bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Too much of a good thing? An assessment of the effects of competitive and cooperative action repertoires on firm performance
Authors: Turner Kyle , Harris Matthew C. , Crook T. Russell , Ranft Annette L. 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to integrate research on competitive and cooperative repertoires and to simultaneously assess the direct, indirect and curvilinear effects of competitive and cooperative action repertoires in relation to firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe analyses are conducted using a longitudinal dual-industry sample of publicly traded firms, including over 6,500 competitive actions and 750 cooperative actions. The authors use fixed effects (FE) regression models to test the diminishing returns of action volume on firm performance as well as the moderating effects of action diversity.FindingsThe results suggest that increasing competitive and cooperative actions yields diminishing returns in relation to firm performance. Furthermore, in the context of competitive action repertoire diversity, increased diversity magnifies the diminishing returns of competitive action volume on firm performance.Originality/valueThe study provides a firm-level conceptualization of overall competitive and cooperative repertoires to extend the literature on competition and cooperation beyond dyadic interactions or structural determinants of competitive and cooperative actions.
Weathering the storm: what successful SMEs are doing to beat the pandemic
Authors: Marconatto Diego Antonio Bittencourt , Teixeira Emidio Gressler , Peixoto Gaspar Antônio , Faccin Kadigia 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the configurations of working capital and customer and supplier diversification employed by successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a combinatory methodology to analyze how 124 Brazilian SMEs configured – before and during the pandemic – the size of their working capital and their levels of dependency on clients and suppliers.FindingsHigh levels of working capital and supplier diversification were found to be key to SMEs' ability to thrive before and during the pandemic. However, while SMEs that were growing prior to the pandemic depended on a few major customers, firms flourishing during this time have divided their sales among many clients.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on what configurations SMEs have adopted during the crisis. Qualitative studies are needed to identify how SMEs reconfigure themselves in the face of a major crisis.Practical implicationsThe results of this study indicate that SMEs hit by the pandemic should avoid retrenchment strategies. They might have better chances of success if they embrace their vulnerability and take risks to foster growth.Social implicationsThe results of the study can help SMEs respond to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, which has already caused the failure of millions of businesses worldwide.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical investigation of SMEs that are weathering the pandemic, and in this study, the authors have analyzed the three aspects of their operations, which have been struck the hardest by the crisis.
The impact of multinational companies on inequality in Western Balkan countries
Authors: Braha-Vokshi Leonita , Rexhepi Gadaf , Ramadani Veland , Abazi-Alili Hyrije , Sharif Arshian 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact on income distribution from foreign investment and open trade. The research highlights the impact of multinational enterprises (MNEs) on inequality in Western Balkan (WB) countries from 2007 to 2019. The study seeks to answer a critical question: how do multinational corporations affect income distribution?

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses different techniques such as two-stage least squared, fixed and random effect estimators and generalised method of moments (GMM). The data was gathered from the United Nations Development Programme, World Bank Indicators (WB) and Slot’s World Standardised Income Inequality Database.

Findings
The interaction of multinational companies through foreign direct investment (FDI) has a significant impact on income inequality. This research paper indicates that the effect of FDI on income inequality is significant and has a negative effect on income inequality within WB countries. The results from the GMM estimator, therefore, demonstrate the hypothesis that multinational companies have a positive effect in WBs countries on reducing inequality.

Originality/value
The theoretical contribution that this paper seeks to make is by the applying of incremental changing dimension or more specifically, through expanding existing knowledge. Based on a study of the prior articles, the authors found out that the majority of the papers discussed only income inequality or economic inequality or rarely education, but none of the papers examined all classifications of inequality in one paper. This paper’s second contribution is to calculate inequality not only by the Gini coefficient but also by the human development index. The study is unique in that it is the first to assess the impact of FDI on income distribution in WB countries. The research is unique in that it attempts to shed light on the impact of multinational corporations on inequality in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The findings of this study will help to develop new policies, new legislation, reducing inequity and support FDIs and MNEs for governments and policymakers.
Fiber length – the persuadable factor in making natural fiber composite: a review
Authors: Datta Mallika , Das Debasish , Nath Devarun 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The study aims to review the literatures on the effect of fiber length on the mechanical response of natural fiber composite will help the researchers to know about the perspective of the various natural fibers in making of composite concerning fiber length. The review summarized the work of the other researchers, thereby unambiguously précised suitability of a specific natural fiber for a matrix in use. Thus, one can identify the use of the same fibers–matrix combination to obtain composites with different properties with the control of fiber/matrix interface.

Design/methodology/approach
The review work proposes a new kind of diagrammatic representation that expresses the influence of fiber length. This work has not been explored before in this specific format. The chronology of work may help to select natural fibers for use in composites for a specific matrix.

Findings
The length of the fiber perception in terms of “critical” length decides the need for pre-treatment process of natural fiber to improve shear stress at the interface for various matrices.

Originality/value
The current review paper attempts to shed light on the association between the fiber length of natural fiber and the mechanical response of natural fiber composite. Moreover, it probes the concepts of critical fiber length as a persuadable factor.
Parametric investigation of tool wear rate in EDM of Fe-based shape memory alloy: microstructural analysis and optimization using genetic algorithm
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Ravi Pratap , Trehan Rajeev 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to experimentally investigate the influence of considered process parameters, i.e. pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current and gap voltage, on tool wear rate (TWR) in electrical discharge machining (EDM) of iron (Fe)-based shape memory alloy (SMA) through designed experiments. The parametric optimization for TWR has also been attempted using the desirability approach and genetic algorithm (GA).

Design/methodology/approach
The response surface methodology (RSM) in the form of Box–Behnken design has been used to scheme out the experiments. The influence of considered process inputs has also been observed through variance analysis. The reliability and fitness of the developed mathematical model have been established with test results. Microstructure analysis of machined samples has also been evaluated and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images revealed the surface characteristics such as micro-cracks, craters and voids on the tool electrode surface. SEM images provide information about the surface integrity and type of wear on the surface of the tool electrode.

Findings
The input parameters, namely, pulse on time and pulse off time, are major influential factors impacting the TWR. High TWR has been reported at large pulse on time and small pulse off time conditions whereas higher TWR is reported at high peak current input settings. The maximum and minimum TWR values obtained are 0.073 g/min and 0.017 g/min, respectively. The optimization with desirability approach and GA reveals the best parametric values for TWR i.e. 0.01581 g/min and 0.00875 g/min at parametric combination as pulse on time = 60.83 µs, pulse off time = 112.16 µs, peak current = 18.64 A and gap voltage = 59.55 V, and pulse on time = 60 µs, pulse off time = 120 µs, peak current = 12 A and gap voltage = 40 V, correspondingly.

Research limitations/implications
Proposed work has no limitations.

Originality/value
SMAs have been well known for their superior and excellent properties, which make them an eligible candidate of paramount importance in real-life industrial applications such as orthopedic implants, actuators, micro tools, stents, coupling, sealing elements, aerospace components, defense instruments, manufacturing elements and bio-medical appliances. However, its effective and productive processing is still a challenge. Tool wear study while processing of SMAs in EDM process is an area which has been less investigated and of major concern for exploring the various properties of the tool and wear in it. Also, the developed mathematical model for TWR through the RSM approach will be helpful in industrial revelation.
Designing an IoT-based disinfectant gate for reducing the reproductive coefficient of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Malaysia
Authors: Abro Ghulam E. Mustafa , Mathur Nirbhay , Zulkifli Saiful Azrin B.M. , Kakar Malak Gulbadin Khan Gulbadin Khan , Pasupuleti Naga Swetha , Asirvadam Vijanth Sagayan Sagayan 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has almost affected more than two million people and has taken more than one hundred thousand lives around the globe. At this current state, researchers are trying their best level to drive the permanent solution for this menace; hence, till now social distancing and hygienic lifestyle are the only solutions. This paper proposes a smart entrance disinfectant gate based on the sanitizer spray station and ultraviolet irradiation mechanisms. This innovative and embedded system design-oriented gate will first capture the image of the entrant, second, measure the temperature, third, spray the sanitizers and, last, provide the ultraviolet irradiation to make sure that the person entering any space may have fewer chances to carry coronavirus. The purpose of this study is to enable the IoT feature that helps the government officials to keep the data record of suspectable, exposed, infected and recovered people which will later help to reduce the reproductive co-efficient Ro of COVID-19 within any state of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
In the current manuscript, design proposes a smart entrance disinfectant gate based on the sanitizer spray station and ultraviolet irradiation mechanisms. This design of the gate is enabled with the feature of the internet of things (IoT) and some efficient sensors along with computer vision facilities.

Findings
This paper bridges an academic research on COVID-19 and addresses IoT and data prediction-based solution to compute the reproductive number for this novel coronavirus.

Originality/value
This paper with the features such as hardware design, IoT and, last but not the least, data prediction and visualization makes this prototype one of its kind and provides approximate results for reproductive number (Ro)
The intraspecific variation of functional traits modulates drought resilience of European beech and pubescent oak
Authors: González de Andrés Ester , Rosas Teresa , Camarero Jesús Julio , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

A higher frequency and intensity of droughts will impair forest productivity. Therefore, improving our understanding of which factors enhance tree growth resilience against drought has become a crucial issue, but we lack information at the intraspecific level.

In this study, we investigate the role played by climatic conditions and tree characteristics in the growth response to severe droughts in two deciduous Fagaceae species near their southern distribution limit: the temperate European beech Fagus sylvatica and the Mediterranean pubescent oak Quercus pubescens. The study area is located in Catalonia, NE Spain, where 149 trees were cored covering the water availability gradient of the species in the region. In addition, tree size (diameter and height) and an ensemble of stem, leaf and hydraulic traits were collected for each tree. Growth responses to extreme droughts during the period 1980–2015 were assessed using resilience indicators based on residual basal area increment series predicted by a model including growing season water balance.

Although resistance was unrelated to drought intensity, higher water availability improved recovery and reduced drought legacy effects. Taller trees showed higher resilience against drought, which could be explained by the relationship between the variation in tree height and functional traits, such as leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf turgor loss point and resistance to xylem embolism. For both species, trees with lower cavitation resistance, higher leaf nitrogen concentration and tighter stomatal regulation (suggested by less negative turgor loss point and carbon isotope composition) displayed better performance during and after severe droughts. Both species showed a progressive decrease in resilience and increase in legacy effects.

Synthesis. This study highlights the relevance of analysing intraspecific variation of functional traits involved in tree water and carbon balance to improve our understanding of the resilience and variability of growth responses to drought within species.
Epidemiology of paediatric burns in a tertiary centre in Hong Kong: A 10‐year review
Authors: Tan Teresa , Ko Wai‐shan , Chan Po‐ling , Tse Darryl Andrew , Chiu Tor‐wo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology and outcomes of paediatric burn patients requiring admission in a tertiary burns centre in Hong Kong over a 10‐year period to help focus burn prevention efforts.MethodA 10‐year retrospective review of 673 paediatric patients admitted to the Burns Unit at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, was carried out.ResultsMost of the burn injuries occurred at home (86.2%), and the vast majority of these burn injuries were due to accidents (99.6%). The majority of burns were caused by scalds (93.6%). There was no difference in number of admissions between the different seasons of the year (P = .798). The median total body surface area (TBSA) burn was 4.0% and the mean TBSA burn was 6.1%, ranging from 25% to 52%. Only 65.1% of patients received immediate first aid, out of which only 67.4% received proper first aid, translating to only 43.9% of patients having received what might be described as adequate first aid. As much as 22% of paediatric patients required surgical debridement and skin grafting of their burn wounds, and 23.2% of patients were noted to have hypertrophic scars on subsequent follow‐ups.ConclusionThe leading cause of paediatric burns admission in Hong Kong is scalds, which mostly occur at home. More burn prevention campaign should be developed to decrease the incidence of paediatric burn injuries.
Late gastric band erosion mimicking diverticulitis and sepsis
Authors: Alam Fahreyar , Ng Sherwin , Farooq Dilawar , Haque Ali , Payne Richard 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLaparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remains a popular procedure in the management of obesity worldwide. Associated complications include band slippage, port site infections and more rarely, band erosion. Though less common, band erosion is a serious complication that needs to be recognised promptly and managed accordingly. Presentation is often vague, ranging from mild pain and reflux to weight regain. The majority of band erosions occur and present within the first 2 years post‐operatively. However, as this case report demonstrates, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for LAGB complications regardless of post‐operative duration. We present a rare case of very late complete band erosion in a 55 year old patient with known diverticular disease, presenting 10 years post‐operatively with sepsis and left iliac fossa peritonitis, mimicking severe diverticulitis.
The implication of interferon‐γ‐producing immunocompetent cells for evaluating disease activity and severity in adult‐onset Still’s disease
Authors: Ichikawa Takanori , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Ueno Ken‐ichi , Sekijima Yoshiki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), IFN‐γ‐producing immunocompetent cells, their related cytokines, and the clinical features in adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD).MethodsTwenty‐five patients with AOSD before initiating treatment (acute AOSD), 9 patients after remission (remission AOSD), and 12 healthy controls (HC) were included. Circulating IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and IFN‐γ production in NK cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IFN‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐12, IL‐15, and IL‐18 were also measured. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with clinical findings.ResultsSerum levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐18, intracellular expression of IFN‐γ in CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells were significantly higher in acute AOSD than in HC. The proportion of NK cells was significantly lower in acute AOSD than in HC. Serum levels of IFN‐γ and IFN‐γ expression in CD4+ cells were significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels. The proportion of NK cells had a significant inverse correlation with serum IFN‐γ levels. A lower proportion of NK cells was significantly noted in patients refractory to initial immunosuppressive treatment. In remission AOSD, serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐12, and IL‐18 were significantly higher than in HC.ConclusionIncreased serum levels of IFN‐γ, increased expression of IFN‐γ in CD4+ cells, and decreased NK cell proportion correlate with disease activity in AOSD. Moreover, a lower proportion of NK cells may be useful for predicting a refractory clinical course. Meanwhile, increased serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐12, and IL‐18 may persist after clinical remission.
Sexual dimorphic impact of adult‐onset somatopause on life span and age‐induced osteoarthritis
Authors: Poudel Sher Bahadur , Dixit Manisha , Yildirim Gozde , Cordoba‐Chacon Jose , Gahete Manuel D. , Yuji Ikeno , Kirsch Thorsten , Kineman Rhonda D. , Yakar Shoshana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent joint disease, is a major cause of disability worldwide. Growth hormone (GH) has been suggested to play significant roles in maintaining articular chondrocyte function and ultimately articular cartilage (AC) homeostasis. In humans, the age‐associated decline in GH levels was hypothesized to play a role in the etiology of OA. We studied the impact of adult‐onset isolated GH deficiency (AOiGHD) on the life span and skeletal integrity including the AC, in 23‐ to 30‐month‐old male and female mice on C57/BL6 genetic background. Reductions in GH during adulthood were associated with extended life span and reductions in body temperature in female mice only. However, end‐of‐life pathology revealed high levels of lymphomas in both sexes, independent of GH status. Skeletal characterization revealed increases in OA severity in AOiGHD mice, evidenced by AC degradation in both femur and tibia, and significantly increased osteophyte formation in AOiGHD females. AOiGHD males showed significant increases in the thickness of the synovial lining cell layer that was associated with increased markers of inflammation (IL‐6, iNOS). Furthermore, male AOiGHD showed significant increases in matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), p16, and β‐galactosidase immunoreactivity in the AC as compared to controls, indicating increased cell senescence. In conclusion, while the life span of AOiGHD females increased, their health span was compromised by high‐grade lymphomas and the development of severe OA. In contrast, AOiGHD males, which did not show extended life span, showed an overall low grade of lymphomas but exhibited significantly decreased health span, evidenced by increased OA severity.
Negative affect and alcohol craving in trauma‐exposed young adult drinkers
Authors: Berenz Erin C. , Edalatian Zakeri Shiva , Demos Alexander P. , Paltell Katherine C. , Bing‐Canar Hanaan , Kevorkian Salpi , Ranney Rachel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical research indicates that successful posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment does not lead to improvements in alcohol use outcomes in comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Emerging theory suggests that treating PTSD may not disrupt an association between negative affect and alcohol craving, which underlies negative reinforcement drinking. The goal of the current study was to determine the respective influences of PTSD symptoms, coping motives, and negative affect on trauma and alcohol cue reactivity to inform theoretical models of co‐occurring PTSD and AUD.MethodsThe sample consisted of 189 young adults (50.3% women; 49.2% current PTSD; 84.0% current AUD) who endorsed interpersonal trauma (e.g., sexual/physical assault) and current weekly alcohol use. Participants completed a trauma and alcohol cue reactivity assessment, in which subjective (e.g., craving, affect) and physiological (i.e., salivation) measures were recorded in response to 4 narrative (i.e., personalized trauma or standard neutral) and in vivo beverage (i.e., personalized alcohol or water) cue combinations.ResultsForward‐fitted linear mixed‐effects (LME) models confirmed that trauma cue–elicited craving was elevated among those high but not low in PTSD symptoms, consistent with prior research and theory. Trauma cue–elicited craving was fully explained by increases in negative affect, with no evidence of a direct effect of trauma cue on craving. PTSD symptoms moderated an association between trauma cue and negative affect (but not negative affect and craving), and coping motives for alcohol moderated an association between negative affect and craving (but not trauma cue and negative affect).ConclusionsThis study provides novel laboratory evidence for the respective contributions of negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and coping motives on alcohol craving in trauma‐exposed drinkers. It offers a methodological framework in which to evaluate novel strategies that aim to disrupt negative reinforcement drinking in individuals with co‐occurring PTSD and AUD.