields an asymptotically unbiased estimate of equity value. When growth is positive, the weight on book value is negative.
Are Economically Significant Stock Returns and Trading Volumes Driven by Firm-Specific News Releases?

This paper explores whether firm-specific information events drive economically relevant positive and negative stock price changes and trading volume and, if so, the nature of such information. We find that no less than 65% of significant price changes and trading volume movements in our sample of FTSE 350 companies can be readily explained by public domain information contradicting the thesis that corporate news is not a primary driver, and that share price changes and trading volume activity are driven by factors unrelated to information flows per se. In addition, we find that a parsimonious set of news categories represent the key drivers. Sell-side analyst stock recommendations and earnings forecast revisions as a class, unaccompanied by other news releases, dominate all other news categories in terms of significant market reaction. However, taking into account the "relative" magnitude of market response to different news releases, firms' formal accounting disclosures dominate within this domain. As such, we conclude these are not fully anticipated by apparently more timely market disclosures, and that the existence of news services and the activities of the sell-side analyst are not substitutes for a firm's interim and preliminary results. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 2004.
Influence of arthrocentesis irrigation volume at temporomandibular disorder treatment

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment varies from conservative therapy to invasive procedures such as arthrocentesis. The procedure is simple and has speed, low cost, low morbidity and good patient acceptance. Literature variations, however, have been found about the type and volume of the solution used for the irrigation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Subjects and Methods: The aim of this study was to compare the results provided by two different volumes of 0.9% saline solution (100 ml and 250 ml) used in arthrocentesis technique for TMD treatment. It included patients unresponsive to conservative treatment. Preoperative (T0) and postoperative evaluations were performed at T1 (30th day), T2 (60th day), and T3 (90th day), in which maximal mouth opening (MMO), pain, and the presence or absence of joint sounds were recorded. Patients were randomized into two groups: 1 – submitted to arthrocentesis using 100 ml of 0.9% saline solution in TMJ and 2 – arthrocentesis performed using 250 ml of 0.9% saline solution in each TMJ. Data were submitted to descriptive and comparative analyses for each parameter per group and between groups. The effect size was calculated according to Cohen test. Minimum detectable change (MDC) was obtained and the sensibility was calculated. A statistical significance of 5% was established. Group 1 obtained increase in MMO and decrease in pain (statistically significant); in Group 2, pain decreased significantly. In Group 1, clicking decreased significantly. No statistical differences were found between groups (P = 0.333). MMO and pain results exceeded MDC, and sensibility was good. Conclusion: In conclusion, arthrocentesis is effective in TMD symptoms' relief, without statistical difference between the volumes used.
Impact of Visibility and Investment Advisor Credibility on the Valuation Effects of High-Tech Cross-Border Acquisitions

Since foreign high-tech firms exhibit a high level of asymmetric information, there is much investor skepticism surrounding the potential benefits to US firms that acquire them. However, the investor perception may be more favorable when the acquisitions involve more visible targets and advice from investment banks with a strong reputation. Based on a sample of 503 high-tech cross-border acquisitions, bidding-firm shareholders experience positive but statistically insignificant valuation effects overall. However, bidder firms experience positive and significant valuation effects when the foreign high-tech target receives a high level of media attention and when the acquisition is endorsed by a top-tier investment bank. Visibility and credibility enhance the perceived benefits of acquiring foreign targets that have substantial intangible assets and a high level of asymmetric information. Copyright (c) 2007 Financial Management Association International.
Dynamic Marketing Capabilities in Science-Based Firms: An Exploratory Investigation of the Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper investigates how market knowledge can benefit science-based firms. By reviewing the literature on dynamic capabilities and recent empirical works on the impact of market knowledge on technological innovation, we derive the concept of dynamic marketing capabilities and explore its validity through a qualitative study of high-performing pharmaceutical firms. We provide a description of key variables involved in market knowledge creation and release, and highlight how these activities support the creation of new products and the changes in the new product development process. We discuss our results by pointing out that dynamic marketing capabilities can contribute to a more granular understanding of management practices and performance heterogeneity in science-based settings and conclude our work by identifying its limitations and providing fruitful directions for future research on this topic.
How Does Social Capital Reduce the Size of the Shadow Economy?

Abstract This paper investigates the missing link between multi-dimensional components of social capital and the size of the shadow economy, an association generally considered to be ambiguous. A simple agency model shows that social capital and the shadow economy are connected through a mechanism reducing the perceived level of corruption. Using a sample of 65 countries, 1999 to 2007, the paper finds that social trust, social norms (e.g. tax morale), and a broad index of social capital are robust, negative determinants of the shadow economy.
Trends in Trade and Investment Flows between the EU and the BRIC Countries

In this paper, we intend to present an in-depth comparative analysis of the trade and investment flows between the EU member states and the four strongest emerging countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC), during 2004-2009(1) and beyond. In the EU-BRIC equation, we include for comparison countries like the USA and Japan, and their respective relations with BRIC. The purpose of the paper is to contribute to the discussion of the integrated issues related to trade and investments, since the EU-BRIC relations represent one of the most important „pieces” in this „global puzzle”. First, relying on the statistics published by Eurostat, the WTO, the UNCTAD and the national authorities, our study highlights the main trends of the trade and investment flows between the EU and BRIC, in comparison with those of the USA and BRIC or Japan and BRIC. Second, we emphasize the principal factors that contributed to these developments and their economical consequences. For example, the global economical situation, the political decisions, the resource scarcity or the (still) existing fiscal paradises play a major role in the celerity and magnitude of the trade and investment flows. Third, on the basis of the actual data and information, our analysis outlines the perspectives of the EU-BRIC trade and investment relations in the long run. Following this rationale, the paper is structured around three main sections, followed by a summary of the conclusions of the author.
A Multifactor Spot Rate Model for the Pricing of Interest Rate Derivatives

Abstract We propose a multifactor model in which the spot rate, LIBOR, follows a lognormal process, with a stochastic conditional mean, under the risk-neutral measure. In addition to the spot rate factor, the second factor is related to the premium of the first futures rate over the spot LIBOR. Similarly, the third factor is related to the premium of the second futures rate over the first futures rate. We calibrate the model to the initial term structure of futures rates and to the implied volatilities of interest rate caplets. We then apply the model to price interest rate derivatives such as European and Bermudan-style swaptions, and yieldspread options. The model can be employed to price more complex interest rate derivatives such as path-dependent derivatives or multi-currency-dependent derivatives because of its Markovian property.
Training and Performance in Small Firms

This article explores the relationship between training and growth in small manufacturing businesses. Research on training undertaken at the macro-level highlights a series of earnings and productivity returns. However, firm-level research has generally yielded more ambiguous results. A review of small firms research indicates that the relationship between training and growth has rarely been considered within the wider context of other factors that may influence growth. Training literature also appears to be more concerned, perversely, with its impacts on firm inputs (employment growth) rather than output (sales) growth. Other considerations also complicate understanding of the relationship between training and performance, since training may be provoked by employment growth (but not theoretically by sales growth), and has a tendency to be associated with larger firms. These considerations are examined with respect to two types of training (in-house training and ex-house management training) using information from a sample of 114 small manufacturing firms in Wales.
Pensions, the Option Value of Work, and Retirement

The paper develops a model of retirement based on the option value of continuing to work. Continuing to work maintains the option of retiring on more advantageous terms later. The model is used to estimate the effects on retirement of firm pension plan provisions. Typical defined benefit pension plans in the United States provide very substantial incentives to remain with the firm until some age, often the early retirement age, and then a strong incentive to leave the firm thereafter. (This may be a major reason for the rapidly declining labor force participation rates of older workers in the United States.) The model fits firm retirement data very well; it captures very closely the sharp discontinuous jumps in retirement rates at specific ages. The model is used to simulate the effect on retirement of potential changes in pension plan provisions. Increasing the age of early retirement from 55 to 60, for example, would reduce firm departure rates between ages 50 and 59 by almost forty percent.
The Heritability of Life Events: An Adolescent Twin and Adoption Study

Abstract Although life events are often conceptualized as reflecting exogenous risk factors for psychopathology, twin studies have suggested they are heritable. We undertook a mixed twin/adoption study to further explore genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in the experience of life events. Specifically, a sample of 618 pairs of like-sex adolescent twins, 244 pairs of like-sex adopted adolescent and young adult siblings, and 128 pairs of like-sex biological siblings completed a life events interview. Events were classified as independent (not likely to have been influenced by respondent's behavior), dependent (likely to have been influenced by respondent's behavior), or familial (experienced by a family member), and then summed to form three life event scales. Variance on the scales was assumed to be a function of four factors: additive genetic effects (a2), shared environmental effects (c2), twin-specific effects (t2), and nonshared environmental effects (e2). Data were analyzed using standard biometrical models. Shared environmental effects were found to be the largest contributor to variance in familial events (c2 = .71; 95% confidence interval of .65, .76); additive genetic effects were the largest contributor to dependent events (a2 = .45; CI = .31, .58); and nonshared environmental effects were found to be the largest contributor independent events (e2 = .57; CI = .51, .64). A significant twin-specific effect was also found for independent life events, indicating that twins are more likely to be exposed to such events than non-twin biological siblings. Findings are discussed in terms of their implication for understanding the nature of psychosocial risk.
A Re Examination of the Over-Reaction Hypothesis in the Equity Market: Australian Evidence 1980 to 1997

The inconclusive nature of the over-reaction hypothesis, combined with an inherent difficulty in isolating specific determinants, has meant that the controversy surrounding this model has been perpetuated within the financial economics literature. It is the objective of this study to examine whether over-reaction is present in the Australian stock market over the period 1980-1997. The results from this study raise new questions about the relevance of the over -reaction hypothesis to the Australian market. The over- reaction hypothesis suggests that if investors over-react then a contrarian strategy of buying losers and selling winners, should earn significant abnormal returns. The results in our study show that winners experience a reversal and losers continue to be losers. Further, this study extends the current literature by examining reversal behavior at an aggregate industry level and disaggregated sector level. Evidence is found of sector reversal that is time varying. No evidence is found to support persistent over-reaction.
Corporate Governance in ASEAN Financial Corporations: Reality or Illusion?

According to Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia, Singapore has the best corporate governance practices in Asia. Malaysia has had the biggest improvements in governance overtime. Thailand lags behind both in achieving appropriate governance. This paper considers recent developments in corporate governance through the analysis of the corporate websites of financial corporations in these countries. The study finds that the corporate governance practices of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean financial corporations are consistent with international best practices. Corporate governance as presented in company documents probably does not actually reflect real corporate governance practices. These practices do not have an impact on company performance. The level of corporate governance reported is also not consistent with the ratings from international financial institutions such as Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia and Standard & Poor's. These findings suggest that corporate governance in ASEAN is more illusion than fact. Copyright (c) 2007 The Authors; Journal compilation (c) 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
High-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopic studies of the C2/m-P21/m phase transition in cummingtonite

Abstract The structural changes associated with the C2/m-P21/m phase transition in cummingtonite with (Fe + Mn)/(Fe + Mn + Mg) ≈ 0.50 have been studied with single-crystal Xray diffraction at various pressures up to 7.90 GPa and infrared spectroscopy up to 8.63 GPa. With increasing pressure, the crystal transforms from C2/m to P21/m symmetry at ∼1.21 GPa, as determined by the appearance of reflections violating the C2/m space group. Infrared spectra provide additional evidence for the phase transition: A distinct splitting of OH stretching bands results from an increase from one to two nonequivalent OH positions. The C2/m-P21/m transition is of weakly displacive first-order or tricritical character with apparent slope changes in the plots of the axial ratios a/b and a/c as a function of pressure. The unit-cell compression is considerably anisotropic with the a dimension in both C2/m and P21/m phases being the most compressible. Major structural changes for the C2/m-P21/m transition include: (1) One crystallographically distinct silicate chain becomes two discontinuously, coupled by the splitting of the M4-O5 bond, as well as M4- O6, into two nonequivalent bonds, and (2) the M4-cation coordination increases from sixfold to sevenfold. More importantly, we observed a change in the sense of rotation for the A chain while the crystal structure maintains P21/m symmetry: It is O rotated, as the B chain, at 1.32 GPa, but S-rotated at 2.97 GPa and higher pressures. As pressure increases from 1.32 to 7.90 GPa, there is a switching of the nearest bridging O atoms coordinated with the M4 cation: The M4-O5B distance contracts from 2.944 to 2.551 Å , whereas the M4-O6B distance increases from 2.754 to 2.903 A° . Compression mechanisms for the lowand high-pressure polymorphs appear to be slightly different. In the C2/m phase, the behavior of the A and M4 sites controls the compression of the structure, whereas the response of the M1, M2, and M3 octahedra to pressure also plays a role in determining the compression of the P21/m structure. The phase transition is regarded as primarily driven by the differential compression between the M4 and T sites, and the symmetry breaking provides a necessary tighter coordination for the M4 site. Based on our data, the obvious changes in the hyperfine parameters of 57Fe in grunerite between 1.0 and 3.4 GPa, observed by Zhang and Hafner (1992), are likely to result from the C2/m-P21/m structural transformation.
Bad Luck and Fixed Costs in Personal Bankruptcies

This paper applies a model of industrial equilibrium to determine the effects of demand and cost variables on the bankruptcy rate of unincorporated businesses in four industries when there are stochastic cost and demand shocks. The results suggest that different processes are relevant for firms whose fixed costs are associated with fixed capital assets and with working capital. In contrast to earlier work on the corporate sector, real and nominal interest rates have either small, or unexpected, effects. Copyright 1989 by Royal Economic Society.
Impact of close habitat on the entomological diversity and abundance in carrot open fields.

Vegetable open fields areas have been increasing for the last decade in Wallonia (South part of Belgium), mainly in Hesbaye. To be in accordance with quality standards, especially in terms of agrochemical residues (R.M.L.), biological pest control was developed and reduces the insecticide use, leading to have safer fresh products. Carrot represents an important cultivated species in Wallonia. To asses the impact of close habitat on both pest (mainly aphids) and beneficial insects, carrot fields were investigated during all the production duration in 2000. Twelve fields between Waremme and Hannut were visited weekly from June to October. Insects were caught using yellow traps and determined to the family level. Approximately 90,000 insects belonging to 109 families were identified. Significant differences linked to field closed habitat were observed on 31 families. An increase of biodiversity in term of family number near set-asides and woody borders was observed. Evaluation of pest and beneficial diversity and density in vegetable crops was discussed to promote future IPM program.
Exploring the Role of Service Value in the Relationship Between Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction

Abstract The authors examined the degree of discrepancy between customers' perceptions and expectations for hotel service quality. This research finds that customers have negative disconformation, that is, the degree of expected service quality is higher than the perceived service quality. Nevertheless, the findings show high customer satisfaction. The authors report that this phenomenon is explained by the notion that service value plays a key role as a mediating variable in the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction.