Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of management control systems in leveraged buyouts

The paper studies those management control systems (MCS) that mediate the relationship between buyout sponsors (e.g., private equity, venture capital firms) and their portfolio companies. Buyouts normally have a life cycle that extends from deal structuring, changes in company management practice, and then, finally, harvesting investment. Underlying these phases of investment is the application of management control systems (MCS) that reflects the buyout sponsors’ concern for creating a re-vitalized focus on performance. We conducted an empirical study to trace the evolution of performance-induced MCS in the UK and Continental European leveraged buyout companies. Our results show that, to facilitate decision-making and align owner-manager interests, buyout companies establish various control mechanisms, including input controls, behavior controls and output controls. The choice among these three types is positively associated with the particular strategic context of a buyout. Companies emphasizing cost leadership tend to choose output controls while firms following a differentiation strategy are more likely to implement behavior controls. In implementing these strategies and the associated MCS, buyout sponsors’ board members play a crucial role. MCS are also linked to superior firm performance, measured as growth in revenues, as well as buyout sponsors’ exit from their investment. The study was conducted as part of a wider project on Influence of Financial Institutions on Company Management Practice funded by the UK Government Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). I would like to acknowledge the support I have received in preparing this manuscript from a number of people, including Peter Abell, Roderick Martin, Peter Casson, Malcolm Higgs, Guy Vernon, Dima Jamali and Nicholas Clark.
Dietary cation–anion differences in some pasture species, changes during the season and effects of soil acidity and lime amendment

The difference between cation and anion concentrations is an important property when assessing feed for dry dairy cows in order to avoid hypocalcaemia following calving. Dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) is used to assess suitability of feed and predict the risk of milk fever; a value of –5 cmol(+)/kg dry matter (DM) or less is desirable. This work has examined the DCAD of 16 field-grown species found in pasture in southern Australia. The DCAD [cmol(+)/kg DM] at the flowering stage varied from 7 to 32 for grasses, 21 to 72 for legumes and 72 to 99 for dicot weeds. The average DCAD for legumes was 50 cmol(+)/kg DM, over 2-fold higher than the 20 cmol(+)/kg DM average for grasses. There was a substantial decline in DCAD of herbage as the season progressed. In a glasshouse experiment with five grass species in an acid soil, lime application increased yield and tended to lower the DCAD. Lime decreased uptake per unit root length of potassium and chlorine and increased uptake of calcium by phalaris and timothy. While DCAD is an important attribute of herbage for assessing its suitability for prepartum diets of dairy cows, the present data indicate that it would be prudent to also consider concentrations of calcium and other mineral nutrients in herbage, particularly when examining less familiar plant species or the effects of different cultural practices on the composition of herbage for such diets.
The Faint End of the z = 5 Quasar Luminosity Function from the CFHTLS

We present results from a spectroscopic survey of z ∼ 5 quasars in the CFHT Legacy Survey. Using both optical color selection and a likelihood method, we select 97 candidates over an area of 105 deg2 to a limit of iAB < 23.2, and 7 candidates in the range 23.2 < iAB < 23.7 over an area of 18.5 deg2. Spectroscopic observations for 43 candidates were obtained with Gemini, MMT, and Large Binocular Telescope, of which 37 are z > 4 quasars. This sample extends measurements of the quasar luminosity function ∼1.5 mag fainter than our previous work in Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82. The resulting luminosity function is in good agreement with our previous results, and suggests that the faint end slope is not steep. We perform a detailed examination of our survey completeness, particularly the impact of the Lyα emission assumed in our quasar spectral models, and find hints that the observed Lyα emission from faint z ∼ 5 quasars is weaker than for z ∼ 3 quasars at a similar luminosity. Our results strongly disfavor a significant contribution of faint quasars to the hydrogen-ionizing background at z = 5.
Evaluating the spatiotemporal variations of water budget across China over 1951–2006 using IBIS model

The Integrated Biosphere Simulator is used to evaluate the spatial and temporal patterns of the crucial hydrological variables [run‐off and actual evapotranspiration (AET)] of the water balance across China for the period 1951–2006 including a precipitation analysis. Results suggest three major findings. First, simulated run‐off captured 85% of the spatial variability and 80% of the temporal variability for 85 hydrological gauges across China. The mean relative errors were within 20% for 66% of the studied stations and within 30% for 86% of the stations. The Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients indicated that the quantity pattern of run‐off was also captured acceptably except for some watersheds in southwestern and northwestern China. The possible reasons for underestimation of run‐off in the Tibetan plateau include underestimation of precipitation and uncertainties in other meteorological data due to complex topography, and simplified representations of the soil depth attribute and snow processes in the model. Second, simulated AET matched reasonably with estimated values calculated as the residual of precipitation and run‐off for watersheds controlled by the hydrological gauges. Finally, trend analysis based on the Mann–Kendall method indicated that significant increasing and decreasing patterns in precipitation appeared in the northwest part of China and the Yellow River region, respectively. Significant increasing and decreasing trends in AET were detected in the Southwest region and the Yangtze River region, respectively. In addition, the Southwest region, northern China (including the Heilongjiang, Liaohe, and Haihe Basins), and the Yellow River Basin showed significant decreasing trends in run‐off, and the Zhemin hydrological region showed a significant increasing trend. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of yoghurt cultures on some chemical parameters of sheep's milk yoghurt during storage.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of two different commercial yoghurt cultures (L811 and X11) on the changes of some chemical parameters of sheep’s milk yoghurt during storage over a period of 21 days. Chemical parameters were determined in yoghurts on the 1st, 7th, 14th and the 21st day of storage at the temperature of 4 ± 1oC. The results showed that the pH, titratable acidity and protein content had changed significantly (P<0.05) during the whole storage period in the yoghurts produced with both used yoghurt cultures. On the other hand, the content of fat, lactose and total solids remained statistically unchanged (P<0.05). It can be concluded that both used yoghurt cultures are capable of producing yoghurt which maintains characteristic content of chemical parameters during whole storage period.
Son Preference and Abortion Utilization in Nepal

Author(s): Youngquist, Lindsey | Abstract: This study examines associations of son preference, desire for sons more than daughters, with abortion history among ever-married women in Nepal (N=9837), using nationally representative 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographics and other relevant covariates, assessed associations between son preference (assessed by self-report and number/sex of children) and abortion history. Having multiple sons rather than 0 or 1 son was associated with abortion history, where presence/absence of daughters and self-reported son preference was not. Son preference appear to play a role in abortion decision-making in Nepal that cannot be captured by self-report.
In vitro propagation and conservation of Diaphanoptera khorasanica (Caryophyllaceae), a threatened endemic and potential ornamental species in northeast of Iran

Tissue culture methods provide tools to supplement traditional methods for collection, propagation and preservation of endangered plant species. In this study, in vitro propagation of Diaphanoptera khorasanica Rech.f. , a rare and threatened plant species with limited distribution range and population was investigated. This species has a potential as an ornamental plant. Single node explants were provided from both adult and seedling sources. Several disinfection treatments were tried to permit selection of a suitable method. Different growth regulators were used for establishment, proliferation and rooting stages. Explants showed the highest establishment percentage after 5 min treatment with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), cultured in MS medium containing 2.2 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.4 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest proliferation of explants from both adult and seedling source explants was obtained from media supplemented by BA treatment in contrast to TDZ. No significant differences were found between different concentrations of BAP and TDZ. Proliferated shoots in TDZ were longer and had more internode length and less vitrification, in comparison with those in BAP. In vitro rooting of proliferated shoots just induced in liquid half-strength MS medium and rooting was not observed in solid medium. The shoots that originated from adult plants gave rise to the highest rooting rate with 4. 8μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2.4 μM, but NAA rooted plantlets showed higher survival percentage in acclimatization step. This study was aimed towards developing an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of D. khorasanica and conservation of this vulnerable species.
Sociolinguistics and Language Learning in a Study Abroad Context

61 This article will focus on the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence by second language learners during a period of study abroad. Various aspects of sociolinguistic competence will be discussed and some of the principal factors which affect it will be described. Factors which affect sociolinguistic competence emerging from research in the area of study abroad include some which are central to the acquisition of second languages in general: context of acquisition, level of proficiency, degree of contact with native speakers, role of input, individual differences and the issue of native speaker norms. The research described will outline what we know about the sociolinguistic and sociocultural aspects of study abroad. The literature which exists to date on this aspect of second language acquisition (SLA) will be reviewed, including both quantitative and qualitative studies. Finally, we will address the question of the benefits (if any) of studying abroad for the acquisition of sociolinguistic and sociocultural competence. Where possible, an attempt will be made to see how this experience compares with that of learners who have not been abroad. Some of the studies to be discussed in this article were carried out with the explicit intention of focusing on the sociolinguistic area (Marriott 1995; Regan 1995; and Siegal 1995). There are also other year abroad studies which, although not focusing specifically on the sociolinguistic aspects of the process, nevertheless reveal further information about what happens during a study abroad period, for example, Lafford (1995) and Lapkin, Hart and Swain (1995). Various aspects of the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence are addressed in these articles.
Coinfection of and Leishmania spp. in Synanthropic Reservoirs (Canis familiaris)in an Endemic Area of The State of QuerÃ©taro, Use of FeSODe as an AntigenicTool

The importance of synanthropic reservoirs in the epidemiology of metaxenic diseases plays an important role in field studies. Dogs, being the domestic animals that commonly cohabit with the human being in both rural and urban areas, play a fundamental role as reservoirs of blood and tissue protozoa. The migration of the human and its invasion to areas inhabited mainly by natural reservoirs and vectors of Trypanosomatids like Leishmania and Trypanosoma has increased the risk of contracting blood or tissue infection. The present study reveals firstly the seroprevalence of both parasites in canids that coexist openly with the population and in turn are part of the natural fauna of the place (synanthropic reservoir) and secondly the existing co-infection between Leishmania sp in the studied dogs. Were collected 100 blood samples from canids close to the human and were tested for anti T. cruzi antibodies and anti- Leishmania first with two standard tests, ELISA and Indirect Hemagglutination (HAI) for T. cruzi and Immunochromatographic Test for Leishmania (SD bioline Leishmania Ab), whose results were not convincing. The enzyme superoxydodismutase (SODe) excreted by T. cruzi parasites and Leishmania species present in the endemic region (L. mexicana mexicana, L. infantum chagasi and L. braziliensis braziliensis). The results obtained reveal a seroprevalence of 20% for T.cruzi, 15% for L. mexicana mexicana, 2% for L. infantum chagasi and 11% for L. braziliensis braziliensis and a coinfection between L. mexicana mexicana/L. braziliensis braziliensis and L. mexicana mexicana/T. cruzi and less frequent, coinfection among L. braziliensis braziliensis/T. cruzi with percentage values of 4%, 4% and 2% respectively.
Resources as dual sources of advantage: Implications for valuing entrepreneurial‐firm patents

Why and how do resources provide sources of competitive advantage? This study sheds new light on this central question of resource-based theory by allowing a single resource—entrepreneurial-firm patents—to play distinctive roles in different competitive arenas. As rights to exclude others, patents serve a well-known role as legal safeguards in product markets. As quality signals, patents also could improve access and the terms of trade in factor input markets. Based on the financing activities of 370 venture-backed semiconductor start-ups, we provide new evidence that patents confer dual advantages in strategic factor markets, improved access and terms of trade, above and beyond their added product-market protection. The study has important implications for empirical tests of resource-based theory and the measurement of resource value. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heart Fractional shortening Bone marrow Anemia Coagulation disorders Immune dysfunction GI tract Potassium excretion Brain

Despite the availability of renal replacement therapy, acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. In humans, it is difficult to determine whether AKI is a cause or consequence of excess morbidity. In animal models, however, it is increasingly clear that AKI induces distant organ dysfunction. Identified pathways include inflammatory cascades, apoptosis, the induction of remote oxidative stress, and differential molecular expression. Specifically, growing evidence implicates renal injury as an instigator and multiplier of pulmonary, cardiac, hepatic, and neurologic dysfunction. Accurate identification of these pathways will be critical in developing targeted therapies to improve outcomes in AKI. The purpose of this review is to summarize both clinical and preclinical studies of AKI and its role in distant organ injury.
Is There Any International Diversification Benefits in ASEAN Stock Markets?

This study finds that there is a common force which brings all the five ASEAN stock markets together in the long run by the nonparametric tests. This suggests that shocks from any of these five markets may spillover to the other markets in the same region. The recent Asian financial crisis bears a good testimony to this ‘contagion effect'. Subsequently, there would be no long run gain from international portfolio diversification. Specifically, investors with long run horizons may not benefit from an investment made across the countries in this ASEAN region. One possible explanation for this intra-ASEAN stock markets integration is their strong economic ties, especially intra-ASEAN trade and investment that has indirectly linked their stock indices. Citation: Hock-Ann Lee and Kian-Ping Lim and Venus Khim-Sen Liew, (2009) ''Is There Any International Diversification Benefits in ASEAN Stock Markets? '', Economics Bulletin, Vol. 29 no.1 pp. 392-406. Submitted: Nov 23 2008. Published: March 23, 2009.
Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in some cereals, rapeseed products and maize DDGS for broiler chickens at the age of 14 days.

The experiment was conducted to assess the ileal digestibility values for the purpose of evaluating the ability of 14-day-old broilers to utilize the amino acids (AA) from different plant feeds. The feeds included two cereals: maize and wheat; full-fat seeds of rape (FRS); four local by-product: cold-pressed rapeseed cake (RC1), rapeseed cake from precooked (90°C) seeds (RC2), solvent-extracted rapeseed meal (RSM), maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and soyabean meal (SBM), used as the model protein feed. The standardized ileal digestibilities of AA (SID) were measured using the assay diets containing Cr 2 O 3 as an indigestible marker. A protein-free diet was formulated to estimate the basal ileal endogenous AA losses. Dietary protein in the assay diets was supplied solely by the test ingredients. Each diet was offered for 5 days to 4 replicate cages of 12 birds. For wheat the SID coefficients of most AA were significantly or numerically greater compared with maize. The numerical superiority of the SBM over all the other protein sources tested was found for SID of most AA, with statistically confirmed differences for threonine, tryptophan, serine and tyrosine. Among protein feeds examined DDGS had the lowest digestibility of lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and cystine. Of the four rapeseed feeds, RSM had the lowest digestibility of lysine, histidine, alanine, glycine and serine. Considering the SID of the 18 amino acids, protein-rich feeds tested in this study were ranked as follows: SBM > RC1 > RC2 > FRS > RSM > DDGS. However, the SID values of lysine and methionine in both rapeseed cakes (RC1 and RC2) were comparable to those obtained for SBM.
Household Wealth and Saving in New Zealand: Evidence from the Longitudinal Survey of Family, Income and Employment

This paper uses data from the Survey of Family, Income and Employment (SoFIE) to estimate household saving in New Zealand between 2004-2006. Comprehensive data on wealth is collected biannually in SoFIE and we calculate household saving by examining how wealth has changed over time. We find that even the most conservative estimate of household saving was at least 14% of gross income during this time period. On the other hand, the indirectly derived Household Income and Outlay Accounts (HIOA) indicate (net) household saving was -12.5% per year over the same period. We also find no evidence that capital gains in housing during this time period crowded out saving or that the composition of household wealth in New Zealand differed from that in other developed countries.
Molecular Genetic Studies on 167 Pediatric ALL Patients from Different Areas of Pakistan Confirm a Low Frequency of the Favorable Prognosis Fusion Oncogene TEL-AML 1

The cellular components of blood are formed from a pool of stem cells in the bone marrow, through an organized pathway called the hematopoietic system (Grech et al., 2014). The pluripotent stem cells are capable of differentiation to form any of the elements of blood, but overproliferation by these cells can lead to a condition called blood cancer or leukemia (Prasanthi et al., 2010; Li et al., 2012). This case, unregulated and abnormal white blood cells division leads to production of large number of immature blood cells (blasts), leading to impairment of various body functions, resulting in different clinical manifestations often seen in leukemia patients (Jemal et al., 2008; Senyuk et al., 2012). The exact cause of most leukemia types is unknown, as is the hematopoietic Abstract
Preview : Published ahead of advance online publication Drug-induced inhibition of phosphorylation of STAT 5 overrides drug resistance in neoplastic mast cells

Cite this article as: B Peter, S Bibi, G Eisenwort, B Wingelhofer, D Berger, G Stefanzl, K Blatt, H Herrmann, E Hadzijusufovic, G Hoermann, T Hoffmann, J Schwaab, M Jawhar, M Willmann, W R Sperr, J Zuber, K Sotlar, H-P Horny, R Moriggl, A Reiter, M Arock, P Valent, Drug-induced inhibition of phosphorylation of STAT5 overrides drug resistance in neoplastic mast cells, Leukemia accepted article preview 18 December 2017; doi: 10.1038/leu.2017. 338.
RIGHTS ISSUES, PRIVATE BENEFITS AND NEGATIVE-NPV INVESTMENTS

This paper discusses the use of rights issues when interest conflicts between controlling shareholders and minorities exist, due to the existence of private benefits that the former can extract from the value of listed company. While the literature considers the issue of pre-emptive rights as an essential tool to protect minorities from expropriation, we propose that pre-emptive rights are used to enforce the subscription of seasoned equity issues. We define an abuse condition as the case when a controlling shareholder choose discretionally an issuing price, granting a discount with respect to the market price, and "enforce" minorities to undertake a negative-NPV investment. Minorities do so because they are minimizing an exit cost that is greater than zero. As the rights issue never fails under these conditions, we define this phenomenon as "enforced subscription". This model fits the Italian legal framework, and many other international contexts where rights issues are dominant. We report the case of Alitalia’s rights issue in 2005 as a typical example of "enforcement at work". As rights issues at a high discount often involve an abuse of power by the controlling shareholders, we argue that their use should be carefully regulated.
The Effectiveness of Enterpreneurship Learning in Developing Students' Entrepreneurial Intentions

The main problem of this study is the effectiveness lowness of entrepreneurship learning that effects the intention lowness of student entrepreneurship. The purpose of the study is to describe and to test the variables empirically that influence the students learning effectiveness and entrepreneurship intention. The study applied the survey method. The samples were 357 students from class XI SMK using sampling random proportionate. The data analysis was structural equation modeling that consist of confirmatory analysis and path analysis. Based on the data analysis, the study result are: 1) the high and low of entrepreneurship knowledge is influence positively by students psychology factor, teacher competence, and learning process; 2) the high and low of the industry apprentice result is influenced positively by students psychology factor, teacher competence, learning process, and entrepreneurship knowledge; 3) the entrepreneurship knowledge and the industry apprentice has a positive influence towards the attitude of entrepreneurship, norms perception, and self-efficacy; 4) it is seen from the total that the entrepreneurship knowledge and industry apprentice are the embodiment of entrepreneurship learning effectiveness that has low influence towards entrepreneurship intention, and the strongest relative influence towards the entrepreneurship intention are self-efficacy, entrepreneurship knowledge, industry apprentice, attitude and norms perception. Key word: psychology factor, competence, learning, knowledge, apprentice, attitude, perception, self-efficacy, enterpreneurial