Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Costs of Conflict Resolution and Financial Distress: Evidence from the Texaco-Pennzoil Litigation

This article demonstrates that the dispute between Texaco and Pennzoil over the Getty Oil takeover reduced the combined wealth of the claimants on the two companies by over $3 billion. During the course of the litigation, Pennzoil's shareholders gained only one-sixth as much as Texaco's shareholders lost. When the litigation was settled, about two-thirds of the loss in wealth was regained. These fluctuations in value exceed most estimates of the direct costs of carrying on the litigation, and may reflect the disruption in the operations of Texaco caused by the dispute.
REVITALISING POLITICS: ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE

Prompted by sharply falling voting turnouts, there has been much talk in recent years of a crisis of political engagement amongst young people. The Labour Government in the UK was sufficiently concerned to establish a Youth Citizenship Commission in 2008, to explore how to better connect young people to politics and to lead a consultation on whether the voting age should be lowered. In this article, the Chair of that Commission examines the extent of the crisis and explores some possible means of redress.
Strategic options to tackle patent expiration: theoretical framework and case studies

Patents grant patent holders a temporary monopoly, excluding other parties from making commercial use of the patented invention without authorisation and thereby allowing their owners to recoup investment. In many industries, the loss of patent-protected exclusivity and the ensuing market entry of competitors are known to be followed by a severe decline of the incumbent's sales and profit. This paper investigates strategies, which incumbents can adopt to cushion these adverse effects. Taking the pharmaceutical industry as an example, we explore the strategy space available to firms in situations of patent expiration, providing a comprehensive analytical framework. The study is based on expert interviews and secondary data of key effort and performance variables. Four prominent case studies from the German market analyse strategy choice, implementation and success in large pharmaceutical companies. Implications for industry and policy-making as well as the transferability of the proposed strategic framework to other industries are discussed.
Examining the ‘black box’ of human resource management in MNEs in China: exploring country of origin effects

We examine the impact of HPWS on the attitudes and retention of Chinese employees in multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in China. More specifically, we examine the extent to which the degree of HPWS and the impact of these practices differ according to the country of origin of the MNE. We surveyed a sample of 410 Chinese employees currently working in Western and Asian MNEs. The findings indicate significant ‘country of origin’ effects, where employees of Western and Asian MNEs perceive different levels of HPWS are in operation in their respective organisations. Employee trust, job satisfaction and affective commitment are all important factors in the retention of Chinese employees of MNEs, with high levels of commitment being the most significant factor. However, the relative impact of these factors on employee retention differs by country of origin of the MNE.
Corruption and Development: An Introduction

Corruption has become an issue of major political and economic significance in recent years. This has led to a resurgence of interest in analysing the phenomenon and the diverse forms that it assumes in developing countries with an expectation that democratisation and economic liberalisation offer potential routes to dealing with the problem. Anti-corruption strategies range from institutional reforms through to concerted efforts at the international level, but the efficacy of these approaches has not been subject to careful empirical research.
Chemokine modulation of high‐conductance Ca2+‐sensitive K+ currents in microglia from human hippocampi

During acute pathological processes, microglia transform into an activated state characterized by a defined morphology and current profile, and are recruited to injury sites by chemokines. No information is available on the ion channels and the mode of action of chemokines in microglia in brain slices from humans with a chronic pathology. Thus, patch‐clamp recordings of microglia were performed in hippocampal slices from seven patients who underwent surgery for pharmaco‐resistant epilepsy. Cells were identified as microglia by positive labelling with fluorescein‐conjugated tomato lectin before recording. All the recorded cells had an ameboid morphology characteristic of activated microglia. However, they had a high input resistance (3.6 GΩ), a zero‐current resting potential of −16 mV, and lacked Na+ currents, inwardly rectifying and delayed rectifying K+ currents such as non‐activated microglia. Importantly, recorded cells expressed Ca2+‐sensitive outward currents that activated at 0 mV with non‐buffered intracellular Ca2+ and were sensitive to 1 mm tetraethylammonium (TEA). The estimated single‐channel conductances were 187 pS in cell‐attached and 149 pS in outside‐out patches, similar to those of high‐conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels. The chemokine MIP1‐α increased whole‐cell outward current amplitudes measured at +60 mV by a factor of 3.3. Thus, microglia in hippocampi from epileptic patients express high‐conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels that are modulated by the chemokine MIP1‐α. This modulation may contribute to the migratory effect of MIP1‐α on microglia.
Development of a Novel Electronic Surveillance System for Monitoring of Bloodstream Infections

Background. Electronic surveillance systems (ESSs) that utilize existing information in databases are more efficient than conventional infection surveillance methods. Objective. To develop an ESS for monitoring bloodstream infections (BSIs) and assess whether data obtained from the ESS were in agreement with data obtained by traditional manual medical-record review. Methods. An ESS was developed by linking data from regional laboratory and hospital administrative databases. Definitions for excluding BSI episodes representing contamination and duplicate episodes were developed and applied. Infections were classified as nosocomial infections, healthcare-associated community-onset infections, or community-acquired infections. For a random sample of episodes, data in the ESS were compared with data obtained by independent medical chart review. Results. From the records of the 306 patients whose infections were selected for comparative review, the ESS identified 323 episodes of BSI, of which 107 (33%) were classified as healthcare-associated community-onset infections, 108 (33%) were classified as community-acquired infections, 107 (33%) were classified as nosocomial infections, and 1 (0.3%) could not be classified. In comparison, 310 episodes were identified by use of medical chart review, of which 116 (37%) were classified as healthcare-associated community-onset infections, 95 (31%) as community-acquired infections, and 99 (32%) as nosocomial infections. For 302 episodes of BSI, there was concordance between the findings of the ESS and those of traditional manual chart review. Of the additional 21 discordant episodes that were identified by use of the ESS, 17 (81%) were classified as representing isolation of skin contaminants, by use of chart review. Of the additional 8 discordant episodes further identified by use of chart review, most were classified as repeat or polymicrobial episodes of disease. There was an overall 85% agreement between the findings of the ESS and those of chart review (K = 0.78; standard error, K = 0.04) for classification according to location of acquisition. Conclusion. Our novel ESS allows episodes of BSI to be identified and classified with a high degree of accuracy. This system requires validation in other cohorts and settings.
Automatically Constructing Areas of Expertise Based on R&D Publication Data

For developing countries such as Thailand where the number of knowledge workers is quite limited, a complete national researcher profile database is essential to locate experts in various fields in order to foster collaborative opportunities. Since the current national researcher database was constructed based upon voluntary responses from researchers to create their profile, we found that the database is incomplete, and particularly the area of expertise field has been empty for a great number of researchers. To solve the problem, we propose several approaches to automatically construct areas of expertise using keywords from R&D publications. The best performance is by using term frequency- inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) with title weighting and keyword merging approach. The evaluating result yields 7% higher performance than the baseline (i.e., term frequency) method.
Driver drowsiness detection using the in-ear EEG

Driver drowsiness monitoring is one of the most demanded technologies for active prevention of severe road accidents. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and several peripheral signals have been suggested for the drowsiness monitoring. However, each type of signal has partial limitations in terms of either convenience or accuracy. Recent emerged concept of in-ear EEG raises expectations due to reduced obtrusiveness. It is yet unclear whether the in-ear EEG is effective enough for drowsiness detection in comparison with on-scalp EEG or peripheral signals. In this work, we evaluated performance of the in-ear EEG in drivers' alertness-drowsiness classification for the first time. Simultaneously, we also tested three peripheral signals including electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and galvanic skin response (GSR) which have advantage in convenience of measurement. The classification analysis using the in-ear EEG resulted in high classification accuracy comparable to that of the individual on-scalp EEG channels. The ECG, PPG and GSR showed competitive performance but only when used together in pairwise combinations. Our results suggest that the in-ear EEG would be viable alternative to the single channel EEG or the individual peripheral signals for the drowsiness monitoring.
Are Flows Costly to Etf Investors?

Authorized participants create and redeem exchange-traded fund (ETF) shares in response to supply and demand imbalances in the secondary market. For the majority of ETFs, share creations and redemptions take place as in-kind transactions, but a growing number of ETFs feature cash creations and redemptions. The authors investigate whether ETF flows are costly to investors. Using a reasonable proxy for the potential cost of fund flows, they find evidence of underperformance associated with flows to ETFs featuring cash creations and redemptions and tracking international benchmarks. Because ETF flows do not predict subsequent returns and the authors do not find evidence the funds are susceptible to market-timing strategies, the costs likely stem from the transaction costs associated with the portfolio trades that are necessary to accommodate cash liquidity.
Cell death during corneal storage at 4 degrees C.

PURPOSE To evaluate cell death in human donor corneas stored at 4 degrees C, to determine whether terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-fluorescein nick-end labeling (TUNEL) discriminates between apoptosis and necrosis in corneas stored at 4 degrees C. METHODS Ten human corneas were stored in Optisol (Chiron Ophthalmics, Irvine, CA) at 4 degrees C for periods ranging from 0 to 21 days and then fixed for histologic examination. Central corneal sections from each cornea were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by the TUNEL assay. Electron micrographs of at least 15 keratocytes each from the anterior, middle, and posterior stroma were examined by three masked observers who graded each cell as normal, apoptotic, or necrotic. Central sections from the same corneas were processed by the TUNEL assay and evaluated with a laser scanning confocal microscope to determine the percentage of apoptotic cells. RESULTS By TEM, apoptosis occurred in 23% of the keratocytes and necrosis in 12%. By TUNEL assay, apoptosis occurred in 11% of the keratocytes, with the results in individual corneas being similar to the findings by TEM for apoptosis, rather than for necrosis. By TUNEL assay, apoptosis occurred in 13% of the epithelial cells and in 8% of the endothelial cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells and storage time correlated significantly for the epithelium, but not for the keratocytes or endothelium in this small sample. CONCLUSIONS Both apoptosis and necrosis occur in cells during corneal storage at 4 degrees C, with apoptosis appearing to predominate. The TUNEL assay identifies cells undergoing apoptosis, but not necrosis, in corneal tissue. Inhibition of apoptosis in corneas stored at 4 degrees C may prolong acceptable storage times.
Analytical one-factor pricing model for energy vanilla options

Recently [3] we analyzed the historical data of Henry Hub, WTI Crude and Brent Crude spot prices within the scope of one-factor model of mean reverting commodity [1, 2]. One of the important characteristics of one-factor model is it’s analytical representation. Analytical pricing is important for a number of following reasons: • It allows for fast pricing • It aids the calibration process as each parameter in search routine can be effectively evaluated
[Comparative studies of DL-8280 and pipemidic acid in complicated urinary tract infections by double-blind method].

The clinical efficacy, safety and usefulness of DL-8280 for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections were compared with those of pipemidic acid (PPA) by a double-blind method. DL-8280 and PPA were orally administered at a daily dose of 600 mg (t.i.d.) and 2.0 g (q.i.d.) for 5 days, respectively. Of the 311 patients who received DL-8280 or PPA, clinical efficacy, safety and usefulness were evaluated in 228 patients (DL-8280, 115; PPA, 113), 306 patients (DL-8280, 153; PPA, 153) and 250 patients (DL-8280, 124; PPA, 126), respectively. There was no significant difference in the background characteristics between the two groups. In the DL-8280 group the overall clinical efficacy was excellent in 39.1% and moderate in 41.7%, the effectiveness rate being 80.9%, whereas in the PPA group it was excellent in 23.9% and moderate in 33.6%, the effectiveness rate being 57.5%. The efficacy in the DL-8280 group was significantly higher than that in the PPA group (P less than 0.001). According to classification by the type of infection, the overall clinical efficacy of DL-8280 in groups except group 2 (monomicrobial infection, post prostatectomy) and group 3 (monomicrobial infection, upper urinary tract infection) was superior to that of PPA, the difference being significant. Pyuria was cleared or improved in 59.1% of the patients treated with DL-8280 and in 46.0% of the patients with PPA. The difference was not significant. Bacteriuria was eliminated in 76.5% in the DL-8280 group and in 50.4% in the PPA group. DL-8280 demonstrated a significantly higher response than PPA (P less than 0.001). Of the bacteria isolated from the DL-8280 group and PPA group 89.0% and 72.1%, respectively, were eradicated after the treatment, a significant difference being observed between the two groups (P less than 0.001). The clinical efficacy evaluated by the doctor in charge was excellent in 46.1% and good in 37.4% of the patients treated with DL-8280 and excellent in 26.5% and good in 34.5% of the patients treated with PPA, the intergroup difference in the efficacy being significant (P less than 0.001). The evaluation of usefulness of DL-8280 and PPA was "satisfactory" for 71.8% and 47.6%, respectively, the difference being significant (P less than 0.001). Side effects were observed in 11 patients (7.2%) in the DL-8280 group and in 12 patients (7.8%) in the PPA group, but none were serious. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION IN LATINAMERICA: SOME EMPIRICAL RESULTS

This paper presents some empirical results related to information technology (IT) diffusion in Latin American nations. The paper finds that diffusion speeds of five IT products are quite high and comparable to other nations. The results also show that for these products, IT diffusion is accelerating. Factors such as base IT infrastructure and institutional indicators such as regulatory burden are expected to be related to such diffusion acceleration in Latin America.
Selecting a Meta-Heuristic Technique for Smart Micro-Grid Optimization Problem: A Comprehensive Analysis

In current epoch, the economic operation of micro-grid under soaring renewable energy integration has become a major concern in the smart grid environment. There are several meta-heuristic optimization techniques available under different categories in literature. One of the most difficult tasks in cost minimization of micro-grid is to select the best suitable optimization technique. To resolve the problem of selecting a suitable optimization technique, a rigorous review of six meta-heuristic algorithms (Whale Optimization, Fire Fly, Particle Swarm Optimization, Differential Evaluation, Genetic Algorithm, and Teaching Learning-based Optimization) selected from three categories (Swarm Intelligence, Evolutionary Algorithms, and Teaching Learning) is conducted. It presents, a comparative analysis using different performance indicators for standard benchmark functions and proposed a smart micro-grid (SMG) operation cost minimization problem. A proposed SMG is modeled which incorporates utility connected power resources, e.g., wind turbine, photovoltaic, fuel cell, micro-turbine, battery storage, electric vehicle technology, and diesel power generator. The proposed work will help researchers and engineers to select an appropriate optimization method to solve micro-grid optimization problems with constraints. This paper concludes with a detailed review of micro-grid operation cost minimization techniques based on an exhaustive survey and implementation.
Investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry. PARTICIPANTS A total of 43 workers within three workplaces participated in the study. METHODS Subjects were interviewed using self-report charts. During the task duration, observation of the workplace was carried out using a Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) method. RESULTS An analysis of WERA assessment, the wrist score for WERA body part was >4 in 86% of workers, while wrist pain or discomfort was reported by 86%, yielding a significant association between WERA body part score and self-reported pain (χ(2)=16.12; p=0.000). The WERA body part score for the shoulder regions during wall plastering job yielded a score > 4 in 93% and caused shoulder pain or discomfort in 91%, the association being significant (χ(2)=12.58; p=0.000). The back regions for WERA body part score was >4 in 91% of workers, with 98% reporting pain or back discomfort, with a significant association (χ(2)=9.98; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS These results showed that statistically significance for the wrist, shoulder and back regions of the individual WERA body part scores were affecting the worker and lead to the development of pain or discomfort among workers in wall plastering jobs.
Economics and consumer behavior: Economics and Consumer Behavior

This classic text has introduced generations of students to the economic theory of consumer behaviour. Written by 2015 Nobel Laureate Angus Deaton and John Muellbauer, the book begins with a self-contained presentation of the basic theory and its use in applied econometrics. These early chapters also include elementary extensions of the theory to labour supply, durable goods, the consumption function, and rationing. The rest of the book is divided into three parts. In the first of these the authors discuss restrictions on choice and aggregation problems. The next part consists of chapters on consumer index numbers; household characteristics, demand, and household welfare comparisons; and social welfare and inequality. The last part extends the coverage of consumer behaviour to include the quality of goods and household production theory, labour supply and human capital theory, the consumption function and intertemporal choice, the demand for durable goods, and choice under uncertainty.
SRAM portless bitcell and current-mode reading

SRAM 6T bitcell suffers many limitations in advanced technology nodes among which varaibility issues. Various alternatives have been experimented and the paper focuses the 5T portless bitcell. Read and write operations are operated by varying voltage conditions. The results in [1] have been reviewed in CMOS 32nm and improvements have been provided. The bitcells are arranged in matrix to permit a current-mode read operation as opposed to voltage-based sensing techniques. Thus safety and stability of the bitcell operation is established without constraints on memory periphery. The current-mode operation enables a significant gain in dynamic power consumption. The paper details the portless operation and current-mode reading based an simulation results. A matrix testchip is currently under fabrication in bulk CMOS 32nm.
The Correct Value of Tax Shields. An Analysis of 23 Theories

This paper provides guidelines to evaluate the appropriateness of 23 different valuation methods for estimating the present value of tax shields. We first show that the value of tax shields is the difference between the present values of two different cash flows with their own risks: the present value of taxes for the unlevered company and the present value of taxes for the levered company. This implies, as a first guideline, that, for the particular case of a perpetuity and a world without costs of leverage, the value of tax shields is equal to the tax rate times the value of debt. The value of tax shields can be lower when costs of leverage exist. In that case, we show that, since the existence of leverage costs is independent of taxes, a second guideline for the appropriateness of the valuation method should be that the value of tax shields, when there are no taxes, is negative. We then look at the case of constant growth and derive similar conclusions. Second, we identify 23 valuation theories proposed in the literature to estimate the present value of tax shields and illustrate their performance relative to the proposed guidelines. Eight of these theories do not satisfy the two proposed guidelines for the case of perpetuities. Only one of the valuation methods is consistent with these restrictions when we look at the case of constant growth and no leverage costs. Two theories provide consistent valuations when we allow for leverage costs and growth. Finally, we use the 23 theories to value a hypothetical firm and show remarkable differences in the values obtained, which demonstrates the importance of using a method consistent with the proposed guidelines.
Economic Decline and Nationalism in the Balkans

Nationalist Bankruptcy in the Balkans - Ethno-territorial Disputes and Self-Determination - Manifestations of the Balkan Economic Crises - Former Yugoslavia: Transition to Capitalism and War Economics - Sanctions: Trigger of Economic Collapse or Stimulus for Economic Initiative? - The Economic and Demographic Ramifications of Population Movements - Towards Larger Ethnic and Economic Units in the Balkans