bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vegetation diversity and structure influence small‐mammal communities in native and restored northern mixed grasslands
Authors: Minor Ashlee K. , Eichholz Michael W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurrent grassland restoration strategies aim to recreate grassland vegetation communities, and often rely on high‐diversity native seeding to promote vegetation diversity. Questions remain concerning the influence of vegetation richness and diversity on grassland fauna. Small‐mammal communities are integral parts of grassland ecosystems, but their responses to restoration are often mixed or overlooked. During July 2014 to 2016, we used Sherman live traps to survey grassland small‐mammal communities of 24 study sites in northeastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota, USA, to better understand their responses to vegetation cover type, diversity, richness, and site‐specific vegetation structure. Sites represented a vegetation species richness gradient and 3 vegetation cover types including low‐diversity restorations planted with dense nesting cover (DNC) seed mix, high‐diversity seeded restorations, and unseeded reference grasslands. Small‐mammal abundance was highest at low‐diversity DNC restoration sites and lowest in reference grassland. Small‐mammal diversity was highest at high‐diversity restoration sites and lowest at low‐diversity DNC restoration sites. Models assessing the influence of vegetation structure on the abundance of focal taxa differed. Deer mice (Peromyscus spp.) were negatively influenced by percent native vegetation cover, and voles (Microtus spp.) showed yearly variation and were influenced positively by litter depth and negatively by vegetation richness. Small‐mammal communities of low‐diversity DNC restorations differed from reference sites, but high‐diversity restorations were not different from reference or low‐diversity DNC sites. Thirteen‐lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) abundance was higher at reference and high‐diversity restored sites, while low‐diversity DNC sites had higher deer mice abundance. Results indicate small mammals are unlikely to respond uniformly to vegetation characteristics, and diversity of seed mixes used in grassland restoration is likely to influence grassland small‐mammal communities.
Dual‐Functional Triangular‐Shape Micro‐Size Light‐Emitting and Detecting Diode for On‐Chip Optical Communication in the Deep Ultraviolet Band
Authors: Yu Huabin , Xiao Shudan , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Luo Yuanmin , Wang Rui , Li Dong , Shen Chao , Sun Haiding 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLight‐emitting diodes and photodiodes, often acting as transmitters and receivers, are two key optical components for constructing an optical communication system. Recently, solar‐blind optical wireless communication (SB‐OWC) has emerged as a promising free‐space communication platform due to its unique advantages, including low background noise, high security, and non‐line‐of‐sight ability. However, the development of deep ultraviolet (DUV) emitters and detectors is still in its early stages with relatively low efficiency and poor detection capability, which hampers the further progress of SB‐OWC. Herein, a triangular‐shaped micro‐sized diode (T‐μ‐diode) is reported that can significantly boost its DUV emission and detection performance compared with a regular circular‐shaped micro‐diode (C‐μ‐diode) due to improved current injection and enhanced light extraction/absorption behavior. Specifically, the T‐μ‐diodes demonstrate superior light output power with a −3 dB modulation bandwidth over 566 MHz operating at an extremely high current density of 2 kA cm−2 while possessing a higher photo‐responsivity of ≈160 mA W−1 with a faster response speed of 5.1 ns, surpassing the traditional C‐μ‐diodes in both light emitting and detecting modes. Importantly, a bidirectional on‐chip data transmission system is realized by simply switching the operation mode of two T‐μ‐diodes monolithically fabricated on the same platform with boosted emission and detection functionalities.
Advertising expenditures and unobserved heterogeneity in bank performance: A conditional nonparametric frontier analysis
Authors: Papadamou Stephanos , Tzeremes Panayiotis G. , Tzeremes Nickolaos G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study utilizes a probabilistic production analysis framework to explore the relationship between advertising expenditure and operational efficiency in major U.S. banks (2001–2020). Findings reveal a non‐linear, positive correlation between advertising spending and banks' technological innovation capacity. Higher advertising investments enhance banks' competitiveness and drive technological progress. The model considers unobserved heterogeneity, incorporating factors like socio‐economic profiles and past non‐performing loans. Robustness analysis across sub‐periods confirms the enduring positive impact of advertising on bank performance.
Evaluations of brand management strategies for luxury goods with a hybrid fuzzy multicriteria decision making model
Authors: Hsu Tsuen‐Ho , Lin Ling‐Zhong , Chen Chun‐Hsien 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe previous studies on brand attachment (BA) are relatively limited to exploring the relation between the customer's BA and loyalty from the enterprise's perspective. This study employs a hybrid fuzzy multicriteria decision‐making model with a quality function deployment (QFD) and a fuzzy association matrix is used to explore customer BA and the corresponding BA management strategies for enhancing brand loyalty. Results indicate the integration strategy, which comprises the personality, expertise, and kindness of the brand's salespersons and the development of intelligent automobile technology, is used to signal brand value and thereby stimulate customer resonance with the brand.
The evolution of the trust relationship between the family and its external advisors throughout generations: A family business perspective
Authors: Umans Ine , Corten Maarten , Steijvers Tensie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study delves into the evolving dynamics of the trust relationship between the family and its external advisors across generations in family firms, a crucial, yet underexplored topic in the family firm literature. Anchored in the resource‐based view, family firms leverage external advisors to compensate for internal resource deficits. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, our research unveils the nuanced evolution of trust between the family and these external advisors across generations. The findings reveal a distinctive trust evolution, transitioning from interpersonal trust in the first generation to a more sophisticated reliance on the advisor's competencies and trust in the processes of the advisor's firm in subsequent generations. This transformation in the trust relationship is marked by a shift from emotionally charged relationships to more business‐oriented relationships, openness becoming less self‐evident but more calculated, neutrality assuming importance where it was initially absent, and competence being subjected to critical assessment rather than presumed. With this, our study makes a notable contribution to the family firm literature by providing a dynamic perspective on the trust relationship between the family and its external advisors. It also addresses whether family firm decision makers prioritize interpersonal trust in the advisor over trust in competencies or the system, providing valuable insights for practitioners and scholars alike. Overall, this study enriches our understanding of the sustained and evolving nature of trust as a critical resource for competitive advantage in family firms.
Three‐dimensional stability analysis for a deep‐buried tunnel roof considering soil stratum strength nonlinearity
Authors: Xu Jingshu , Wang Xinrui , Wang Ruotong , Du Xiuli 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA three‐dimensional (3D) collapse mechanism was employed in this work to investigate the roof stability of deep‐buried cylindrical tunnels in soil considering strength nonlinearity. Based on the kinematic approach of limit analysis, three tunnel roof stability measures, namely, the stability number, the required support pressure, and the factor of safety solutions were derived to provide quantitative indicators for evaluating tunnel roof stability. Optimal upper bound solutions for these measures were obtained through optimization. Subsequently, the effects of soil strength nonlinearity and 3D geometry characteristics on roof stability and the profiles of collapsing blocks were investigated: The increase in the nonlinear coefficient m and the tensile strength σt, as well as the decrease in the initial cohesion c0, will lead to a deterioration in the stability of the tunnel roof, and also result in a larger range of collapse blocks of the tunnel roof. A 3D stability analysis of the tunnel roof can provide more reasonable stability estimates than a 2D stability analysis. When the length‐to‐radius ratio L/R → ∞, the 2D solution results.
Supply chain structure, debt financing and product market competition
Authors: Hu Qiaohai (Joice) 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the interactions of capital structure and product market competition under two supply chain structures: a distribution structure where two competing retailers source from a common supplier and a parallel structure where each retailer sources from a dedicated supplier. The analyses demonstrate that if the retailers have access to external credits, they will borrow more (less), buy more (less), and incur a higher (lower) default probability under a parallel structure than under a distribution structure if the retailers sell substitutes (complements). The retailers' leverage improves the profit of their upstream suppliers and of the channel but improves their own profits only if they sell complements. If they sell substitutes, borrowing makes them worse off, leading to the prisoner's dilemma phenomenon. If only one retailer has access to external credit, then it will enjoy a leadership premium (loss) if the retailers sell substitutes (complements), and this effect trickles up to the upstream supplier of the leveraged retailer under the parallel structure. Thus, the dedicated suppliers will abet the leveraged retailers to compete more aggressively than unleveraged ones. However, the common supplier is independent of their downstream customer's capital structure. These results reveal that the impacts of external credit on the supply chain profitability depend on the stages the supply chain members are in, the degree of product differentiation, the supply chain structure, the uncertainty of demand, and whether the competitor also has access to external credits.
Exploring the efficacy of various essential oils in chitosan‐based composite biopolymer films for food packaging
Authors: Thiyagamoorthy Uma Maheswari , Sadayandi Geethanjali , Jeyaraj Selvi , Thangarasu Sasikumar , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Baabbad Almohannad , Vafaeva Khristina Maksudovna , Packialakshmi Jeyakumar Saranya 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo ensure food and environmental safety, biodegradable packaging materials from various natural polymers are being used to preserve the high quality of foods and to increase their shelf life in addition to environmental safety in terms of biodegradability. However, these natural polymers have some disadvantages in functionality. There are many ways to improve functionality, one such way is the addition of essential oils. Therefore, this research work was done to investigate the effectiveness of four diverse essential oils (EOs), namely, lemon‐grass oil (LGO), tea‐tree oil (TTO), thyme oil (THO), and basil oil (BO) in chitosan‐based composite films. The chitosan as a biopolymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a compatibilizer, and four different essential oils@0.3% were blended to form composite food packaging films. These nanofilms had better mechanical strength, elasticity, and film thickness. Thermal stability and change in the weight of chitosan alone and composite films were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the change in film surface morphology. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the base polymer exhibits characteristic peaks at 3400 cm−1 indicating the occurrence of hydrogen‐bonded OH groups, and peaks at 1500–1600 cm−1 corresponding to the amide II band and CO stretch of the acetyl group. Whereas TGA results confirmed the thermal stability of PVA and EO blended films compared to chitosan alone films. The biodegradability of antimicrobial chitosan‐based films exhibited around 15%–19% percentage of degradation in PVA blended films whereas chitosan alone degraded up to 32% after 30 days. Water vapor transmission was high in chitosan alone film (1.9%) and 0.25% in PVA/EO blended films displaying enhancement in hydrophobic qualities of the developed films due to change in hydrophobicity by EO addition. The chitosan and PVA alone films were transparent whereas EO blended films exhibited yellow coloration and became less transparent due to the oil droplets dispersion in films. The shelf life of tomato, bread, and paneer was better in lemongrass and tea tree oil‐incorporated films during storage.
Improvement of mechanical properties of highly ZnO‐filled polyethylene composites by dual‐compatibilizer for hydrogen sulfide permeation inhibition
Authors: Shi Xiaogang , Zhu Kongying , Yuan Xiaoyan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTransportation of acidic fluids containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes can cause safety problems due to diffusion of H2S in the pipe. Herein, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites are prepared with a large amount of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles as absorbent fillers by melt‐mixing via introducing maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene (PE‐g‐MAH) and maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) (POE‐g‐MAH) as dual‐compatibilizer. By controlling the mass ratio of the two compatibilizers, ZnO particles can be encapsulated by PE‐g‐MAH and POE‐g‐MAH so that mechanical properties of the prepared HDPE/ZnO composites are improved owing to enhanced compatibility between the filler and the resin. By adding PE‐g‐MAH and POE‐g‐MAH with total 10 wt% in a mass ratio of 1/3, the HDPE/ZnO composite containing 50 wt% ZnO exhibits 37.3 ± 3.8 MPa of yield strength, 576 ± 16 MPa of flexural modulus, and 84.4 ± 1.4 kJ m−2 of notched Izod impact strength corrected to 311 ± 24.9 kJ m−2. After exposure in H2S at 0.1 MPa for 7 days, the diffusion distance of H2S in the composite is 659 ± 17 μm, demonstrating a high barrier ability on H2S via absorption. This study provides a feasible method for preparation of polymer composites with suitable mechanical properties for inhibiting H2S permeation in reinforced thermoplastic pipes.
Preparation and characterization of carbon fiber spread tow needled preform and its composite based on novel short yarn needling method
Authors: Guo Dongsheng , Chen Xiaoming , Ren Zhipeng , Xin Shiji , Su Xingzhao , Wu Kaijie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDue to the high fiber volume fraction of carbon fiber spread tow plain weave fabrics, it is difficult for short fibers to be brought into the thickness direction to form needled fiber bundles during the needling process. The interlaminar performance of the carbon fiber spread tow needled preform is weak, and the in‐plane damage is also severe. Responding to this issue, this article proposed a new method for preparing carbon fiber spread tow needled preform based on short yarn needling, which was expected to manufacture high‐performance carbon fiber spread tow needled preform and composite. We conducted experimental research on the preparation and structural characterization of the preform, as well as the Mode I interlaminar mechanical properties and in‐plane tensile properties of composites. The results showed that the fiber volume fraction of the preform significantly increased, reaching to 55.7%–56.1%, which was 25.5%–25.9% higher than that of traditional needled preform. The Mode I interlaminar property of carbon fiber spread tow needled composite reached to 905–4376 J m−2, which was improved by 29.3%–525.1% and 125.8%–1054.6% compared to traditional needled composite and laminated composite, respectively. At the same time, the tensile strength and tensile modulus were also improved by 191.5%–212.2% and 66.2%–78.1% compared to traditional needled composites. The preparation method of carbon fiber spread tow needled preform based on short yarn needling has laid the foundation for the 3D printing molding of dry fiber fabrics and is expected to be applied to high‐quality needling of high thickness and large curvature‐shaped fabric preforms.Highlights
A novel method was proposed for preparing high‐performance carbon fiber spread tow needled preform based on short yarn needling.
The fiber volume fraction of novel carbon fiber spread tow needled preform significantly increased, reaching to 55.7%–56.1%.
The GIc of the novel carbon fiber spread tow needled composite was improved by 29.3%–525.1% compared to the traditional needled composite.
The tensile strength and tensile modulus were also improved by 191.5%–212.2% and 66.2%–78.1%, compared to traditional needled composites.
Prenatal diagnosis (or lack thereof) of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and its impact on the perinatal experience of parents: A retrospective survey
Authors: Lemin Sara , van Bosse Harold J. P. , Hutka Lauren , Soberdash Shea , Patibandla Jay 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine parental experiences during pregnancies affected by Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) by identifying commonalities, risk factors, and areas for improvement in detection rates, care protocols, and patient experience.Study DesignAn online survey was distributed via AMC support groups on Facebook. Topics included demographics, risk factors, parental recall of sonographic findings, delivery characteristics and neonatal findings. Responses were divided into antenatally detected cases (ADCs) and postnatally detected cases (PDCs). Quantitative responses were analyzed with the Fisher exact test. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic analysis.ResultsThe antenatal detection rate of arthrogryposis was 37%. Decreased fetal movement was reported by 53% and early bleeding by 21%. Sonographic findings in ADCs included clubfoot (83%), clenched hand (51%), decreased fetal movement (50%), elbow contracture (51%), and knee contracture (46%). Among ADCs, 29% delivered vaginally and 71% delivered by cesarean versus PDCs (44% vaginal, 56% cesarean). Neonatal intensive care unit admission rate was 63%. Bone fracture occurred in 9%. Detection led to a planned change in delivery mode in 33% and location in 50%. Among ADCs, 17% felt their concerns were not adequately addressed versus 43% of PDCs.ConclusionsAntenatal detection of arthrogryposis was low. We propose enhanced screening criteria to aid prenatal diagnosis and promote utilization of more robust practice guidelines.
Public sector digitalization, corruption, and sustainability in the developing world: A scoping review
Authors: Marjerison Rob Kim , Gatto Andrea 
Published: April 2024

AbstractE‐government presents one of the utmost opportunities and challenges for development and offers solutions to tackle corruption. Corruption generates even erratic impacts in developing and transition economies. Developing and transition economies can dramatically benefit from related technological innovation uptake that would spur public sector transparency and sustainability. The intersections of these areas have not received full academic consideration and appear to be under‐explored. In addition to a review of the existing literature on these topics, this study applies extensive reliance on existing metrics and indexes, including those developed by the World Bank and Transparency International. By accentuating relevant and recent findings, the results of this study can be used for a better conceptualization of national or regional growth and development strategies based on the nexus between corruption and e‐government advances among developing and transition countries.
Gender economic inclusion, governance institutions and economic complexity in Africa
Authors: Emeka Ekene ThankGod , Asongu Simplice A. , Ngoungou Yolande E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the effects of gender economic inclusion on economic complexity in Africa, as well as the moderating role of governance institutions on the relationship between gender inclusion and economic complexity. The analysis was based on the pooled OLS and the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques, with data from 34 African economies between 2010 and 2021. The analysis uncovered several important findings. First, from the most robust model (i.e., GMM), positive synergies are apparent because gender economic inclusion promotes economic complexity, and governance dynamics further enhance the positive effect of gender economic inclusion on economic complexity. Second, regardless of the adopted technique, a predominantly positive and statistically significant relationship was identified between gender economic inclusion and economic complexity. Third, it was observed that while governance institutions exhibit a negative relationship with economic complexity, they play a positive role in moderating the relationship between gender inclusion and economic complexity. Fourth, factors such as foreign direct investment inflow, trade openness, and international tourism were identified as potent drivers of economic complexity in Africa, while the impact of human capital appears to be relatively subdued. Consequently, the study emphasizes the need for institutional reforms to improve governance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, alongside advocating for gender‐inclusive policies and increased investment in education.
Colon Targeting pH‐Responsive Coacervate Microdroplets for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Tian Yinmei , Hu Qian , Sun Zhengjun , Yu Yulin , Li Xiaonan , Tian Tianyi , Bi Xinying , Li Yang , Niu Boning , Zhang Zhiping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC), an immune‐mediated chronic inflammatory disease, drastically impacts patients' quality of life and increases their risk of colorectal cancer worldwide. However, effective oral targeted delivery and retention of drugs in colonic lesions are still great challenges in the treatment of UC. Coacervate microdroplets, formed by liquid–liquid phase separation, are recently explored in drug delivery as the simplicity in fabrication, spontaneous enrichment on small molecules and biological macromolecules, and high drug loading capacity. Herein, in this study, a biocompatible diethylaminoethyl‐dextran hydrochloride/sodium polyphenylene sulfonate coacervates, coated with eudragit S100 to improve the stability and colon targeting ability, named EU‐Coac, is developed. Emodin, an active ingredient in traditional Chinese herbs proven to alleviate UC symptoms, is loaded in EU‐Coac (EMO@EU‐Coac) showing good stability in gastric acid and pepsin and pH‐responsive release behavior. After oral administration, EMO@EU‐Coac can effectively target and retain in the colon, displaying good therapeutic effects on UC treatment through attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress response, repairing colonic epithelia, as well as regulating intestinal flora balance. In short, this study provides a novel and facile coacervate microdroplet delivery system for UC treatment.