Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fully-Rational Liquidity-Based Theory of IPO Underpricing and Underperformance

I present a fully-rational symmetric-information model of an IPO, and a dynamic imperfectly competitive model of trading in the IPO aftermarket. The model helps to explain IPO underpricing, underperformance, and why share allocations favor large institutional investors. In the model, underwriters need to sell a fixed number of shares at the IPO or in the aftermarket. To maximize revenue and avoid selling into the aftermarket where they can be exploited by large investors, underwriters distort share allocations towards investors with market power, and set the IPO offer price below the aftermarket trading price. Large investors who receive IPO share allocations sell them slowly afterwards to reduce their trade's price-impact. This curtails the shares that are available to small price-taking investors, causing them to bid up prices and bid down returns. In some simulations, the distorted share allocations and slow unwinding behavior generate post-IPO return underperformance that persists for several years.
Numerical inverting of matrices of high order

PREFACE 188 CHAPTER VIII. Probabilistic estimates for bounds of matrices 8.1 A result of Bargmann, Montgomery and von Neumann 188 8.2 An estimate for the length of a vector 191 8.3 The fundamental lemma 192 8.4 Some discrete distributions 194 8.5 Continuation 196 8.6 Two applications of (8.16) 198 CHAPTER IX. The error estimates 9.1 Reconsideration of the estimates (6.42)-(6.44) and their consequences. 199 9.2 The general Ai 200 9.3 Concluding evaluation 200
TEACHING HIGHS AND LOWS: EXPLORING UNIVERSITY TEACHING ASSISTANTS’ EXPERIENCES

Recent reforms in statistics education have initiated the need to prepare graduate teaching assistants (TAs) for these changes. A focus group study explored the experiences and perceptions of University of Nebraska-Lincoln TAs. The results reinforced the idea that content, pedagogy, and technology are central aspects for teaching an introductory statistics course. The TAs addressed the need for clear, specific guidelines and examples, as well as collaboration between colleagues. The TAs also sought opportunities to enrich their teaching skills and, ultimately, their impact on students’ learning. These findings support previous research on graduate TAs and highlight the need for additional exploration of the role graduate statistics TAs play in introductory statistics education. First published November 2010 at Statistics Education Research Journal: Archives
Reversibility of Scrapie-associated Prion Protein Aggregation*

During the course of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases, a protease-resistant ordered aggregate of scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) accumulates in affected animals. From mechanistic and therapeutic points of view, it is relevant to determine the extent to which PrPSc formation and aggregation are reversible. PrPSc solubilized with 5m guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) was unfolded to a predominantly random coil conformation. Upon dilution of GdnHCl, PrP refolded into a conformation that was high in α-helix as measured by CD spectroscopy, similar to the normal cellular isoform of PrP (PrPC). This provided evidence that PrPSc can be induced to revert to a PrPC-like conformation with a strong denaturant. To examine the reversibility of PrPScformation and aggregation under more physiological conditions, PrPSc aggregates were washed and resuspended in buffers lacking GdnHCl and monitored over time for the appearance of soluble PrP. No dissociation of PrP from the PrPSc aggregates was detected in aqueous buffers at pH 6 and 7.5. The effective solubility of PrP was <0.7 nm. Treatment of PrPSc with proteinase K (PK) before the analysis did not enhance the dissociation of PrP from the PrPSc aggregates. Treatment with 2.5m GdnHCl, which partially and reversibly unfolds PrPSc, caused only limited dissociation of PrP from the aggregates. The PrP that dissociated from the aggregates over time was entirely PK-sensitive, like PrPC, whereas all of the aggregated PrP was partially PK-resistant. PrP also dissociated from aggregates of protease-resistant PrP generated in a cell-free conversion reaction, but only if treated with GdnHCl. Overall, the results suggest that PrP aggregation is not appreciably reversible under physiological conditions, but dissociation and refolding can be enhanced by treatments with GdnHCl.
The Neurophysiology of Backward Visual Masking: Information Analysis

Backward masking can potentially provide evidence of the time needed for visual processing, a fundamental constraint that must be incorporated into computational models of vision. Although backward masking has been extensively used psychophysically, there is little direct evidence for the effects of visual masking on neuronal responses. To investigate the effects of a backward masking paradigm on the responses of neurons in the temporal visual cortex, we have shown that the response of the neurons is interrupted by the mask. Under conditions when humans can just identify the stimulus, with stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA) of 20 msec, neurons in macaques respond to their best stimulus for approximately 30 msec. We now quantify the information that is available from the responses of single neurons under backward masking conditions when two to six faces were shown. We show that the information available is greatly decreased as the mask is brought closer to the stimulus. The decrease is more marked than the decrease in firing rate because it is the selective part of the firing that is especially attenuated by the mask, not the spontaneous firing, and also because the neuronal response is more variable at short SOAs. However, even at the shortest SOA of 20 msec, the information available is on average 0.1 bits. This compares to 0.3 bits with only the 16-msec target stimulus shown and a typical value for such neurons of 0.4 to 0.5 bits with a 500-msec stimulus. The results thus show that considerable information is available from neuronal responses even under backward masking conditions that allow the neurons to have their main response in 30 msec. This provides evidence for how rapid the processing of visual information is in a cortical area and provides a fundamental constraint for understanding how cortical information processing operates.
A Distributed Cluster-Based Localization Method for Wireless Sensor Networks

Node localization is a fundamental capability for several applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), such as security surveillance, fire detection, animal behavior monitoring, among others. Over the last decade, node localization in wireless sensor networks has evolved from centralized to distributed solutions. Therefore, more demanding conditions have arisen for new applications. These conditions come from massive node deployment and irregular topologies, requiring further analysis. In this paper, we present a method to reduce the signaling overhead due to a distributed localization procedure. This method consists of four stages: Based on the Awerbuch’s γ synchronizer, the proposal divides the network into clusters. The cluster size is restricted by a growing factor defined by a cluster-head, i.e., a leader. Based on connectivity information, the distance between each pair of nodes, belonging to the same cluster, is calculated by the corresponding leader. Next, each leader solves locally a particular instance of the MultiDimensional Scaling (MDS) problem. Finally, a minimum set of beacons is selected on each cluster. This is in order to assemble each region into a global localization solution within a single system of reference. In our method, we turn the initial settlement into several smaller instances of the original problem which can be solved simultaneously and based on local resources. Simulation results show that this approach produces important savings on the required message exchange. Keywords-Localization; Partitioning; Synchronizer; Multidimensional Scaling.
Educación histórica con el patrimonio:

Se presenta una reflexión respecto al papel del patrimonio en la educación formal, en cuanto a la relación entre la educación patrimonial y la educación histórica. Se discuten referentes teóricos, que fundamentan la metodología de investigación utilizada, de carácter esencialmente cualitativo. Son objetivos principales, analizar y comprender cómo la implementación de actividades de enseñanza y aprendizaje de historia, con recurso al patrimonio cultural, en contexto, posibilita y favorece la progresión en el conocimiento histórico y en la conciencia patrimonial de los estudiantes. Se describen varios estudios de caso que se han desarrollado en Portugal, en el ámbito de doctorado y máster –en este caso en la Facultad de Letras de la Universidad de Porto –aplicándose en la educación formal, con profesorado de historia en formación continua y futuros docentes de historia/ciencias sociales, en formación inicial. Los resultados, si bien sin objetivos comparativos, revelan que hay potencial para la interpretación del patrimonio en la educación formal. Aunque persistan limitaciones, hay propuestas creíbles para su desarrollo sistemático con la educación histórica. Además del estudio de las concepciones de los profesores –y alumnos– hay que comprender lo que ocurre en el aula cuando se usa el patrimonio, qué contenidos y fuentes se seleccionan, qué actividades se realizan y qué materiales didácticos se utilizan. It is presented a reflection on the role of heritage in formal education regarding the relationship between heritage education and history education. Some theoretical references which support the research methodology of an essentially qualitative nature are discussed too. The main purposes are to analyse and understand how the implementation of history teaching and learning activities through cultural heritage in context, makes possible and favours students’ progression in historical understanding and heritage awareness. We describe several case studies that have been developed in Portugal, in the field of doctoral and master's research - specifically in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto – that have been applied in formal education with history teachers in the context of continuous training and initial history/social sciences teachers’ training. Results, although without comparative aims, reveal that there is potential for interpretation of heritage in formal education. Even if limitations persist, there are credible proposals for its systematic development with history education. In addition to the study of teachers’ conceptions –and students’ too– it is necessary to understand what happens in the classroom when using heritage, what contents and sources are selected, what activities are carried out and what didactic materials are used.
Amélioration de la co-similarité pour la classification de documents

La classification conjointe d'objets et de leur descripteurs - par exemple de documents avec les mots les composant - encore appelee co-classification, a ete largement etudiee ces dernieres annees, car elle permet d'extraire des classes plus pertinents, qu'elle soit explicite ou latente. Dans de precedents travaux (Bisson & Hussain, 2008), nous avons propose une methode de calcul simultane des matrices de similarite entre objets et entre descripteurs, chacune etant construite a partir de l'autre. Nous proposons ici une generalisation de cette approche en introduisant une pseudo-norme et un algorithme de seuillage. Nos experimentations mettent en evidence une amelioration significative de la classification, notamment par rapport a d'autres methodes.
High-precision Low-power Voltage Follower For Hardware Signal Processing

A specific application CMOS voltage follower is presented, which is well suited to be used as a component of VLSI analog electronics such as hardware implemented artificial neural networks (ANN's) or switched-capacitor filters (SC-filters). The main advantages of the follower are: a very high precision of operation and low power consumption. Another advantage is a low input capacitance (about 2fF) and extremely high input resistance. Compared with general purpose followers, its disadvantage is a restricted range of input voltage variations. This is the price we pay for the achieved positive features. Apart from the general idea and some previous versions of the follower, a new circuit realization is presented. SPICE simulation results concerning layouts made for a 0.35mum CMOS process are shown. These results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions as well as experimental results achieved for a 0.8mum prototype. Prototypes designed for the 0.18mum technology are currently being fabricated (in cooperation with University of Alberta in Canada) and no measurements have been performed yet
Building on Strengths While Addressing Barriers: Career Interventions in Rural Appalachian Communities

This article describes a model for developing culturally sensitive career education programs, framed from an ecological contextual understanding. This framework allows career practitioners to build on cultural strengths and values to meet the career education needs of diverse communities. To illustrate the application of this model, we describe the cultural context of rural Appalachia and offer theoretically framed ideas of how to meet the population’s career education needs.
Detection and Mapping of Black Rock Coatings Using Hyperion Images: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Base metal smelting activities can produce acidic rain that promotes vegetation loss and the development of black coatings on bedrock. Such coatings can form over large areas and are among the most prominent long-term vestiges of past smelting activities. In this study, multispectral images derived from Hyperion reflectance data were evaluated with regard to their utility in the discrimination and mapping of black rock coatings near Sudbury. Spectral angle mapper (SAM) classifications generated on the basis of image-derived endmember spectra could not be used to properly identify major exposures of coated bedrock without also producing substantial confusion with uncoated classes. Neural network and maximum likelihood classifications produced improved representations of the spatial distribution of coated bedrock, though confusion between coated and uncoated classes is problematic in most outputs. Maximum likelihood results generated using a null class are noteworthy for their effectiveness in highlighting exposures of coated bedrock without substantial confusion with uncoated classes. Although challenges remain, classification results confirm the potential of remote sensing techniques for use in the worldwide detection, mapping, and monitoring of coating-related environmental degradation in the vicinities of base metal smelters.
Cold exposure inhibits leptin secretion in vitro by a direct and non-specific action on adipose tissue.

OBJECTIVE Leptin secretion is reduced by low temperatures in experimental animals, and this effect has been explained as an adaptive mechanism to cold environments. This study investigated the in vitro effects of cold exposure on human white adipose tissue. DESIGN To understand whether the low temperature action is a direct or a mediated effect, leptin secretion was assessed in vitro in human omental adipose tissue incubated at varied temperatures, from 38 donors. As an internal control, the effect of reduced temperatures on in vitro GH secretion by GH3 cells was assessed. METHODS Measurement of hormones secretion was carried out with an RIA, while human ob gene mRNA expression was assessed with reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS Compared with the standard temperature of 37 degrees C, leptin secretion by human adipose tissue was significantly (P<0.05) reduced when the incubations were carried out at 34.5 degrees C (41% inhibition), and 32 degrees C (68% inhibition), with no parallel changes in the ob mRNA expression. At these reduced temperatures, glucocorticoid-mediated leptin secretion was well preserved. When the effect of reduced temperatures was assessed on in vitro GH secretion, a superimposable reduction was observed. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate: (i) that low temperatures reduce leptin secretion by acting directly on the adipose tissue and (ii) that the similar reduction in a hormone unrelated to energy metabolism, such as GH, suggests that the observed reduction is a mechanical perturbation of leptin secretion, which may be devoid of physiological implications.
Star cluster formation and evolution in nearby starburst galaxies – II. Initial conditions

We use the ages, masses and metallicities of the rich young star cluster systems in the nearby starburst galaxies NGC 3310 and NGC 6745 to derive their cluster formation histories and subsequent evolution. We further expand our analysis of the systematic uncertainties involved in the use of broad-band observations to derive these parameters (Paper I) by examining the effects of a priori assumptions on the individual cluster metallicities. The age (and metallicity) distributions of both the clusters in the circumnuclear ring in NGC 3310 and of those outside the ring are statistically indistinguishable, but there is a clear and significant excess of higher-mass clusters in the ring compared to the non-ring cluster sample; it is likely that the physical conditions in the starburst ring may be conducive for the formation of higher-mass star clusters, on average, than in the relatively more quiescent environment of the main galactic disc. For the NGC 6745 cluster system we derive a median age of � 10 Myr. NGC 6745 contains a significant population of high-mass “super star clusters”, with masses in the range 6.5 . log(Mcl/M⊙) . 8.0. This detection supports the scenario that such objects form preferentially in the extreme environments of interacting galaxies. The age of the cluster populations in both NGC 3310 and NGC 6745 is significantly lower than their respective characteristic cluster disruption time-scales, respectively log(t dis /yr) = 8.05 and 7.75, for 10 4 M⊙ clusters. This allows us to obtain an independent estimate of the initial cluster mass function slope, � = 2.04(±0.23) +0.13 −0.43 for NGC 3310, and 1.96(±0.15) ± 0.19 for NGC 6745, respectively, for masses Mcl & 10 5 M⊙ and Mcl & 4 × 10 5 M⊙. These mass function slopes are consistent with those of other
Estrategias de afrontamiento en relación con los eventos estresantes que ocurren al envejecer

espanolObjetivos Describir cuales son los tipos de afrontamiento (coping) que se utilizan frente a los eventos estresantes que ocurren al envejecer y analizar cuales son las variables asociadas al uso de estos tipos de afrontamiento, considerando el tipo de evento estresante –problema, perdida, conflicto o problema de otro– y recursos individuales y sociales. Metodo Datos de una encuesta representativa aplicada a 1,431 personas entre 60 y 94 anos de edad (media=71.9; DE=7.9), residentes en sus viviendas en Santiago de Chile. Dos fases de analisis: analisis factorial exploratorio de una lista de posibles formas de afrontamiento, donde se identificaron 3 dimensiones: activo, evasivo y busqueda de ayuda; y analisis de regresion logistica multivariada sobre cada uno de estos 3 tipos de afrontamiento. Resultados Para los problemas se uso mas el afrontamiento activo y la busqueda de ayuda, frente a los conflictos se utilizo mas el evasivo. Con la edad disminuyo la busqueda de ayuda; a mayor educacion mas afrontamiento activo y menos evasivo; a mayor autoeficacia mayor afrontamiento activo; a menor disponibilidad de apoyo social mayor evitacion. No hubo asociacion con genero controlando por las otras variables de los modelos. Conclusiones Se confirma la pertinencia de distinguir estos 3 tipos de afrontamiento, ya que los predictores se comportaron de distinta manera en cada uno de ellos. EnglishObjective To describe the strategies of coping with the stressful events that occur when aging and to analyze the variables associated with them, considering the type of stressful event –problem, loss, conflict or problems with others– and individual and social resources. Method Data from a representative survey applied to 1,431 elderly people (60-94 years old; mean age=71.9; SD=7.9), residing in their homes in Santiago, Chile. Two phases of analysis: Exploratory factor analysis of a list of possible forms of coping, where three dimensions were identified: active, evasive and seeking help; and multivariate logistic regression analysis on each of these 3 types of coping. Results Regarding problems, older people used more active coping, including the search of help, whereas in the face of conflict, they were more evasive. With age, the search for help diminished; the higher the education, the more active and less evasive coping; with higher self-efficacy, greater active coping; with less availability of social support, greater avoidance. There was no association with gender when controlling for other variables of the models. Conclusion The relevance of distinguishing these 3 types of coping is confirmed, since predictors behaved differently in each case.
The Exxon-Mobil Merger: An Archetype

In response to change pressures, the oil industry has engaged in multiple adjustment processes. The nine major oil mergers from 1998 to 2001 sought to improve efficiency so that, at oil prices as low as $11 to $12 per barrel, investments could earn their cost of capital. The Exxon-Mobil combination is analyzed to provide a general methodology for merger evaluation. The analysis includes: the industry characteristics, the reasons for the merger, the nature of the deal terms, discounted cash flow (DCF) spreadsheet valuation models, DCF formula valuation models, valuation sensitivity analysis, the value consequences of the merger, antitrust and competitive reaction patterns, and the implications of the clinical study for merger theory.
WOMEN AND ESSENTIAL OIL USAGE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Essential oil (EO) is a natural oil typically obtained through the process of distillation of plant and natural sources. Recently, the use of EOs has gained popularity, particularly among women as a result of renewed interest in the art of aromatherapy. In this paper, the researchers review the literature on EO usage across cultures in two ways: 1) describing the experience of using EOs and 2) defining factors that encourage women to use EOs. Searches of both social sciences and physical sciences databases were performed on relevant articles and empirical studies. Data from 30 articles were reviewed in this paper. The researchers conducted a summative content analysis to see variations in EO usage among women from different cultures. The study suggests that EO usage is common among women. EO is chosen to improve women’s physical and emotional well-being. It also shows considerable variations in outcome of EO usage like reducing agitation, relieving pain, improving sleep quality and mood, treating depression and also functioning as an antioxidant. Although this study found agreement among all cultures on the preference of using EOs, much of the evidence has put less emphasis on the importance of variables like different age group, racial/ethnic composition, social status, education and media exposure which explain women’s overall experience of using EOs. These socio-economic variations must also be taken into consideration. Finally, the study also indicates that researchers attempting cross-cultural studies need to holistically address in detail the social and cultural aspects surrounding EO usage. This paper also suggests for more interdisciplinary studies which will improve the understanding of this scenario in the future