Complementary Effects Research Articles

UV-triggered carrier transport regulation of fibrous NiO/SnO2 heterostructures for triethylamine detection

Constructing heterojunctions by using the synergistic and complementary effects of different metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) properties can effectively increase catalytic activity, enhance adsorption capacity and improve carrier transport characteristics. Therefore, a series of NiO/SnO2 nanofibers with p-n heterojunction were prepared by coaxial electrospinning method, and triethylamine (TEA) detection was realized at low temperature or even room temperature by UV light (375 nm) photoactivation. Gas sensing measurements revealed that NiO/2SnO2 showed highresponse of 262 at 75 ℃ towards 50 ppm TEA, which is 6 times higher than that of pure SnO2. And NiO/2SnO2 based gas sensor has excellent repeatability and stability. The enhanced gas sensing mechanism was also discussed in detail, which is attributedto the synergistic effects aroused by p-n heterojunction and photoactivation. The present work provides a promising strategy for improving the gas sensitive characteristics of MOSs as well as a new idea for the development and application of room temperature TEA gas sensor.

Synergistic lattice regulation of additive and interface engineering to realize high efficiency CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cell

The CsPbI2Br material has gained recognition as an exceptional candidate for both single- and multi- junction solar cells due to its remarkable thermal and light stability, along with its suitable band gap. However, despite these inherent advantages, CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) still encounter significant energy losses, which impede the further enhancement of their efficiency. Although various approaches involving additives and interface engineering techniques improved device performance, the influence of these methods on the perovskite lattice is frequently overlooked. Herein, synergistic lattice regulation through the combination of potassium acetate (KAc) as electron interface layer and methylammonium chloride (MACl) as perovskite additive, was proposed. The MACl dopant effectively increases the crystallinity and grain size of CsPbI2Br film by retarding the crystallization rate of perovskite, resulting in the enhancement in short-circuit current density (Jsc) of PSCs. Unfortunately, unlike the behavior observed in inorganic–organic perovskites, the introduction of Cl‾ from MACl into the interstitial positions leads to lattice expansion in CsPbI2Br, resulting in reduced open-circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF). However, the incorporation of K+ replacing Cs+ effectively mitigates lattice distortion phenomena. Consequently, the CsPbI2Br PSCs, benefiting from the complementary effects of the MACl additive and KAc interfacial layer, exhibit an outstanding champion power conversion efficiency of 17.11 %. This research offers profound insights into the impact of ions introduced through additive and interface engineering on perovskite lattice stress.

DC and AC characteristics of Si/SiGe based vertically stacked complementary-tunneling FETs

In this paper, electrical characteristics of a complementary tunneling field effect transistor (CTFET) is studied computationally for the first time. The design of CTFET is carried with 3D vertically stacked channels (multiple) of n-TFET on top of the p-TFET with gate-all-around (GAA) nanosheet SiGe options. The CTFET technology (using CFETs) is examined for emerging technology nodes as a potential alternative to conventional TFETs. Here, the device level design of CTFET is strictly monitored with DC characteristic behavior under the influence of process variability conditions (traps and temperature). The performance analysis is extended to analyze the scalability of CTFET under critical dimensions (n- to p-TFET separation, nanosheet pitch, and so on), and find that it is highly scalable. The circuit analysis of CTFET-inverter show high-noise margin (NM) and voltage gains compared to the conventional strained-Si GAA-TFETs at the supply range (V D D) from 0.7 ≥ V D D ≥ 0.2 V. In addition, the CTFET-inverter circuit performance is analyzed with miller capacitance, power delay product, and intrinsic delay, respectively. Improved circuit performance, followed by 12.5% and 21.5% improvements in low and high NMs (NML and NMH) are seen in CTFETs compared to conventional TFETs.

Do CSR performance and reporting facilitate access to debt financing in emerging markets? The role of asset structure and firm performance

PurposeThis study aims to guide firms in emerging markets on whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement facilitates their access to debt with the moderation of asset structure and firm performance. Considering the moderating effect analysis, this study explores the substitutive or complementary effect of these two contingencies on CSR-oriented firms in accessing debt financing.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on data collected for 16 emerging markets between 2008 and 2019, this study runs country–industry–year fixed-effects regression.FindingsThis study finds that CSR performance and reporting facilitate access to debt in emerging markets. However, CSR performance does not have an inverted U-shaped influence on firms’ access to debt financing. The moderation analysis of this study shows that asset tangibility has a negative moderating effect on the link between CSR engagements (i.e. both CSR performance and reporting) and access to debt, confirming a substitutive relationship between asset tangibility and CSR engagements in accessing debt. In contrast, firm performance is positively moderating the nexus between CSR engagement proxies and access to debt, which confirms a complementary type of relationship between firm performance and CSR engagements in accessing debt.Practical implicationsThe empirical evidence of this study implies that creditors critically consider CSR engagements of firms in the loan-granting decision process. Similarly, the inverted U-shaped relationship between CSR and access to debt implies that there is an optimal level of CSR engagement creditors might consider in their decision. Likewise, the moderating effects analysis highlights that asset tangibility and firm performance are two conditions under which CSR performance and reporting are linked to access to debt.Originality/valueEmerging countries are a different set of countries than developed ones; they have high growth rates and hence need financing, have a weaker institutional environment and have weaker stakeholder power. These particularities motivated the authors to conduct a separate study focusing on CSR and debt financing links drawing on a wide range of emerging countries. Thus, this study adds to the ongoing debate by examining the conditions under which CSR-oriented firms can access debt financing in emerging economies.

Renewable energy consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa: The role of human capital, foreign direct investment, financial development, and institutional quality

The Sub-Saharan Africa is facing trilemma of energy poverty, climate change hazards, and low economic growth. Lack of access to modern energy is considered as an impediment to the region’s wellbeing and development objectives. This study contributes to the energy literature by examining the role of financial development, institutional quality, foreign direct investment, and direct and indirect effects of human capital on the renewable energy consumption of 31 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2002–2019. Panel corrected standard error (PCSE) and feasible generalized least square (FGLS) estimation methods are applied for empirical investigation. The findings reveal that complementary effect of both human capital and GDP per capita is a key policy choice for the sample countries. The study also validates a U-shaped GDP-energy consumption nexus. Thus the present work provides a novel and insightful empirical evidence on energy transition and the channels through which it is affected by human capital, financial development, and institutional quality. Therefore, it is recommended that improvement in GDP per capita, capacity enhancement of human capital, and reforms in financial and institutional frameworks entail strategic importance for energy transition.

Challenging the status quo in a non‐challenging way: A dominance complementarity view of voice inquiry

AbstractSpeaking up directly promotes voice endorsement because it enhances communication clarity. Yet, voicers may hesitate to engage in direct voice because it is a dominant communication tactic that may upset, impose on, embarrass, or undermine their leader, potentially resulting in a backlash, greater workload, or a tainted image. These concerns present a puzzle regarding whether alternative communication tactics exist whereby voicers can secure endorsement for improvement‐oriented initiatives without directly challenging their leader. To address this puzzle, we introduce voice inquiry—expressing improvement‐oriented suggestions or concerns in the form of a question—as a submissive communication tactic to secure endorsement. Drawing upon dominance complementarity theory, we argue that voice inquiry prompts endorsement because it enhances leader's sense of power. Given the complementary effect of submissiveness and dominance, we further predict that this effect will be stronger when leader dominance is high. We conducted three Pilot Studies to unpack the content, motivation, prevalence, and submissive nature of voice inquiry. Building on this foundation, we conducted a multi‐wave field study with 373 employees and 178 leaders in a transportation company (Study 1) and a vignette experiment with 243 full‐time workers (Study 2). Across studies, our research demonstrates voice inquiry as a theoretically driven communication tactic that increases endorsement by activating leader sense of power, particularly among dominant leaders.

Economic Incentives, Reputation Incentives, and Rural Residents’ Participation in Household Waste Classification: Evidence from Jiangsu, China

With the economic development and rising living standards in rural China, the amount of household waste generated continues to increase, causing serious pollution to the environment and risks to public health. Promoting the classification of rural household waste is a critical way to improve the dwelling environment and control disease transmission in rural areas. Using the 2021 China Land Economic Survey (CLES) conducted in rural areas of Jiangsu province, China, this research explores how economic incentives and reputational incentives impact rural residents’ participation in household waste classification intention and behavior. The results show that most surveyed rural residents have the intention to classify their household waste, but only half of them perform the waste classification behavior. Furthermore, both economic incentives and reputation incentives have significant positive effects on rural residents’ intention and behavior regarding household waste classification, and there exists a complementary effect between them, which indicates that a combination of economic incentives and reputation incentives will increase the participation rate of rural residents in household waste classification. Finally, based on the findings, we put forward recommendations for rural waste management policies, including synergizing both economic incentives and reputation incentives, improving the mobilization system, and strengthening publicity and education on household waste classification.

The Complementary Effects of Dabigatran Etexilate and Exercise Training on the Development and Stability of the Atherosclerotic Lesions in Diabetic ApoE Knockout Mice.

Aim: To determine the complementary effects of dabigatran etexilate (DE), exercise training (ET), and combination (DE + ET) on the development and stability of the atherosclerotic lesions in diabetic apoE knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Methods: In 48 male apoE-/- diabetic mice, streptozotocin (STZ) was induced for 5 consecutive days. Mice received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks and then were randomized into four groups (1. Control/CG, 2. DEG: HFD with DE, 3. ETG: ET on treadmill, 4. DE + ETG: combination DE and ET treatment). At the end of the eighth week, all mice were euthanatized and morphometry of the aortic lesions at the level of aortic valve was obtained. Collagen, elastin, MCP-1, TNF-a, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-3,-9), and TIMP-1 concentrations within plaques at the aortic valve were determined. Results: All active groups had significantly smaller aorta stenosis (DEG:7.9 ± 2.2%, ETG:17.3 ± 5.3%, DE + ETG:7.1 ± 2.7%) compared to CG (23.3 ± 5.5% p < 0.05), reduced the relative intra-plaque content of MCP-1, macrophages, MMP-3, and MMP-9, and considerably increased collagen, elastin, and TIMP-1 (p < 0.05). Group 4 showed the most pronounced results (p < 0.05). Both DEG and DE + ETG significantly reduced MMP-2 and TNF-a concentrations compared to ETG and CG (p < 0.010). Conclusion: DE and ET treatment of diabetic apoE-/- mice resulted in complementary amelioration of atherosclerotic lesions development and stability, mediated by the anti-inflammatory modulation of both DE and ET.

Media Credibility and Re-use Intention for Information Seeking in Crisis: A Case of Cross-Platform Media Complementary Effect in Covid-19 Pandemic in Vietnam

The relationship among different media types is a long and exciting subject for researchers. It can not be denied that the rise of online media has contributed to the decline of traditional media consumption. Despite their conflict, traditional media can take full advantage of social media’s user base for their benefit. At one point in this relationship, the Covid-19 pandemic occurred as a massive event that changed the world beginning in 2020. In the new situation, people’s emotions, information seeking motivation, and intention change, ultimately affecting their choice of mediums to acquire information. The study found differences in people’s emotions, motivation, and medium’s re-use intention during the Covid-19 outbreaks and after they were controlled. Furthermore, the results illustrate that one medium’s re-use intention is affected by its credibility and other medium’s credibility and re-use intention. These impacts could signify the complementary effect in a multiplatform context.

Superaligned carbon nanotube film/quartz fiber composites towards advanced lightweight lightning strike protection

Due to poor electrical conductivity, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is easily damaged by lightning strikes. In this paper, highly conductive superaligned carbon nanotube films (SA-CNTFs) and new isolation layers (quartz fibers) were combined to fabricate advanced lightweight lightning strike protection (LSP) composites. We verified that the isolation layer indeed has an LSP effect and demonstrated for the first time that quartz fibers are a better alternative isolation layer material candidate than conventional glass fibers due to their high thermal resistance. The “complementary effect” between the conductive layer and the isolation layer is revealed. The preliminarily optimized laminate composites made of SA-CNTF/quartz fiber can sustain 100 kA simulated lightning strike. Compared with typical CNT-based LSP laminate samples made of buckypaper/Boron Nitride/epoxy layer or SA-CNTF/glass fiber, the weight can be reduced by at least ∼30% and ∼38%, respectively.

The metaverse in supply chain knowledge sharing and resilience contexts: An empirical investigation of factors affecting adoption and acceptance

This study develops a conceptual framework based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the network theory perspective, and metaverse characteristics. Data were gathered through questionnaires from 209 Chinese manufacturers, and covariance-based structural equation modelling was the main approach used. The results indicate that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and establishing initial trust amongst supply chain partners can drive behavioural intention with respect to metaverse adoption for knowledge sharing to improve supply chain resilience. In addition, sensory feedback is an important characteristic of the metaverse and has a critical influence on adoption behaviour. Moreover, it has a complementary partial mediation effect on the relationship between establishing initial trust amongst supply chain partners and behavioural intention as well as a full mediating effect on the relationship between the initial trust of supply chain partners and behavioural expectations. Finally, sensory feedback moderates the relationship between behavioural intention and expectancy. Our findings contribute to the literature on metaverse adoption in the context of supply chain resilience.

Enhanced antibacterial efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria via nitric oxide-releasing ampicillin polymer substrates

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a pressing threat to global health and is a leading cause of healthcare-related morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report the fabrication of medical-grade polymers incorporated with a dual-action S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine-functionalized ampicillin (SNAPicillin) conjugated molecule through a solvent evaporation process. The resulting SNAPicillin-incorporated polymer materials act as broad-spectrum antibacterial surfaces that improve the administration efficacy of conventional antibiotics through the targeted release of both nitric oxide and ampicillin. The polymer surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and static contact angle measurements. The nitric oxide (NO) release profile and diffusion of SNAPicillin from polymers were quantified using a chemiluminescence-based nitric oxide analyzer (NOA) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. As a result, the films had up to 2.96 × 10−7 mol cm−2 of total NO released within 24 hr. In addition, >79 % of the SNAPicillin reservoir was preserved in the polymers after 24 hr of incubation in the physiological environment, indicating their longer-term NO release ability and therapeutic window for antibacterial effects. The SNAPicillin-incorporated polymers reduced the viability of adhered bacteria in culture, with >95 % reduction found against clinically relevant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Furthermore, SNAPicillin-modified surfaces did not elicit a cytotoxic effect toward 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells, supporting the material's biocompatibility in vitro. These results indicate that the complementary effects of NO-release and ampicillin in SNAPicillin-eluting polymers can enhance the properties of commonly infected medical device surfaces for antibacterial purposes.

A Study on Effect of Sleep Training Program in Children with ADHD: A Comparative Prospective Study

Objective: To study complementary effect of sleep training program in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receiving tablet methylphenidate with respect to sleep, quality of life (social, behavioral, emotional, and executive functioning of children), and their parent’s emotional state. Methods and Materials: It was a comparative and prospective study, and it was conducted in child mental health services of a tertiary care municipal hospital. The children (age 8−12 years) were diagnosed with ADHD using DSM 5 criteria. The children’s sleep habit questionnaire (CSHQ) and Kiddie-SADS-PL questionnaire (K-SADS-PL) were used to select 100 consecutive participants (parent–child dyad). They were randomly equally divided into two groups: A and B. Semi-structured proforma was filled and different scales were applied for children; these scales include Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PQLI), Stroop test (ST) and Verbal fluency test (VFT), and to parent-Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The participants in group A received a validated sleep intervention and the scales were reapplied after 12 weeks. We used Chi-square test, paired t-test, unpaired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation test, and logistic regression analysis for data analysis. p-Value &lt;.05 was taken as significant. SPSS version 20 software was used for data analysis. Results: We found significant post-intervention improvement in sleep, quality of life, social, emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning in children and emotional factors in parents. Conclusion: The combination of sleep intervention and tablet methylphenidate were more effective in improving these factors.

Sulfate Radical in (Photo)electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment: A Versatile Approach.

The search for a simple and clean approach toward the production of sulfate radicals for water treatment gave rise to electrochemical and photoelectrochemical activation techniques. The photoelectrochemical activation method does not just distinguish itself as a promising activation method, it is also used as an efficient water treatment method with the ability to treat a myriad of pollutants due to the complementary effects of highly reactive oxidizing species. This perspective highlights some merits that distinguish sulfate monoanion radicals from hydroxyl radicals. It highlights the electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and in situ photoelectrochemical routes of generating sulfate radicals for advanced oxidation process approach to water treatment. We provide a detailed account of the few known applications of sulfate radical enhanced photoelectrochemical treatments of water laden with organics. Finally, we placed this area of research in perspective by providing outlooks and conclusive remarks.

Synergistic principle of catalytic infrared and intense pulsed light for bacteriostasis on green sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum schinifolium)

A combined method of catalytic infrared (CIR) and intense pulsed light (PL) was investigated to settle a dispute of bacteriostasis on green Sichuan pepper (GSP), and the synergistic principle was elucidated from several aspects. The synergistic bacteriostasis was confirmed first on GSP by the plate counting method. On bacterial cells, leakage of cytoplasmic contents, intracellular protein and DNA breakages were investigated, and the difference between CIR and PL indicated the possibility of synergism. On a single bacterium, the expected synergy was not achieved on the plate but was obtained on GSP, and the bacterial cells treated by the combined method were mainly broken under SEM, indicating that the alliance technology could increase the damage of PL to bacterial cells on the rough surface of GSP. On multiple bacteria, synergy was obtained similarly, and the bacterial community on GSP was investigated with high-throughput sequencing. The community composition on GSP could be changed by the treatments. In conclusion, synergistic bacteriostasis on GSP was achieved by a combined method of CIR and PL, originating from a complementary effect on the microbiome and a promotion of bacteriostatic capacity on rough surfaces. These findings are expected to solve the bacteriostatic difficulty of spices with rough surfaces and have important implications for the development of effective bacteriostatic strategies in food preservation.

Environmental Regulation and Spatial Spillover Effect of Green Technology Innovation: An Empirical Study on the Spatial Durbin Model

This study empirically examined the spatial spillover effect of various environmental regulations on green technology innovation using panel data from 284 cities at the prefecture level in China between 2007 and 2019. A geographical–economic spatial weight matrix was constructed, and the spatial Durbin model was employed to identify the specific characteristics of this spillover effect. The findings indicate that the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation primarily occurs through geographical transmission. However, there is no significant spatial autocorrelation when using the economic distance weight matrix. Various types of environmental regulations influence the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation in distinct ways. Specifically, market-motivated environmental regulation exhibits a U-shaped relationship with the spatial spillover effect, while command-controlled environmental regulation demonstrates an inverted U-shaped relationship, suggesting a complementary effect. Additional research shows that the upgrading of industrial structure acts as a mediator between command-controlled environmental regulation and the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation. Government departments should comprehensively coordinate market-motivated environmental regulation and command-controlled environmental regulation, accurately assess the intensity of command-controlled measures, and prevent the migration of green technology innovation elements caused by excessive regulatory measures within enterprises.

Exercise-with-melatonin therapy improves sleep disorder and motor dysfunction in a rat model of ischemic stroke.

Abstract JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00038/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff Exercise-with-melatonin therapy has complementary and synergistic effects on spinal cord injury and Alzheimer’s disease, but its effect on stroke is still poorly understood. In this study, we established a rat model of ischemic stroke by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 60 minutes. We treated the rats with exercise and melatonin therapy for 7 consecutive days. Results showed that exercise-with-melatonin therapy significantly prolonged sleep duration in the model rats, increased delta power values, and regularized delta power rhythm. Additionally, exercise-with-melatonin therapy improved coordination, endurance, and grip strength, as well as learning and memory abilities. At the same time, it led to higher hippocampal CA1 neuron activity and postsynaptic density thickness and lower expression of glutamate receptor 2 than did exercise or melatonin therapy alone. These findings suggest that exercise-with-melatonin therapy can alleviate sleep disorder and motor dysfunction by increasing glutamate receptor 2 protein expression and regulating hippocampal CA1 synaptic plasticity.

Uncertainty analysis of contagion processes based on a functional approach

The spread of a disease, product or idea in a population is often hard to predict. We tend to observe one or few realizations of the contagion process and therefore limited information can be obtained for anticipating future similar events. The stochastic nature of contagion generates unpredictable outcomes throughout the whole course of the dynamics. This might lead to important inaccuracies in the predictions and to the over or under-reaction of policymakers, who tend to anticipate the average behavior. Through an extensive simulation study, we analyze properties of the contagion process, focusing on its unpredictability or uncertainty, and exploiting the functional nature of the data. In particular, we define a novel non-parametric measure of variance based on weighted depth-based central regions. We apply this methodology to the susceptible-infected-susceptible epidemiological model and small-world networks. We find that maximum uncertainty is attained at the epidemic threshold. The density of the network and the contagiousness of the process have a strong and complementary effect on the uncertainty of contagion, whereas only a mild effect of the network’s randomness structure is observed.

The potential of blockchain technology in advancing sustainable energy: a study on the mediating role of specialization in the growth of Chinese hidden champions

Innovation is a crucial factor for hidden champions to gain a competitive edge and foster organizational growth. This study focuses on Chinese-listed hidden champion firms between 2010 and 2019 and examines the impact of innovation heterogeneity on their growth. The study explores the impact of different types of innovation, including overall innovation, product innovation, and process innovation, and their interaction effects on the growth of hidden champions. The study also investigates the mediating role of the degree of specialization, which refers to the extent to which a firm focuses on a particular area of expertise. Furthermore, the potential of blockchain technology in advancing a sustainable energy future is becoming increasingly apparent. By enabling the creation of decentralized energy markets, blockchain can facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the grid. This can help to reduce carbon emissions and promote the transition to a low-carbon economy. The results of the study indicate that innovation, including overall innovation, product innovation, and process innovation, is significant for hidden champions’ growth. Moreover, the study reveals that product innovation and process innovation have complementary effects on the growth of hidden champions. The degree of specialization also plays a mediating role between different types of innovation and hidden champions’ growth. The results of this study provide empirical evidence to improve the growth of hidden champions from the perspective of enterprise innovation. By focusing on different types of innovation and understanding their complementary effects, firms can develop a more comprehensive innovation strategy that can enhance their growth potential. Moreover, the mediating role of degree of specialization highlights the importance of aligning innovation efforts with a firm’s core competencies to achieve sustained growth. This study contributes to the literature on hidden champions by shedding light on their innovation strategies and their impact on firm growth.

Circular Economy in SMEs – The Role of Commitment to Sustainability and Digitalization

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a decisive part of the efforts against climate change. However, they are late in terms of sustainability and circular economy (CE). Little is known about the factors that facilitate the implementation of CE practices in SMEs. Due to CE leading to cost savings, new business models or reputation gains, companies can achieve a competitive advantage. To realize this competitive advantage the strategic orientation of a firm is pointed out. Various theoretical papers have shown how CE can be enabled and how it can be inhibited. However, empirical studies that support the existing literature are lacking. The goal of this paper is to investigate the influence of two mechanisms, namely commitment to sustainability (CtS) and digitalization as strategic orientations on CE implementation. Therefore, we conduct a study with a self-developed sample of 754 German SMEs. Using multiple linear regression analyses, the results show that digitalization and CtS positively influence CE implementation in SMEs. Interestingly, the complementary effect of pursuing a dual strategy toward digitalization and sustainability is not significant for CE implementation. Our study contributes to the CE literature by giving a nuanced understanding of various antecedents of CE implementation. This study provides several approaches for managers of SMEs to improve their CE practices. First, digitalization is indeed an effective tool for implementing CE practices. Therefore, practitioners should strengthen their digitalization efforts when considering increased CE implementation. Second, a general focus on sustainability increases the implementation of CE practices. Therefore, practitioners should raise awareness of sustainability throughout the organization. Third, the combined focus on CtS and digitalization needs to be carefully considered. To implement CE, digitalization should be embedded in the sustainability strategy. Due to the liability of smallness, SMEs should seek their resources for digitalization and sustainability commitment not only within but also outside the company boundaries.