Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Strategic Partnerships in the Internationalisation of Small Born Global Firms

Objective: The article discusses motives driving the internationalisation of small born global firms and explores the role strategic partnerships play in the process. It argues that born globals are forced into international markets soon after their foundation due to limited domestic market capacity. Furthermore, they attempt to prevent competition on international markets and secure first mover advantages. Research Design & Methods: Based on primary data gathered in the course of interviews with founders and senior managers of British born globals operating in different industry sectors, the article offers new insights into the role of partnerships during early stages of internationalisation. Findings: The article reveals that beside serendipitous opportunities, the motivation and opportunity recognition of the founder/manager play a vital role in firms’ early internationalisation. Strategic partnerships appear to help born globals in overcoming resource constraints and their liability of newness and smallness. Also other factors, such as increasing brand recognition and the enhancement of the firm’s credibility motivate born globals to engage in strategic partnerships from an early stage. Implications & Recommendations: The research results lead to a conclusion that strategic partnerships are suitable only for a particular period of time, which begins shortly after the firm’s inception and ends when the born global firm becomes more established. Contribution & Value Added: The article provides novel understanding of the role of strategic partnerships play in the early internationalisation of born globals. Furthermore, it adds new insights into the evolution of such partnerships.
Nonlinear identification of biological clock dynamics

The paper presents an algorithm for identification of nonlinear autonomous systems in sustained periodic oscillations. The algorithm is of least squares type with a very low computational complexity, the latter being a prime target of the paper. The identified model is of second order with both right hand sides modeled by polynomials in the state variables. This choice is motivated by a recent result on identifiability. That result proves that in case the phase portrait of a measured periodic signal does not intersect itself in a 2-dimensional phase plane, then nonlinear autonomous models of a higher order than 2 cannot be uniquely identifiable. In other words, a second order ODE is sufficient for modeling of any periodic signal that does not have a 2-dimensional phase portrait that intersects itself. This is true also in cases where the underlying system that generates the periodic signal has an order that is higher than 2. The new algorithm is applied to identification of the dynamics of a biological clock that keeps track of daily variations known as circadian rhythms. The dynamics is typically created by oscillations in biochemical networks in the cells of many living organisms. The identification problem is shown to be highly non-linear in the paper. Yet good results are obtained in a numerical study that also addresses the effect of noise on the identified model.
Cloud for e-Learning: Determinants of Its Adoption by University Students in a Developing Country

Cloud computing is an innovative technology that can provide huge benefits to universities to improve their teaching and learning processes. While it has been widely adopted for e-Learning across universities in developed countries, its adoption in developing countries is very low and there is a lack of empirical studies that investigate the factors that influence its adoption by university students. In this paper, we identify and examine the factors that influence university students' intention to adopt cloud services in a developing country, Saudi Arabia. An empirical case study on a Software as a Service (SaaS) was conducted across two universities and a survey questionnaire modified from Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) was administered to 527 students. The results show that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are the main determinants of students' behavioural intention to adopt the provided cloud computing service. Detailed analysis of the determinants provides recommendations that can guide decision makers in universities to improve students' adoption by facilitating successful implementation of cloud services and by making students realise the relevance of cloud services to their e-Learning activities and outcomes. The study also offers cloud service providers recommendations on tailoring their services in order to build a successful e-Business model for universities in developing countries.
Vitamin C Is an Essential Antioxidant That Enhances Survival of Oxidatively Stressed Human Vascular Endothelial Cells in the Presence of a Vast Molar Excess of Glutathione*

Cellular glutathione levels may exceed vitamin C levels by 10-fold, generating the question about the real antioxidant role that low intracellular concentrations of vitamin C can play in the presence of a vast molar excess of glutathione. We characterized the metabolism of vitamin C and its relationship with glutathione in primary cultures of human endothelial cells oxidatively challenged by treatment with hydrogen peroxide or with activated cells undergoing the respiratory burst, and analyzed the manner in which vitamin C interacts with glutathione to increase the antioxidant capacity of cells. Our data indicate that: (i) endothelial cells express transporters for reduced and oxidized vitamin C and accumulate ascorbic acid with participation of glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbic acid reductases, (ii) although increased intracellular levels of vitamin C or glutathione caused augmented resistance to oxidative stress, 10-times more glutathione than vitamin C was required, (iii) full antioxidant protection required the simultaneous presence of intracellular and extracellular vitamin C at concentrations normally found in vivo, and (iv) intracellular vitamin C cooperated in enhancing glutathione recovery after oxidative challenge thus providing cells with enhanced survival potential, while extracellular vitamin C was recycled through a mechanism involving the simultaneous neutralization of oxidant species. Therefore, in endothelial cells under oxidative challenge, vitamin C functions as an essential cellular antioxidant even in the presence of a vast molar excess of glutathione.
Volume therapy with a new hydroxyethyl starch solution in cardiac surgical patients before cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE To compare the hemodynamic efficacy of a new hydroxyethyl starch (HES) preparation (130/0.4) with an HES 200/0.5 solution. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blind, phase II study. SETTING An urban, university-affiliated hospital. PARTICIPANTS Twenty patients undergoing elective first-time cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS After induction of anesthesia and before the start of surgery, a new HES 130/0.4 (molecular weight, 130,000 d; degree of substitution, 0.4) (n = 10) or HES 200/0.5 (molecular weight, 200,000 d; degree of substitution, 0.5) (n = 10) was infused (10 mL/kg) within 30 minutes when pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was less than 10 mmHg. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Extensive hemodynamic monitoring was performed 30 and 60 minutes after the end of infusion. Then surgery was started. Standard laboratory parameters were measured before surgery and on the 1st postoperative day. A similar amount of HES was given in both groups (HES 130, 795+/-75 mL; HES 200, 820+/-90 mL). Filling pressures (central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) and cardiac index increased similarly in both groups and remained significantly elevated 60 minutes after the end of infusion. All other hemodynamic parameters were similar between the two volume groups. Renal (creatinine) and hepatic function (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) and hemostasis (platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, blood loss) were without group differences until the morning of the 1st postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS The new 6% HES 130/0.4 was as effective as a 6% HES 200/0.5 preparation in regard to hemodynamic efficacy. No negative side effects on organ function were seen. The 6% HES 130/0.4 solution may become an alternative strategy for volume therapy in cardiac surgery.
Low socioeconomic status is associated with adverse events in children and teens on insulin pumps under a universal access program: a population-based cohort study

Objective To describe adverse events in pediatric insulin pump users since universal funding in Ontario and to explore the role of socioeconomic status and 24-hour support. Research design and methods Population-based cohort study of youth (<19 years) with type 1 diabetes (n=3193) under a universal access program in Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2013. We linked 2012 survey data from 33 pediatric diabetes centers to health administrative databases. The relationship between patient and center-level characteristics and time to first diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) admission or death was tested using a Cox proportional hazards model and the rate of diabetes-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations with a Poisson model, both using generalized estimating equations. Results The rate of DKA was 5.28/100 person-years and mortality 0.033/100 person-years. Compared with the least deprived quintile, the risk of DKA or death for those in the most deprived quintile was significantly higher (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.38) as was the rate of diabetes-related acute care use (RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.00). 24-hour support was not associated with these outcomes. Higher glycated hemoglobin, prior DKA, older age, and higher nursing patient load were associated with a higher risk of DKA or death. Conclusions The safety profile of pump therapy in the context of universal funding is similar to other jurisdictions and unrelated to 24-hour support. Several factors including higher deprivation were associated with an increased risk of adverse events and could be used to inform the design of interventions aimed at preventing poor outcomes in high-risk individuals.
Hoxa9 collaborates with E2A‐PBX1 in mouse B cell leukemia in association with Flt3 activation and decrease of B cell gene expression

Background: The fusion protein E2A‐PBX1 induces pediatric B cell leukemia in human. Previously, we reported oncogenic interactions between homeobox (Hox) genes and E2A‐PBX1 in murine T cell leukemia. A proviral insertional mutagenesis screen with our E2A‐PBX1 B cell leukemia mouse model identified Hoxa genes as potential collaborators to E2A‐PBX1. Here we studied whether Hoxa9 could enhance E2A‐PBX1 leukemogenesis. Results: We show that Hoxa9 confers a proliferative advantage to E2A‐PBX1 B cells. Transplantation experiments with E2A‐PBX1 transgenic B cells overexpressing Hoxa9 isolated from bone marrow chimeras showed that Hoxa9 accelerates the generation of E2A‐PBX1 B cell leukemia, but Hoxa9 is unable to transform B cells alone. Quantitative‐reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated a strong repression of B cell specific genes in these E2A‐PBX1/Hoxa9 leukemias in addition to Flt3 activation, indicating inhibition of B cell differentiation in combination with enhanced proliferation. Overexpression of Hoxa9 in established E2A‐PBX1 mouse leukemic B cells resulted in a growth advantage in vitro, which was also characterized by an enhanced expression of Flt3. Conclusions: we show for the first time that Hoxa9 collaborates with E2A‐PBX1 in the oncogenic transformation of B cells in a mouse model that involves Flt3 signaling, which is potentially relevant to human disease. Developmental Dynamics 243:145–158, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biodiversity Observation for Land and Ecosystem Health (BOLEH): A Robust Method to Evaluate the Management Impacts on the Bundle of Carbon and Biodiversity Ecosystem Services in Tropical Production Forests

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has initiated a new sustainability mechanism, the ecosystem-services certification. In this system, management entities who wish to be certified for the maintenance of ecosystem services (carbon, biodiversity, watershed, soil and recreational services) must verify that their activities have no net negative impacts on selected ecosystem service(s). Developing a robust and cost-effective measurement method is a key challenge for establishing a credible certification system. Using a single method to evaluate a bundle of ecosystem services will be more efficient in terms of transaction costs than using multiple methods. We tested the efficiency of a single method, “biodiversity observation for land and ecosystem health (BOLEH)”, to simultaneously evaluate biodiversity and carbon density on a landscape scale in FSC-certified tropical production forests in Sabah, Malaysia. In this method, forest intactness based on the tree-generic compositional similarity with that of a pristine forest was used as an index of biodiversity. We repeated BOLEH in 2009 and 2014 in these forests. Our analysis could detect significant spatiotemporal changes in both carbon and forest intactness during these five years, which reflected past logging intensities and current management regimes in these forests. Enhancement of these ecosystem services occurred in the forest where sustainable management with reduced-impact logging had long been implemented. In this paper, we describe the procedure of the BOLEH method, and results of the pilot test in these forests.
How Does Stock Market React to Dividend Surprises? Evidence from Emerging Markets of India and Russia

ABSTRACT In this article the authors empirically investigate information content of dividends announcements and average reaction of emerging markets of India and Russia to dividend surprises on the postcrisis period 2010 to 2014. The study applies an analysts’ expectations-based approach rarely used in academic literature. The authors conclude that the Russian market on average reacts negatively to good and bad dividend surprises; good dividend surprises on average trigger positive abnormal returns on Indian stocks, whereas bad and no surprises are associated with negative reactions of the Indian market. Results of the study are discussed from the perspective of dividend signaling theory, market efficiency, and investor behavior.
Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of donepezil-based agents as new cholinesterase/monoamine oxidase inhibitors for the potential application against Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract In a continuing effort to develop multitargeted compounds as potential treatment agents against Alzheimer's disease (AD), a series of donepezil-like compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated. In vitro studies showed that most of the designed compounds displayed potent inhibitory activities toward AChE, BuChE, MAO-B and MAO-A. Among them, w18 was a promising agent with balanced activities, which exhibited a moderate cholinesterase inhibition (IC50, 0.220 μM for eeAChE; 1.23 μM for eqBuChE; 0.454 μM for hAChE) and an acceptable inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidases (IC50, 3.14 μM for MAO-B; 13.4 μM for MAO-A). Moreover, w18 could also be a metal-chelator, and able to cross the blood–brain barrier with low cell toxicity on PC12 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that w18 might be a promising multitargeted compound for AD treatment.
The impact of oral food challenge tests on food allergy health‐related quality of life

Food allergy health‐related quality of life (FAQOL) has been shown to improve after food challenge, but it is unknown whether this improvement is attributed to the procedure itself. Using the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire–Parent Form, we assessed FAQOL changes over time for children who underwent food challenges in the only paediatric allergy clinic in Ireland. Of 54 children who had a food challenge between September 2012 and February 2013, 25 were positive (allergic) and 29 were negative (nonallergic). FAQOL improved significantly from 2 months prechallenge to 2 months postchallenge for both groups, but began to decrease at 6 months postchallenge in allergic patients. Our findings confirm the positive therapeutic effect of the food challenge on FAQOL; however, the effect appears to wane between 2 and 6 months postchallenge in those confirmed food‐allergic, highlighting the importance of regular contact with families of food‐allergic children after the food challenge.
Interrelationships between behaviour intention and its influential factors for consumers of motorcycle express cargo delivery service

ABSTRACT Motorcycle express cargo delivery service (MECDS), part of the ‘sharing economy’, allows utilisation of motorcycle surplus capability without requiring additional investment. Investigating interrelationships of factors that influence MECDS use, this research uses a framework based on theory of planned behaviour (TPB), technology acceptance model (TAM), and perceived risk. The analysis applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore path relationships of influential factors. To elaborate heterogeneity, it applies PLS multi-group analysis by gender and prior MECDS use, and PLS prediction-oriented segmentation for latent variables. A survey of 287 valid respondents included users of GoGoVan's MECDS and nonusers Except for subjective norm, all factors from TPB and TAM can influence and explain, either directly or indirectly, behaviour intention about using MECDS. Perceived usefulness mediates the impact of perceived ease of use on behaviour intention; user type and also latent variables moderate the model. Managerial implications are provided in conclusion.
Prevention of pancreatic fistula using polyethylene glycolic acid mesh reinforcement around pancreatojejunostomy: the propensity score‐matched analysis

Several small‐scale studies have shown that wrapping polyethylene glycolic acid (PGA) mesh around the anastomotic site reinforced pancreaticojejunostomy following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with favorable outcomes. This study investigated the efficacy of PGA mesh for reducing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and evaluated other risk factors for POPF.
Spontaneous central nervous system remyelination is not altered in NFH‐lacZ transgenic mice after chemical demyelination

Harmonious functioning of the nervous system depends on neuron–glia interactions, particularly between the axons and their myelinating cells, i.e., oligodendrocytes (OL) in the central nervous system (CNS). In human demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination may be associated with axonal damage, but alterations of the axonal cytoskeleton, which is composed mainly of neurofilaments (NF) and microtubules, are largely unknown, as are the consequences on remyelination. In a model of demyelination induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), we have shown that demyelination was correlated with a decrease in NF immunolabelling, and that these axonal abnormalities were reduced by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐enhanced remyelination in adult rats. We have analysed the spontaneous remyelination after LPC stereotaxic injection in the CNS of transgenic NFH‐lacZ mice, which present axonal atrophy caused by abnormal distribution of NF, associated with hypermyelination in the PNS, and normal myelin thickness in the CNS. Axonal atrophy in the CNS of NFH‐lacZ mice was confirmed, but it was not worsened by demyelination. On the contrary, demyelination induced axonal atrophy in wild‐type mice, demonstrating that NF are essential for axonal calibre determination. Moreover, an efficient spontaneous remyelination occurred in NFH‐lacZ as well as in wild‐type mice, indicating that the NF are not necessary for CNS remyelination. These findings point out that NF modifications observed in MS may not be responsible for the lack of remyelination in this disease. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of Narrow-Diameter Implants in the Posterior Jaw: A Systematic Review

Statement of Problem:Evidence is limited on the efficacy of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) in the posterior jaw. Purpose:The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the survival of NDIs and provide guidelines for their safe use. Materials and Methods:Electronic search of the English-language literature enriched by hand search to identify suitable publications was made. Only peer-reviewed clinical studies published from January 1990 through March 2014 were included. Results:Seventeen studies with a total of 1644 implants met the inclusion criteria, with an observation period from 1 up to 12 years. The mean survival rate of 98.6% was reported. Technical and other complications were observed. Conclusion:Short-term clinical data suggest that NDIs may serve in the posterior jaw as an alternative to standard-diameter implants. However, certain clinical conditions must be observed to assure long-term success.
A study of war

Louis Leonard Wright's abridgment of this classic work reorganizes some of Wright's material and deletes footnotes and appendixes, but still retains the power and impact of the original. "The most comprehensive work ever published in any language on the history, the nature, the causes, and the cure of war. "A Study of War" is a liberal education in the social disciplines. " Frederick L. Schuman "A major contribution to the realistic study of international relations. " Garrett Mattingly, "New York Times""
Suppression of Transgene Silencing by Matrix Attachment Regions in Maize Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.004028.

Matrix attachment regions (MARs) are DNA sequences that bind an internal nuclear network of nonhistone proteins called the nuclear matrix. Thus, they may define discrete gene-containing chromatin loops in vivo. We have studied the effects of flanking transgenes with MARs on transgene expression levels in maize callus and in transformed maize plants. Three MAR elements, two from maize (Adh1 5′ MAR and Mha1 5′ MAR) and one from yeast (ARS1), had very different effects on transgene expression that bore no relation to their affinity for the nuclear matrix in vitro. In callus, two of the MAR elements (Adh1 5′ MAR and ARS1) reduced transgene silencing but had no effect on the variability of expression. In transgenic plants, Adh1 5′ MAR had the effect of localizing β-glucuronidase expression to lateral root initiation sites. A possible model accounting for the function of Adh1 5′ MAR is discussed.
Knowledge About Human Papillomavirus Among Adolescents

Objective To assess knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) among high school–aged adolescents. Methods We administered written surveys to 523 inner-city high school students in Toronto, Canada, that asked about HPV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and Papanicolaou testing. We also asked them to report doctor or clinic visits and whether they received sexual health information at those visits. The predictor variables used in analysis were gender and sexual experience. Results Eighty-seven percent of our population [95% confidence interval (CI) 84%, 89%] had not heard of HPV. Although adolescent women were more knowledgeable about Papanicolaou testing than adolescent men, only 39% of sexually experienced adolescent women knew who should get a Papanicolaou test. Sexually experienced and inexperienced adolescents failed to identify correctly their STD risk. Both genders showed greater knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than other diseases. Among adolescent women, 85% had visited a doctor or clinic within the past year, but only 29% had talked about sexual health. Conclusion Knowledge of HPV infection and cervical cancer screening was low in this urban adolescent population. Improved efforts are needed for prevention of HPV infection and HPV-related cervical changes. Programs modeled after HIV-education programs might be effective. Doctors' offices and clinics providing health care to adolescents should take greater responsibility in sexual health education.