bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extending the literature on the environmental strategy of MNEs
Authors: Aguilera‐Caracuel Javier , Aragón‐Correa Juan Alberto , Esther Hurtado‐Torres Nuria 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the different international environmental strategies that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can adopt.Design/methodology/approachThis study updates the traditional country‐specific advantages/firm‐specific advantages (FSA/CSA) framework. In order to do so, the concepts of environmental institutional distance between countries and MNEs' availability of slack resources are used.FindingsFirst, a low environmental institutional distance between headquarters' and subsidiaries' countries contributes to creating environmental standards within the company. Second, MNEs with high availability of slack resources are willing to standardize their environmental practices. However, those MNEs that have a high availability of slack resources but have units based in high‐distance countries prefer to generate valuable and advanced environmental management practices only in specific countries. Finally, those MNEs with a low level of slack resources and with units based in low‐distance countries only comply with national environmental institutional requirements, becoming isomorphic with other local firms.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough previous findings suggest that MNEs are increasingly standardizing their environmental practices, this generalization can be applied to those MNEs with units based in low‐distance countries that have a high availability of slack resources, which lead them to create valuable non‐location‐bound, green, firm‐specific advantages (FSAs).Originality/valueThis paper sheds light on the way in which MNEs' activities affect the natural environment. Since MNEs are key actors in terms of economic and environmental development, they can promote social and environmental values in society, and at the same time encourage other organizations and institutions to adopt a socially responsible attitude.
Internationalization of new ventures: tests of growth and survival
Authors: Schueffel Patrick , Amann Wolfgang , Herbolzheimer† Emilio 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate key contingencies affecting the internationalization of young ventures, and to shed light on early internationalization's implications for organizational survival and growth.Design/methodology/approachA previously suggested conceptual framework is tested based on a quantitative study of UK firms before explorative analysis takes the analysis further.FindingsContrary to the model suggested by Sapienzaet al.that internationalization is of increasing importance at young ventures' founding stage, no such indications were found in this study. Further statistical tests revealed interesting insights into the relationship between other organizational factors and a young firm's survival and growth prospects.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical results suggest that internationalization is a largely overrated theoretical factor as far as young ventures' short‐term survival and performance are concerned. As internationalization paths differ contingent upon country of origin and other factors, further empirical tests are needed beyond the UK sample.Originality/valueEmpirical tests of previously suggested conceptual frameworks are needed to advance the body of knowledge on successful internationalization. Next to this initial test, further exploratory analysis suggests a refined framework.
SEC adopts large trader reporting system
Authors: Blanc Roger D. , Schloendorn Daniel , Kramer Howard L. , Miller Martin R. , Comstock Matthew B. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to inform the various securities market participants about new Exchange Act Rule 13h‐1, its specifics and the requirements it may impose.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the various requirements of the Rule and additional background information and some clarifications based on the SEC adopting release.FindingsThe Rule requires “large traders”, as defined in the Rule, to self‐identify to the SEC and to obtain from the SEC a large trader identification number (“LTID”) and provide the LTID to each US‐registered broker‐dealer through which it effects transactions in NMS securities. The Rule also requires US‐registered broker‐dealers to provide to the SEC, on request, data on large traders' transactions in NMS securities by the morning after the transactions are effected; and it requires US‐registered broker‐dealers to maintain books and records, and perform certain monitoring functions, with respect to these transactions. The SEC has also adopted Form 13H under Exchange Act Section 13(h). A large trader must submit to the SEC Form 13H as an “Initial Filing” to receive its LTID and file various periodic amendments thereafter.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers. The authors hope the discussion in the paper will enable affected market participants, which include US‐ registered broker‐dealers as well as other persons within the Rule's definition of large trader, to be informed about and to prepare for compliance with the Rule.
The Supreme Court's Janus decision: no secondary liability, but many secondary questions
Authors: Delibert Arthur , Wright Gregory 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review significant questions raised by the US Supreme Court's June 13, 2011 decision in Janus Capital Group, Inc. v. First Derivative Traders and discuss issues that fund directors and advisers may want to consider as a result.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the narrow interpretation of Rule 10b‐5 that the Court decision represents and the Court's effort not to allow expansion of secondary liability for aiding and abetting under the federal securities laws. It raises questions about the allocation of liability for prospectus content among fund directors, officers, and advisers. It compares liability of advisers and their affiliates under provisions of Rule 10b‐5 and Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933. It recommends three matters that directors should consider concerning the allocation of liability in a case involving a false prospectus: the best way for fund directors to carry out their “due diligence” regarding the content of fund registration statements; the provisions of advisory, administrative and distribution contracts that allocate liability between those entities and the fund for prospectus misstatements and omissions; and various avenues for indemnification and shared liability, including D&O/E&O coverage and an indemnification agreement with the adviser. It introduces the alternative of shared liability in which the adviser signs the fund's registration statement.Practical implicationsThe paper finds that the Janus decision has caused fund directors, officers and advisers to focus on the allocation of liability for prospectus errors.Originality/valueThe paper provides a practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Multiple features facial image retrieval by spectral regression and fuzzy aggregation approach
Authors: Zhang Bailing 
Published: December 2011

PurposeContent‐based image retrieval (CBIR) is an important research area for automatically retrieving images of user interest from a large database. Due to many potential applications, facial image retrieval has received much attention in recent years. Similar to face recognition, finding appropriate image representation is a vital step for a successful facial image retrieval system. Recently, many efficient image feature descriptors have been proposed and some of them have been applied to face recognition. It is valuable to have comparative studies of different feature descriptors in facial image retrieval. And more importantly, how to fuse multiple features is a significant task which can have a substantial impact on the overall performance of the CBIR system. The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient face image retrieval strategy.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, three different feature description methods have been investigated for facial image retrieval, including local binary pattern, curvelet transform and pyramid histogram of oriented gradient. The problem of large dimensionalities of the extracted features is addressed by employing a manifold learning method called spectral regression. A decision level fusion scheme fuzzy aggregation is applied by combining the distance metrics from the respective dimension reduced feature spaces.FindingsEmpirical evaluations on several face databases illustrate that dimension reduced features are more efficient for facial retrieval and the fuzzy aggregation fusion scheme can offer much enhanced performance. A 98 per cent rank 1 retrieval accuracy was obtained for the AR faces and 91 per cent for the FERET faces, showing that the method is robust against different variations like pose and occlusion.Originality/valueThe proposed method for facial image retrieval has a promising potential of designing a real‐world system for many applications, particularly in forensics and biometrics.
Innovative streamline‐flow preserving actuation strategies for wing airfoil nose
Authors: Tomassetti Giordano , Ameduri Salvatore , Carozza Antonio 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on a morphing architecture, conceived to produce droop nose effect, thus preserving high lift performance and laminar flow.Design/methodology/approachA numerical approach was adopted. On the base of preliminary aerodynamic requirements, the main aspects of the actuation architecture were defined and then assessed through a genetic approach.FindingsTwo different working modalities of mentioned architecture were identified: the former implying the use of an actuator, the latter taking advantage of a tailored elastic element, able to actuate morphing under the action of aerodynamic loads, without the aid of actuators.Research limitations/implicationsThe research presented in this work refers to an optimisation process currently tailored on preliminary aerodynamic requirements (leading edge vertical displacement maximisation, leading edge radius increase).Originality/valueThe research shows the possibility of producing morphing on the leading edge zone, actuating droop nose effect on metallic (constant and pice wise thickness) and composite skins.
Elderly cases of Churg–Strauss syndrome: Case report and review of Japanese cases
Authors: UCHIYAMA Masaki , MITSUHASHI Yoshihiko , YAMAZAKI Masashi , TSUBOI Ryoji 
Published: December 2011

AbstractChurg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a vasculitis usually thought to affect comparatively young individuals, however, elderly cases of CSS are being reported increasingly. We report two elderly cases of CSS and review 123 cases of CSS reported in Japan between 2003 and 2010. The two patients showed typical features of CSS such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, purpura and mononeuritis multiplex. The biopsy specimens demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis with infiltration of eosinophils. Both patients responded well to oral prednisolone. The age of the CSS cases we reviewed ranged from the teens to the 80s, with 47.2% of the patients aged 60 years or older. These patients tended more frequently to have complications such as gastrointestinal involvement, and a higher mortality rate. Elderly cases of CSS are not rare. Correct diagnosis at an earlier stage and careful, long‐term follow up are of particular importance in preventing a fatal outcome.
Three siblings with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: SHU En , ICHIKI Yoshiro , MORIYA Chie , IWATA Hiroaki , KITAJIMA Yasuo , SEISHIMA Mariko 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe present the cases of three siblings with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis was made when the sisters were of age 21, 25 and 28 years. They shared some clinical features, including typical facial rash, photosensitivity and Raynaud’s phenomenon, and tested positive for antinuclear antibodies. However, their symptoms and clinical courses varied. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing revealed that DR4 and A2 were present in all three sisters, while HLA type A11, B35 and B54 were each found in two of the three sisters. The two elder sisters developed lupus glomerulonephritis 8 and 11 years after the onset of SLE. It is suggested that there are genes responsible for the onset of the disease and also unknown regulatory genes other than HLA result in different phenotypes.
Replication and refinement of a quantitative trait locus influencing milk protein percentage on ovine chromosome 3
Authors: García‐Gámez E. , Gutiérrez‐Gil B. , Sánchez J. P. , Arranz J. J. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryA previous genome scan that was conducted in Spanish Churra sheep identified a significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for milk protein percentage (PP) on chromosome 3 (OAR3), between markers KD103 and OARVH34. The aim of this study was to replicate these results and to refine the mapped position of this QTL. To accomplish this goal, we analysed 14 new half‐sib families of Spanish Churra sheep including 1661 ewes from 29 different flocks. These animals were genotyped for 21 microsatellite markers mapping to OAR3. In addition to a classical linkage analysis (LA), a combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage analysis (LDLA) was performed with the aim of enhancing the resolution of the QTL mapping. The LA that was performed in this sheep population identified the presence of a highly significant QTL for PP near marker KD103 (Pc < 0.001; Pexp < 0.001). The phenotypic variance that was owing to the QTL was 2.74%. Two segregating families for the target QTL were identified in this population with QTL effect estimates of 0.47 and 0.95 SD. The LDLA identified the same QTL as the previous analyses with a high level of statistical significance (P = 9.184 E‐11) and narrowed the confidence interval (CI) to a 13 cM region. These results confirm the segregation of the previously identified OAR3 QTL that influences PP in Spanish Churra sheep. Future research will aim to increase the marker density across the refined CI and to analyse the corresponding candidate genes to identify the allelic variant or variants that underlie this genetic effect.
TheMichaelis–Menten kinetics of soil extracellular enzymes in response to temperature: a cross‐latitudinal study
Authors: German Donovan P. , Marcelo Kathleen R. B. , Stone Madeleine M. , Allison Steven D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDecomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) is mediated by microbial extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (EHEs). Thus, given the large amount of carbon (C) stored asSOM, it is imperative to understand how microbialEHEs will respond to global change (and warming in particular) to better predict the links betweenSOMand the globalCcycle. Here, we measured theMichaelis–Menten kinetics [maximal rate of velocity (Vmax) and half‐saturation constant (Km)] of five hydrolytic enzymes involved inSOMdegradation (cellobiohydrolase, β‐glucosidase, β‐xylosidase, α‐glucosidase, andN‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase) in five sites spanning a boreal forest to a tropical rainforest. We tested the specific hypothesis that enzymes from higher latitudes would show greater temperature sensitivities than those from lower latitudes. We then used our data to parameterize a mathematical model to test the relative roles ofVmaxandKmtemperature sensitivities inSOMdecomposition. We found that bothVmaxandKmwere temperature sensitive, withQ10values ranging from 1.53 to 2.27 forVmaxand 0.90 to 1.57 forKm. TheQ10values for theKmof the cellulose‐degrading enzyme β‐glucosidase showed a significant (P = 0.004) negative relationship with mean annual temperature, indicating that enzymes from cooler climates can indeed be more sensitive to temperature. Our model showed thatKmtemperature sensitivity can offsetSOMlosses due toVmaxtemperature sensitivity, but the offset depends on the size of theSOMpool and the magnitude ofVmax. Overall, our results suggest that there is a local adaptation of microbialEHEkinetics to temperature and that this should be taken into account when making predictions about the responses of C cycling to global change.
The ebb and flow of antimicrobial skin peptides defends northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) against chytridiomycosis
Authors: Pask James D. , Woodhams Douglas C. , Rollins‐Smith Louise A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMany amphibian species are threatened with extinction by the emerging infectious disease, chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This unprecedented global crisis threatens to reduce the biodiversity of the entire amphibian class. The fungus invades the skin and impairs the uptake and retention of essential ions leading to cardiac arrest. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted into the mucus of some amphibians are thought to be an important defense against chytridiomycosis. However, little is known about the quantities of AMPs secreted under natural conditions, whether they are sufficient to protect against this pathogen, and how they interact with commensal microbes. To understand how defensive peptides and skin microbes may interact, it is essential to know the precise quantities of AMPs present under natural conditions. Using matrix‐assisted laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and growth inhibition assays, we show that northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) at rest constitutively release low amounts of AMPs that inhibit B. dendrobatidis in vitro, and AMP defenses are elevated following a simulated predator attack. Using a synthetic peptide analogue of brevinin‐1Pb as an external control, we quantified the amounts of four previously described AMPs (brevinin 1Pa, brevinin‐1Pb, brevinin‐1Pd, and ranatuerin‐2P) at several time points after secretion. Once secreted onto the skin, the peptides are most active for 15 min, and small quantities persist for at least 2 h. Taken together, our data suggest that small amounts of AMPs are rapidly available and quite stable on the skin of R. pipiens. They are effective inhibitors of B. dendrobatidis at these low constitutive concentrations but degrade within 2 h, protecting the integrity of the skin and commensal bacteria.
Synthesis and physicochemical properties of carboxymethylated bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranean) starch
Authors: Afolabi T. Adeniyi 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe effect of carboxymethylation on the functional and physicochemical properties of bambara groundnut starch was studied. The starch yield on the dry weight of the seed basis was 40.35%, degree of substitution was 0.78, while the reaction efficiency was 62.50%. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of the carboxymethylated group on the modified starch granule with new bands at 1590, 1455 and 1423 cm−1. X‐ray diffractogram revealed the loss of crystallinity as a result of carboxymethylation of the starch. DSC study showed that the gelatinisation temperature and enthalpy were significantly altered by the carboxymethylation, also the pasting property corroborate this observation with the increase in the paste viscosity from 278.58 to 300.83 RVU. The solubility and swelling power of the native and carboxymethylated starch increased with increase in temperature, but with no significant effect on the swelling power of the starch in alkaline and acidic medium (pH 2–12).
The Balkans and the colonization of Europe: the post‐glacial range expansion of the wild boar, Sus scrofa
Authors: Alexandri Panoraia , Triantafyllidis Alexander , Papakostas Spiros , Chatzinikos Evangelos , Platis Petros , Papageorgiou Nikolaos , Larson Greger , Abatzopoulos Theodore J. , Triantaphyllidis Costas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  We focus on the biogeographical role of the Balkan Peninsula as a glacial refugium and source of northward post‐glacial dispersal for many European taxa. Specifically, we analysed the genetic structure and variation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) samples primarily from Greece, a region that has repeatedly served as a glacial refugium within the Balkan Peninsula.Location  Continental Greece, the Aegean island of Samos and Bulgaria.Methods  We analysed wild boar samples from 18 localities. Samples from common domestic breeds were also examined to take into account interactions between wild and domesticated animals. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on a 637‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region in 200 wild boar and 27 domestic pigs. The sequences were also compared with 791 Eurasian wild boar and domestic pig D‐loop sequences obtained from GenBank.Results  Ninety‐four haplotypes were identified in the European wild boar data set, of which 68 were found in the Balkan samples and assigned to two previously described clades: the E1 European and Near Eastern clades. All of the continental samples clustered in the E1 clade and the samples from Samos fell into the Near Eastern clade, consistent with the island’s proximity to Asia Minor. Intriguingly, 62 novel haplotypes were identified and are found exclusively in the Balkans. Only six haplotypes were shared between wild boar and domestic pigs.Main conclusions  Our data reveal numerous novel and geographically restricted haplotypes in wild boar populations, suggesting the presence of separate refugia in the Balkans. Our analyses support the hypothesis of a post‐glacial wild boar expansion consistent with the leading edge model, north and west from modern day Greece, and suggest little maternal introgression of Near Eastern and domestic haplotypes into wild Balkan populations.
Safe surgery: how accurate are we at predicting intra‐operative blood loss?
Authors: Solon Jacqueline Gemma , Egan Ciara , McNamara Deborah A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroduction  Preoperative estimation of intra‐operative blood loss by both anaesthetist and operating surgeon is a criterion of the World Health Organization's surgical safety checklist. The checklist requires specific preoperative planning when anticipated blood loss is greater than 500 mL. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of surgeons and anaesthetists at predicting intra‐operative blood loss.Methods  A 6‐week prospective study of intermediate and major operations in an academic medical centre was performed. An independent observer interviewed surgical and anaesthetic consultants and registrars, preoperatively asking each to predict expected blood loss in millilitre. Intra‐operative blood loss was measured and compared with these predictions. Parameters including the use of anticoagulation and anti‐platelet therapy as well as intra‐operative hypothermia and hypotension were recorded.Results  One hundred sixty‐eight operations were included in the study, including 142 elective and 26 emergency operations. Blood loss was predicted to within 500 mL of measured blood loss in 89% of cases. Consultant surgeons tended to underestimate blood loss, doing so in 43% of all cases, while consultant anaesthetists were more likely to overestimate (60% of all operations). Twelve patients (7%) had underestimation of blood loss of more than 500 mL by both surgeon and anaesthetist. Thirty per cent (n = 6/20) of patients requiring transfusion of a blood product within 24 hours of surgery had blood loss underestimated by more than 500 mL by both surgeon and anaesthetist. There was no significant difference in prediction between patients on anti‐platelet or anticoagulation therapy preoperatively and those not on the said therapies.Conclusion  Predicted intra‐operative blood loss was within 500 mL of measured blood loss in 89% of operations. In 30% of patients who ultimately receive a blood transfusion, both the surgeon and anaesthetist significantly underestimate the risk of blood loss by greater than 500 mL. Theatre staff must be aware that 1 in 14 patients undergoing intermediate or major surgery will have an unexpected blood loss exceeding 500 mL and so robust policies to identify and manage such circumstances should be in place to improve patient safety.