Motivations, Capability Handicaps and Firm Responses in the Early Phase of Internationalization from Emerging Economies: A study in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper identifies and analyses the motivations, capability handicaps and responses of a sample of Indian pharmaceutical firms in the early phase of internationalization. It distinguishes between the experiences of two types of internationalisers –initial internationalisers and later internationalisers - in the industry. It argues that the initial internationalisers face several discontinuities vis-a-vis the experience of meeting the needs of domestic market. They need to cultivate new capabilities by leveraging on whatever is available within the firms and the external environment. Their capability to cultivate depends on their internal processes to absorb the new experiences. The later internationalisers do not experience these handicaps. They can benefit from the industry experience and congregate capabilities to move faster. Their capability to congregate depends on the initial endowments of the founders. Based on its findings, the paper outlines scope for further research in capability building for internationalization in the context of emerging economies.

Assessment of packaging materials for quality attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars during storage

The effects of packaging materials [Corrugated fibre boxes (CFB), non-perforated polypropylene pouches (NPPP), perforated polypropylene pouches (PPP), plastic crates (PC), jute bags (JB)] were assessed on quality attributes in open pollinated (OP) and hybrid tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars during ambient storage (24-32oC and 70- 85% RH). Tomato OP variety, Kashi Hemant had shown maximum PLW (65.2%) in PC while coded IIVR hybrid 1 exhibited minimum PLW (1.3%) in NPPP after 20 days of storage at ambient storage temperature. The maximum increase in ‘a’ value was also obtained in PC followed by JB, CFB, PPP and NPPP. Maximum (14.7-25.0 mg/100g) increase in ascorbic acid was obtained in hybrid Kashi Abhiman during 25 days of storage in NPPP whereas, OP variety Kashi Amrit had shown minimum increase (10-18.5 mg/100g) in ascorbic acid in PC after 15 days of storage

Boosting 5G Through Ethernet: How Evolved Fronthaul Can Take Next-Generation Mobile to the Next Level

Current approaches to the fronthaul for centralized- or Cloud-Radio Access Networks (C-RANs) need to be revised to meet the requirements of next-generation mobile networks. There are two major challenges: first, fronthaul signals need to be transported over public fixed access networks, such as passive optical networks (PONs), typically sharing them with other services; second, higher data rates must be catered for due to larger radio bandwidths and greater use of multi-antenna techniques, such as massive MIMO. Using Ethernet as a new transport protocol for the fronthaul allows statistical multiplexing and enables convergence between fixed and mobile services. This new approach more easily benefits from common developments being made for service level agreements, functional virtualization and software-defined networking. Higher data rates will be supported by the move to new, and possibly flexible, functional split points inside the radio access network (RAN) protocol stack of the processing located in the central and distributed units, as is being investigated by a number of bodies. However, there are technical challenges with regard to latency and packet delay variation. This article summarizes the benefits of an Ethernet-based fronthaul for the next generation of mobile networks, its main challenges and how these may be overcome

6G for Bridging the Digital Divide: Wireless Connectivity to Remote Areas

In telecommunications, network service accessibility as a requirement is closely related to equitably serving the population residing at locations that can most appropriately be described as remote. Remote connectivity, however, would have benefited from a more inclusive consideration in the existing generations of mobile communications. To remedy this, sustainability and its social impact are being positioned as key drivers of the sixth generation's (6G) research and standardization activities. In particular, there has been a conscious attempt to understand the demands of remote wireless connectivity, which has led to a better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. In this perspective, this article overviews the key challenges associated with constraints on network design and deployment to be addressed for providing broadband connectivity to rural areas, and proposes novel approaches and solutions for bridging the digital divide in those regions

Ageratum enation virus Infection Induces Programmed Cell Death and Alters Metabolite Biosynthesis in Papaver somniferum

A previously unknown disease which causes severe vein thickening and inward leaf curl was observed in a number of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) plants. The sequence analysis of full-length viral genome and associated betasatellite reveals the occurrence of Ageratum enation virus (AEV) and Ageratum leaf curl betasatellite (ALCB), respectively. Co-infiltration of cloned agroinfectious DNAs of AEV and ALCB induces the leaf curl and vein thickening symptoms as were observed naturally. Infectivity assay confirmed this complex as the cause of disease and also satisfied the Koch’s postulates. Comprehensive microscopic analysis of infiltrated plants reveals severe structural anomalies in leaf and stem tissues represented by unorganized cell architecture and vascular bundles. Moreover, the characteristic blebs and membranous vesicles formed due to the virus-induced disintegration of the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles were also present. An accelerated nuclear DNA fragmentation was observed by Comet assay and confirmed by TUNEL and Hoechst dye staining assays suggesting virus-induced programmed cell death. Virus-infection altered the biosynthesis of several important metabolites. The biosynthesis potential of morphine, thebaine, codeine, and papaverine alkaloids reduced significantly in infected plants except for noscapine whose biosynthesis was comparatively enhanced. The expression analysis of corresponding alkaloid pathway genes by real time-PCR corroborated well with the results of HPLC analysis for alkaloid perturbations. The changes in the metabolite and alkaloid contents affect the commercial value of the poppy plants

A 6G White Paper on Connectivity for Remote Areas

In many places all over the world rural and remote areas lack proper connectivity that has led to increasing digital divide. These areas might have low population density, low incomes, etc., making them less attractive places to invest and operate connectivity networks. 6G could be the first mobile radio generation truly aiming to close the digital divide. However, in order to do so, special requirements and challenges have to be considered since the beginning of the design process. The aim of this white paper is to discuss requirements and challenges and point out related, identified research topics that have to be solved in 6G. This white paper first provides a generic discussion, shows some facts and discusses targets set in international bodies related to rural and remote connectivity and digital divide. Then the paper digs into technical details, i.e., into a solutions space. Each technical section ends with a discussion and then highlights identified 6G challenges and research ideas as a list.Comment: A 6G white paper, 17 page

Merit Award Transgenic tobacco plants expressing fungal copper and zinc transporter genes show enhanced acquisition of copper and zinc

Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are micronutrients essential for growth and differentiation of all organisms, but are often deficient in human diet. In the present study, transgenic tobacco plants expressing two fungal genes -namely a copper transporter (tcu-1) and a zinc transporter (tzn1) gene from Neurospora crassa were developed and the plants showed enhanced acquisition of Cu and Zn respectively compared to wild-type plants