bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When family businesses go international: management sets the path
Authors: Jorge Marta , Couto Maria , Veloso Tânia , Franco Mário 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the characteristics and decision processes of small- and medium-sized family firms (FSMEs) regarding the internationalization process.

Design/methodology/approach
For this purpose, the authors decided on a qualitative approach and performed exploratory case studies of two small- and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Portugal, one family and the other non-family.

Findings
The authors found that the internationalization of FSME is not entirely explained by gradual processes of commitment to international markets. Restricted access to resources (financial and human) is compensated for by specific factors of FSMEs.

Practical implications
This study shows the relevance of FSME management for the process that seems to be at the basis of the commitment to, and success in international markets, concerning both the risk taken on and its cultural mentality.

Originality/value
Although family firms are many in number and central in the dynamics of the world economy, the family factor has not been approached as a determinant characteristic in the internationalization process. This holds particularly for the realm of FSMEs.
Improving coating properties of shellac–epoxidised-novolac blends with melamine formaldehyde resin
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Fahim , Sarkhel Gautam 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improve the coating properties of shellac–epoxidised novolac blends by treatment with melamine formaldehyde resin (MF) at ambient temperature for its use as a coating material.

Design/methodology/approach
Epoxidised-novolac resin was synthesised by epoxidation of novolac resin with epichlorohydrin. Novolac resin was synthesised by reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in acidic medium. Shellac was blended with the epoxidised-novolac resin in solution in varying ratios and treated the blends with MF resin in fixed ratio. Coating properties of the treated compositions were studied using a standard procedure. The compositions were characterised with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) spectroscopy.

Findings
Treatment of shellac–epoxidised-novolac blends with MF resin improved water and alkali resistance of the blends, besides enhancing gloss. Gloss in all the blends was uniformly increased on treatment with MF resin. Water resistance of the blends tremendously improved after treatment with MF resin. Contact angle of the blends against water increased while decreased against ethylene glycol and dioxane. The compositions were more resistant to polar solvent than non-polar ones, suggesting that the compositions shifted to hydrophobic (lipophilic) nature on treatment with the MF resin.

Research limitations/implications
A specified concentration of MF resin was used in the study. Different concentrations of the MF resin can also be tried for treatment of shellac–epoxidised-novolac blends to see the effect of the resin on the blends.

Practical implications
Treatment of shellac–epoxidised-novolac blend with MF resin improved the coating properties of the blends. The formulation SeNB-64 is the best with high gloss, good impact, scratch hardness and water resistance, and hence can be used as coating material for metal surfaces.

Originality/value
Blending of shellac with epoxidised-novolac resin and treatment of the blends with the MF resin was done for the first time. The formulation SeNB-64 can be used as coating material for metal surfaces.
Changes of serum trace elements level in patients with alopecia areata: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin Waishu , Zheng Haibo , Shan Baihui , Wu Yi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAbnormalities of serum trace elements are involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA); however, the results of published studies are controversial. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the alterations of serum level of trace elements and AA using a meta‐analysis approach. We searched all articles indexed in PubMed, Embase and Science Citation Index published up to 30 April 2016 concerning the association between serum level of zinc, copper, iron/ferritin, selenium or magnesium and AA. Ten eligible articles involving 764 subjects were identified. Overall, pooled analysis indicated that patients with AA had a lower serum level of zinc (P < 10−4) and selenium (P < 10−4) than the healthy controls. However, there was no significant difference between the AA patients and controls in the levels of serum copper (P = 0.81), serum iron (P = 0.36), serum ferritin (P = 0.37) and serum magnesium (P = 0.07). This meta‐analysis suggests that low serum levels of zinc and selenium seem to be important risk factors for AA.
The Tunisian Revolution: Neoliberalism, Urban Contentious Politics and the Right to the City
Authors: Zemni Sami 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article engages in the debate on urban contentious politics by returning to the Tunisian revolution. In the article, I chart movements provoked by neoliberal restructurings, and show how these ultimately came together to form a mass movement demanding radical political change. I first describe the socio‐spatial roots of the Tunisian revolution to understand its dynamics. Based on the chronology of the unfolding events I sketch the classes, social groups and movements that coalesced against authoritarian rule in early 2011. Although the Tunisian revolution started in rural environments, I focus more specifically on the role of urban social movements in the uprising to link questions of urbanism to what were clearly national revolts. Secondly, I outline the scope of neoliberal reforms in Tunisia by looking at the impact of these reforms to chart the resulting emergence of contentious politics in response to the increasing violence that characterized all levels of economic life during this period. I also consider the resulting uneven development and the changing relations between the state and the different social classes. This enables me to reflect on the politicization of the city with the aim of opening up new opportunities for engaging with a more comparative and cosmopolitan theory about cities around the world.
Staging Equality in Greek Squares: Hybrid Spaces of Political Subjectification
Authors: Karaliotas Lazaros 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article stages a dialogue between Jacques Rancière's political writings and the squares movement in Greece. From May to July 2011, a heterogeneous multitude of protesters reclaimed the squares of the country from their allocation in the police order and articulated a multiplicity of divergent discursive, organizational and spatial repertoires. This was an urban political event that reasserted the importance of urban spaces in expressing political dissent and experimented with new ways of being and acting in common. This article draws on Rancière's conceptualization of politics to read the squares movement as an opening of spaces of political subjectification. At the same time, through a close ethnography of the squares, it highlights the tensions that marked this process and focuses on two of these: the coexistence of nationalist and equalibertarian discursive and performative repertoires and the co‐implication of horizontal and vertical organizational practices. The article builds on this analysis to argue that the squares movement opened hybrid spaces of political subjectification and to explore some of the tensions in Rancière's political writings. This reading, in turn, informs a discussion of the legacies of the squares movement.
From Occupying Plazas to Recuperating Housing: Insurgent Practices in Spain
Authors: García‐Lamarca Melissa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUrban insurgencies have spread across the globe like wildfire in recent years. The indignado plaza occupations in Spain are often cited as beacons of popular and widespread dissent. This article argues that urban insurgencies with the highest emancipatory potential in Spain today are found in the practices of the housing rights movement—the Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH, or Platform for Mortgage‐affected People)—that mainly entail blocking evictions and occupying empty bank‐owned housing. I elaborate on the notion of insurgent practice by examining how insurgency has been considered in relationship to citizenship, planning and public space. I propose insurgent practice as a way of articulating how people attempt to enact equality in everyday life and engage explicitly with socio‐spatial and political questions related to an emancipatory democratic politics. Based on a detailed analysis of two of the PAH's insurgent housing practices, I posit that recuperating empty bank‐owned housing with and for evicted families has the highest and most significant emancipatory potential, as it disrupts the core dynamics of urban capital accumulation and enacts equality for evicted households by directly contesting financial rent‐extraction mechanisms at multiple levels. In closing, I outline some conclusions that emerge from the Spanish housing case and from the concept of insurgent practice and urban politicizing practice in general.
The Work of a Few Trees: Gezi, Politics and Space
Authors: Erensü Sinan , Karaman Ozan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn June 2013, Istanbul and many cities across Turkey became stages of massive demonstrations and occupations, which were sparked by a conflict over Gezi Park in central Istanbul. For many, the ‘park issue' was simply the last straw, and it led to unprecedented revolt, reflecting a huge number of grievances against the government for some, while for others it emphasized the impoverishing consequences of the Justice and Development Party's (AKP's) urban policies. Instead of disentangling causes and effects, we think that a productive way of approaching the oppositional surge that erupted in Gezi Park is through the political work that space does in the context of the increasing prominence of speculation‐driven and authoritarian interventions in urban spaces. Gezi, as an event, not only disrupted the routinized scripts of an increasingly autocratic government and defied the presumed consensus over real‐estate and infrastructure‐led economic growth policies, but also helped to articulate a series of political agendas across the urban–rural continuum that came before it. Even after the occupation, the Gezi spirit continued to politicize space through various de‐localizations. By elaborating on a particular phrase popularized during Gezi, namely yaşam alanı (life space), the article discusses how the riot's political impact deepened and expanded not only through defending a space but also by creating new ones, both materially and conceptually.
Theorizing the Politicizing City
Authors: Dikeç Mustafa , Swyngedouw Erik 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThis introductory symposium article develops a framework for an urban political reading and a theorization of urban uprisings. We argue that there is a need to foreground the notion of the urban political as central to the theoretical and practical demands of urban research today. First, we revisit critical urban theory in light of recent urban insurrections and point out a lack of sustained theoretical engagement with the political. Second, based on this critique, we argue for what we call a ‘re‐centring of the urban political' to rethink urban theory in ways that consider the city as a site of political encounter, interruption and experimentation, even when, or perhaps especially when, these ways fall outside institutional forms or lack the organizational form or legitimacy of social movements. Thus, we attempt to place politics at the heart of radical urban political theory and practice today in order to make sense of urban subjects, events and claims that elude established government practices and institutionalized structures.
Saponin Profile of Wild Asparagus Species
Authors: Jaramillo‐Carmona Sara , Rodriguez‐Arcos Rocío , Jiménez‐Araujo Ana , López Sergio , Gil Juan , Moreno Roberto , Guillén‐Bejarano Rafael 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the saponin profiles from spears of different wild asparagus species in the context of its genetic diversity aside from geographical seed origin. They included Asparagus pseudoscaber Grecescu, Asparagus maritimus (L.) Mill., Asparagus brachiphyllus Turcz., Asparagus prostrates Dumort., and Asparagus officinalis L. The saponin analysis by LC‐MS has shown that saponin profile from wild asparagus is similar to that previously described for triguero asparagus from Huétor‐Tájar landrace (triguero HT), which had not ever been reported in the edible part of asparagus. All the samples, except A. officinalis, were characterized for having saponins distinct to protodioscin and the total saponin contents were 10‐fold higher than those described for commercial hybrids of green asparagus. In particular, A. maritimus from different origins were rich in saponins previously found in triguero HT. These findings supported previous suggestion, based on genetic analysis, about A. maritimus being the origin of triguero HT. Multivariate statistics including principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were used to define both similarities and differences among samples. The results showed that the greatest variance of the tested wild asparagus could be attributed to differences in the concentration of particular saponins and this knowledge could be a tool for identifying similar species.
Personalized microbiome‐based approaches to metabolic syndrome management and prevention
Authors: Shapiro Hagit , Suez Jotham , Elinav Eran 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPersonalized or precision medicine is a novel clinical approach targeted to the individual patient and based on integration of clinical, genetic, and environmental factors that define a patient uniquely from other individuals featuring similar clinical symptoms. Such a personalized medicine approach is increasingly applied for diagnosis, clinical stratification, and treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS)‐associated risks and diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and their complications. One emerging factor that governs MetS manifestations is the microbiome, the composition, function, growth dynamics, associated metabolite profile and diverse effects of which on host immune and metabolic systems can all significantly affect metabolic homeostasis. Interindividual differences in microbiome composition and function, as well as personal variations in microbial‐derived products, pave the way towards microbiome‐based personalized medicine in treating MetS‐related diseases.
Modulation of antiphospholipid antibodies‐induced trophoblast damage by different drugs used to prevent pregnancy morbidity associated with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Alvarez Angela M. , Balcázar Norman , San Martín Sebastián , Markert Udo R. , Cadavid Angela P. 
Published: January 2017

ProblemWomen with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) present a risk of pregnancy morbidity (PM), vascular thrombosis (VT), or both (PM/VT). aPLs affect trophoblast function, and the aim of this study was to determine the modulation of this aPL‐induced damage by different drugs.Method of studyIgG was obtained from women with PM and PM/VT positive to aPLs. Binding of IgG to trophoblastic cells, proliferation, mitochondrial membrane integrity, and trophoblast invasion were assessed. The effect of enoxaparin, aspirin, and aspirin‐triggered lipoxin (ATL) were evaluated as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation.ResultsIgG from women with aPLs strongly binds to trophoblastic cells. Integrity of mitochondrial membrane was reduced, and proliferation was increased by IgG‐PM/VT. Both IgG‐PM and IgG‐PM/VT decreased trophoblast invasion, which was restored by enoxaparin, aspirin, and ATL. IgG‐PM triggered reduction in STAT3 phosphorylation.ConclusionSome drugs used to prevent aPL‐induced PM modulated the alteration of trophoblast function.
Serologic markers of autoimmunity in women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Hefler‐Frischmuth Katrin , Walch Katharina , Hefler Lukas , Tempfer Clemens , Grimm Christoph 
Published: January 2017

ProblemVarious autoimmunologic mechanisms have been shown to be involved in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study aimed to evaluate whether women with RPL have elevated serum levels of common autoimmunologic parameters.Method of StudySerum levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were measured in 114 women with RPL, and 107 healthy controls using a qualitative immunometric enzyme immunoassay, serum levels of IgG class autoantibodies against histone, IgG class autoantibodies against nucleosomes, and IgG class autoantibodies against double‐stranded (ds) DNA were measured by quantitative enzyme immunoassays.ResultsNo differences were ascertained regarding serum levels of ANAs (P=.9), serum levels of antibodies against histones (P=.1), antibodies against nucleosomes (P=.4) and antibodies against dsDNA (P=.6) between women with RPL and healthy controls. No associations were found between serum levels and clinical characteristics of affected women.ConclusionOur study shows that serologic parameters of autoimmunity are not elevated in women with RPL and are not associated with clinical characteristics of affected women.
Modification of the Fc Region of a Human Anti‐oncostatin M Monoclonal Antibody for Higher Affinity to FcRn Receptor and Extension of Half‐life in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Nnane Ivo P. , Han Chao , Jiao Qun , Tam Susan H. , Davis Hugh M. , Xu Zhenhua 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of anti‐oncostatin M (OSM) IgG1 monoclonal antibodies, CNTO 1119 and its Fc variant (CNTO 8212), which incorporates the LS(Xtend) mutation to extend terminal half‐life (T1/2), after a single intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) administration in cynomolgus monkeys, and to predict human PK. In study 1, single doses of CNTO 1119 and CNTO 8212 were administered IV or SC at 3 mg/kg to cynomolgus monkeys (n = 3 per group). In study 2, single doses of CNTO 8212 were administered IV at 1, 5 or 20 mg/kg, or SC at 5 mg/kg to cynomolgus monkeys (n = 5 per group). Serial blood samples were collected for assessment of serum concentrations of CNTO 1119 and/or CNTO 8212. A two‐compartment population PK model with first‐order elimination was utilized to simultaneously describe the serum concentrations of CNTO 1119 and CNTO 8212 over time after IV and SC administration in cynomolgus monkeys. The typical population PK parameter estimates for CNTO 1119 in cynomolgus monkeys were clearance (CL) = 2.81 mL/day/kg, volume of distribution of central compartment (V1) = 31.3 mL/kg, volume of distribution of peripheral compartment (V2) = 23.3 mL/kg, absolute bioavailability (F) = 0.84 and T1/2 = 13.4 days. In comparison, the typical population PK parameter estimates for CNTO 8212 in cynomolgus monkeys were CL = 1.41 mL/day/kg, V1 = 39.8 mL/kg, V2 = 32.6 mL/kg, F = 0.75 and T1/2 = 35.7 days. The mean CL of CNTO 8212 was ~50% lower compared with that for CNTO 1119 in cynomolgus monkeys. The overall volume of distribution (V1+V2) for CNTO 8212 was about 32% larger compared with that for CNTO 1119, but generally similar to the vascular volume in cynomolgus monkeys. The T1/2 of CNTO 8212 was significantly (p < 0.05) longer by about 2.7‐fold than that for CNTO 1119 in cynomolgus monkeys. Thus, the modification of the Fc portion of an anti‐OSM IgG1 mAb for higher FcRn binding affinity resulted in lower systemic clearance and a longer terminal half‐life in cynomolgus monkeys. CNTO 8212 demonstrated linear PK after a single IV dose (1–20 mg/kg) in cynomolgus monkeys. The predicted human PK parameters suggest that CNTO 8212 is likely to exhibit slow clearance and long terminal half‐life in human beings and may likely allow less frequent dosing in the clinical setting.
Switching, Adverse Effects and Use of Over‐the‐Counter Analgesics among Users of Oral Anticoagulants: A Pharmacy‐based Survey
Authors: Hellfritzsch Maja , Hyllested Lea Maria Rønneberg , Meegaard Line , Wiberg‐Hansen Alexander , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Pottegård Anton 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOral anticoagulants are widely used but information on important aspects in that respect is not available from medical registers or clinical databases. Therefore, we conducted a survey including patients filling a prescription for oral anticoagulants at two large Danish community pharmacies. We collected information concerning the patients’ knowledge of their anticoagulant treatment including prior drug switching. Further, patients were asked about use of over‐the‐counter analgesics, adverse effects and how the treatment affected their everyday life. Among 335 eligible patients, 301 (90%) agreed to participate. Atrial fibrillation was the most common indication (65%), and most patients filled a prescription for a non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) (58%). Among the 12% (n = 35) of participants who had switched oral anticoagulant treatment, 69% had switched from a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to a NOAC. Switching was most frequently caused by inconvenience (34%) and adverse effects (23%). Although half of all patients had recently bought over‐the‐counter analgesics, purchase of ibuprofen and aspirin was rare (6%). More VKA users than NOAC users felt limited in their everyday life because of anticoagulant treatment (18% versus 9%). Among non‐incident NOAC users, 21% had experienced adverse effects during their current treatment. Based on first‐hand information from a large sample of anticoagulant users, we conclude that the main drug‐related issues leading to anticoagulant switching and perceived limitations in everyday life were inconvenience and adverse effects. This varied between drug groups. Further, use of NSAIDs obtained over the counter was rare.
Capacity development for food policy analysis: What works best? Adding evidence from IFPRI's experience
Authors: Kuyvenhoven Arie 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article presents major results of a meta‐assessment of experience of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) with different kinds of capacity strengthening (CS) activities for food policy analysis. Collaborative research, on‐the‐job‐training, and ID support for building data systems and analysis came up as best‐practice approaches. Equally successful were new initiatives such as visiting fellow programmes, thesis support schemes, and delivering CS work embedded in country or thematic programmes. Challenges emerged as well: how to address the low CS impact of formal training and work with local collaborators, the uncertain results for outreach and strengthening capacity of organizations over individuals, especially in the policy cycle, and the best way to enter into partnerships and create incentives to deliver and sustain CS. Some policy implications are indicated.
Structural change in Ethiopia
Authors: Martins Pedro M. G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article investigates the pace and pattern of structural change in Ethiopia. It departs from the existing literature in two main ways. First, it uses a methodology that enables a more comprehensive assessment of structural change. Second, it entailed the construction of a consistent dataset for Ethiopia—comprising three labour force surveys—tracking 10 economic sectors between 1999 and 2013. Our analysis suggests that the structure of production has changed considerably, but that shifts in the composition of employment have lagged behind. Output per capita growth has been strong and mainly driven by within‐sector productivity improvements. However, the contribution of structural change has increased over time, which is encouraging. Evidence of a growing demographic dividend is also uncovered.