SELEX: Recent Progress in the Analysis of Charm-Strange and Double-Charm Baryons

We present recent progress in the analysis of the Omega_c^0, the Xi_cc^+ and the Xi_cc^++.Comment: Contribution to the proceedings of HQL06, Munich, October 16th-20th 200

Cross-shareholding and the Long-run Performance of Stock Returns in the Japanese Keiretsu : An Empirical Analysis using panel data

Using a sample of Japanese keiretsu firms, this paper examines the relation between the cross-holding of equity and the long-run performance of stock returns. We set the hypothesis that under the paradigm and neoclassical theory of profit maximization, the objective of cross-shareholding must be to maximize the stock-returns of the firm, so that there should exist an abnormal return premium for investing in a portfolio of firms with a high percentage of cross-shareholding. Making portfolio\u27s conditional on the percentage of cross-shareholding and calculating their cumulative market-adjusted returns, we find that comparing with the market return, the high cross-shareholding portfolio did not significantly outperform or underperform the market return in the 15 year period of our sample. Comparing the returns of the high and low cross-shareholding portfolio\u27s, we find that the high cross-shareholding Portfolio only outperformed the low cross-shareholding portfolio in the 1990-\u2797 period. For the 1983-\u2789 period we find a relative strong underperformance. From the evidence of the pooled and fixed effect panel data regressions, we find evidence that a higher level of cross-shareholding is related to lower stock returns in the 1983-\u2789 Period. For the 1990-\u2797 period, there is evidence of a Positive impact but these results are not robust. Taking all the evidence together, we can conclude that a higher level of cross-shareholding does not lead to higher stock returns. Firms who hold a high percentage of equity in other firms in the keiretsu do this not necessarily to maximize their market value of equity or stock returns. This conclusion is similar to that of Nakatani (1984) who found that the purpose of belonging to the keiretsu is not to maximize the profits of the firm

Constraints on stellar yields and SNe from gamma-ray line observations

Gamma-ray line observations provide a versatile tool for studies of nucleosynthesis processes and supernova physics. In particular, the observation of radioactive species in the interstellar medium probes recent nucleosynthesis activity on various time-scales for different kinds of sources. Considerable progress in gamma-ray instrumentation during the last decades has led to the discovery of several cosmic gamma-ray lines. In this review, recent observational results are presented and their astrophysical implications are discussed. Prospects of gamma-ray line astronomy will be explored in view of the future INTEGRAL mission.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure, The Interplay Between Massive Stars and the ISM, Parallel Session I of JENAM99, 7-11 Sept. 1999, Toulouse, France, eds. Daniel Schaerer and Rosa Gonzalez Delgad

Judicial Review of European Administrative Procedure

Schwarze examines the requirements set down in the case law of the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance that serve to guarantee a fair and impartial administrative process. He also considers whether improvements should be made to the design of the administrative process and, if so, what kind

Gastrointestinal cancer screening and surveillance programmes : a worldwide perspective : part 1

Part 2 of this article can be found through this link: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/13101Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and such deaths are projected to continue to rise, creating significant morbidity and mortality. Devising programmes to detect early cancer, aiming to achieve complete cure, has been high on the agenda of various professional bodies. This paper focuses on the various screening and surveillance programmes around the world, aiming at detecting early gastrointestinal malignancies. Starting with Barretts’ oesophagus, we shall see the different surveillance programmes across countries to detect premalignant stages of oesophageal cancer, while at the same time reviewing the only country in the world, China, which has an oesophageal cancer mass screening programme. Moving to gastric cancer, we shall review Japan’s screening programme, followed by other countries’ measures in surveilling premalignant gastric conditions. Colorectal cancer is the only gastrointestinal cancer where mass screening has been employed in various countries. This will be discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on the British and American systems. We shall also be discussing the surveillance programmes for moderate and high risk patients of colorectal cancer. Finally, we shall also review the different recommendations with regards to screening for hepatocellular carcinoma.peer-reviewe