bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology readiness, perceived ubiquity and M-commerce adoption
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Moorthi Y.L.R. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to draw concepts from marketing and information systems research and integrate them in the context of M-commerce. The authors develop a conceptual model of technology readiness (TR) affecting perceived ubiquity (PQ) (of smartphones) and PQ affecting M-commerce adoption (MA) incorporating the moderating effect of privacy concerns (PC) on the relation between PQ and MA along with the constructs perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU).

Methodology
The conceptual model was formulated using a set of qualitative research procedures (four focus group discussions) and tested using two questionnaire-based surveys (with 372 and 431 respondents each) in India. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted followed by structural equation modeling for the quantitative data.

Findings
Results from the quantitative study indicate a significant effect of TR on PQ, PU and PEU. All three latter constructs had a significant effect on MA. A significant moderating effect of PC on the relation between PQ and MA was also observed.

Research implications
The study findings enhance the literature on the antecedents of successful adoption of M-commerce and establish the role of PQ as a significant influencer of MA.

Practical implications
The study findings would enable service providers with a new and relevant model of M-commerce adoption.

Originality
The major contribution of the study is the development and validation of a model that has attitudinal variables related to technology usage and their relations to M-commerce adoption.
Antecedents of growth-oriented entrepreneurship before and during the Greek economic crisis
Authors: Giotopoulos Ioannis , Kontolaimou Alexandra , Tsakanikas Aggelos 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore potential drivers of high-growth intentions of early-stage entrepreneurs in Greece before and after the onset of the financial crisis of 2008.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, the authors use individual-level data retrieved from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor annual surveys (2003-2015).FindingsThe results show that high-growth intentions of Greek entrepreneurs are driven by different factors in the crisis compared to the non-crisis period. Male entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs with significant work experience seem to be more likely to be engaged in growth-oriented new ventures during the crisis period. The same appears to hold for entrepreneurs who are motivated by an opportunity and also perceive future business opportunities in adverse economic conditions. On the other hand, the educational level and the social contacts of founders with other entrepreneurs are found to drive ambitious Greek entrepreneurship in the years before the crisis, while they were insignificant after the crisis outbreak.Originality/valueBased on the concept of ambitious entrepreneurship, this study contributes to the literature by investigating the determinants of entrepreneurial high-growth expectations in the Greek context emphasizing the crisis period in comparison to the pre-crisis years.
Does transitioning from family to non-family controlled firm influence internationalization?
Authors: Monreal-Pérez Joaquín , Sánchez-Marín Gregorio 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the internationalization of family firms, exploring specifically if the transition from family control to non-family control (losing family managerial influence) affects a firm’s export activity.Design/methodology/approachBased on panel data for Spanish firms from 2006 to 2012, a random effect tobit and probit regression and a propensity score matching were run on a sample of 225 firms moving from family to non-family control (switchers) matched with 4,213 firms remaining under family control (non-switchers).FindingsAlthough from a static viewpoint family controlled firms export less than their non-family counterparts, from a dynamic perspective family firms remaining under family control (non-switchers) are associated with a fall in export activity in comparison with family firms transitioning to non-family control (switchers). Both findings are related back to the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study shed light on the trade-offs that family firms experience in order to balance their desire to increase their internationalization (and the risk associated with it) and their wish to maintain SEW.Practical implicationsThe findings should encourage family owners and managers to take long-term strategic decisions leading to internationalization which, although risky, will prevent subsequent loss of SEW in terms of family control.Originality/valueThis work provides evidence concerning family firms’ willingness to undertake risky activities, such as internationalization, considering the threats to their wealth.
Applying “attribution theory” to determine the factors that lead to the failure of entrepreneurial ventures in Colombia
Authors: Pardo Clara , Alfonso William 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use attribution theory to identify the factors that contribute to the failure of entrepreneurial ventures in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach
The research study upon which this paper is based involved an online survey. A total of 324 Colombian entrepreneurs who had experienced business failure answered this survey. The study included six factors (financial, organizational, marketing, external environment, operational, and human resources) with their respective attributions as well as a personality test and segmentation questions. Two multivariate techniques were used (principal component analysis and a multinomial distribution model) to analyze the results of the survey.

Findings
The results showed that the principal attributions of failure for Colombian entrepreneurs were financial and organizational issues, the external environment, and marketing. Specific sub-issues included insufficient income generated to maintain the business, lack of proper financing, problems with the control of the business, as well as legal and economic instability.

Practical implications
These results of this research study are important for the creation and development of policies that promote entrepreneurship in Colombia and other developing countries. The findings may also provide entrepreneurs with an analysis of the attributions that are most frequently associated with failure and related lessons, which could individually and cumulatively increase the probability of success for entrepreneurs who are starting new business ventures.

Originality/value
This study makes an important contribution to the extant entrepreneurship literature by identifying and categorizing factors associated with business failure in Colombia. In developing countries, it is especially important to analyze failure attributions to determine relevant official policy instruments that could promote successful business ventures.
The strategic hybrid orientation and brand performance of B2B SMEs
Authors: Anees-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Saraniemi Saila , Ulkuniemi Pauliina , Hurmelinna-laukkanen Pia 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to learn how strategic hybrid orientation – constructed from brand and market orientations – is related to the brand awareness, brand credibility, and financial performance of business-to-business (B2B) small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe questionnaire was used in a survey to collect data from 250 Finnish B2B SMEs. The sampled firms were categorized into four clusters according to a two-by-two matrix, and their relationships with the brand performance outcomes were examined using one-way ANOVA and multiple regression.FindingsThe results indicate that strategic hybrid orientation is positively related to all three dimensions of brand performance, showing that two dissimilar orientations can complement each other in improving brand performance outcomes. However, the strength of complementary interaction seems to vary depending on the degree to which brand- and market-oriented attributes dominate in a firm’s strategy.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to provide empirical evidence to support the concept of strategic hybrid orientation for branding in B2B SMEs. This study aims to contribute to existing research on SME branding by capitalizing on B2B branding and strategic management literatures.
Selective Plasma Exchange for the Removal of Pemphigus Autoantibodies, Fibrinogen, and Factor XIII in Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Miyamoto Satoko , Ohkubo Atsushi , Seshima Hiroshi , Komori Shigeto , Yamamoto Motoki , Maeda Takuma , Itagaki Ayako , Yamamoto Hiroko , Nojima Kohei , Iimori Soichiro , Naito Shotaro , Kurashima Naoki , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi , Okado Tomokazu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPemphigus vulgaris is a serious autoimmune skin disorder associated with desmoglein 1 and 3. Selective plasma exchange (SePE) for pemphigus vulgaris remains unknown. We investigated the removal characteristics of pemphigus autoantibodies, immunoglobulins, and fibrinogen in three cases. When the mean processed volume for SePE was 1.2 plasma volumes, the mean percent reduction was 50.7% for desmoglein 1, 48.9% for desmoglein 3, 50.3% for IgG, 29.8% for IgA, 1.9% for IgM, and 17.6% for fibrinogen. In one case, the percent reduction after four sessions of SePE within eight days was 87.0% for desmoglein 1, 85.1% for desmoglein 3, 76.6% for IgG, 53.5% for IgA, 7.9% for IgM, 41.6% for fibrinogen, and 31.4% for factor XIII. SePE can effectively remove pemphigus autoantibodies and retain coagulation factors, e.g. factor XIII and fibrinogen. In severe cases, SePE can be useful and safe for induction therapy.
Efficacy of Cryofiltration for Treatment of Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A Report of Four Cases
Authors: Taniyama Yoshihiro , Nakatani Yoshihisa , Matsuoka Toshiaki , Takahashi Miyo , Shimizu Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Sachiyo , Inoue Yuki , Ohnishi Sayoko , Kobayashi Norihiro , Nakano Yukihito , Takami Masahiro , Arima Shuji 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCryoglobulinemia can induce systemic vasculitis affecting various organs such as skin, peripheral nerves, and kidney. The disease can induce chronic organ failure and even be life‐threatening. Cryofiltration has been applied for the treatment of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. We have experienced four cases with mixed cryoglobulinemia showing severe and progressive clinical manifestations, including skin purpura, nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury, and peripheral neuropathy. Cryofiltration in conjunction with conventional pharmacological therapies appeared to be safe and effective. After the treatments, plasma cryoglobulins were markedly reduced and the disease was well controlled. Although its efficacy has not yet been well established, this report can be another evidence showing efficacy of cryofiltration for treatment of mixed cryoglobulinemia.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Double‐Filtration Plasmapheresis in Treating Five Patients With Drug‐Resistant Pemphigus
Authors: Higashihara Takaaki , Kawase Masaaki , Kobayashi Maasa , Hara Mizuki , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Uni Rie , Matsumura Mimiko , Etoh Takafumi , Takano Hideki 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDouble‐filtration plasmapheresis is an effective and safe treatment for pemphigus. We retrospectively evaluated the decrease in autoantibody titer and pemphigus disease area index following double‐filtration plasmapheresis in five patients with moderate to severe pemphigus, who were physically and/or serologically unresponsive to 1.0 mg/kg per day of prednisolone and other supportive drugs and ointments. The percentage reduction in autoantibodies 85.6 ± 14.4% (P = 0.00014), and that in pemphigus disease area index was 75.4 ± 24.3% (P = 0.0023). No side‐effects were observed. All patients exhibited clinical improvement after undergoing double‐filtration plasmapheresis, and the prednisolone dose was reduced by 41 ± 8.9 mg (P = 0.0005) approximately 3 months after double‐filtration plasmapheresis. To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the efficacy of double‐filtration plasmapheresis with pemphigus disease area index, and it demonstrated that double‐filtration plasmapheresis is a safe “subtracting” treatment for patients with drug‐resistant pemphigus.
Using Press Ganey Provider Feedback to Improve Patient Satisfaction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Newgard Craig D. , Fu Rongwei , Heilman James , Tanski Mary , Ma O. John , Lines Alan , Keith French L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility, logistics, and potential effect of monthly provider funnel plot feedback reports from Press Ganey data and semiannual face‐to‐face coaching sessions to improve patient satisfaction scores.MethodsThis was a pilot randomized controlled trial of 25 emergency medicine faculty providers in one urban academic emergency department. We enrolled full‐time clinical faculty with at least 12 months of baseline Press Ganey data, who anticipated working in the ED for at least 12 additional months. Providers were randomized into intervention or control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group had an initial 20‐minute meeting to introduce the funnel plot feedback tool and standardized feedback based on their baseline Press Ganey scores and then received a monthly e‐mail with their individualized funnel plot depicting cumulative Press Ganey scores (compared to their baseline score and the mean score of all providers) for 12 months. The primary outcome was the difference in Press Ganey “doctor‐overall” scores between treatment groups at 12 months. We used a weighted analysis of covariance model to analyze the study groups, accounting for variation in the number of surveys by provider and baseline scores.ResultsOf 36 eligible faculty, we enrolled 25 providers, 13 of whom were randomized to the intervention group and 12 to the control group. During the study period, there were 815 Press Ganey surveys returned, ranging from four to 71 surveys per provider. For the standardized overall doctor score over 12 months (primary outcome), there was no difference between the intervention and control groups (difference = 1.3 points, 95% confidence interval = –2.4 to 5.9, p = 0.47). Similarly, there was no difference between groups when evaluating the four categories of doctor‐specific patient satisfaction scores from the Press Ganey survey (all p > 0.05).ConclusionsIn this pilot trial of monthly provider funnel plot Press Ganey feedback reports, there was no difference in patient satisfaction scores between the intervention and control groups after 12 months. While this study was not powered to detect outcome differences, we demonstrate the feasibility, logistics, and effect sizes that could be used to inform future definitive trials.
Assessing Africa‐Wide Pangolin Exploitation by Scaling Local Data
Authors: Ingram Daniel J. , Coad Lauren , Abernethy Katharine A. , Maisels Fiona , Stokes Emma J. , Bobo Kadiri S. , Breuer Thomas , Gandiwa Edson , Ghiurghi Andrea , Greengrass Elizabeth , Holmern Tomas , Kamgaing Towa O. W. , Ndong Obiang Anne‐Marie , Poulsen John R. , Schleicher Judith , Nielsen Martin R. , Solly Hilary , Vath Carrie L. , Waltert Matthias , Whitham Charlotte E. L. , Wilkie David S. , Scharlemann Jӧrn P.W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOverexploitation is one of the main pressures driving wildlife closer to extinction, yet broad‐scale data to evaluate species’ declines are limited. Using African pangolins (Family: Pholidota) as a case study, we demonstrate that collating local‐scale data can provide crucial information on regional trends in exploitation of threatened species to inform conservation actions and policy. We estimate that 0.4‐2.7 million pangolins are hunted annually in Central African forests. The number of pangolins hunted has increased by ∼150% and the proportion of pangolins of all vertebrates hunted increased from 0.04% to 1.83% over the past four decades. However, there were no trends in pangolins observed at markets, suggesting use of alternative supply chains. The price of giant (Smutsia gigantea) and arboreal (Phataginus sp.) pangolins in urban markets has increased 5.8 and 2.3 times respectively, mirroring trends in Asian pangolins. Efforts and resources are needed to increase law enforcement and population monitoring, and investigate linkages between subsistence hunting and illegal wildlife trade.
Degranulation and shrinkage of dark cells in eccrine glands and elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis
Authors: Sano K. , Asahina M. , Uehara T. , Matsumoto K. , Araki N. , Okuyama R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundAcquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is characterized by anhidrosis/hypohidrosis without other autonomic and neurological dysfunctions. Pathologically, AIGA is considered to usually present no significant morphological alterations in eccrine glands, the secretory portion which consists of clear cells, dark cells, and myoepithelial cells. AIGA patients recently have been reported to show high serum concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).ObjectiveOur aim is to reveal morphological abnormalities of dark cells and investigate their relationship with serum CEA.MethodsWe performed comparative analysis of eccrine glands between sweat‐preserved and non‐sweating skin in four AIGA patients. Serum CEA concentrations in 22 cases with AIGA were measured with healthy volunteers. Furthermore, we semiquantitatively investigated dermcidin, FoxA1 and CEA expression in eccrine glands of 12 cases with AIGA and 5 cases with non‐AIGA.ResultsMarked degranulation and shrinkage of dark cells consistently occurred in AIGA. Furthermore, high serum CEA concentrations were found in 14 of 22 AIGA patients (over 60%), but serum CEA levels were not correlated with CEA expression in eccrine glands. Dermcidin expression in dark cells apparently decreased in AIGA patients, severely in those with high serum CEA and moderately in those with low serum CEA, while well‐preserved expression was found in non‐AIGA subjects.ConclusionOur study suggests morphological damage and molecular dysregulation of dark cells, leading to impairment of their functions in AIGA patients. Severely damaged dark cells correspond to high serum CEA. Accordingly, these pathological changes in eccrine dark cells may be involved in anhidrosis/hypohidrosis of AIGA.
Genetic predisposition for chronic venous insufficiency in several genes for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2, MMP‐9, MMP‐12) and their inhibitor TIMP‐2
Authors: Slonková V. , Slonková V. , Vašků A. , Vašků V. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe project was scheduled as a case–control study to investigate the correlation between MMP‐2 (rs243864), MMP‐9 (3918242), MMP‐12 (rs7123600) and TIMP‐2 (rs8176329) polymorphisms and chronic venous disease (CVD) risk. The genotype and phenotype research envisages the testing of possible associations between MMP and TIMP‐2 genotypes and phenotypes of CVD.Material and Methods150 patients with CVD and 227 controls were enrolled into the study. The MMPs and TIMP‐2 genotypes were identified by the PCR method and restriction analysis according to standard protocols.ResultsThe G allele of MMP‐2 ‐790 T/G was 1.85 times more frequent in men with CVD than in the control group (P = 0.008). The T allele of MMP‐9 ‐1562 C/T was observed 2.571 times more frequently in patients with CVD than in the control individuals (both in men and women) with clinically significant specificity (P = 0.0000009). The G allele of MMP‐12 rs7123600 was determined 2.082 times more frequently in female patients with CVD than in the control group with clinically significant specificity (P = 0.02). No significant result in TIMP‐2 rs8176329 polymorphism in the case–control study was observed. CVD women with G allele in MMP‐2 ‐790 T/G in the genotype–phenotype study are seen to develop ulceration 2.539 times more frequently (P = 0.003). The G allele of MMP‐12 rs7123600 was detected 3.167 times more frequently in CVD women with ulceration compared with CVD women without ulceration (P = 0.007). In CVD men in C6 stage, the incidence of AG genotype in rs7123600 MMP‐12 polymorphism was found to be 4.675 times higher compared to CVD women with C6 staging (P = 0.005). The AG genotype in TIMP 2 rs8176329 polymorphism was found to be associated with higher risk of tumour (P = 0.01).ConclusionStudying these polymorphisms can contribute to better identification of patients at higher risk of developing CVD, while providing the most appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for limiting the progression and complications of CVD.
Decreased Glutamate Levels in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: An sLASER Proton MR Spectroscopy and PiB‐PET Study
Authors: Zeydan Burcu , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Lesnick Timothy G. , Kantarci Orhun H. , Machulda Mary M. , Knopman David S. , Lowe Val J. , Jack Clifford R. , Petersen Ronald C. , Öz Gülin , Kantarci Kejal 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEGlutamate levels may be informative about the declining neuronal health in the central nervous system. We used an advanced proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) protocol composed of semi‐localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (sLASER) localization and FAST(EST)MAP shimming for detection of alterations in brain glutamate concentrations in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.METHODSParticipants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (n = 14; median age = 80) and age‐ and sex‐matched clinically normal controls (n = 32; median age = 79) from the population‐based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging were recruited prospectively to the 3T single‐voxel 1H‐MRS study that examined metabolite changes in the posterior cingulate gyri. To be included, controls had to have low β‐amyloid load on [11C] Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB)‐PET (standard uptake value ratio; SUVr < 1.42) and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment had to have high β‐amyloid load (SUVr ≥ 1.42).RESULTSGlutamate concentration and the glutamate/myo‐inositol ratio were lower in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment than clinically normal controls (P < .05). Higher global cortical PiB‐PET SUVr correlated with lower glutamate/myo‐inositol (r = –.3, P = .04).CONCLUSIONSThe advanced sLASER with FAST(EST)MAP shimming is a promising protocol for identifying glutamate alterations. Advanced 1H‐MRS protocols may add to the understanding of early Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology through detection of glutamate concentration in posterior cingulate gyri of individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.