Relevant market delineation with the use of strategic business information.

In his paper a, overview of methods used in antitrust analysis to delineate relevant markets is provided and shortcomings are pointed out. A practical methodology to delineate relevant geographical and product markets is developed, starting from the theoretical definition of a relevant antitrust market. Based on criteria used by business strategists in segmenting markets, the new methodology makes use of strategic information on the position of a company and its competitors in a specific industry sector to delineate relevant markets. The usefulness of the new methodology is illustrated from the European truck industry.

International strategic alliances: stock market responses from Dutch firms partnering with EU, US and Japanese firms.

International; Strategic alliances; Alliances; Market; Responses; Firms; Management; School;

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Relevant market delineation with the use of strategic business information

In his paper a, overview of methods used in antitrust analysis to delineate relevant markets is provided and shortcomings are pointed out. A practical methodology to delineate relevant geographical and product markets is developed, starting from the theoretical definition of a relevant antitrust market. Based on criteria used by business strategists in segmenting markets, the new methodology makes use of strategic information on the position of a company and its competitors in a specific industry sector to delineate relevant markets. The usefulness of the new methodology is illustrated from the European truck industry.status: publishe

International strategic alliances: stock market responses from dutch firms partnering with EU, US and Japanese firms

This paper examines the effect on the market valuation of large Dutch firms following the announcement of forming international strategic alliances (ISAs). These stock market effects are distinguished by type of alliance and country of origin of the partnering firms during the period 1985-1992. While ISAs are generally found to have a positive effect on firms' market value, strategically and culturally distant foreign partners generate a strong negative effect on a firm's market value. The results underscore the importance of conducting a strategic, operational and cultural audit of the partnering firms and the envisaged partnership. The audit needs to be taken as a starting point in developing the essential co-operation skills to make the alliance work and should become integrated within a comprehensive performance scorecard

International strategic alliances: stock market responses from Dutch firms partnering with EU, US and Japanese firms

status: publishe

The clinical toxicology of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol

International audienc

Poisoning due to water hemlock

Introduction. Water hemlock, which encompasses a range of species divided across two genera (Cicuta and Oenanthe), are regarded as being among the most poisonous plants both in North America and in the United Kingdom. Despite their toxicity, the literature consists almost entirely of case reports.  Aim. The aim of this review is to summarize this literature by covering all aspects of taxonomy and botanical characterization, principal toxins, basic pharmacology including mechanisms of toxicity, and the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of poisoning. Mechanisms of toxicity. The principal toxins, cicutoxin and oenanthotoxin, belong to a group of C17 conjugated polyacetylenes. They act as (noncompetitive) gamma-aminobutyric acid antagonists in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in unabated neuronal depolarization that can lead to seizures. Ingestion of even a small amount of plant matter may result in severe intoxication.  Features. After ingestion, the patient is most likely to experience CNS stimulatory effects including seizures that, in the absence of aggressive supportive care, can result in death. Other features include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, mydriasis, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, coma, respiratory impairment, and cardiac dysrhythmias.  Management. Treatment consists mainly of prompt airway management and seizure control, plus decontamination if achieved early and after stabilization. In the event of renal failure, the use of hemodialysis has been employed successfully.  Conclusions.  The ingestion of water hemlock can lead to serious complications that may be fatal. Prognosis is good, however, if prompt supportive care is provided