Role Of Size Research Articles

Tariff liberalization and firm-level markups in Indian manufacturing

Tariff liberalization has a significant bearing on firm performance. Existing theoretical studies predict that input tariff liberalization would raise firm-level markups while final goods tariff liberalization would lower markups. This paper examines whether this two-sided effect holds for Indian manufacturing firms and the role of size and classification. It employs fixed effects models and Heckman's two-step estimation procedure to estimate the impact of input and final goods tariff liberalization under India's Export-Import Policy of 1997–2003 and 2004-09 for large versus Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) firms. It confirms the two-sided effect and finds that the input channel is stronger, with large rather than MSME firms experiencing higher markups following input tariff reduction. Further, using a semiparametric Difference-in-Difference model it finds that relaxed size limits in 2006 resulted in higher markups for importing MSMEs. This study highlights the importance of firm size, liberalization channel, and policy framework for firm-level markups.

Toward mechanistic understanding of asphaltene adsorption onto quartz surface: The roles of size, concentration, and hydrophobicity of quartz, asphaltene composition, flow condition, and aqueous phase

The nature of asphaltene and mineralogy of reservoir rock affect the adsorption of asphaltene onto the rock surface. The basic goal of the present study is to assess the adsorption of different asphaltenes on quartz as the main mineral of sandstone formations. For this purpose, asphaltenes were separated from four crude oil samples from different Iranian oil reservoirs and their specifications were analyzed applying various methods including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, dynamic light scattering, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Also, X-ray fluorescence and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods were carried out to analyze the quartz mineral. Adsorption experiments were performed both statically and dynamically and the effects of the water phase and hydrophobicity of quartz on the adsorption of asphaltene on the mineral were evaluated. The calculated H/C ratios of asphaltenes are in the range of 1.2–1.3, and their average particle size is between 46 and 380 nm. The results of static tests showed that asphaltenes uptake by quartz adsorbents is from 1.16 to 6.78 mg/m2. The results of this work indicated that the adsorption amount of asphaltenes on the quartz surface is directly related to the nitrogen content and polarity of asphaltene, but it is not related to the average particle diameter of asphaltenes and their aromatic nature. By double increasing the flow rate in the dynamic adsorption process, the asphaltene uptake by quartz is reduced by about 35%, which could be an indication of the physical nature of asphaltene adsorption on quartz. Finally, compared to the asphaltene uptake by quartz in the two-phase system, the uptake in the three-phase system on average shows a decrease of more than 30%, which indicates the effect of the competitive presence of water with asphaltene for the surface-active sites. Also, the uptake of asphaltene onto the quartz samples increased with increasing the initial asphaltene concentration and decreasing quartz particle sizes. The effect of wettability on asphaltene adsorption in two- and three-phase systems was investigated using hydrophilic and hydrophobic quartz nanoparticles. In both systems, the adsorption of asphaltene on hydrophobic nanoparticles was higher and the adsorption reduction in the three-phase system was calculated to be between 5 and 10%, which was very small compared to hydrophilic nanoparticles with an adsorption reduction of 30–60%. Wettability of nanoparticles compared to their specific surface area showed more importance in asphaltene adsorption.

Additive-free Aqueous Dispersions of Two-Dimensional Materials with Glial Cell Compatibility and Enzymatic Degradability.

Water-dispersible two-dimensional (2D) materials are desirable for diverse applications. Aqueous dispersions make processing safer and greener and enable evaluation of these materials on biological and environmental fronts. To evaluate the effects of 2D materials with biological systems, obtaining dispersions without additives is critical and has been a challenge. Herein, a method was developed for obtaining additive-free aqueous dispersions of 2D materials like transition metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The nanosheet dispersions were investigated through spectroscopic and microscopic methods, along with the role of size on stability. The aqueous media enabled investigations on cytocompatibility and enzymatic degradation of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2 ) and h-BN. Cytocompatibility with mixed glial cells was observed up to concentrations of 100 μg mL-1 , suggesting their plausible usage in bioelectronics. Besides, biodegradation using human myeloperoxidase (hMPO) mediated catalysis was investigated through Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The findings suggested that additive-free 2H-MoS2 and h-BN were degradable by hMPO, with 2H-phase exhibiting better resistance to degradation than the 1T-phase, while h-BN exhibited slower degradation. The findings pave a path for incorporating 2D materials in the burgeoning field of transient bioelectronics.

Quality as a latent heterogeneity factor in the efficiency of universities

In this paper we show the usefulness of recent advanced nonparametric efficiency techniques to model the performance of universities in the presence of observed and unobserved heterogeneity. Using directional distances for benchmarking purposes, we identify a latent heterogeneity factor related to the human capital of the universities and their management, that is independent from their size, and interpret the identified latent factor as a “quality” factor of the universities. After testing the significance of this latent factor, we investigate its impact on the boundary of the production set (efficient frontier) and on the distances of the units from the efficient frontier. The frontier and the efficiency distribution of our European Universities sample appear influenced by our estimated latent quality factor. We investigate these impacts from various points of view, including the trade-off between our quality factor and efficiency as well as the roles of size and specialization.

The Role of Size in Trophic Niche Separation between Two Groundfish Predators in Alaskan Waters

AbstractTo minimize negative effects of competition, predators must divide resources along one or more niche dimensions. Trophic niche separation is a principal method of resource partitioning in marine environments and is often assessed by quantifying diets of fishes with similar lengths. Taxonomic differences in allometric growth, however, suggest that the degree of gape limitation at a given body size varies among species. We studied resource overlap between two potential competitors in Southeast Alaska: Pacific Halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis and Arrowtooth Flounder Atheresthes stomias. We quantified length–gape relationships and assessed effects of fork length (FL; cm), gape height (GH; mm), and gape width (GW; mm) on interpretations of trophic niche separation. Gape sizes for Arrowtooth Flounder were nearly twice those of Pacific Halibut at similar FLs. Predators with smaller gapes exhibited moderate to high dietary overlap ( = 0.554; = 0.731), whereas those with larger gapes had lower dietary overlap and distinct diet compositions ( = 0.421; = 0.265). These findings suggest that the greatest potential for food competition is among small‐bodied Arrowtooth Flounder and relatively large‐bodied Pacific Halibut, with trophic niche separation increasing as these predators progress throughout their ontogeny. When comparing resource use among predators with similar FLs, we found high dietary overlap but significantly different diet compositions ( = 0.657). Thus, we postulate that GW is more appropriate than FL when quantifying trophic niche separation among sympatric fishes, especially when disparate length–gape relationships are detected. Studies of resource partitioning would benefit from examining multiple size metrics and explicitly considering differences in allometric growth, thereby addressing potential mechanisms for resource overlap among hypothesized competitors.

The Role of Size and Age on Firm Growth: Evidence from Manufacturing SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Previous studies in both developed and developing economies have reported that firm growth declines with firm age and size. However, review of literature showed that there are limited studies to empirically assess the validity of this fact on firm growth in developing countries. As such, this paper assesses the role of firm size and age on firm growth in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The study employed a unique balanced three-year panel dataset of 191 manufacturing Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the province. As expected, the results showed a negative relationship between firm growth and size especially in the short term. However, contrary to the wider body of literature, the study established a positive relationship between firm age and growth. The study also established that older firms grow faster than their younger counterparts despite their size. On the other hand, small sized firms despite their age grow faster than large firms when employment and total assets were used as measures of firm size. It was recommended that the government should be cognisant of the complexity of SMMEs when crafting various sector policies.

The role of size and nature in nanoparticle binding to a model lung membrane: an atomistic study.

Understanding the uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) by different types of cellular membranes plays a pivotal role in the design of NPs for medical applications and in avoiding adverse effects that result in nanotoxicity. Yet, the role of key design parameters, such as the bare NP material, NP size and surface reactivity, and the nature of NP coatings, in membrane remodelling and uptake mechanisms is still very poorly understood, particularly towards the lower range of NP dimensions that are beyond the experimental imaging resolution. The same can be said about the role of a particular membrane composition. Here, we systematically employ biased and unbiased molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the binding energy for three bare materials (Ag/SiO2/TiO2) and three NP sizes (1/3/5 nm diameter) with a representative lung surfactant membrane, and to study their binding kinetics. The calculated binding energies show that irrespective of size, Ag nanoparticles bind very strongly to the bilayer, while the NPs made of SiO2 or TiO2 experience very low to no binding. The unbiased simulations provide insight into how the NPs and membrane affect each other in terms of the solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) of the NPs and the defect types and fluidity of the membrane. Using these systematic fine-grained results in coarsening procedures will pave the way for simulations considering NP sizes that are well beyond the membrane thickness, i.e. closer to experimental dimensions, for which different binding characteristics and more significant membrane remodelling are expected.

The Role of Cardiac Computed Tomography in Valve Disease and Valve Intervention Planning

This review aims to provide an overview of cardiac CT role in detection of valvular lesions and in transcatheter valve replacement. Modern CT scans and protocols allow valve evaluation with high spatial and temporal resolution with reduced radiation dose. Cardiac CT is now mainstay of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) planning. It plays a role in sizing of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis, risk assessment for potential complications, prediction of ideal fluoroscopic angles, and selection of vascular access. Cardiac CT’s role in transcatheter mitral, pulmonic, and tricuspid valve replacements has evolved in conjunction with these new procedures. We summarize the role of cardiac CT in the context of valvular diseases and transcatheter valve replacement planning.

Photo‐ and Magnetothermally Responsive Nanomaterials for Therapy, Controlled Drug Delivery and Imaging Applications

AbstractHyperthermia generates heat as a cure for illness and it is not a chemical treatment. Nanomaterials are supposed to provide novel mechanisms to tackle photothermal and magnetothermal problems, with the potential also to deal with specific approaches to care. The present review outlines recent developments in the field of photothermal and magnetothermal responsive nanomaterials and the photothermal approach mechanism over the last years. These photo/magnetothermal nanomaterials are classified into gold nanostructures (various shapes), carbon nanomaterials (CNTs, fullerene, carbon quantum dots, and graphene), inorganic nanomaterials (Fe, Pt, Pd, Bi, MOF, MoSe2, inorganic quantum dots, etc.) and organic nanoparticles (PLGA (Poly Lactic‐co‐Glycolic Acid) and other nanopolymers). Different groups may be placed together to improve the potential of the photothermal/magnetothermal effects, treatments, drug delivery, and imaging. The review also describes synthesis strategies for photothermal/magnetothermal nanomaterials, physicochemical characterization, the role of size, size distribution, shape, and surface coating of nanomaterials, challenges, and future scopes of photothermal/magnetothermal responsive nanomaterials for therapy, controlled drug delivery, and imaging applications. The recent development in nanomaterial has shown great potential for tumor diagnostic and therapeutic applications in hyperthermia. Magnetic hyperthermia (also called thermal therapy or thermotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures (up to 41 °C) in presence of a magnetic field. Research has shown that high temperatures can damage and kill cancer cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissues. By killing cancer cells and damaging proteins and structures within cells, hyperthermia can necrotize tumor cells. This treatment can be local, regional, or whole‐body hyperthermia, depending on the extent of the area being treated. Hyperthermia can be combined with anticancer drugs or chemotherapy to enhance cancer treatment. In this article, we have discussed recent nanomaterials utilized for this treatment, mechanism, and synthesis methods.

The role of size and number of forest patches in the conservation of bird species in a fragmented landscape

We used presence data to evaluate the role of small patches in bird conservation in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana by surveying 24 forest patches. Cumulative species-area and number curves were plotted by ordering patch size from large to small and then small to large and values for cumulative area or number, richness and abundance calculated. We identified a total of 162 bird species during the study. There was no relationship between either patch area or number of patches and either species richness or abundance of birds. Therefore, we could not support the theory of passive sampling, which suggests large patches host higher species richness than small patches. Perhaps, this is, because of the following observed phenomena: 1). Edge effect, as species from nearby matrices used the patches; 2). Habitat sampling, as species sampled several different patches; and 3). Spillover, as species moved from nearby large reserves, such as Kakum Conservation Area (KCA), to the patches. The patches together occupied 2 947 ha and, compared with KCA, this is a ratio of 1:12, but the ratio in terms of species richness is 2:3, suggesting that many small patches could host more species than one large patch of comparable size. Thus, small patches are valuable for the conservation of bird species, which calls for various conservation bodies and institutions to take measures towards protecting such patches.

Roles of Size, Shape, Amount, and Functionalization of Nanoparticles of Titania in Controlling the Tribo-Performance of UHMWPE Composites

AThe present research is based on development and performance evaluation of UHMWPE composites with Titania particles in various amounts and two sizes including nano-size. It also included functionalization of nano-particles (NPs) with siloxane group to enhance the adhesion with the matrix, which would help to reduce wear. Thus, the work had objectives such as; to investigate size effect (nano vs micro) and optimise the amount for best performance from the series with varying amounts (0-8 % in case of micro-composites (MCs) and 0-4 % case of nano-composites (NCs)). It was also of interest to examine effect of siloxane-functionalization of NPs (since they performed significantly better than micro-particles (MPs)) on the performance of nano-composites. It was observed that for adhesive and erosive wear modes, both types of particles (MPs and NPs) proved detrimental in spite of enhanced hardness of the composites basically because of irregular shape of particles, which altered wear mechanisms adversely. NPs proved less detrimental while F-NPs (functionalized NPs) proved marginally detrimental. In abrasive wear mode, both proved beneficial, NPs being more effective than MPs and F-NPs proved the best. The studies revealed how shape of particle influence the performance of composites in various wear modes.

The role of nanoparticle structure and morphology in the dissolution kinetics and nutrient release of nitrate-doped calcium phosphate nanofertilizers

Bio-inspired synthetic calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles (NPs), mimicking the mineral component of bone and teeth, are emergent materials for sustainable applications in agriculture. These sparingly soluble salts show self-inhibiting dissolution processes in undersaturated aqueous media, the control at the molecular and nanoscale levels of which is not fully elucidated. Understanding the mechanisms of particle dissolution is highly relevant to the efficient delivery of macronutrients to the plants and crucial for developing a valuable synthesis-by-design approach. It has also implications in bone (de)mineralization processes. Herein, we shed light on the role of size, morphology and crystallinity in the dissolution behaviour of CaP NPs and on their nitrate doping for potential use as (P,N)-nanofertilizers. Spherical fully amorphous NPs and apatite-amorphous nanoplatelets (NPLs) in a core-crown arrangement are studied by combining forefront Small-Angle and Wide-Angle X-ray Total Scattering (SAXS and WAXTS) analyses. Ca2+ ion release rates differ for spherical NPs and NPLs demonstrating that morphology plays an active role in directing the dissolution kinetics. Amorphous NPs manifest a rapid loss of nitrates governed by surface-chemistry. NPLs show much slower release, paralleling that of Ca2+ ions, that supports both detectable nitrate incorporation in the apatite structure and dissolution from the core basal faces.

Role of Size of Rubber Particles on Failure Mode and Impact Resistance Characteristics of PC/ABS Blends and their ABS Constituents with a Higher Rubber Content

This study presents an experimental study on failure modes and resistances of polycarbonate (PC)/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) blends and their ABS constituents under a drop weight impact test (DWIT). Failure modes and impact resistances such as impact strength and impact toughness of such blends are generally influenced by molecular weight of the PC, rubber content and size of rubber particle in ABS system. A preliminary study on ABS materials using a DWIT showed that size of rubber particle not only determined their failure modes but also influencing their resistance characteristics. However, in a previous study performed using the similar DWIT on PC/ABS blends with a 10 wt% rubber content, it was revealed that size of rubber particle did not significantly influence their resistances. Their failure modes were even macroscopically very difficult to be distinguished. This study, hence, is aimed to further explore role of the size of rubber particle on failure mode and impact resistance characteristics of the PC/ABS blends and their ABS constituents with a higher rubber content. The impact test results have revealed that with a 20 wt% rubber content, size of rubber particle only influenced the resistances of the PC/ABS blends. It did not significantly contribute to affect failure mode of the PC/ABS blends. Whilst, it significantly influenced failure modes and resistances of the ABS. The DWIT results also re-confirmed that blending a brittle ABS into PC led to produce a tougher PC/ABS blend.

Size and productivity: a conditional approach for Italian pharmaceutical sector

In this study, an appropriate nonparametric two-step approach to conditional efficiencies is used to investigate how size and time affect the performance of companies. Using a dataset of Italian manufacturing firms over the period 2006–2015, we explore the effect of size on the attainable production set (input-output space) and on the efficiency distribution, without making any a priori assumptions on the role of size on efficiency. Main findings suggest that size positively affects the efficiency of companies. By exploring the idiosyncratic efficiency, an additional empirical result from the conditional efficiency approach shows that the economic disparities between North, Centre and South of Italy not only limit the foreign investment but also seem to penalize the productivity of Italian-owned companies.

Recent Advancement of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding of Two Dimensional (2D) MXene and Graphene Aerogel Composites.

The two Dimensional (2D) materials such as MXene and graphene, are most promising materials, as they have attractive properties and attract numerous application areas like sensors, supper capacitors, displays, wearable devices, batteries, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding. The proliferation of wireless communication and smart electronic systems urge the world to develop light weight, flexible, cost effective EMI shielding materials. The MXene and graphene mixed with polymers, nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterial, nanowires, and ions are used to create materials with different structural features under different fabrication techniques. The aerogel based hybrid composites of MXene and graphene are critically reviewed and correlate with structure, role of size, thickness, effect of processing technique, and interfacial interaction in shielding efficiency. Further, freeze drying, pyrolysis and hydrothermal treatment is a powerful tool to create excellent EMI shielding aerogels. We present here a review of MXene and graphene with various polymers and nanomaterials and their EMI shielding performances. This will help to develop a more suitable composite for modern electronic systems.

Optical Properties of Au-Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles of Different Shapes for Making Efficient Bimetallic-Photonic Whispering Gallery Mode Hybrid Microresonators

For the first time, we propose a bimetallic-photonic whispering gallery mode (WGM) hybrid microresonator for the detection and sizing of single protein molecules in real time. To optimize the sensitivity of hybrid microresonators, theoretical simulations have been carried out to understand the optical properties of different types of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles such as solid nanospheres, dielectric core-bimetallic nanoshells, nanostars, and nanoprisms using Lorenz-Mie theory, Aden-Kerker theory, and finite element method (FEM). The role of size and Au-Ag ratio on the optical properties of the nanospheres and nanoshells has been studied. In addition, the effect of the Au-Ag ratio on the optical properties of nanostars and nanoprisms has been investigated. The local electric field intensity enhancement values of bimetallic nanostructures of different shapes have been estimated using the FEM. Finally, the advantages of the bimetallic-WGM hybrid microresonator as compared to the monometallic-WGM hybrid microresonator have been explained in detail.

Role of size, alio-/multi-valency and non-stoichiometry in the synthesis of phase-pure high entropy oxide (Co,Cu,Mg,Na,Ni,Zn)O.

A nanocrystalline high entropy oxide with near-equimolar composition consisting of 5 transition metal cations and one alkali cation (Co,Cu,Mg,Na,Ni,Zn)O was synthesised by a reverse co-precipitation (RCP) process and characterised by standard methods of X-ray diffraction (for crystallite size and phases), electron microscopy (for particle morphology and size distribution) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (for bond identification and bond lengths). Charge compensation in the lattice by the formation of Co3+ and/or Ni3+ (in order to offset the +1 oxidation state of Na) and the creation of oxygen vacancies was quantified from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy and further studied using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The influence of different transition metals in being able to accommodate the larger and aliovalent sodium ion in a single phase-pure rocksalt lattice was investigated and the criteria for element selection in such multicomponent systems for single-phase formation examined. Presence of multivalency/non-stoichiometry to accommodate a different-sized cation and maintaining electroneutrality were identified as the critical criteria for single-phase formation in multicomponent systems and further confirmed through synthesis of various lower combination systems (by systematic removal of one transition metal cation) and by addition of bivalent Ca as well as cations of higher valencies. These criteria would aid in designing the compositions of high entropy oxides with aliovalent substitutions.

Ab initio studies of the optoelectronic structure of undoped and doped silicon nanocrystals and nanowires: the role of size, passivation, symmetry and phase.

Silicon nanocrystals and nanowires have been extensively studied because of their novel properties and their applications in electronic, optoelectronic, photovoltaic, thermoelectric and biological devices. Here we discuss results from ab initio calculations for undoped and doped Si nanocrystals and nanowires, showing how theory can aid and improve comprehension of the structural, electronic and optical properties of these systems.

Role of size and risk effects in value anomaly: Evidence from the Indian stock market

Portfolios of companies with high book-to-market (BTM) ratio (low Price-To-Book (PB) ratios, Value firms) outperform those with companies with low BTM ratio (high PB ratios, Growth firms). In liter...

The practice of employee motivation via salary in the private economic sector of the People’s Republic of China

This article is dedicated to motivation of employees of the private economic sector of China. The author examines the practices of employee stimulation via salary, as well as practice of stimulating productivity through bonus program. It is noted that the system of employee motivation via salary in the private economic sector of PRC does not significantly differ from the practices implemented in the public sector or other market economies. Chinese private companies almost entirely integrated the market tools for stimulation of workforce productivity, patterned after the examples of capitalist countries. The majority of private sector enterprises are characterized with fringe benefits to basic salary, when the size of remuneration directly depends on hitting the individual and collective planned targets. The salary is being regularly indexed depending on conjuncture of the job market, productivity of the company and employees. In addition to the main salary, the base of the salary consists of payment for the volume of completed work, bonuses, various incentives and compensations. Raises for continued employment play the smallest role in size of the salary. A substantial part of the fringe benefits is actually taken by the Chinese companies out of the salary budget for the purpose of minimizing the tax burden for the company.