bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging multinationals investing in developed countries
Authors: Aureli Selena , Ciambotti Massimo , Dragoni Alessandro 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe aim of this work is to investigate the key factors that lead to a successful deal in the case of acquisitions of Western companies by multinationals from emerging countries (EMNCs).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative paradigm and uses a case study method as a tool of analysis. The case concerns Fondalmec, an Italian unlisted medium-sized joint stock company. The company was acquired in 2007 by the Indian multinational Endurance. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and integrated with secondary data retrieved from relevant documents such as annual reports prepared before and after the acquisition.FindingsResearch findings show that EMNCs have some country-specific characteristics, which should be adequately assessed and realigned to the characteristics of the host country and targets’ resources during both the evaluation phase and the integration process.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitation is attributed to there being only one case study analysis.Practical implicationsThe study recommends examining the country of origin of the acquirer and suggests EMNCs’ managers to prefer a “light-touch” integration of Western target companies to gain access to their intangible assets and achieve success.Originality/valueThis work differs from much of the existing literature on mergers and acquisitions because it focuses on EMNCs and analyses the target company together with the buyer and their post-operative development strategy. Furthermore, it is one of the few empirical research studies on non-listed companies, which are often overlooked given the greater difficulty of accessing data.
The successful takeover of La Sexta by Antena 3: pre- and post-merger factors
Authors: Romero-Martínez Ana M. , García-Gómez María Concepción 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the merger arranged in the audiovisual sector between Antena 3 and La Sexta, and specifically the pre- and post-merger factors. This study adopts a comprehensive approach for the analysis of the reasons behind this strategic decision and the role that structural and human integration and the decision on the right momentum and integration speed played in the merger success.

Design/methodology/approach
A single case study research method is used. This qualitative methodology provides richer data to understand complex transactions such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As). According to the data triangulation technique, two research methods were used, in-depth interviews and archival secondary data, including confidential reports and archival trade press.

Findings
The merger involving Antena 3’s takeover of La Sexta in October 2012 has been seen as one of the most successful operations ever undertaken in Spain’s audiovisual industry. The main motivation was to increase the organisation’s size to make it more competitive in the market, thus reducing costs, generating synergies and improving performance. Structural and human integration has provided the backbone for this success, all at a time marked by the global financial crisis and its knock-on effect on the downturn in the advertising market. Another of the key factors of success was that the changes in the organisational systems and processes were designed and partially implemented before the incorporation of La Sexta.

Practical implications
This work has highlighted the need for proper planning and a suitable choice of timing in M&A operations. Management should pay special attention to the integration of human and productive resources to generate synergies on the road to success.

Originality/value
This paper’s main contribution is to highlight an example of a successful M&A in the audiovisual sector in Spain by adopting a holistic perspective. While there are scarce studies in this industry, previous research on this topic is mostly quantitative and, moreover, the rate of success in M&A is quite low.
Acquisition negotiation: the influence of accounting on trust development
Authors: Puhakka Hannu 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThis study aims to explore the influence of accounting on trust development in the context of an acquisition negotiation process at the pre-merger stage.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a case study research method. Data have been gathered from an acquisition process of two Finnish companies through 18 semi-structured field interviews with the seller’s, the buyer’s and the merged companies’ top management and external advisors who participated in the process.FindingsThe study shows how accounting operated as a trust-building mechanism and served as a substitute for personal-based trust. Accounting assisted the negotiators to surface their initial positive beliefs about the acquisition outcome. Progressively, these positive beliefs outweighed negotiators’ initial negative beliefs regarding the acquisition process. Additionally, accounting enabled the negotiators to show risky behaviors via escalating commitment to the acquisition throughad hoccalculations and continuous discussions.Originality/valueThis study adds to the limited prior research examining interfirm trust and the influence of accounting on trust development during acquisition negotiations.
Antecedents of human resources outsourcing decision in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thi Thanh , Chang Man-Ling 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents of the decision of whether to outsource human resources (HR). Two moderators are considered: the lack of in-house HR expertise and positive HR outcome.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data collected from 85 Vietnamese firms of different sizes. Regression analysis is used to examine the research hypotheses.FindingsThe strategic involvement of HR management is positively related to the decision to outsource HR. As expected, a positive significant relationship exists between cost reduction and the decision to outsource HR for non-core HR activities. For core HR activities, demand uncertainty relates positively to the decision to outsource HR, and the lack of HR expertise moderates the process of HR outsourcing (HRO).Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the focus on firms in Vietnam may help to control for cultural factors, it may also limit generalizability. Because of the limited number of samples, this study cannot compare results across different industries. Future research should focus on the cross-cultural aspects of this issue or compare differences across industries.Practical implicationsThis study provides HR managers with guidelines for making appropriate decisions regarding HRO. Vendors can exploit aspects of core vs non-core activities to provide professional services that satisfy the demands of firms.Originality/valueBased on a theoretical approach, this work analyzes the decision to outsource HR in developing countries, an area that heretofore has received scant research attention.
Salivary chromogranin A levels correlate with disease severity but do not reflect anxiety or personality of adult patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kaneko Sakae , Liu Lijuan , Kakamu Takeyasu , Minami‐Hori Masako , Morita Eishin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractStress‐induced scratching is an issue in patients with adult atopic dermatitis (AD). Although itching and stress are believed to be intimately related, no objective index is available; therefore, most evaluations are subjective. Using saliva, which is easily collected, we investigated the degree to which AD severity and patient stress levels are reflected in stress proteins in the saliva. Here, we evaluated the severity (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD] score), stress (State–Trait Anxiety Index [STAI] score), personality (Tokyo University Egogram [TEG] II score) and quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] score) of 51 patients with AD who were examined in the Department of Dermatology of Shimane University between April and December 2015. We collected saliva and measured salivary chromogranin A (CgA), amylase and cortisol. The amount of salivary CgA per protein in patients with AD was correlated with their SCORAD score (r = 0.458, P < 0.001). There was no correlation between cortisol or amylase levels and SCORAD score. SCORAD score was correlated with DLQI (r = 0.390, P = 0.006). CgA per protein was correlated with DLQI (r = 0.393, P = 0.004). There was no correlation between scores for the anxiety component of the STAI, TEG II or DLQI. Our results suggested that patients with more severe AD may have high stress levels. The personalities of these patients with AD tended to involve elevated anxiety levels.
Modified weekly regimen of cisplatin, epirubicin and paclitaxel induced a durable response in two cases of metastatic extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Hirai Ikuko , Funakoshi Takeru 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMetastatic extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare cancer with no standardized treatment. We report two cases of metastatic EMPD treated with a modified weekly PET (cisplatin, epirubicin and paclitaxel) regimen given biweekly (i.e. 2 weeks on/2 weeks off) that had durable responses. Case 1 was a 74‐year‐old man with EMPD metastatic to lymph nodes, lung, and bone who presented with a hemorrhagic tumor on the scrotum. We tried the PET regimen weekly, but adjusted the interval to biweekly after two doses because of hematological side‐effects. After five doses, he showed a partial response (PR) on imaging, including the bone lesions. The lesions have remained the same size for 1 year. Case 2 was a 65‐year‐old man with EMPD metastatic to a right inguinal lymph node who presented with an erosive tumor on the scrotum. He was started on weekly docetaxel. However, the lymph node grew and iliac lymph node metastasis developed. Therefore, we tried the PET regimen with a 2 weeks on/2 weeks off schedule. After five doses, he showed a PR. In both cases, all adverse effects were manageable and this modified regimen could be administrated on an outpatient basis. With no current validated chemotherapy regimen, clinicians may consider a modified weekly PET regimen in future treatment of metastatic EMPD.
Functional soil metagenomics: elucidation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation potential following 12 years of in situ bioremediation
Authors: Duarte Márcia , Nielsen Agnes , Camarinha‐Silva Amélia , Vilchez‐Vargas Ramiro , Bruls Thomas , Wos‐Oxley Melissa L. , Jauregui Ruy , Pieper Dietmar H. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryA culture‐independent function‐based screening approach was used to assess the microbial aerobic catabolome for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation of a soil subjected to 12 years of in situ bioremediation. A total of 422 750 fosmid clones were screened for key aromatic ring‐cleavage activities using 2,3‐dihydroxybiphenyl as substrate. Most of the genes encoding ring‐cleavage enzymes on the 768 retrieved positive fosmids could not be identified using primer‐based approaches and, thus, 205 fosmid inserts were sequenced. Nearly two hundred extradiol dioxygenase encoding genes of three different superfamilies could be identified. Additional key genes of aromatic metabolic pathways were identified, including a high abundance of Rieske non‐heme iron oxygenases that provided detailed information on enzymes activating aromatic compounds and enzymes involved in activation of the side chain of methylsubstituted aromatics. The gained insights indicated a complex microbial network acting at the site under study, which comprises organisms similar to recently identified Immundisolibacter cernigliae TR3.2 and Rugosibacter aromaticivorans Ca6 and underlined the great potential of an approach that combines an activity‐screening, a cost‐effective high‐throughput sequencing of fosmid clones and a phylogenomic‐routed and manually curated database to carefully identify key proteins dedicated to aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds.
Continuous Veno‐Venous Hemofiltration Improves Survival of Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Cardiorenal Syndrome Compared to Slow Continuous Ultrafiltration
Authors: Premuzic Vedran , Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Jelakovic Bojan , Kes Petar 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContinuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) could modulate the inflammatory response by removal of circulating cytokines and therefore improve cardiac function in patients with heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that patients with developed cardiorenal syndrome and treated with CVVH have lower risk for mortality than other patients treated with slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF). This was a prospective, longitudinal follow‐up study for 24 months duration. In total, 120 patients were recruited from the intensive care units. Only patients with cardiorenal syndrome type 1 and 2 were enrolled. 54 CVVH and 23 SCUF patients survived. Mean survival time was longer in CVVH group with cardiomyopathy than in the SCUF group. When we compared patients with cardiomyopathy and hourly urine output <10 mL/h, mean survival time was significantly longer in patients treated with CVVH. This is the first study to analyze the impact of different CRRT modalities (CVVH vs. SCUF) on survival of patients with HF and who developed cardiorenal syndrome. Better survival in patients treated with CVVH, which is mostly pronounced in patients with cardiomyopathy, is a consequence of a better preserved hourly urine output. Longer survival in patients with cardiomyopathy is most probably related to cytokine removal by CVVH with smaller UF rates and longer duration of each treatment. Slow continuous ultrafiltration remains the method of choice in patients with HF and preserved renal function but in cases of developed cardiorenal syndrome is much inferior to CVVH.
Quercetin, Hyperin, and Chlorogenic Acid Improve Endothelial Function by Antioxidant, Antiinflammatory, and ACE Inhibitory Effects
Authors: Huang Wu‐Yang , Fu Lin , Li Chun‐Yang , Xu Li‐Ping , Zhang Li‐Xia , Zhang Wei‐Min 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn recent years, the blueberry cultivation and processing industry developed quickly because blueberries are super‐fruit with healthy function. Blueberry leaves are byproducts of the blueberry industry, which are rich in bioactive phenolics, such as quercetin (Q), hyperin (H), and chlorogenic acid (C). This study investigated protective effects of 3 phenolics (Q, H, and C) from leaves of rabbiteye blueberry Vaccinium ashei on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The results showed that all these 3 phenolics could improve endothelial function by inhibiting oxidative damage and proinflammatory cytokines caused by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The cell vitalities of endothelial cells pretreated with Q, H, and C were higher than those stimulated with TNF‐α only. These phenolics could decrease reactive oxygen species and xanthine oxidase‐1 levels and increase superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase‐1 levels in endothelial cells. They also could decrease the protein expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 induced by TNF‐α. In addition, Q, H, and C also exhibited vasodilatory effect by reducing the angiotensin I–converting enzyme (ACE) protein levels in endothelial cells. Mostly 3 phenolics exhibited bioactivities as a function of concentration, but the effects not always depended on the concentration. The antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of Q seemed to be more pronounced than H; however, H exhibited higher cell vitalities. The results indicated that phenolics from rabbiteye blueberry leaves could be potential antioxidants, inflammation and ACE inhibitors, and rabbiteye blueberry leaves provide a new resources of phytochemicals beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Regulation of solvent tolerance in Pseudomonas putida S12 mediated by mobile elements
Authors: Hosseini Rohola , Kuepper Jannis , Koebbing Sebastian , Blank Lars M. , Wierckx Nick , de Winde Johannes H. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryOrganic solvent‐tolerant bacteria are outstanding and versatile hosts for the bio‐based production of a broad range of generally toxic aromatic compounds. The energetically costly solvent tolerance mechanisms are subject to multiple levels of regulation, involving among other mobile genetic elements. The genome of the solvent‐tolerant Pseudomonas putida S12 contains many such mobile elements that play a major role in the regulation and adaptation to various stress conditions, including the regulation of expression of the solvent efflux pump SrpABC. We recently sequenced the genome of P. putida S12. Detailed annotation identified a threefold higher copy number of the mobile element ISS12 in contrast to earlier observations. In this study, we describe the mobile genetic elements and elaborate on the role of ISS12 in the establishment and maintenance of solvent tolerance in P. putida. We identified three different variants of ISS12 of which a single variant exhibits a high translocation rate. One copy of this variant caused a loss of solvent tolerance in the sequenced strain by disruption of srpA. Solvent tolerance could be restored by applying selective pressure, leading to a clean excision of the mobile element.
Sustainable Health Care Financing: The Singapore Experience
Authors: Lim Jeremy 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe Singapore health system has been lauded for achieving impressive population health outcomes utilizing only a modest 4–5 per cent of GDP, with the government's share only one third of this. Measured health spending is consistent with a larger government commitment to fiscal prudence and discipline in balancing budgets. In fact, the Singapore constitution permits a government to only spend revenue raised during its term of office. Drawing down of national reserves can only be done during exceptional circumstances and requires specific approval from the president. However, the sustainability of Singapore's health system is under pressure from changing demographics, disease trends and growing demands from citizens for greater equity and expanded health care services. In the face of these challenges, the Singaporean government has responded by introducing three major costly policy reforms: the Pioneer Generation Package, to help elderly people pay for medical treatment; MediShield Life, to expand insurance coverage; and the Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS), to provide government subsidies for primary care for those that qualify. Despite the expansion of funding and services, the government remains committed to the longstanding principles of fiscal prudence and not drawing from past reserves.
TropFishR: an R package for fisheries analysis with length‐frequency data
Authors: Mildenberger Tobias Karl , Taylor Marc Hollis , Wolff Matthias 
Published: April 2017

Summary

The R package TropFishR is a new analysis toolbox compiling single‐species stock assessment methods specifically designed for data‐limited fisheries analysis using length‐frequency data.

It includes methods for (i) estimating biological stock characteristics such as growth and mortality parameters, (ii) exploring technical aspects of the fisheries (e.g. exploitation rate and selectivity characteristics), (iii) assessing size and composition of a fish stock by means of virtual population analysis (VPA), and (iv) assessing stock status with yield prediction and production models.

This paper introduces the package and demonstrates the functionality of a selection of its core methods.

TropFishR modernises traditional stock assessment methods by easing application and development and by combining it with advanced statistical approaches.
Adolescents' behavioral and neural responses to e‐cigarette advertising
Authors: Chen Yvonnes , Fowler Carina H. , Papa Vlad B. , Lepping Rebecca J. , Brucks Morgan G. , Fox Andrew T. , Martin Laura E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlthough adolescents are a group heavily targeted by the e‐cigarette industry, research in cue‐reactivity has not previously examined adolescents' behavioral and neural responses to e‐cigarette advertising. This study addressed this gap through two experiments. In Experiment One, adult traditional cigarette smokers (n = 41) and non‐smokers (n = 41) answered questions about e‐cigarette and neutral advertising images. The 40 e‐cigarette advertising images that most increased desire to use the product were matched to 40 neutral advertising images with similar content. In Experiment Two, the 80 advertising images selected in Experiment One were presented to adolescents (n = 30) during an functional magnetic resonance imaging brain scan. There was a range of traditional cigarette smoking across the sample with some adolescents engaging in daily smoking and others who had never smoked. Adolescents self‐reported that viewing the e‐cigarette advertising images increased their desire to smoke. Additionally, all participants regardless of smoking statuses showed significantly greater brain activation to e‐cigarette advertisements in areas associated with cognitive control (left middle frontal gyrus), reward (right medial frontal gyrus), visual processing/attention (left lingual gyrus/fusiform gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, left posterior cingulate, left angular gyrus) and memory (right parahippocampus, left insula). Further, an exploratory analysis showed that compared with age‐matched non‐smokers (n = 7), adolescent smokers (n = 7) displayed significantly greater neural activation to e‐cigarette advertising images in the left inferior temporal gyrus/fusiform gyrus, compared with their responses to neutral advertising images. Overall, participants' brain responses to e‐cigarette advertisements suggest a need to further investigate the long‐run impact of e‐cigarette advertising on adolescents.
Does Personality Matter in Diabetes Adherence? Exploring the Pathways between Neuroticism and Patient Adherence in Couples with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Novak Joshua R. , Anderson Jared R. , Johnson Matthew D. , Hardy Nathan R. , Walker Ann , Wilcox Allison , Lewis Virginia L. , Robbins David C. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPersonality has received some attention in the Type 2 diabetes literature; however, research has not linked personality and diabetes adherence behaviors (diet and exercise), identified pathways through which they are associated, nor taken into consideration important contextual factors that influence behavior (the patient's partner).MethodsDyadic data from 117 married, heterosexual couples in which one member is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes was used to explore associations between each partner's neuroticism and patient dietary and exercise adherence through the pathways of negative affect, depression symptoms, and couple‐level diabetes efficacy (both patient and spouse report of confidence in the patient's ability to adhere to diabetes management regimens).ResultsResults revealed that higher levels of neuroticism were associated with lower patient dietary and exercise adherence through (1) higher levels of depression symptoms (for patients' neuroticism) and negative affect (for spouses' neuroticism), and (2) lower levels of couple‐level diabetes efficacy.ConclusionsThe results from this study provide evidence that both patient and spouse personality traits are associated with patient dietary and exercise adherence through increased emotional distress—albeit different emotional pathways for patients and spouses—and lower couple confidence in the patients' ability to manage their diabetes.