Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Share Repurchases and Repayments of Nominal Value: The Swiss Alternative to Dividends ⁄

This paper examines the announcement effects of share repurchases and repayments of nominal value in Switzerland. Two-day excess announcement returns are estimated to be 2.3% and 1.6%, respectively. This is roughly in line with findings from previous studies for several other markets. Furthermore, I find evidence that supports the free cash flow hypothesis as the main reason for cash disbursements through capital reductions. It seems that especially in the case of repayments of nominal value firms return cash to their shareholders because they do not have good investment opportunities at hand and not because they want to signal superior prospects. The results are less clear for repurchasing firms and the evidence suggests that some firms in the sample either want to signal that they are not fairly valued or at the very least try to time the announcement of the share repurchase. Finally, I find a surprisingly high announcement effect for firms that announce a repayment of nominal value to substitute for the regular dividend payment. The excess returns in these cases can be explained neither by tax implications nor by any of the two alternative hypotheses considered.
Multiuser decision-feedback receivers for asynchronous CDMA systems over a mismatched flat Rayleigh fading channel

In this paper, the design of decision-feedback multiuser (DFM) receivers for asynchronous code-division multiple access (CDMA) systems over a mismatched flat Rayleigh fading channel is studied, and tight upper and lower bounds on the pair-wise symbol-error probability, which has been averaged over the channel fading, time delays, and phase angles, are derived for some of the DFM detection schemes. The performance bounds, which are computed by efficient analytic techniques, can serve as reliable references for CDMA system design. It is shown that the proposed system, which takes into account the effect of mismatched fading on the system design, has some gain over the system where the estimation of fading is assumed to be exact.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI, INDEPENDENSI, DAN PROFESIONALISME AUDITOR TERHADAP KUALITAS AUDIT

Penelitian ini menguji apakah kompetensi, independensi, dan profesionalisme auditor berpengaruh terhadap kualitas audit. Auditor harus memiliki kompetensi, independensi, dan profesionalisme dalam mengaudit laporan keuangan untuk meningkatkan kepercayaan masyarakat. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah auditor yang bekerja di Kantor Akuntan Publik (KAP) yang berada di Semarang sejumlah 41 responden. Adapun metode pengambilan sampel adalah “Convenience sampling”. Kuesioner adalah alat yang digunakan untuk mengukur variabel. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil pengujian hipotesis menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi tidak berpengaruh terhadap kualitas audit, independensi berpengaruh terhadap kualitas audit, profesionalisme tidak berpengaruh terhadap kualitas audit. Berdasarkan analisis secara simultan menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi, independensi, dan profesionalisme auditor secara simultan (bersama-sama) berpengaruh terhadap kualitas audit.
Interactions of DNA with divalent metal ions. II. Proton relaxation enhancement studies

The extent and modes of binding of the divalent metal ions Mn2+ and Co2+ to DNA and the effects of salt on the binding have been studied by measurements of the effects of these paramagnetic metal ions on the longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates of the protons of the solvent water molecules, a technique that is sensitive to overall binding. The number of water molecules coordinated to the DNA–bound Mn2+ and Co2+ is found to be between five and six, and the electron spin relaxation times and the electron‐nuclear hyperfine constants associated with Mn2+ and Co2+ are little or not affected by the binding. These observations indicate little disturbance of the hydration sphere of Mn2+ and Co2+ upon binding to DNA. An average 2–3‐fold reduction in the exchange rate of the water of hydration of the bound metal ions and an order‐of‐magnitude increase in their rotational correlation time are attributed to hydrogen‐bond formation with the DNA. The binding constants of Mn2+ to DNA, at metal concentrations approaching zero, are found to be inversely proportional to the second power of the salt concentration, in agreement with the predictions of Manning's polyelectrolyte theory. A remarkable quantitative agreement with the polyelectrolyte theory is also obtained for the anticooperativity in the binding of Mn2+ to DNA, although the experimental results can be well accounted for by another simple electrostatic model. The various modes of binding of divalent metal ions to DNA are discussed.
Treating patients with cancer and acute venous thromboembolism

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are closely related, with a high risk of VTE associated with cancer and a strong impact of VTE on cancer prognosis. The management and treatment of cancer-associated VTE are particularly challenging and, in many cases, are not guided by a high level of evidence. Areas covered: In this review, we present the best therapeutic approach to acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and to some controversial issues, such as home treatment, optimal duration of anticoagulation, management of VTE recurrence during anticoagulant treatment, and of unsuspected PE. Then, the available evidence on other cancer-related VTE manifestations is presented, such as catheter-related thrombosis and splanchnic vein thrombosis. Expert opinion: While solid evidence exists on the advantage of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) during the first 3 to 6 months after acute DVT and/or PE, several issues have not been sufficiently investigated yet. These include the role of LMWH beyond the first 3 to 6 months, whether it is still more effective than VKA and if its intensity could be safely reduced, the strategies to identifying accurate predictors of VTE recurrence and the role of direct oral anticoagulants.
The most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT.

PURPOSE To evaluate the most useful findings to look for in diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS Appendiceal helical CT scans with intravenous contrast administration (abdomen, 7-mm collimation; abdominopelvic junction, 5-mm collimation) of 71 patients with surgically proven acute appendicitis and 167 patients with alternative diagnoses were reviewed retrospectively. Three radiologists analyzed the following parameters: enlarged appendix (>6 mm in diameter), appendiceal wall thickening, appendiceal wall enhancement, no identification of the appendix, appendicolith(s), appendiceal intraluminal air, intramural air, extraluminal air, periappendiceal fat stranding, extraluminal fluid, phlegmon, abscess, lymphadenopathy, segmental terminal ileal wall thickening, focal cecal apical thickening, focal colonic wall thickening, and segmental colonic wall thickening. The features that best distinguished appendicitis from alternative diagnoses were selected with stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Nine CT findings distinguished acute appendicitis from alternative diagnoses (P < 0.05): enlarged appendix (R = 0.739), appendiceal wall thickening (R = 0.525), periappendiceal fat stranding (R = 0.414), appendiceal wall enhancement (R = 0.404), focal cecal apical thickening (R = 0.171), appendicolith(s) (R = 0.157), extraluminal air (R = 0.050), intramural air (R = 0.043), and phlegmon (R = 0.030). Enlarged appendix (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 92%), appendiceal wall thickening (sensitivity, 66%; specificity, 96%), periappendiceal fat stranding (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 74%), and appendiceal wall enhancement (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 85%) showed the statistically most significant association with acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION On 5-mm-section contrast-enhanced helical CT examinations, enlarged appendix, appendiceal wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding, and appendiceal wall enhancement were the most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis.
The moderating effect of culture on e-filing taxes: evidence from India

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that affect the adoption of an electronic tax filing system in an emerging economy. Using the theory of planned behavior, the technology acceptance model (TAM), the information systems success model (ISSM), and Hofstede’s cultural values as the theoretical basis, this paper examines the influence that computer skills (CS), perceived ease of use (PEoU), perceived usefulness (PU), information systems quality, and espoused national culture have on the adoption of an electronic tax filing system in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach A survey was used to collect the data from individuals who e-filed theirs or someone else’s (individual and/or business) income taxes using government or private vendor websites. Snowball sampling technique is used to collect the data. A total of 201 usable questionnaires were analyzed. Findings Results indicate that PEoU and PU have a positive impact on user satisfaction (US), and higher US is linked to higher intentions of adopting online tax filing. Results show that high-power distance positively influences US. Practical implications The study provides insight for policymakers in emerging economies involved in diffusion of technology decisions. Considerations for requisite CS, perceptions of usefulness and ease, and culture should be included in the diffusion process. Originality/value This paper provides evidence supporting the predictability of TAM and ISSM in technology adoption. In addition, the study examines the moderating effect of culture on technology adoption. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to develop and test a holistic technology adoption model in context of a multicultural and emerging economy.
Lapse and Reentry in Variable Annuities

Section 1035 of the current U.S. tax code allows policyholders to exchange their variable annuity policy for a similar product while maintaining tax-deferred status. When the variable annuity contains a long-term guarantee, this "lapse-and-reentry" strategy allows the policyholder to potentially increase the value of the embedded guarantee. We show that this is frequently optimal and has severe repercussions for pricing and hedging of the guarantee. We analyze various policy features that may help mitigate the incentive to lapse, and compare them regarding the residual risk exposure to both policyholder and insurer.
Sevelamer Prevents Uremia-Enhanced Atherosclerosis Progression in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice

Background— The novel phosphate binder sevelamer has been shown to prevent the progression of aortic and coronary calcification in uremic patients. Whether it also decreases the progression of atheromatous plaques is unknown. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of sevelamer administration on the development of atherosclerosis and aortic calcification in the uremic apolipoprotein E–deficient mouse as an established model of accelerated atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— Female mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: 2 groups of nonuremic mice (sevelamer versus control) and 2 groups of uremic mice (sevelamer versus control). Sevelamer was given at 3% with chow. The increases in serum phosphorus concentration and calcium-phosphorus product observed in uremic control mice were prevented by sevelamer. Serum total cholesterol was increased in the 2 uremic mouse groups and remained unchanged in response to sevelamer. After 8 weeks of sevelamer treatment, uremic mice exhibited a significantly lower degree of atherosclerosis (P<0.001) and vascular calcification than uremic control mice. Of interest, sevelamer exerted an effect on both intima and media calcification (P=0.005) in uremic mice. Among possible mechanisms involved, we found no evidence for the modulation by sevelamer of inflammation or selected uremic toxins. In contrast, nitrotyrosine staining as a measure of oxidative damage was significantly decreased in response to sevelamer treatment in control and uremic mice (P<0.005). Conclusions— Sevelamer delays not only vascular calcification but also atherosclerotic lesion progression in uremic apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. It opens the possibility of a cholesterol-independent action of sevelamer on atheroma formation via effects on mineral metabolism, oxidative stress, or both.
The Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Export Performance of Apparel Exporters in Sri Lanka

In today’s global competition and economic liberalization, quality has become one of the important factors in achieving competitive advantages. Hence, the quality and its continuous advancement has developed a significant meaning for todays' business. Developed countries often resist exports from developing countries if the exports do not meet their country quality standards. Sri Lanka like other developing economies is also trying hard to exploit business opportunities in international markets and has succeeded as far as textiles and apparel industry. Purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Total Quality Management Practices (TQMP) on Export Performance (EP) of apparel exporters of Sri Lanka. A five point Likert scale questionnaire was used as the key instrument of data collection and data were obtained from 65 apparel exporters in Sri Lanka. Eight dimensions were used to measure TQMP including Leadership, Training, Employee Management, Information and Analysis, Supplier Management, Process Management, Customer Focus and Continuous Improvement. The regression and correlation analysis were used to examine the impact of TQMP on EP and the relationship between TQMP and EP. Results of the study clearly indicated that all dimensions except Information and Analysis were significantly correlated with EP. In addition, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement and Supplier Management were found as the most significant dimensions that impact on EP.
Differentiating customer engaging behavior by targeted benefits – an empirical study

Purpose Relationship marketing scholars and managers have recognized the potential of customer engagement to enhance business performance and customer value. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects that different types of customer engagement behaviors have on their perceived benefits. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted two empirical studies. In the first step, 69 in-depth interviews were held to identify important customer engagement behaviors and targeted benefits. Then, in the second step, a quantitative study with 255 participants was used to match the identified customer engagement behaviors with the targeted benefits. Findings The results reveal that there are three aggregated types of customer engagement behaviors (“value creation-focused customer engagement”, “online-focused customer engagement” and “customer-to-customer interaction-focused customer engagement”). These types of customer engagement behaviors lead to different targeted benefits (social, relationship, autonomous, economic, altruistic and self-fulfillment benefits). Research limitations/implications A consideration of the influencing factors of the different customer-engagement-behavior types, including customers’ motives for their engagement with a company, would potentially enhance the findings. Furthermore, a closer investigation of the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and customer engagement types can also provide deeper insights into the reasons for engaging with a certain firm or brand. Practical implications The findings provide managers with information on how to segment customers according to their customer engagement type and associated benefits and thereby enable them to manage customer engagement behaviors more profitably. Originality/value The results make a key contribution to the emerging research field of customer engagement by gaining deeper insights into the benefits associated with different customer engagement behaviors. It becomes clear that different customer engagement types aim at receiving various benefits.
Adverse Selection in the Equity Loans Market

We examine a form of adverse selection which arises when short sellers attempt to coordinate a price correction, but stock lenders learn by observing arbitrageurs’ arrivals and become better informed about the true timing of an imminent price correction. We refer to this concept as coarse clocks. We show how coarse clocks lead to an adverse selection problem in the market for equity loans, creating a type of strategic short sale constraint which limits arbitrage. We analyze the implications of a switch from the current over-the-counter stock loans market to a centralized exchange, and relate our findings to recent empirical research on short-selling risks.
A complementary BiCMOS technology with high speed npn and pnp SiGe:C HBTs

We demonstrate SiGe:C pnp HBTs in a complementary bipolar CMOS flow with f/sub T//f/sub max/ values of 80 GHz/120 GHz at BV/sub CEO/ = 2.6 V and a ring oscillator delay of 8.9 ps. The simultaneously fabricated npn HBTs sustain no significant performance loss compared to the npn-only BiCMOS, confirmed by f/sub T//f/sub max/ values of 180 GHz/185 GHz and a ring oscillator delay of 4.6 ps. A pnp-only BiCMOS flow produces peak f/sub T//f/sub max/ values for pnp devices of 115 GHz/115 GHz. The high speed performance of the pnp transistors surpasses the best reported values of this transistor type substantially.
Probabilistic cost benefit analysis of generation investment in a deregulated electricity market

A new methodology is proposed for the analysis of generation capacity investment in a deregulated market environment. This methodology proposes to make the investment appraisal using a probabilistic framework. The probabilistic production simulation (PPC) algorithm is used to compute the expected energy generated, taking into account system load variations and plant forced outage rates, while the Monte Carlo approach has been applied to model the electricity price variability seen in a realistic network. The model is able to capture the price and hence the profitability uncertainties for generator companies. Seasonal variation in the electricity prices and the system demand are independently modeled. The method is validated on IEEE RTS system, augmented with realistic market and plant data, by using it to compare the financial viability of several generator investments applying either conventional or directly connected generator (powerformer) technologies. The significance of the results is assessed using several financial risk measures
Solution to the quantum Zermelo navigation problem.

The solution to the problem of finding a time-optimal control Hamiltonian to generate a given unitary gate, in an environment in which there exists an uncontrollable ambient Hamiltonian (e.g., a background field), is obtained. In the classical context, finding the time-optimal way to steer a ship in the presence of a background wind or current is known as the Zermelo navigation problem, whose solution can be obtained by working out geodesic curves on a space equipped with a Randers metric. The solution to the quantum Zermelo problem, which is shown here to take a remarkably simple form, is likewise obtained by finding explicit solutions to the geodesic equations of motion associated with a Randers metric on the space of unitary operators. The result reveals that the optimal control in a sense "goes along with the wind. "
Experience with Dental Pain and Fear of Dental Pain

Anxious people tend to overestimate the intensity of aversive events such as fear and pain. When an aversive event has been experienced personally, prediction is based on experience and is possibly less subject to bias due to anxiety. Therefore, it was hypothesized that subjects will overestimate fear of specific dental pains relative to subjects who experienced the pain or procedure personally. Samples of highly anxious dental patients (n = 48), patients waiting for periodontal treatment (n = 56), and psychology freshmen (n = 262) completed a measure of dental anxiety and the Fear of Dental Pain (FDP) questionnaire. All FDP items were extended with the question whether the subject ever experienced the pain personally (yes or no). Less fear was reported when the pain had been experienced personally, with the exception of the sample of highly anxious dental patients. The results suggest that fear of dental pain is a highly important covariate in dental pain research.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Mobile Services

The extent of adoption of mobile services in India has not progressed as expected. In this backdrop, the present research investigated factors affecting intention to adopt mobile services. Using researcher controlled sampling, data was generated from students enrolled in business schools. Two sets of statistical techniques were employed. The first set was used to refine and test the validity and reliability of the research instrument by using Cronbach Alpha, inter-item and item-total correlation, and principal component analysis. The second set was used to estimate interrelated dependence relationships by using Structural Equation Modelling. Mobile Service Adoption Model was proposed. Results suggest that attitude, compatibility, subjective norm, perceived usefulness, and personal innovativeness are significant determinants of intention to adopt mobile services. The findings can be of vital importance to practitioners when developing new services and strategizing marketing campaigns. The study also opens up several avenues for additional research in the domain of adoption of mobile services. Keywords: Mobile services adoption; India. JEL Classifications: M300; M310
Child Perceived Parenting Behavior: Childhood Anxiety and Related Symptoms

Youth ages 7–14 (N = 175; 52.6% male) and parents were evaluated. Father's and mother's acceptance, psychological control, and firm/behavioral control were measured. Children were diagnosed, and self-, parent-, and teacher-reports were gathered. Children with anxiety disorders perceived higher parental control than children without. Regressions found child-reported maternal acceptance was associated with lower child anxiety, depression, and externalizing, whereas psychological control predicted higher symptoms. Child-reported depressive symptoms moderated the maternal psychological control and children's anxiety relationship (the relationship was weaker for anxious children with more depressive symptoms). Findings support that children's perception of parenting behavior is associated with anxiety.
Composite Cutaneous Lymphoma in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Methotrexate

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whether treated or not with immunosuppressive agents including methotrexate, have an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders. Termed “iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders” in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms, they include Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Composite lymphomas are rare, particularly in skin, with none reported in immunodeficiency states. We report the case of a 67 year-old woman with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis, on methotrexate treatment, who developed multiple skin lesions exhibiting a malignant infiltrate displaying both B- and T-cell phenotypes and dual clonal gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction, consistent with a cutaneous composite lymphoma. The patient received chemotherapy including rituximab with partial response, but the T-cell component recurred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a cutaneous composite lymphoma in a patient with an iatrogenic immunodeficiency representing a dual challenge, diagnostic for the pathologist and therapeutic for the hematologist.