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This study aims to investigate unripe carob pod as a source of antioxidant molecules useful in the eco-friendly synthesis of a gelatin conjugate. This one was involved in the preparation of gummies able to produce remarkable human health benefits.

Eco-friendly strategies (ultrasound-assisted extraction, low temperatures and eco-friendly solvents) were employed in the extraction of active molecules. Antioxidant molecules were involved in the grafting reaction with gelatin chains (ascorbic acid/hydrogen peroxide couple as initiator system). Gelatin conjugate represents a useful material able to prepare gummies with remarkable rheological and antioxidant performances over time.

Experimental results confirmed that the green approach allowed the achievement of extracts with remarkable antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic moieties. Gelatin conjugate synthesis preserved these functionalities, usefully exploited in the preparation of gummies with significant structural and biological features.

Compared to the literature data the preparation of the gummies with outstanding biological properties was performed by employing functional gelatin synthesized by an eco-friendly approach.

This paper aims to analyze how financial system turmoil affected unemployment in industrial countries during the period 1982 to 2003.

The paper uses annual data on 17 industrial countries. It employs the International Monetary Fund's financial stress index and a large number of controls.

The paper finds that, during the sample period, financial market turmoil had only moderate adverse effects on unemployment. Stress in the banking sector and stress in foreign exchange markets were particularly likely to increase unemployment, although the relevant effects were modest too. Turmoil in securities markets affected unemployment only slightly. The results are robust to variations in specification.

While previous papers only look at a small number of banking crises, this paper's sample includes crises in all major areas of the financial sector. Furthermore, whereas previous papers cover only major crises, it additionally takes both minor crises and periods of relative calm into account. Finally, this paper is the first to statistically control for the impact of all major determinants of labor market performance.

The purpose of this paper is to provide and assess evidence bearing on whether government regulation in the USA is harming the international competitiveness of the US economy. A related purpose is to clarify the concept of international competitiveness from a public policy perspective.

The paper draws on various sources comparing the regulatory environment of the USA and other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries over the past 15-20 years, as well as the international competitiveness of those countries, particularly the productivity growth of home country firms. The various measures of regulatory quality and international competitiveness for the USA are compared to those for a sample of other OECD countries to provide empirical evidence on two broad issues: has government regulation become more onerous in the USA relative to other OECD countries? and has the USA economy become less competitive compared to other OECD countries?

The evidence indicates that the US regulatory environment has become more onerous compared to other OECD countries and that the relative productivity performance of the US economy has declined in recent years. Evidence also suggests that the USA has become relatively less attractive as a location for production and research and development. While the paper does not directly link national measures of performance to measures of the regulatory environment, it provides a literature review of the empirical relationship between government regulation and private sector productivity performance. The review suggests that an apparent recent weakening of the international competitiveness of the US economy can be linked to a more onerous regulatory environment.

As noted above, the paper does not directly link in a statistical manner, data regarding the changing regulatory environment across countries to changes in measures of international competitiveness. This is the focus of future research.

By assessing a range of measures of the regulatory environment and national economic performance, the paper provides a fairly comprehensive and nuanced assessment of frequently made claims about regulation in the USA relative to other countries, as well as the relative attractiveness of the USA as a location for private sector activity.

In the analysis of structures in a fire situation by simplified and analytical methods, one assumption is that the fire resistance time is greater than or equal to the required fire resistance time. Among the methodologies involving the fire resistance time, the most used is the tabular method, which associates fire resistance time values to structural elements based on minimum dimensions of the cross section. The tabular method is widely accepted by the technical-scientific community due to the fact that it is safe and practical. However, its main criticism is that it results in lower fire resistance times than advanced thermal and thermostructural analysis methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fire resistance time of reinforced concrete beams and compare it with the required fire resistance time recommended by the tabular method of NBR 15200 (ABNT, 2012).

The fire resistance time and required fire resistance time of reinforced concrete beams were evaluated using, respectively, numerical models developed based on the finite element method and the tabular method of NBR 15200 (ABNT, 2012). The influence of the following parameters was investigated: longitudinal reinforcement cover, characteristic compressive strength of concrete, beam height, longitudinal reinforcement area and arrangement of steel bars.

Among the evaluated parameters, the covering of the longitudinal reinforcement proved to be more relevant for the fire resistance time, justifying that the tabular method of NBR 15200 (ABNT, 2012) being strongly and directly influenced by this parameter. In turn, more resistant concretes, higher beams and higher steel grades have lower fire resistance time values. This is because beams in these conditions have greater resistance capacity at room temperature and, consequently, are subject to external stresses of greater magnitude. In some cases, the fire resistance time was even lower than the required fire resistance time prescribed by NBR 15200 (ABNT, 2012). Both the fire resistance time and the required fire resistance time were not influenced by the arrangement of the longitudinal reinforcements.

The present paper innovates by demonstrating the influence of other important design variables on the required fire resistance time of the NBR 15200 (ABNT, 2012). Among several conclusions, it was found that the load level to which the structural elements are subjected considerably affects their fire resistance time. For this reason, it was recommended that the methods for calculating the required fire resistance time consider the load level. In addition, the article quantifies the security degree of the tabular method and exposes some situations for which the tabular method proved to be unsafe. Moreover, in all the models analyzed, the relationship between the span and the vertical deflection associated with the failure of the beams in a fire situation was determined. With this, a span over average deflection relationship was presented in which beams in fire situations fail.

Study on chia seeds is receiving increasing interest because of their nutritional and health-promoting properties that have been recognized by their high content of antioxidants, proteins, minerals and dietary fibers. Hence, the purpose of this study is to develop a value-added food product using chia seeds and to assess the nutritional properties, shelf life and consumer acceptability of the developed product.

Six different formulations of muffin mix were prepared by incorporating chia seeds with wheat flour in various ratios and evaluated for sensory characteristics. The nutritional components and shelf lives of the developed products were also evaluated. The developed product was stored for three months to assess the shelf life.

Results indicated that muffins made with chia seeds can be added up to 20% in wheat flour without affecting the sensory scores (p = 0.0014). Regarding nutritional evaluation, the results revealed that 20% incorporation of chia seeds significantly increased the total antioxidant activity (p = 0.001), increased the crude protein (p = 0.0001), fat (p = 0.0001) and crude fiber (p = 0.001) contents and lowered the carbohydrate (p = 0.0001) content when compared to the control sample. Muffin mix made with chia seeds had significantly higher mineral content (calcium, phosphorus, zinc and iron) than did the control. The developed product had a shelf-life stability of three months in terms of moisture content, peroxide value and total bacterial count and was well accepted by consumers.

Intrinsic characteristics of chia seeds can improve the quality of muffins and bring health benefits to the consumers.

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) for services, construct a morphological analysis (MA) framework and identify research gaps to point to future research possibilities and priorities.

The MA framework is based on literature review of 175 papers published from 2003 to 2015, across 67 journals recognised by Scopus or ABS Academic Journal Quality Guide 2015. A three-phased methodology is used by the authors, with Phase1 featuring a five-stage systematic review protocol to identify relevant journal papers for review; Phase2 presenting a framework for classifying the reviewed papers in terms of their fundamental, methodological, chronological and sector-wise orientations; and Phase3 constructing an MA framework on the classified papers and identifying the research gaps.

The MA framework constructed based on six dimensions, namely, organizational context of applications, desired outcomes, implementation systems, LSS tools and techniques, integration with other management philosophies and evaluation methods, involving 40 focused themes, has revealed 355 distinct research gaps as opportunities for future research.

This paper confirms the existence of substantial scope and points to specific topics for further research in the area of LSS for services. The findings demonstrate the gaps in academic research on the subject. In addition, the study also helps organisational leaders and practitioners to look at LSS from a holistic perspective in the services context.

The MA framework of the existing literature on LSS for services presents a unique, systematic effort to identify research opportunities. In addition, a five-stage systematic review protocol is proposed in this paper. This could be valuable to researchers and practitioners in enabling them to systematically review the literature on research subjects of interest to them.

Latin America has not been exempted from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study aims to identify the actions of 50 main multilatinas to face the pandemic.

A qualitative content analysis was conducted on newspapers published in Latin America and corporate websites from March 2020 to April 2020, during which the multilatinas took their first actions toward the pandemic.

Results identified 106 actions taken by multilatinas in social, operational, philanthropic and financial areas. This paper analyzes the results, discuss the implications for business theories and develops three theoretical propositions.

First, this study can serve as a reference for business decision-makers as it offers guidance in taking actions during a pandemic. Second, it highlights the importance of the speed of responses to unforeseen challenges. The study recommends that business managers include in their contingency plans procedures for addressing unforeseen situations, such as the pandemic, with a focus on increasing their response capacity.

The importance of this study lies in understanding multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) initial actions taken during unexpected disasters and rare events. This study fills two important gaps in the business literature that have not been addressed in the Latin American context, namely, the actions taken by MNEs facing a public health disaster and how MNEs cope with disastrous and rare events.

América Latina no ha estado exenta de los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19. Por lo tanto, este estudio tiene por objetivo identificar las acciones de las 50 principales multilatinas para enfrentar la pandemia.

Una técnica cualitativa de análisis de contenido fue llevada a cabo en periódicos publicados en América Latina y páginas web corporativas entre marzo y abril de 2020, durante los cuáles las multilatinas tomaron sus primeras acciones hacia la pandemia.

Los resultados identificaron 106 acciones tomadas por las multilatinas en las áreas sociales, operacionales, filantrópicas y financieras. Además, se analizan los resultados, discuten las implicaciones para las teorías de negocios, y se desarrollan tres proposiciones teóricas.

Primero, este estudio puede servir como referente para los tomadores de decisiones ya que ofrece una guía de acciones tomadas durante la pandemia. Segundo, se muestra la importancia de la velocidad de respuesta a retos imprevistos. El estudio recomienda que los gerentes incluyan en sus planes de contingencia planes y procedimientos para abordar situaciones imprevistas, tales como la pandemia, enfocados en incrementar su capacidad de respuesta.

La importancia de este estudio recae en el entendimiento de las acciones tomadas por las empresas multinacionales durante desastres inesperados y eventos raros. Este estudio cubre dos huecos importantes en la literatura que no han sido abordados en el contexto de América Latina: las acciones tomadas por las multinacionales encarando un desastre de salud pública y como las multinacionales afronta los eventos raros y desastres.

A América Latina não está isenta dos efeitos da pandemia COVID-19. Portanto, este estudo tem como objetivo identificar as ações das 50 principais multilatinas para o enfrentamento da pandemia.

Uma análise qualitativa de conteúdo foi realizada em jornais publicados na América Latina e sites corporativos de março de 2020 a abril de 2020, período em que as multilatinas realizaram suas primeiras ações em relação à pandemia.

Os resultados identificaram 106 ações realizadas pelas multilatinas nas áreas social, operacional, filantrópica e financeira. Analisamos os resultados, discutimos as implicações para as teorias de negócios e desenvolvemos três proposições teóricas.

primeiro, este estudo pode servir como uma referência para os tomadores de decisão de negócios, pois oferece orientação na tomada de medidas durante uma pandemia. Em segundo lugar, destaca a importância da velocidade de resposta a desafios imprevistos. O estudo recomenda que os gestores de negócios incluam em seus planos de contingência procedimentos para enfrentar situações imprevistas, como a pandemia, com foco no aumento de sua capacidade de resposta.

La importancia de este estudio recae en el entendimiento de las acciones ocorres for las empresas multinacionais durante desastres inesperados y eventos raros. Este estudio cubre dos huecos importantes na literatura que não foi público no contexto da América Latina: las acciones por las multinacionales encarando um desastre de salud e como las multinacionales afronta los eventos raros y desastres.

The purpose of this paper was to study the possibility of using smartphone roughness measurements for developing pavement roughness regression models as a function of pavement age, traffic loading and traffic volume variables. Also, the effects of patching and pavement distresses on pavement roughness were investigated. The work focused on establishing pavement roughness prediction models and applying these models to pavement management systems (PMS) to help decision-makers choose the best maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) options by using cost-effective methods.

Signal processing techniques including filtering and processing techniques were used to obtain the International Roughness Index (IRI) from raw acceleration data collected from smartphone accelerometer sensors. The obtained IRI values were inputted as a dependent variable in analytical regression models as well as several independent variables with proper transformations.

According to the study results, several regression models were developed with a big variation in the coefficients of determination (R²). However, the best models included pavement age, accumulated traffic volume (∑TV) and construction quality factor (CQF) with R² equal to 0.63. It was also found that the effects of pavement distresses and patching was significant at a-level < 0.05. The patching effect on pavement roughness was found higher than the effect of other pavement distresses.

The presented results and methods in this paper could be used in the future predictions of pavement roughness and help the decision-makers to estimate M&R needs. The work focused on establishing IRI prediction models and applying these models to the PMS to help decision-makers choose the best M & R options.

To develop sound pavement roughness models, it is essential to collect roughness data using automated procedures. However, applying these procedures in developing countries faces several difficulties such as the high price and operation costs of roughness equipment and lack of technical experience. The advantage of using IRI values taken from smartphones is that the roughness evaluation survey may be expanded to cover the full road network at a cheaper cost than with automated instruments. Therefore, if the roughness survey covers more roads, the prediction model’s accuracy will be improved.

This study aims to investigate the association between vitamin D measured in serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Bahrain. This paper hypothesized that lower serum 25(OH)D concentration in COVID 19 patients is associated with longer viral clearance time (VCT) and higher risk of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

This study used a retrospective cohort design of patients admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, from February to June 2020. This study included patients with positive, confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis made using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), World Health Organization diagnosis manual and local diagnostic guidelines. Primary outcome measures were: VCT measured as the time in days between the first positive RT-PCR test result and the first of two consecutive negative RT-PCR results on recovery and admission need to ICU.

A total of 450 patients were analyzed; mean age was 46.4 ± 12.4 years and 349 (78%) were men. Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 41.7 ± 23.7 nmol/L for the entire sample. Severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) was present in 20%, mild-to-moderate deficiency (25–50 nmol/L) in 55%, insufficiency (50 to <75 nmol/L) in 18% and sufficiency (=75 nmol/L) in 7%. The mean VCT was 12.9 ± 8.2 days. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with longer VCT, with an average of three extra days after correction for age and sex (β = 3.1; p = 0.001). Multinomial regression analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with an 83% increased risk of admission to ICU after correction for age and sex (odds ratio = 1.8; p = 0.03).

The results showed that severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with longer recovery time from COVID-19. Low serum 25(OH)D is associated with increased need for critical care in an ICU. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to further investigate the complex association between vitamin D and COVID-19 infection.

This paper aims to propose and assess a framework to analyse the institutionalization of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) through a framing analysis.

The framework was developed by combining the institutional approach with orders of worth, drawing insights from a comprehensive literature review. To assess it, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis of annual reports from companies with the largest market capitalization over a six-year period and interviewed union representatives in Spain and Sweden.

The framework comprises five dimensions (industrial, market, civic, green and connectionist). The empirical results reveal that companies consistently frame I4.0 with an emphasis on industrial and market perspectives. In contrast, unions place a stronger emphasis on civic issues, with Spanish unions holding a more negative view of I4.0, expressing concerns about working conditions and unemployment.

The proposed framework brings interesting insights into the dispute over the meaning of I4.0. Although this empirical study was limited to companies and unions in Sweden and Spain, the framework can be expanded for broader investigations, involving additional stakeholders in one or more countries. The discussion outlined using the varieties of capitalism approach is relevant for understanding the connection between the meso and macro levels of this phenomenon.

In navigating the landscape of I4.0, managers should remain flexible, and ready to tailor their strategies and operations to align with the distinct demands and expectations of stakeholders and their specific institutional environments. Similarly, policymakers are urged to acknowledge these contextual intricacies when crafting strategies for implementing I4.0 initiatives across national settings.

Based on the empirical findings, this study underscores the importance of fostering social dialogue and involving stakeholders in the implementation of I4.0. Policymakers and other stakeholders should take proactive measures, tailored to each country’s context, to mitigate potential adverse effects on labour and workers.

The study presents a novel framework that facilitates the systematic comparison of I4.0 framing by different actors. This contribution is significant because the way actors frame I4.0 affects its interpretation and implementation. Additionally, the aggregate analysis of results enables cross-country comparisons, enhancing our understanding of regional disparities.