bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of experience and knowledge in early internationalisation of Indian new ventures
Authors: Arte Pratik 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by knowledge and experience of the entrepreneurs in early internationalisation of small- and medium-sized Indian new ventures. Using the theory of international new ventures (INV) and knowledge-based view (KBV); the conceptual framework of this study develops three propositions. First, it has been suggested that experience of the entrepreneurs motivates them to internationalise. Second, experience of the entrepreneurs increases their market and technological knowledge. Finally, it has been suggested that without market and technological knowledge, new ventures find it difficult to expand beyond national borders.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a comparative case analysis research design to investigate the propositions. The key constructs are drawn from prior empirical research and the relationships are tested using qualitative analysis.FindingsKey findings of this study suggest that along with experience and knowledge, entrepreneurs’ education background is positively associated with new venture internationalisation. It was found that importance of knowledge resources varies across nature of business and industry in which INVs operate.Research limitations/implicationsFindings of this study contribute to advancing the literature on INV and KBV. The findings provide a framework to entrepreneurs to help them improve their decision-making logic and increase the speed of international growth.Originality/valueVery few studies have investigated the internationalisation of new ventures from India. The knowledge is limited on the ways in which entrepreneurs acquire experience and assimilate knowledge in internationalising their operations.
Effect of links deformation on motion precision of parallel manipulator based on flexible dynamics
Authors: Zhu Chunxia , Katupitiya Jay , Wang Jing 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
Manipulator motion accuracy is a fundamental requirement for precision manufacturing equipment. Light weight manipulators in high speed motions are vulnerable to deformations. The purpose of this work is to analyze the effect of link deformation on the motion precision of parallel manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach
The flexible dynamics model of the links is first established by applying the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the assumed modal method. The rigid-flexible coupling equations of the parallel mechanism are further derived by using the Lagrange multiplier approach. The elastic energy resulting from spiral motion and link deformations are computed and analyzed. Motion errors of the 3-link torque-prismatic-torque parallel manipulator are then evaluated based on its inverse kinematics. The validation experiments are also conducted to verify the numerical results.

Findings
The lateral deformation and axial deformation are largest at the middle of the driven links. The axial deformation at the middle of the driven link is approximately one-tenth of the transversal deformation. However, the elastic potential energy of the transversal deformation is much smaller than the elastic force generated from axial deformation.

Practical implications
Knowledge on the relationship between link deformation and motion precision is useful in the design of parallel manipulators for high performing dynamic responses.

Originality/value
This work establishes the relationship between motion precision and the amount of link deformation in parallel manipulators.
Is Egyptian corporate financial reporting becoming more conservative?
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed H. , Hussainey Khaled 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The study aims to compare the level of accounting conservatism amongst the sample companies prior to the 2011 uprising and after that uprising. The study proceeds further to examine the association between accounting conservatism and the level of leverage and profitability of the sample companies covering the same period.

Design/methodology/approach
First, a review of the extant literature on accounting conservatism is undertaken. Second, the sample comprises all the non-financial companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange. Accounting conservatism is measured using the market-to-book (MTB) ratio, which is one of the most widely used proxies for determining the extent of accounting conservatism in prior literature. The two-sample t-test has been used to compare the level of accounting conservatism six years prior to the 2011 uprising and four years following that uprising. Univariate and multivariate analyses have been used to examine the association between some firm characteristics and the level of accounting conservatism amongst the sample companies at the two investigated periods.

Findings
The evidence implies that the sample companies are actually engaging in less-conservative accounting policies following the uprising. The results also reveal that data for the first period seems to have greater variations in the first period than in the second period, as can be seen from the values of the standard deviation. The multivariate analysis reported a significant positive relationship between only size and the level of accounting conservatism at both periods.

Research limitations/implications
This study adds Egyptian evidence with respect to the directions of accounting conservatism throughout crisis periods, as the majority of prior studies focus on countries with developed capital markets. In addition, the absence of any specific evidence concerning the direction of accounting conservatism during crisis periods will lead to naïve investors misinterpreting earnings figures and not realising the actual value of their shares.

Practical implications
The results reported in this study may encourage those investors to seek out extensive, widely-sourced information regarding investee firms before deciding whether to hold or sell their holdings. Furthermore, the results presented in this paper should therefore be of interest to regulators and standard-setters charged with developing accounting standards to improve the quality of accounting information.

Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first and most recent study that examines the level of accounting conservatism amongst non-financial companies in a developing country like Egypt.
Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: A need for a more rigorous nomenclature for histopathological variants of squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Alegría‐Landa Victoria , Navarro‐Triviño Francisco Jose , Aneiros‐Fernandez Jose , Requena Luis 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOver the years, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that mimicked vascular lesions have been encompassed within different classifications and the underlying etiopathogenic mechanisms have been interpreted in different ways by different authors. Here, we present a case of SCC with pseudovascular areas in the right leg of a 96‐year‐old woman with chronic venous insufficiency. Histopathological examination closely resembled an angiosarcoma, but the immunohistochemical negativity for endothelial markers and the strong positivity for the pancytokeratin marker AE1/AE3 revealed the epithelial nature of the neoplasm. After a comprehensive review of all similar previously published cases, we believe that it is necessary to separate SCC with pseudoluminal structures composed of glandular‐like areas (pseudoglandular or adenoid SCC) from those mimicking vascular lumina (pseudovascular and pseudoangiosarcomatous SCC). We would like to emphasize that acantholytic SCC, a definitive variant of SCC, can be further classified into the common or ordinary subtype of acantholytic SCC, that shows solid nests containing numerous acantholytic atypical keratinocytes without any mimickers for specific structures, and pseudoglandular, pseudovascular and pseudoangiosarcomatous subtypes when glandular or vascular structures are mimicked, respectively.
Pharmacological modulation of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 influences development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after lung ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Nassoiy Sean P , Babu Favin S , LaPorte Heather M , Majetschak Matthias 
Published: August 2017

SummaryActivation of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been reported to result in lung protective effects in various experimental models. The effects of pharmacological CXCR4 modulation on the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after lung injury, however, are unknown. Thus, we studied whether blockade and activation of CXCR4 influences development of ARDS in a unilateral lung ischaemia–reperfusion injury rat model. Anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated animals underwent right lung ischaemia (series 1, 30 minutes; series 2, 60 minutes) followed by reperfusion for 300 minutes. In series 1, animals were treated with vehicle or 0.7 μmol/kg of AMD3100 (CXCR4 antagonist) and in series 2 with vehicle, 0.7 or 3.5 μmol/kg ubiquitin (non‐cognate CXCR4 agonist) within 5 minutes of reperfusion. AMD3100 significantly reduced PaO2/FiO2 ratios, converted mild ARDS with vehicle treatment into moderate ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ratio<200) and increased histological lung injury. Ubiquitin dose‐dependently increased PaO2/FiO2 ratios, converted moderate‐to‐severe into mild‐to‐moderate ARDS and reduced protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Measurements of cytokine levels (TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐10) in lung homogenates and BALF showed that AMD3100 reduced IL‐10 levels in homogenates from post‐ischaemic lungs, whereas ubiquitin dose‐dependently increased IL‐10 levels in BALF from post‐ischaemic lungs. Our findings establish a cause‐effect relationship for the effects of pharmacological CXCR4 modulation on the development of ARDS after lung ischaemia–reperfusion injury. These data further suggest CXCR4 as a new drug target to reduce the incidence and attenuate the severity of ARDS after lung injury.
Effect of ‘in situ’ produced bacteriocin thermophilin T on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of Myzithra whey cheese
Authors: Kaminarides Stelios , Aktypis Anastasios , Koronios George , Massouras Theophilos , Papanikolaou Seraphim 
Published: August 2017

Myzithra whey cheese was made by the addition of ovine milk (10%) to whey, previously fermented by the bacteriocinogenic strain Streptococcus thermophilus ACA‐DC 0040, resulting in production of a bacteriocin (thermophilin T) titre at a concentration 40 960 ± 2560 AU/mL. The final antimicrobial activity in the ready‐to‐eat cheese was sufficient to inhibit the growth of coliforms and restrict the growth of bacteria of the Micrococcus group, thus contributing to and increased shelf life and the safety of cheese. A lower lactose content was observed in the cheese, which would lead to better acceptance by lactase‐deficient consumers. Moreover, the sensory characteristics of the cheese remained unchanged during the whole cold storage period, ensuring an extended shelf life.
Modeling Watershed‐Scale Impacts of Stormwater Management with Traditional versus Low Impact Development Design
Authors: Sparkman Stephanie A. , Hogan Dianna M. , Hopkins Kristina G. , Loperfido J.V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStormwater runoff and associated pollutants from urban areas in the greater Chesapeake Bay Watershed (CBW) impair local streams and downstream ecosystems, despite urbanized land comprising only 7% of the CBW area. More recently, stormwater best management practices (BMPs) have been implemented in a low impact development (LID) manner to treat stormwater runoff closer to its source. This approach included the development of a novel BMP model to compare traditional and LID design, pioneering the use of comprehensively digitized storm sewer infrastructure and BMP design connectivity with spatial patterns in a geographic information system at the watershed scale. The goal was to compare total watershed pollutant removal efficiency in two study watersheds with differing spatial patterns of BMP design (traditional and LID), by quantifying the improved water quality benefit of LID BMP design. An estimate of uncertainty was included in the modeling framework by using ranges for BMP pollutant removal efficiencies that were based on the literature. Our model, using Monte Carlo analysis, predicted that the LID watershed removed approximately 78 kg more nitrogen, 3 kg more phosphorus, and 1,592 kg more sediment per square kilometer as compared with the traditional watershed on an annual basis. Our research provides planners a valuable model to prioritize watersheds for BMP design based on model results or in optimizing BMP selection.
Water Footprint of 65 Mid‐ to Large‐Sized U.S. Cities and Their Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Ahams Ikechukwu C. , Paterson Willa , Garcia Susana , Rushforth Richard , Ruddell Benjamin L. , Mejia Alfonso 
Published: August 2017

AbstractConventional indicators of water use for urban areas account primarily for direct water use. In contrast, our objective here is to employ the water footprint (WF) concept and methodology to include the virtual or indirect water use to assess the production‐side and consumption‐side WF of 65 United States (U.S.) cities. The 65 cities include the largest metropolitan areas and some of the major mid‐sized cities in the U.S. We use metropolitan areas to define our city boundaries as this is the native spatial resolution of the main datasets used. To estimate the urban WFs, we integrated large and disparate datasets, including commodity flow (agricultural, livestock, and industrial commodities), water use, and socioeconomic data. By analyzing the estimated WF values, we found indirect water use accounts on average for 66% of the WF of consumption. We found some cities are net virtual water exporters (11 of 65) because they rely heavily on direct water uses or are heavy producers of industrial commodities. Also, WF patterns vary widely across the U.S. but regional patterns seem to emerge. For example, the dense cities of the U.S. northeast megaregion have a significantly low per capita WF relative to the other cities, while cities in the Gulf Coast megaregion have a significantly higher industrial WF of production and consumption. Furthermore, there is inequality in the WF of consumption where a few cities account for a disproportionate share of the total U.S. urban water uses.
Laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for complex bile duct stones
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhang Fabiao , Du Xuefeng , Wang Aidong , Lv Shangdong , Fang Zheping 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundWe evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for removing intra‐ and extrahepatic bile duct stones.MethodsA total of 26 patients with intra‐ and extrahepatic bile duct stones underwent LH and EPBD. Selective hemi‐hepatic vascular occlusion was used to complete the LH. EPBD was performed under the guidance of a guidewire, and stones were removed with a stone basket or balloon.ResultsA one‐stage LH with EPBD lithotomy was successfully performed in 26 cases. No residual bile duct stones, intestinal or bile duct perforations were found. In addition, no severe post‐operative bleeding, severe pancreatitis or mortality occurred. Post‐operative hyperamylasemia was observed in five cases and bile leakage in one case. Post‐operative hospital stays lasted 7–11 days.Conclusion
LH combined with EPBD applied to intra‐ and extrahepatic bile duct stones was feasible, effective and safe, resulting in rapid recovery and few post‐operative complications.
Development of a proficiency‐based virtual reality simulation training curriculum for laparoscopic appendicectomy
Authors: Sirimanna Pramudith , Gladman Marc A. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundProficiency‐based virtual reality (VR) training curricula improve intraoperative performance, but have not been developed for laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA). This study aimed to develop an evidence‐based training curriculum for LA.MethodsA total of 10 experienced (>50 LAs), eight intermediate (10–30 LAs) and 20 inexperienced (<10 LAs) operators performed guided and unguided LA tasks on a high‐fidelity VR simulator using internationally relevant techniques. The ability to differentiate levels of experience (construct validity) was measured using simulator‐derived metrics. Learning curves were analysed. Proficiency benchmarks were defined by the performance of the experienced group. Intermediate and experienced participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate the realism (face validity) and relevance (content validity).ResultsOf 18 surgeons, 16 (89%) considered the VR model to be visually realistic and 17 (95%) believed that it was representative of actual practice. All ‘guided’ modules demonstrated construct validity (P < 0.05), with learning curves that plateaued between sessions 6 and 9 (P < 0.01). When comparing inexperienced to intermediates to experienced, the ‘unguided’ LA module demonstrated construct validity for economy of motion (5.00 versus 7.17 versus 7.84, respectively; P < 0.01) and task time (864.5 s versus 477.2 s versus 352.1 s, respectively, P < 0.01). Construct validity was also confirmed for number of movements, path length and idle time. Validated modules were used for curriculum construction, with proficiency benchmarks used as performance goals.ConclusionA VR LA model was realistic and representative of actual practice and was validated as a training and assessment tool. Consequently, the first evidence‐based internationally applicable training curriculum for LA was constructed, which facilitates skill acquisition to proficiency.
Prospective comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in colorectal cancer staging
Authors: Koh Frederick H. X. , Tan Ker‐Kan , Teo Lynette L. S. , Ang Bertrand W. L. , Thian Yee‐Liang 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted (DW) imaging is a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that detects lesions with high cellularity, such as malignant tumours. This prospective study was performed to compare the accuracy of DW‐MRI with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in staging of colorectal cancer.MethodsThirty patients with histologically proven colorectal cancer were prospectively recruited. Each patient underwent both MDCT and DW‐MRI of the abdomen–pelvis for primary staging. Images were evaluated for nodal and distant metastases. The reference standard was histopathological findings for nodal involvement and surveillance imaging for suspected hepatic metastases.ResultsThe primary cancers were located in the rectum (n = 16, 53.3%), sigmoid colon (n = 9, 30%) and right colon (n = 5, 16.6%). For nodal metastases, the sensitivity and specificity of DW‐MRI were 84.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 54.6–98.1%) and 20.0% (95% CI: 2.5–55.6%) compared with 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6–98.1%) and 40.0% (95% CI: 12.2–73.8%) for MDCT. For liver metastases, the sensitivity and specificity for DW‐MRI were 100.0% (95% CI: 63.1–100.0%) and 100% (95% CI: 84.6–100%) compared with 87.5% (95% CI: 47.4–99.7%) and 95.5% (95% CI: 77.2–99.9%) for MDCT. DW imaging altered the clinical management in three (10.0%) patients by detecting missed hepatic metastases in two patients and accurately diagnosing another patient with a hepatic cyst, mistaken for metastasis on MDCT.Conclusion
DW‐MRI is more accurate for detecting hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer compared with MDCT.
Solasodine inhibits human colorectal cancer cells through suppression of the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase‐3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhuang Yu‐wen , Wu Cun‐en , Zhou Jin‐yong , Chen Xu , Wu Jian , Jiang Shan , Peng Hai‐yan , Zou Xi , Liu Jia‐yun , Wu Da‐peng , Gong Tao , Qi Ming‐hao , Xue Tian , Liu Shen‐lin , Cai Hui 
Published: August 2017

Solasodine is a main active component isolated from Solanum incanum L. that performs a wide range of functions containing anti‐oxidant, anti‐infection, and neurogenesis promotion. In this study, we explored the influence of solasodine on three types of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The results show that solasodine prohibited CRC cell proliferation dose‐ and time‐dependently and impeded CRC cell motility by downregulating MMPs. Solasodine was also found to fuel caspase‐cascade reaction and increase the ratio between Bax and Bcl‐2 so as to induce CRC cell apoptosis. When cells were pretreated with AKT activator (insulin‐like growth factor‐1) followed by solasodine, the solasodine‐induced apoptosis was partially abrogated by insulin‐like growth factor‐1. Moreover, solasodine hindered tumor development and stimulated similar mechanisms in vivo. In general, our study provides the first evidence that solasodine has a suppressive effect on CRC cells and that this agent may be a novel therapeutic drug for CRC treatment.
Infant feeding patterns and eczema in children in the first 6 years of life
Authors: Soto‐Ramírez N. , Kar S. , Zhang H. , Karmaus W. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundModes of infant feeding such as direct and indirect breastfeeding, and formula feeding, and their combinations may play a role in child health.ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate which feeding patterns in the first 6 months pose risks of eczema/skin allergy in children up to 6 years compared to direct breastfeeding for at least 3 months.MethodsThe Infant Feeding Practices Study II in the United States and its 6‐year follow‐up provided data on feeding modes in infancy and doctor's diagnosed eczema/skin allergy in the first 6 years of life (1387 infants), based on parental reports. Different feeding patterns were identified. Log‐linear models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of feeding patterns for doctor's diagnosed eczema/skin allergy in the first 6 years of life, adjusting for confounders.ResultsCompared to “direct breastfeeding for at least 3 months” (DBF3m), the combination of “direct feeding at the breast (DBF), pumping and feeding breast milk (BM), and formula (FF) in the first months” (DBF/BM/FF) showed a statistically significant higher risk of eczema/skin allergy in the first 6 years of life (PR = 1.46), adjusting for confounders. DBF combined with BM for the first 3 months followed by mixed feeding also had an increased risk (PR = 1.26), although not statistically significant. Formula feeding introduced since birth had no effect on eczema. Among the confounders, paternal eczema and race/ethnicity (Hispanic vs White) were associated with a higher risk of eczema/skin allergy.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceMixed infant feeding may carry a higher risk of eczema/skin allergy compared to direct feeding at the breast. The recent epidemic of pumping and feeding in the United States and the use of mixed infant feeding modes requires additional studies to provide appropriate and renewed assessments of the risks of feeding modes for the future development of allergies.