Entry timing into international markets: evidence from the Taiwanese service industry

The aim of this study was to explain the determinants of service industry firms’ entry timing into new international markets. On the basis of the relevant literature, a framework was proposed comprising firm-specific, experience and industry factors. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the factors, entry timing and subsequent performance. This study also investigated the timing of initial investment in a foreign market. The final sample contained 174 listed companies from various service industries in Taiwan. The latest financial data collected were from the year 2015. Based on the entry information of listed Taiwanese companies, the empirical results indicated that older firms exhibiting higher levels of internationalisation, having lower debt ratios and originating from more competitive sub-industries tend to enter new international markets earlier than other firms. Service industry companies exhibit superior performance if they enter the markets later. Furthermore, the study results support the idea that entry timing is a mediator between the factors and international performance, which helps companies achieve greater performance

Babesiosis in Long Island: review of 62 cases focusing on treatment with azithromycin and atovaquone

Abstract Background Babesiosis is a potentially life-threatening, tick-borne infection endemic in New York. The purpose of this study was to review recent trends in babesiosis management and outcomes focusing on patients, who were treated with combination of azithromycin and atovaquone. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients seen at Stony Brook University Hospital between 2008 and 2014 with peripheral blood smears positive for Babesia was performed. Clinical and epidemiological information was recorded and analyzed. Results 62 patients had confirmed babesiosis (presence of parasitemia). Forty six patients (74%) were treated exclusively with combination of azithromycin and atovaquone; 40 (87%) of these patients were hospitalized, 11 (28%) were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 1 (2%) died. Majority of patients presented febrile with median temperature 38.5 °C. Median peak parasitemia among all patients was 1.3%, and median parasitemia among patients admitted to ICU was 5.0%. Six patients (15%) required exchange transfusion. Majority of patients (98%) improved and were discharged from hospital or clinic. Conclusion Symptomatic babesiosis is still rare even in endemic regions. Recommended treatment regimen is well tolerated and effective. Compared to historical controls we observed a lower overall mortality