bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Odisha Craft – crafting the right expansion strategy
Authors: Datta Soumyajyoti 
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes
Familiarize with the retail operations of handicrafts, facility location problem, apply multi-criteria decision through the goal programming approach and solving the same with MS Excel.

Case overview / synopsis
The case portrays a dilemma in the context of retail operations of a small-scale handicraft company known as Odisha Craft. Located in Odisha, Susanta Mohanty, the owner, was finding it a challenge to decide on the most promising location for his new retail outlet in the neighbouring city of Kolkata. He had five choices for the locations. Odisha craft was established by his father-in-law in 2009 with an objective to preserve and promote the rich culture of the handicrafts designed by the local artisans and ensure sustainable rural livelihood. The company had been facing numerous challenges and the pandemic has given a very formidable blow to the monthly revenues. The case brings out the multi-faceted dilemma of deciding on the facility location in 2020, involving a set of conflicting criteria. The case unfolds a systematic solution approach resolving the dilemma using MS Excel.

Complexity academic level
Courses such as operations research, operations management, service operations and retail operations for MBA students and trainings for junior-middle level executives.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 09: Operations and Logistics
The drip footwear brand: managing a successful start-up launch and rapid expansion during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Zwane Steven , Mathibe Motshedisi Sina , Mamabolo Anastacia 
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: describe the entrepreneurial traits required for successful business venturing; evaluate the entrepreneurial risks associated with a rapid business expansion in the early start-up phase of an entrepreneurial venture, especially in crisis; select and defend appropriate management systems that will contribute to the sustainability of a business post the crisis and rapid expansion; and evaluate the online social media optimisation strategies.

Case overview/synopsis
In July 2019, Lekau Sehoana launched branded sneakers called Drip. It took Lekau six weeks to sell the first 600 pairs of shoes from his car boot, not having applied any robust marketing strategies. During the interactions with customers, it became clear that there was a demand for a new South African sneakers brand. In December of the same year, he manufactured and within a few days, sold 1,200 sneakers. This rapid achievement was enough confirmation for Lekau that there was a need for locally manufactured and branded shoes. Based on this success, Lekau started to consider the launch of his own business. However, during the process of the formal launch, the world was suddenly experiencing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the planning stage regarding the mode of operation and the full business launch, in March 2020, South Africa was placed into the Covid-19 Alert Level 5 lockdown, complicating the decision-making process even further. Despite the extremely severe lockdown regulations that lasted more than a year, in May 2021, Lekau had already managed to open 11 stores in reputable malls and sold hundred thousands of his sneakers. This instant success, putting pressure on the manufacturing ability, distribution and costing structure, led to Lekau becoming concerned about having grown and still growing too fast too soon during a pandemic. His concern was what would happen when the country would move back to normal, without the constraints caused by the lockdown, would he be able to sustain the growth and how would he achieve this, and how would he be able to manage the fast-growing venture?

Complexity academic level
Entrepreneurship, Innovation, General Management and Marketing courses at the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters level.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Developing a competitiveness index at sub-national level for India: an economic growth measure
Authors: Moirangthem Nirmalkumar Singh , Nag Barnali 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe objective of this study is threefold–first, to develop a Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) for measuring competitiveness of sub-national regions for India; second, to test this index for its ability to explain regional growth, which validates usage and applicability of this index; and third, to further investigate if the competitiveness of states is in turn caused by economic growth, i.e. it is tested if there is a bidirectional causality between competitiveness and regional growth.Design/methodology/approachThe data of indicators used in the index are from sources available freely in public domain. The competitiveness index is constructed using equal weightage supported by principal component analysis (PCA) technique. The causal relationship analysis is done using panel data of 10 years from 2008 to 2017 for 32 Indian states/union territories. The generalized method of moments (GMMs) is used for this dynamic regression estimation.FindingsBased on RCI score, states have been ranked and through rank analysis, the authors observe the performance status of these sub-national regions and are able to categorize them as improving, no change or deteriorating in regional competitiveness. Using the GMM estimation, the association between RCI and economic growth is found to be significant at 10% level. This shows that regional competitiveness as captured through the RCI score is able to explain regional economic growth and economic disparity among the sub-national units. Further, that RCI score is found to Granger-cause growth, while growth does not lead to better RCI scores. This establishes the usefulness of RCI as an important policy variable to compare states and provide direction for sectoral reforms.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study include (1) broad assumption that these sub-national regions belong to a uniform macro-economic and technology environment, and (2) data constraints as it is a longitudinal study. The study implies that the composite index could capture differences in regional competitiveness explaining regional economic disparity and that competitiveness causes higher economic growth and not vice versa.Practical implicationsThe RCI score can prove to be a useful indicator of economic performance of different states and can be used by national and state policymakers to compare and assess regional disparity among different states. The pillar-wise scores will be useful for in-depth study of weakness and strength of the sub-national territories.Originality/valueConstruction of an RCI for sub-national territories and analysis of panel data for longitudinal study of ten years is unique in the regional competitiveness literature.
A call for the library community to deploy best practices toward a database for biocultural knowledge relating to climate change
Authors: Lerski Martha B. 
Published: January 2022

PurposeIn this paper, a call to the library and information science community to support documentation and conservation of cultural and biocultural heritage has been presentedDesign/methodology/approachBased in existing Literature, this proposal is generative and descriptive—rather than prescriptive—regarding precisely how libraries should collaborate to employ technical and ethical best practices to provide access to vital data, research and cultural narratives relating to climate.FindingsCOVID-19 and climate destruction signal urgent global challenges. Library best practices are positioned to respond to climate change. Literature indicates how libraries preserve, share and cross-link cultural and scientific knowledge. With wildfires, drought, flooding and other extreme or slow-onset weather events presenting dangers, it is imperative that libraries take joint action toward facilitating sustainable and open access to relevant information.Practical implicationsAn initiative could create an easily-accessible, open, linked, curated, secure and stakeholder-respectful database for global biocultural heritage—documenting traditional knowledge, local knowledge and climate adaptation traditions.Social implicationsOngoing stakeholder involvement from the outset should acknowledge preferences regarding whether or how much to share information. Ethical elements must be embedded from concept to granular access and metadata elements.Originality/valueRooted in the best practices and service orientation of library science, the proposal envisions a sustained response to a common global challenge. Stewardship would also broadly assist the global community by preserving and providing streamlined access to information of instrumental value to addressing climate change.
Humanitarian actions of a cultural center during the Covid-19 pandemic: an analogy with supply chain business processes
Authors: Vivaldini Mauro , Iglesias Maria da Penha Melo Malda 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis study intends to map the supply chain and characterize the business processes of a cultural center in an aggregated and coordinated operation to serve families in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. This case study analyzes distinct aspects of humanitarian management capable of contributing to the management of commercial supply chains.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a case study approach, this research contextualizes the view on humanitarian supply chains related to the importance of participating organizations' engagement and the relationship and similarity with business organizations.FindingsThe study presents the model adopted to undertake the aid operations, maps the cultural center's humanitarian supply chain, clarifies the relationships and operations developed and compares the business processes with those of commercial chains. Possibilities and initiatives are discussed that can contribute to business organizations' greater engagement in humanitarian actions.Research limitations/implicationsRestricted to one case involving the cultural center and the other agents researched, the information and considerations are limited, and any generalization should be treated with caution.Practical implicationsThe study is a practical example that clarifies how business organizations can engage in the supply chain of humanitarian institutions. It also illustrates ways to help these institutions improve their fund-raising initiatives.Social implicationsThis study is justified by the representativeness of humanitarian actions in critical periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also presents potential ways to contribute to operations of this nature and to encourage business organizations to improve participation in humanitarian movements.Originality/valueMany studies on the subject have highlighted the importance of comparing humanitarian and business supply chains through real case research.
The impacts of CEO leadership behaviors on employees' affective commitment and scouting behavior: the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication
Authors: Lee Yeunjae , Kim Jarim 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to examine how senior leadership influences corporate communication and employees' attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. Using two-way symmetrical communication model in public relations and leadership theory, it investigated the effects of CEOs' task- and relationship-oriented leadership on symmetrical internal communication, employees' organizational commitment and communicative behaviors.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted with 417 full-time employees working in various industries in the United States.FindingsThe results showed that CEOs' relationship-oriented leadership significantly influenced symmetrical internal communication, which, in turn, increased affective commitment and employees' scouting behavior. CEOs' task-oriented communication had no significant effect on symmetrical communication.Originality/valueThis study advances theoretical understanding of two-way symmetrical communication in relation to senior leadership and provides practical insights for corporate leaders and public relations practitioners regarding how to improve employee outcomes through CEOs' strategic leadership and internal communication practices.
A high‐quality chromosome‐level genome of the endangered roughskin sculpin provides insights into its evolution and adaptation
Authors: Xue Dong‐Xiu , Xing Teng‐Fei , Liu Jin‐Xian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe cottids (Cottidae) are a taxonomically diverse and ecologically important component of many marine and freshwater ecosystems. Despite recent breakthroughs in long‐read sequencing, high quality genomic resources are still limited for studies of ecological and evolutionary processes in cottids. Here, we generated a high‐quality, chromosome‐scale genome assembly (521.26 Mb) of the catadromous roughskin sculpin (Trachidermus fasciatusHeckel) with a contig N50 of 2.93 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 24.06 Mb. Approximately 21.97% of the genome was composed of repetitive elements. A total of 21,872 protein‐coding genes were predicted, of which 19,900 genes (90.98%) were functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analysis supported the validity of Scorpaenoidei and Cottioidei as two suborders of the Perciformes. Chromosome‐scale collinearity analyses identified four chromosome fusions leading to the reduction of chromosome number inT.fasciatus. Gene families related to cell apoptosis and cell death were expanded and those related to immune system were contracted, suggesting that these gene families might be relevant to a host of phenotypic differences betweenT.fasciatusand other teleosts. Gene families associated with osmoregulation were also expanded, which might be associated with its catadromous life history. A total of 50 aging‐associated genes were found to be under positive selection, which might be associated with the short lifespan ofT.fasciatus. The high‐quality genome assembly and annotation will promote researches into the evolution of catadromous life history and short lifespan forT.fasciatusand facilitate comparative genomic studies of cottids in the near future.
Neuromuscular fatigability at high altitude: Lowlanders with acute and chronic exposure, and native highlanders
Authors: Ruggiero Luca , Harrison Scott W. D. , Rice Charles L. , McNeil Chris J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAscent to high altitude is accompanied by a reduction in partial pressure of inspired oxygen, which leads to interconnected adjustments within the neuromuscular system. This review describes the unique challenge that such an environment poses to neuromuscular fatigability (peripheral, central and supraspinal) for individuals who normally reside near to sea level (SL) (<1000 m; ie, lowlanders) and for native highlanders, who represent the manifestation of high altitude‐related heritable adaptations across millennia. Firstly, the effect of acute exposure to high altitude‐related hypoxia on neuromuscular fatigability will be examined. Under these conditions, both supraspinal and peripheral fatigability are increased compared with SL. The specific mechanisms contributing to impaired performance are dependent on the exercise paradigm and amount of muscle mass involved. Next, the effect of chronic exposure to high altitude (ie, acclimatization of ~7‐28 days) will be considered. With acclimatization, supraspinal fatigability is restored to SL values, regardless of the amount of muscle mass involved, whereas peripheral fatigability remains greater than SL except when exercise involves a small amount of muscle mass (eg, knee extensors). Indeed, when whole‐body exercise is involved, peripheral fatigability is not different to acute high‐altitude exposure, due to competing positive (haematological and muscle metabolic) and negative (respiratory‐mediated) effects of acclimatization on neuromuscular performance. In the final section, we consider evolutionary adaptations of native highlanders (primarily Himalayans of Tibet and Nepal) that may account for their superior performance at altitude and lesser degree of neuromuscular fatigability compared with acclimatized lowlanders, for both single‐joint and whole‐body exercise.
The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with concurrent training on body composition, glycaemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Hooshmand Moghadam Babak , Rashidlamir Amir , Attarzadeh Hosseini Seyyed Reza , Gaeini Abbas Ali , Kaviani Mojtaba 
Published: January 2022

AimsChronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti‐inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM.MethodsSixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training and no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X‐Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions.ResultsAll three interventions significantly (P < .05) decreased TNF‐α (CT = −4.22, S = −1.91, CTS = −9.69 pg/mL), hs‐CRP (CT = −0.13, S = −0.1, CTS = −0.32 ng/mL), IL‐6 (CT = −6.84, S = −6.36, CTS = −13.55 pg/mL), IL‐1β (CT = −8.85, S = −6.46, CTS = −19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = −6.97, S = −2.45, CTS = −13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = −0.13, S = −0.03, CTS = −0.21 mU/L), HOMA‐IR (CT = −0.12, S = −0.04, CTS = −0.21), HbA1c (CT = −0.17, S = −0.11, CTS = −0.26%), and increased IL‐10 (CT = 1.09, S = 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs‐CRP, IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α, and IL‐10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S and CON groups (P < .05).ConclusionIt seems that an interaction of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on anti‐inflammatory status compared to saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.
Incentives matter: An experiment in participant engagement from a family‐centred adolescent HIV prevention programme in South Africa
Authors: Spyrelis Alexandra , Taylor Tory M. , Thurman Tonya R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEngaging beneficiaries in family‐centred interventions is a well‐documented challenge. Programme engagement evidence is limited for low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study assessed the effect of incentives on participant engagement in a family‐centred HIV prevention programme among caregiver and adolescent groups in KwaZulu Natal. Incentive packages were randomly assigned by site, ranging from optimal (to address major structural barriers) to basic (routinely provided by organisations serving vulnerable youth). Attendance rates for 490 caregivers and their 583 adolescents were measured. Cross tabulations of attendance and incentive data demonstrated the highest level of caregiver attendance and programme completion among groups receiving optimal incentives.
EEG microstates suggest atypical resting‐state network activity in high‐functioning children and adolescents with autism spectrum development
Authors: Takarae Yukari , Zanesco Anthony , Keehn Brandon , Chukoskie Leanne , Müller Ralph‐Axel , Townsend Jeanne 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEEG microstates represent transient electrocortical events that reflect synchronized activities of large‐scale networks, which allows investigations of brain dynamics with sub‐second resolution. We recorded resting EEG from 38 children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Development (ASD) and 48 age, IQ, sex, and handedness‐matched typically developing (TD) participants. The EEG was segmented into a time series of microstates using modified k‐means clustering of scalp voltage topographies. The frequency and global explained variance (GEV) of a specific microstate (type C) were significantly lower in the ASD group compared to the TD group while the duration of the same microstate was correlated with the presence of ASD‐related behaviors. The duration of this microstate was also positively correlated with participant age in the TD group, but not in the ASD group. Further, the frequency and duration of the microstate were significantly correlated with the overall alpha power only in the TD group. The signal strength and GEV for another microstate (type G) was greater in the ASD group than the TD group, and the associated topographical pattern differed between groups with greater variations in the ASD group. While more work is needed to clarify the underlying neural sources, the existing literature supports associations between the two microstates and the default mode and salience networks. The current study suggests specific alterations of temporal dynamics of the resting cortical network activities as well as their developmental trajectories and relationships to alpha power, which has been proposed to reflect reduced neural inhibition in ASD.