pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Political risk and foreign direct investment in Africa: the case of the Nigerian telecommunications industry

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are expected to be influenced by political risk factors. However, studies that evaluate the relationship between political risk and FDI flows in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce. This study examines the impact of political risk on FDI flows in a SSA context using the 12 political risk components published as the International Country Risk Guide (ICRG) by the Political Risk Services Group (PRS) with the Nigerian telecommunications sector as a case study. The study finds that political risk has a significant influence on the inflow of FDI into developing economies in SSA such as Nigeria and that the 12 components affect FDI in different ways. Irrespective of the political risk rating, a consistent improvement in composite political risk enhances FDI inflow. Among the 12 components, corruption, law and order, democratic accountability and investment profile were found to have significant influences on FDI inflow into the Nigerian telecommunications sector. Corruption, in particular, explains nearly two-thirds of the FDI inflow
Internationalization of small family firms: the influence of family from a socioemotional wealth perspective

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: SCHOLES, L., MUSTAFA, M. and CHEN, S., 2015. Internationalization of small family firms: the influence of family from a socioemotional wealth perspective. Thunderbird International Business Review, 58(2), pp.131-146, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tie.21729. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.We explore the factors influencing the internationalization of small family firms. Based on interviews with six family firms in Singapore, we highlight the importance of (1) family harmony, (2) trust in external relationships, (3) social and business networks, and (4) organizational resources and capabilities in the internationalization process. We show how the socioemotional wealth factors of trust and harmony affect networking and resources, which in turn affect internationalization. We find that initial internationalization through exports is enabled through trust in family networks, but the typical family characteristics of a desire to maintain family harmony and distrust of outsiders have a negative impact on network creation and resource development, which constrains the extent to which the firm internationalizes beyond exporting. In order to move from the first stage (exports/similar markets) to the second stage (joint ventures/different markets) of internationalization, less emphasis on trust and family harmony accompanied by more emphasis on building external networks and resources may be necessary. We propose a new model of internationalization of family firms based on our findings
Enhancing Brand Equity Through Sustainability: Waste Recycling

Unlike many existing research studies that explain reverse marketing from a purchasing perspective, this study recognizes it as an honest effort made by managers aiming to promote sustainability by purposefully managing waste and discusses the spillover effect of their initiatives on brand equity. It argues that efficient recycling of products through reverse marketing by a brand demonstrates its sincere intent to adopt sustainable business practices and enhances its equity in the marketplace. A business-to-business viewpoint has been used to combine knowledge about waste recycling and management through reverse marketing based on the unpretentious operations and management practices. The propositions reflect on the criticality of engaging business customer firms in a procedural mechanism of recycling for increase in brand equity as the success of reverse marketing. A comprehensive adoption of an initiative like waste management through reverse marketing by a brand highlights how sustainability initiatives can create value for the customers of the brand and ultimately drive brand equity
Revisiting the European Horsemeat Scandal: The Role of Power Asymmetry in the Food Supply Chain Crisis

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Nnamdi O. Madichie, and Fred A. Yamoah, 'Revisiting the European Horsemeat Scandal: The Role of Power Asymmetry in the Food Supply Chain Crisis', Thunderbird International Business Review, Vol. 59 (6): 663-675, Nov/Dec 2017, which has been published in final form at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tie.21841/abstract. Under embargo. Embargo end date: 27 July 2018. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.This study explores the role of power asymmetry in the food supply chain, especially in relation to the channel confl ict, and ultimate breakdown that culminated in the infamous European horsemeat scandal across Europe. Drawing upon the power-dependency, and to some extent, social exchange theory, the study posits that mutual dependence between single supplier???multiple buyer relationships where major retailers are the weaker partners, may require a revisitation of risk management practices in that sector. In addition to the fraudulent and unethical practices established from media reporting on the horsemeat scandal, the study argues that the power asymmetry/imbalance may have contributed to a supplier culture that tolerated the unethical decision making leading to the horsemeat scandal. Based on an extensive review of secondary data sources comprising media reports on the scandal and a review of the academic literature on power dependency and social exchange theories, the study attempts to map out the root of the crisis, how to forestall future recurrence, and the managerial and policy implications of these
Economic freedom and cross-border acquisitions from emerging markets into developed economies.

Extending the home base perspective by considering investors' parent countries, this study examines the effect of economic freedom (EF) on emerging-market enterprises' (EMEs) overseas acquisition completion in developed countries. Using a large data set of 5,174 cross-border acquisition deals from ten major emerging markets (EMs) during 1985–2011, we find that (1) the probability of deal completion is positively associated with the levels of EF of the acquirers' countries, the acquirers' parent and the target; (2) the EF of the countries of acquirers' parents has a substitutive effect on that of the acquirers' countries; (3) the difference of EF between the targets' countries and the countries of acquirers' parents negatively influences deal completion; and (4) the difference of EF between the targets' countries and the acquirers' countries negatively influences deal completion. These findings have important theoretical implications for international business scholars, as well as practical implications for managers and for policymakers of EMEs that are active in foreign direct investment
Internationalization of Chinese firms : what role does guanxi play for overcoming their liability of outsidership in developed markets?

This article explains how managers of Chinese firms can use guanxi when entering and expanding in developed markets. The empirical basis for the investigation is formed by interviews with 29 managers at 17 Chinese business-to-business firms internationalizing to Europe. The results generated are twofold. On the one hand, existing guanxi was largely irrelevant for initially entering the European market. On the other hand, Chinese firms managed to successfully overcome the liability of outsidership by building new guanxi-like relationships with their Western business network partners after a certain period of time. Six propositions give insights on the process for Chinese firms to become insiders in the business networks of developed countries. The propositions were combined into two comprehensive models that give implications for future research and for management practice
The impact of distance (external) and organizational factors (internal) on the knowledge chain of multinational corporations: South Africa as a host country

Purpose – The geographic dispersion of MNCs implies that whilst it gives them access to new and different knowledge from diverse localities it also adds to the costs and complexities of managing that knowledge and its effective dispersal across geographies. The purpose of this paper is to examine how knowledge is transferred within MNCs and provide a framework for this process particularly focusing on the role that distance (external) and organizational factors (internal) plays therein.\ud
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Methodology – A qualitative study is utilized focusing on two technology companies from different cultural home countries and the technology transfer process with their South African subsidiaries. \ud
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Findings –We find that the standardization of knowledge impacts the creation and diffusion of knowledge, expatriates impact on the creation, diffusion and adoption, and finally relevance and localization impact on the adoption and utilization of knowledge. \ud
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Contribution – We present a conceptual framework around trust and rationalization as regards transferring knowledge within MNCs and find some evidence of the impact of distance, particularly cultural, on the methods employed in this transfer. The paper illustrates the practical ways in which MNCs organize their internal resources and overcome various dimensions of distance in ensuring knowledge transfers. By choosing companies from such divergent home countries (one industrialized and one newly industrialized, with very different cultural settings) and examining their knowledge transfers with their South African subsidiaries we are able to unpack various dimensions of distance and how organizational mechanisms affect this process
Comparison of two Kampo medicines in a diet-induced mouse obesity model

AimBoiogito (BOT) and bofutsushosan (BTS) are major traditional Kampo medicines that have been widely used for obesity in Japan. In this study, we used a high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model to conduct a comparative study of the therapeutic efficacy of BOT and BTS in obesity.Methods C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks in order to generate the DIO mouse model and were treated with Kampo medicines for 12 weeks. Bodyweight and food intake were monitored weekly and blood and tissue samples were collected.ResultsWhile neither BOT nor BTS had any significant impact on body composition in the DIO mice, serum leptin was significantly decreased in both BOT- and BTS-treated DIO mice. In contrast to blood leptin, BOT suppressed, whereas BTS increased, blood insulin in the DIO mice. In addition to these serum obesity markers, BOT reduced liver triglyceride and total cholesterol content, as well as steatosis. Importantly, the mRNA expression of molecules associated with lipid metabolism was reduced in the DIO mice treated with BOT, whereas BTS instead reduced liver mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α. Both BOT and BTS inhibited adipocyte maturation, as seen in the inhibition of adipocyte enlargement in the white adipose tissue of DIO mice.Conclusion BOT and BTS have different therapeutic benefits in obesity due to their modulation of lipid metabolism and of anti-inflammatory effects, respectively
Developing health enhancing physical activity modules for higher and vocational education- collaborative learning

The focus of this three year study was to develop, validate and pilot five modules (levels 4-7). The needs analysis phase included responses from 660 students in higher education from seven European countries; 14 interviewees and a focus group with experts. The design of the modules attempted to test cutting edge interdisciplinary (Lyall, Meagher, Bandola and Kettle, 2015) and case study (Herreid, 2011) approaches to bridge the gap between research, theory and practice.  Students preferred interdisciplinary and case study approaches for module content and assessment; and teaching through group and class based sessions and simulations, internships, and work based learning. \ud
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Three HEPA modules were piloted in a real-life setting in an intensive week of teaching (20 hours) each module to three groups of undergraduate students from Europe in a pilot study.  The developed HEPA modules were evaluated by students and staff; and the findings demonstrated relevance, enjoyment, flexibility and differentiated levels of instruction that will facilitate the embedding of any of these modules in undergraduate and masters level. These modules will are available online in an open resource that facilitates free access, collaboration and cooperation of stakeholders in higher. \ud
Herreid, C.F. (2011). Case study teaching. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 2011, 31–40.10.1002/tl.v2011.12
Comparative Evaluation of Genotoxicity of Captan in Amphibian Larvae (Xenopus laevis and Pleurodeles waltl) Using the Comet Assay and the Micronucleus Test

Captan (N-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide) is a fungicide used to inhibit the growth of many types of fungi on plants used as foodstuffs. The toxic and genotoxic potentials of captan were evaluated with the micronucleus test (MNT; AFNOR,2000) and the comet assay (CA) using amphibian larvae (Xenopus laevis and Pleurodeles waltl). Acute toxicity results showed that captan was toxic (1) to Xenopus larvae exposed to from 2 mg/L to 125 or 62.5 μg/L, depending on the nature of the water [reconstituted water containing mineral salts or mineral water (MW; Volvic®, Danone, France)] and (2) to Pleurodeles exposed to from 2 mg/L to 125 μg/L in both types of water. The MNT results obtained in MW showed that captan (62.5 μg/L) was genotoxic to Xenopus but not genotoxic to Pleurodeles at all concentrations tested. CA established that the genotoxicity of captan to Xenopus and Pleurodeles larvae depended on the concentration, the exposure times, and the comet parameters (tail DNA, TEM, OTM, and TL). The CA and MNT results were compared for their ability to detect DNA damage at the concentrations of captan and the exposure times applied. CA showed captan to be genotoxic from the first day of exposure. In amphibians, CA appears to be a sensitive and suitable method for detecting genotoxicity such as that caused by captan. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 264–277, 200
Brain and gonadal aromatase as potential targets of endocrine disrupting chemicals in a model species, the zebrafish (Danio rerio)

International audienceMany chemicals in the aquatic environment are able to adversely affect in vitro brain and ovarian aromatase expression/activity. However, it remains to be determined if these substances elicit in vivo effect in fish. With the view to further understanding possible effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aromatase function, we first developed methods to measure brain and ovarian aromatase expression/activity in a model species, the zebrafish, and assessed the effect of estradiol (E2) and androstatrienedione (ATD), a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. We showed that CYP19b gene was predominantly expressed in the brain whereas in the ovary CYP19a mRNA level was predominant. Moreover, aromatase activities (AA) were higher in brain than in ovary. In adult zebrafish, E2 treatment had no effect on aromatase expression/activity in brain, whereas at larval stage, E2 strongly triggered CYP19b expression. In the ovaries, E2 led to a complete inhibition of both CYP19a expression and AA. Exposure to ATD led to a total inhibition of both brain and ovarian AA but had no effect on CYP19 transcripts abundance. Together, these results provide relevant knowledge concerning the characterization of aromatase in the zebrafish, and reinforce the idea that brain and ovarian aromatase are promising markers of EDCs in fish and deserve further in vivo studies
Castrate-resistant prostate cancer: the future of antiandrogens

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in North American and European men and the second leading cause of male cancer-related death [1]. The lifetime probability of developing prostate cancer in the UK is 14% [1] and in 2010 there were there were 40,975 new cases, accounting for 10,721 deaths [2]. Prostate cancer is associated with many risk factors, including age, family history, ethnicity, diet, and weight and although it is estimated that not more than 5% of all prostate cancer cases are hereditary, family history is appropriately considered a relevant risk factor. Many genetic changes have been associated with prostate cancer, including mutations in P53, P21, and P73 and tumour suppressor genes [3]
Engaging all students in Internet inquiry

Almost 45 % of the world’s population is online. Research suggests that the prowess attributed to young people as a tech-savvy homogenous population is misguided. Many of our students are laboring to utilize the Internet and other digital technologies as tools for literacy and learning. Furthermore, teachers are struggling to create the instructional contexts necessary to integrate technology into the curriculum in meaningful ways or to develop the skills, strategies, dispositions and social practices that students need to experience success in a complex online environment. The article opens by considering the online reader as an Assembler, Fixer, Builder, and Responder. The key principles and instructional contexts necessary to scaffold online reading comprehension, Internet research and inquiry skills in the areas of creating authentic inquiry-based learning units; digging deeper with questioning skills; assessing online skills; scaffolding key stages within the Internet inquiry cycle; and encouraging peer-to-peer collaboration are considered
Assessing friction characteristics of liquid lubricants

A reduction in friction in tribological contacts will lead to reduced energy requirements. It is therefore important to be able to measure the frictional characteristics of various liquid lubricants. Current laboratory tests measure friction, but the test rigs invariably induce wear between the mating contacts. A new test rig, the wire-on-capstan rig, is presented which measures friction without inducing wear between the wire and the rotating capstan. All seven lubricants tested (three without additives and four proprietary hydraulic oils) exhibit a reducing coefficient of friction with increasing temperature. Temperatures ranged from 25 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. The mineral-based oil showed the lowest friction coefficient and the three synthetic ester based oils produced the highest friction coefficient over the complete temperature range. Future testing will extend the range of operating conditions and product types
Vacuum Tribological Behaviour of Self-Lubricating Quasicrystalline Composite Coatings

High-temperature-resistant self-lubricating coatings are needed in space vehicles for components that operate at high temperatures and/or under vacuum. Thick composite lubricant coatings containing quasicrystalline alloys as the hard phase for wear resistance can be deposited by a thermal spray technique. The coatings also contain lubricating materials (silver and BaF2CaF2 eutectic) and NiCr as the tough component. This paper describes the vacuum tribological properties of TH103, a coating of this type, with a very good microstructural quality. The coating was deposited by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying and tested under vacuum using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Different loads, linear speeds, and pin materials were studied. The pin scars and disc wear tracks were characterised using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. A minimum mean steady friction coefficient of 0.32 was obtained when employing an X750 Ni superalloy pin in vacuum conditions under 10 N load and 15 cm/s linear speed, showing moderate wear of the disc and low wear of the pi
Biometry and fetal weight estimation by two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography: an intraobserver and interobserver reliability and agreement study

Objective To evaluate and compare the intraobserver and interobserver reliability and agreement for the biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) obtained by two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US). Methods Singleton pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks were invited to participate in this study. They were examined using 2D-US in a blinded manner, twice by one observer, intercalated by a scan by a second observer, to determine BPD, AC and FL. In each of the three examinations, three 3D-US datasets (head, abdomen and thigh) were acquired for measurements of the same parameters. We determined EFW using Hadlock's formula. Systematic errors between 3D-US and 2D-US were examined using the paired t-test. Reliability and agreement were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), limits of agreement (LoA), SD of differences and proportion of differences below arbitrary points. Results We evaluated 102 singleton pregnancies. No significant systematic error between 2D-US and 3D-US was observed. The ICC values were higher for 3D-US in both intra- and interobserver evaluations; however, only for FL was there no overlap in the 95% CI. The LoA values were wider for 2D-US, suggesting that random errors were smaller when using 3D-US. Additionally, we observed that the SD values determined from 3D-US differences were smaller than those obtained for 2D-US. Higher proportions of differences were below the arbitrarily defined cut-off points when using 3D-US. Conclusion 3D-US improved the reliability and agreement of fetal measurements and EFW compared with 2D-US
Medical treatment of early-onset mild gestational hypertension reduces total peripheral vascular resistance and influences maternal and fetal complications

OBJECTIVE:\ud
Complications in early-onset mild gestational hypertension (GH) are better predicted by total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR) > 1350 dyne than by blood pressure. We therefore aimed to assess the possible reduction of severe complications by lowering TPVR with nitric oxide (NO) donors, oral fluids and standard antihypertensive therapy in women with early-onset mild GH.\ud
METHODS:\ud
A group of 400 patients with early-onset (20-27 weeks' gestation) mild GH (systolic and diastolic blood pressure < 170/110 mmHg) and TPVR > 1350 dyne were enrolled in a prospective non-randomized trial with sequential allocation: 100 patients were treated with nifedipine (Group A); 100 with nifedipine and NO donors (Group B); 100 with nifedipine and oral fluids (Group C); and 100 with nifedipine, NO donors and oral fluids (Group D). TPVR was checked 1 month after initiation of therapy, and the number of patients with severe maternal and fetal complications was recorded in each group. The relationship between reduction in TPVR and the frequency of severe complications was assessed.\ud
RESULTS:\ud
Severe complications developed in 51% of patients in Group A, 48% in Group B, 53% in Group C and 35% in Group D, the frequency in Group D being significantly lower than that in the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). A reduction in TPVR of < 15% predicted the occurrence of severe complications with sensitivity 95.2% and specificity 88.3%. In Group D a reduction in TPVR of ≥ 15% was more probable (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.15-3.60; P < 0.015) and severe complications were less probable (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.91; P < 0.023).\ud
CONCLUSION:\ud
In women with early-onset mild GH, combined treatment with NO donors, oral fluids and nifedipine optimally reduces TPVR and seems to reduce maternal and fetal complications