bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of performance measurement system in the context of Industry 4: a case study
Authors: Klovienė Lina , Uosytė Indrė
Published: October 2019

To manage and cope with significant, radical changes of business processes and activities in the context of Industry 4, it is necessary for organizations to have a rapid reactive ability. This requirement may be fulfilled by performance measurement system (PMS) which should be aligned with and could reflect the current digitalization and innovative trends. According to this PMS should be developed due to changes in technology, business environment and organizational processes. But the main uncertainty here is to understand what are the main changes and development trends of PMS needed in the context of Industry 4?To solve this problem, the research presents how PMS can be developed facing industrial revolution using qualitative research method - case study with multiple sources of evidence from semi-structured interviews and documents analysis. According to research results a comprehensive framework for changes in PMS due to the alterations of Industry 4 was developed. Case study results show that technological developments and digitalization processes lead to a more intensive use of predictive methods in planning processes as well as faster control and decision making processes. The main contribution of this paper is to highlight the scientific literature of performance measurement by providing a comprehensive view of developments in PMS in the context of Industry 4. From a practical perspective, the study provides specific practical insights in order to support the reaction processes within organization.
INTERNET USE FOR SHOPPING IN LATVIA: FINDINGS BY RECENT SURVEY
Authors: Sloka Biruta , Čipāne Kate , Volvenkins Sergejs
Published: October 2019

Recent developments of internet applications and increase in application of various information technologies have supported fast development of internet shopping worldwide and also important topics for academic researchers. Aim of the research: check findings of recent preferences by customers on internet shops and factors for internet shop choice, different aspects on internet shopping and comparisons with academic research results in other countries. Tasks: scientific findings studies and empirical investigations on customer preferences and determining factors for choice of different factors in internet shopping. Research methods used: recent scientific publications studies, studies of statistics on internet shopping development, survey on internet shop choice and on internet shopping in Latvia realised at the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018. Survey was developed and realised in co-operation with company specialising on internet marketing: iMarketing, University of Latvia and Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Latvia. Respondents were selected randomly in assistance of Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Latvia. Survey was filled in by 2530 respondents. For many aspects in evaluation of opinion of respondents it was used evaluation scale 1 – 10, where evaluation by 1 was - do not agree with the statement; 10 – fully agree with the statement. For data analysis there were used indicators of descriptive statistics: indicators of central tendency or location (arithmetic mean, mode, median, quartiles), indicators of variability (variance, standard deviation, standard error of mean), cross – tabulations, statistical tests of hypotheses, multivariate analyse methods: regression and correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), factor analysis and other data analysis methods. Main results and findings of the study, theoretical and practical implications of the work: response rate of respondents was very high in comparison with other surveys; respondents have expressed also their suggestions for internet shopping improvements; respondents have indicated the most attractive internet shops by their views. Main conclusions: increase in internet shopping in Latvia is not increasing so fast as in other countries, customers use also mobile devices for shopping on internet.
Sun Exposure: Beyond the Risks
Authors: Queirós Catarina Soares , Freitas João Pedro
Published: October 2019

Excessive solar exposure presents well-recognized risks and side effects, solar radiation being the most important environmental factor concerning skin cancer. In the last few years, several connections between solar exposure and prevention and/or treatment of several diseases have been discussed, with studies suggesting that regular solar exposure may be beneficial for conditions such as colorectal, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; arterial hypertension; obesity; type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome; nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis; multiple sclerosis; Alzheimer disease; and several psychiatric disturbances. In most cases, UV radiation’s beneficial effects are mediated through vitamin D; however, studies show that in other instances other mediators are responsible for these associations, specifically nitric oxide. Moderation is therefore essential, as a strict strategy of total sun avoidance may be inadequate.
From echoes of silence to whispers of hope: A journey with survivors of sexual violence
Authors: Fernandes Pearl Cioza , Aiello Yvette
Published: October 2019

This paper outlines the narratives of a female and male survivor of sexual violence.  It draws attention to the benefits of assisting survivors break their silence as a strategy to overcome the sequelae of shame that accompanies these acts. The two cases illustrate that both men and women experience sexual violation as de-humanising and assisting them to access and make meaning of their memories can be empowering. The need to develop a screening tool to assist survivors access treatment in a timely manner and further develop appropriate strategies incorporating both individual and group sessions is highlighted.
A problematic Israeli High Court dismissal of a torture complaint. A commentary by Hans Draminsky Petersen, MD
Authors: Petersen Hans Draminsky
Published: October 2019

It is not for the documenting medical experts (Shir, 2019), but for the court to decide whether the level of pain and suffering inflicted reaches the threshold of torture [while disregarding ill-treatment], i.e., the court upholds the prerogative to apply its own interpretation of the definition of torture, no matter existing medical evidence and disregarding the Istanbul Protocol. The criteria used to determine the level of FT's pain and suffering does not appear in the ruling.

The ruling states that the burden of proof that the "means" were not reasonable [constituting torture] falls upon the petitioner (para 36). In the light of the above (1, a-h) this is in practice impossible for the petitioner to establish. This aligns with Shir’s statement that no ISA interrogator has been indicted in 1200 torture complaints.
The 6/24 rule: A review and proposal for an international standard of a minimum of six hours of continuous sleep in detention settings
Authors: Pérez-Sales Pau
Published: October 2019

Sleep deprivation is one of the most prevalent and widely used methods of psychological torture. Its effects on the body are without direct physical aggression and include significant somatic and psychological impacts and suffering. It is used in multiple coercive environments as a way, among other purposes, of degradation, debilitation, punishment or before and during the interrogation of detainees. In this specific context, it produces cognitive, emotional and physical exhaustion, with the aim of obtaining submission or compliance, and ultimately information or confession (Pérez-Sales, 2017; Reynolds & Banks, 2010; Sveaass, 2008).

There is no universally accepted legal definition of what should be considered sleep deprivation in the context of torture.  There are however converging positions from the legal and jurisprudential, and especially medical and psychiatric fields that allow for establishing sufficiently clear recommendations for the international community to take a reasoned stance. Within the framework of torture as defined in the United Nations Convention (UNCAT), intentionally forcing a person to have less than 6 hours of continuous, restful sleep must be considered a form of degrading treatment that could amount to cruel and inhuman treatment. We also suggest that when this daily sleep deprivation is intentionally prolonged in a sustained manner for three days or more, it should be considered as a form of torture in itself, irrespective of other coexisting or cumulative elements that may aggravate the condition.
Understanding Users’ Experiences of Riding a Two-Wheeler Vehicle and their Intentions of Purchasing Electric Two-Wheelers
Authors: Huang Fei-Hui
Published: October 2019

More than 13.7 million people in Taiwan are scooter users, which signifies the highest density of scooter users in the world. The aim of the present study is to use the user experience (UX) evaluation methods to investigate the factors that influence the users’ satisfaction, recommendation intention, and willingness to accommodate Electric two-wheelers (E2Ws). An online survey design has been used to recruit two-wheeler owners who live in Taiwan. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, based on a sample of 315 Taiwanese, indicate that the variables of satisfaction, positive emotions, and riding experience predicted whether users intended to recommend a two-wheeler. The results also reveal that external motivation is the core factor that influences a rider’s willingness to purchase an E2W. It highlights the importance of providing opportunities for people to experience the advantages of E2Ws and services. Having good hedonic and pragmatic experiences accumulated during two-wheeler usage may further positively influence the users’ satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. It is recommended that the government and the related industries consider the above issues when formulating related policies or developing E2W or battery technologies.
A Hybrid Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm for Bi-objective Time Window Assignment Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Li Manman , Lu Jian , Ma Wenxin
Published: October 2019

Providing a satisfying delivery service is an important way to maintain the customers’ loyalty and further expand profits for manufacturers and logistics providers. Considering customers’ preferences for time windows, a bi-objective time window assignment vehicle routing problem has been introduced to maximize the total customers’ satisfaction level for assigned time windows and minimize the expected delivery cost. The paper designs a hybrid multi-objective genetic algorithm for the problem that incorporates modified stochastic nearest neighbour and insertion-based local search. Computational results show the positive effect of the hybridization and satisfactory performance of the metaheuristics. Moreover, the impacts of three characteristics are analysed including customer distribution, the number of preferred time windows per customer and customers’ preference type for time windows. Finally, one of its extended problems, the bi-objective time window assignment vehicle routing problem with time-dependent travel times has been primarily studied.
Reducing Perceived Urban Rail Transfer Time with Ordinal Logistic Regressions
Authors: Feng Xuesong , Hua Weixin , Qian Xuepeng
Published: October 2019

In order to improve the transfers inside an Urban Rail Transit (URT) station between different rail transit lines, this research newly develops two Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR) models to explore effective ways for saving the Perceived Transfer Time (PTT) of URT passengers, taking into account the difficulty of improving the transfer infrastructure. It is validated that the new OLR models are able to rationally explain probabilistically the correlations between PTT and its determinants. Moreover, the modelling analyses in this work have found that PTT will be effectively decreased if the severe transfer walking congestion is released to be acceptable. Furthermore, the congestion on the platform should be completely eliminated for the evident reduction of PTT. In addition, decreasing the actual transfer waiting time of the URT passengers to less than 5 minutes will obviously decrease PTT.
Emerging Applications of Elemental 2D Materials
Authors: Glavin Nicholas R. , Rao Rahul , Varshney Vikas , Bianco Elisabeth , Apte Amey , Roy Ajit , Ringe Emilie , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: October 2019

As elemental main group materials (i.e., silicon and germanium) have dominated the field of modern electronics, their monolayer 2D analogues have shown great promise for next‐generation electronic materials as well as potential game‐changing properties for optoelectronics, energy, and beyond. These atomically thin materials composed of single atomic variants of group III through group VI elements on the periodic table have already demonstrated exciting properties such as near‐room‐temperature topological insulation in bismuthene, extremely high electron mobilities in phosphorene and silicone, and substantial Li‐ion storage capability in borophene. Isolation of these materials within the postgraphene era began with silicene in 2010 and quickly progressed to the experimental identification or theoretical prediction of 15 of the 18 main group elements existing as solids at standard pressure and temperatures. This review first focuses on the significance of defects/functionalization, discussion of different allotropes, and overarching structure–property relationships of 2D main group elemental materials. Then, a complete review of emerging applications in electronics, sensing, spintronics, plasmonics, photodetectors, ultrafast lasers, batteries, supercapacitors, and thermoelectrics is presented by application type, including detailed descriptions of how the material properties may be tailored toward each specific application.
Morbidity and mortality associated with ventral skull base surgery: analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Singh Roshansa , Siddiqui Sana H. , Choi Yonghee , Azmy Monica C. , Patel Nirali M. , Grube Jordon G. , Hsueh Wayne D. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: October 2019

Background

Ventral skull base (VSB) surgery has associated morbidity and mortality that is poorly defined. In this study we aim to identify factors associated with adverse events in VSB surgery.

Methods

We queried the database of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for cases of VSB surgery during the period 2005‐2014. Patients with complications, readmissions, reoperations, or mortality were compared to those without adverse events.

Results

Nine hundred patients were included; 253 (28.1%) had complications, underwent reoperation, were readmitted, or died. These patients were older (42.6% vs 32.8, p = 0.032) and had higher rates of congestive heart failure (CHF) (3.2% vs 0.2%, p < 0.0001), disseminated cancer (8.3% vs 4.6%, p = 0.032), and preoperative sepsis (8.7% vs 2.2%, p < 0.0001). Other comorbidities included long‐term steroid use (13.4% vs 9.0%, p = 0.046) and higher rates of preoperative transfusion (2.4% vs 0%, p < 0.0001). The most common complication was bleeding (13.7%). Preoperative systemic sepsis (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0‐6.6) and lower hematocrit (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4‐3.4) were more likely to be associated with a complication. Those with disseminated cancer (OR, 12.0; 95% CI, 2.9‐50.5) were more likely to experience 30‐day mortality. Black patients had lower rates of reoperation (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1‐0.8), whereas patients with CHF (OR, 12.6; 95% CI, 1.7‐94.4) and hypertension (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1‐4.0) had higher rates of reoperation. Predictors of extended length of stay were Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2‐4.1) and lower hematocrit (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5‐3.6).

Conclusion

VSB surgery can involve significant morbidity and mortality, and thus identifying risk factors allows for better prognostication and delivery of care in these patients.
Die globale Gesundheitsbelastung durch Bauwerksversagen
Authors: Proske Dirk
Published: October 2019

In diesem Beitrag wird die globale Gesundheitsbelastung durch Bauwerksversagen bestimmt. Dazu werden mittlere Verhältnisse von Bauwerken zu Einwohnern ermittelt und auf die Gesamtbevölkerung, unterteilt in Industrieländer und Entwicklungsländer, angewendet. Basierend auf bekannten Einsturzhäufigkeiten von Bauwerken werden daraus mittlere jährliche weltweite Einsturzhäufigkeiten von Bauwerken errechnet. Aus den mittleren Opferzahlen werden dann weltweite Opferzahlen geschätzt, wobei nicht nur Todesopfer, sondern auch Verletzte berücksichtigt werden. Diese Opferzahlen werden in „Verlorene Lebensjahre“ umgerechnet. Dieser Parameter wird häufig als Maß für ein Gesundheitsrisiko verwendet. Darüber hinaus wird auch noch der Gewinn an Lebensjahren abgeschätzt.
Electrochemical Performance Optimization of Layered P2‐Type Na0.67MnO2 through Simultaneous Mn‐Site Doping and Nanostructure Engineering
Authors: Peng Bo , Sun Zhihao , Jiao Shuhong , Wang Gongrui , Zhang Genqiang
Published: October 2019

Sodium‐ion batteries are considered as the most promising candidates for grid‐level energy storage applications due to its unique features of much lower cost and comparable energy density to lithium ion batteries. However, searching for suitable cathode materials with high capacity and good cycling stability are still the bottleneck issues due to the involved unmanageable phase transitions and difficult morphology control. Herein, unique fullerene‐like hollow polyhedrons of P2‐type Na0.67Ni0.15Mn0.85O2 cathode were successfully synthesized via a facile and scalable self‐template strategy, where largely enhanced electrochemical properties can be achieved compared to its bulk counterpart. It can deliver a high specific capacity of 101 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at a rate of 100 mA g−1, reaching an excellent capacity retention of 96.8 %. The possible origins of the enhanced performance were further analyzed to be the synergistic effect of hollow interior and novel morphology of the polyhedron, leading to well exposed (002) planes, shorter diffusion path and better structural robust. Importantly, the full battery without pre‐sodiation treatment could deliver a high energy density of 133.1 Wh kg−1 based on the total mass of cathode and anode, which sheds a new light for designing high energy density sodium‐ion full batteries.
Does analysis brevity result in loss of control? A consecutive case series of 26 single‐session interview‐informed synthesized contingency analyses
Authors: Jessel Joshua , Metras Rachel , Hanley Gregory P. , Jessel Catherine , Ingvarsson Einar T.
Published: October 2019

A believable demonstration of control over problem behavior is a necessary component of the functional analysis process. Control during a functional analysis has traditionally been defined in a binary manner: Differentiated outcomes point to an identifiable function and undifferentiated outcomes do not. However, it might be beneficial to characterize control as strong, moderate, or weak in order to evaluate the strength of evidence for experimental control during an efficient functional analysis format that requires only a single session. We analyzed the levels of control using 26 single‐session interview‐informed synthesized contingency analyses (IISCAs). Although shorter session duration (i.e., first 3 or 5 min of each session) tended to reduce the level of control, the majority of single‐session IISCAs resulted in evidence indicating strong levels of control when data from the full 10‐min session were included in the analysis.
Increased risk for other cancers in individuals with Ewing sarcoma and their relatives
Authors: Abbott Diana , O'Brien Schuyler , Farnham James M. , Young Erin L. , Yap Jeffrey , Jones Kevin , Lessnick Stephen L. , Randall R. Lor , Schiffman Joshua D. , Cannon‐Albright Lisa A.
Published: October 2019

Background

There are few reports of the association of other cancers with Ewing sarcoma in patients and their relatives. We use a resource combining statewide genealogy and cancer reporting to provide unbiased risks.

Methods

Using a combined genealogy of 2.3 million Utah individuals and the Utah Cancer Registry (UCR), relative risks (RRs) for cancers of other sites were estimated in 143 Ewing sarcoma patients using a Cox proportional hazards model with matched controls; however, risks in relatives were estimated using internal cohort‐specific cancer rates in first‐, second‐, and third‐degree relatives.

Results

Cancers of three sites (breast, brain, complex genotype/karyotype sarcoma) were observed in excess in Ewing sarcoma patients. No Ewing sarcoma patients were identified among first‐, second‐, or third‐degree relatives of Ewing sarcoma patients. Significantly increased risk for brain, lung/bronchus, female genital, and prostate cancer was observed in first‐degree relatives. Significantly increased risks were observed in second‐degree relatives for breast cancer, nonmelanoma eye cancer, malignant peripheral nerve sheath cancer, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, and translocation sarcomas. Significantly increased risks for stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and acute lymphocytic leukemia were observed in third‐degree relatives.

Conclusions

This analysis of risk for cancer among Ewing sarcoma patients and their relatives indicates evidence for some increased cancer predisposition in this population which can be used to individualize consideration of potential treatment of patients and screening of patients and relatives.
Anthropomorphizing brands: The role of attributed brand traits in interactive CSR communication and consumer online endorsements
Authors: van Prooijen Anne‐Marie , Bartels Jos
Published: October 2019

Consumers tend to relate to brands in similar ways as they relate to individuals and groups. However, relatively little is known about the attribution of human traits to brands in online contexts. The current research focused on the role of attributed brand traits in interactive corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and positive electronic word‐of‐mouth intentions. Results of an online survey (N = 174) revealed that higher levels of perceived interactivity were associated with stronger attributions of morality, sociability, and competence traits to brands. Yet only attributed brand morality was associated with consumers' willingness to endorse the brand and its CSR message on social networking sites. These findings underline the importance of brands' openness to dialogue regarding the promotion of CSR activities. Furthermore, these findings suggest that consumers are most likely to feel that brands can represent their identity when brand morality is considered to be high.
Evaluation of chiral separation efficiency of a novel OTPTHE derivatization reagent: Applications to liquid‐chromatographic determination of DL‐serine in human plasma
Authors: Han Yu , Jin Mei‐Na , Xu Chun‐Yan , Qian Qing , Nan Jun , Jin Toufeng , Min Jun Zhe
Published: October 2019

A novel chiral derivatization reagent, the N‐[1‐oxo‐5‐(triphenylphosphonium)pentyl]‐ (R)‐1,3‐thiazolidinyl‐4‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester bromide salt (OTPTHE), was developed for the separation and selective detection of chiral DL‐amino acids by RP‐HPLC analysis. The OTPTHE reacted with DL‐amino acids at 60°C maintained for 30 minutes in the presence of 100 mM borate buffer (pH 9.5). The separability of the diastereomeric derivatives was evaluated in terms of the resolution value (Rs) using 13 kinds of DL‐amino acids, which were completely separated by reversed‐phase chromatography using C18 column at 254 nm. The Rs of the DL‐amino acids varied from 1.62 to 2.51. As for the application of the DL‐amino acids, the determination of DL‐Ser in the human plasma of healthy volunteers was performed based on our developed method. It was shown that linear calibrations were available with high coefficients of correlation (r2 > 0.9997). The limit of detection (S/N = 3) of the DL‐Ser enantiomers was 5.0 pmol; the relative standard deviations of the intraday and interday variations were below 4.56%; the accuracy ranged between 95.40%‐110.06% and 95.45%‐109.80%, respectively; the mean recoveries (%) of the DL‐Ser spiked in the human plasma were 99.49%‐103.74%. The amounts of DL‐Ser in the human plasma of healthy volunteers were determined.
Synthesis and chiroptical properties of organometallic complexes of helicenic N‐heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Hafedh Nesrine , Favereau Ludovic , Caytan Elsa , Roisnel Thierry , Jean Marion , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Aloui Faouzi , Crassous Jeanne
Published: October 2019

Novel [4, 6]helicenes (4a,b) bearing a fused imidazolium unit have been prepared from [4, 6]helicene‐2,3‐di‐n‐propyl‐amines 3a,b. The in situ formation of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) derivatives followed by their complexation to iridium(I) or rhodium(I) gave access to complexes 1a, 1′a, and 1b, containing mono‐coordinated helicene‐NHC, chloro and COD (COD = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) ligands. Ir and Rh complexes 1a and 1′a were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. HPLC and NMR analyses showed that Ir(I) complex 1b existed as a mixture of two diastereomeric complexes corresponding to enantiomeric pairs M‐(−)/P‐(+)‐1b1 and M‐(−)/P‐(+)‐1b2 which differ by the position of COD through space. The chiroptical properties (electronic circular dichroism and optical rotation) of the four stereoisomers were measured. These complexes were also tested as catalysts in a transfer hydrogenation reaction.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Thermogravimetric analysis—TGA
Authors: Saadatkhah Nooshin , Carillo Garcia Adrián , Ackermann Sarah , Leclerc Philippe , Latifi Mohammad , Samih Said , Patience Gregory S. , Chaouki Jamal
Published: October 2019

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a quantitative analytical technique that monitors the mass of a sample from 1 mg to several g as a furnace ramps temperature to as high as 1600°C under a stable or changing gas flow. The first gravimetric test was in 27 BC when Vitruvius measured limestone's change of mass as it calcined to lime. In modern chemical engineering, researchers apply the technique to derive conversions, kinetics, and mechanisms for any process with a change of mass by isothermal, non‐isothermal, and quasi‐isothermal methods. The mass drops as the sample decomposes, volatile compounds evaporate, or the oxidation state decreases, while in reactive environments (with O2, for example), the mass of transition metals may increase. TGA is incapable of detecting phase transitions, polymorphic transformations, or reactions for which mass is invariant. DSC or DTA couple with TGA to help deconvolute a DSC plot by separating physical changes from chemical changes. Evolved gas analysis techniques monitor the gaseous products exiting the TGA furnace on‐line as the temperature ramps. A bibliometric map of keywords from articles citing TGA indexed by Web of Science in 2016 and 2017 identified five research clusters: nanoparticles, performance, and films; crystal structures, acid, and oxidation; composites, nanocomposites, and mechanical properties; kinetics, pyrolysis, and temperature; and adsorption, water and wastewater, and aqueous solutions. This review provides an overview of the basic principles of modern TGA.
Colour‐odour correspondences in women during the menstrual cycle: Comparative analysis between the menstrual and ovulation phases
Authors: Iriguchi Mayuko , Koda Hiroki , Koyama Takamasa , Masataka Nobuo
Published: October 2019

Women might experience modulation in their perception and cognition of colours and odours during the menstrual cycle, but how women's impressions of and correspondence between colours and odours differ according to the cycle changes remains unknown. Here, we experimentally examined women's performance of several tasks, including evaluation of impressions of colours and odours, matching/nonmatching of colours with odours, and identification of odours, comparing two phases: the beginning of menstruation and ovulation. The results showed that participants had similar impressions of colours and odours and made similar colour choices for odours in both the menstrual and ovulation phases, while “pleasant‐unpleasant” impressions of colour and odour might vary according to the menstrual cycle. We found no significant differences in odour identification between the phases. The findings imply that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle might affect “pleasant‐unpleasant” impressions of colour and odour but not other features regarding impressions or crossmodal correspondence. In future studies, examination with a large number of participants is necessary.
CSR reporting communication: Defective reporting models or misapplication?
Authors: Garcia‐Torea Nicolas , Fernandez‐Feijoo Belen , De La Cuesta Marta
Published: October 2019

This paper studies whether the failure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting practices to enable effective CSR communication allowing stakeholders to appreciate firms' CSR is due to the reporting model guiding firms in elaborating sustainability reports, the companies' application of the model, or both. Drawing on the communication theory and using interpretive textual analysis, the paper specifically assesses Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, the most widespread CSR reporting model worldwide, and its application by a leading sustainability reporter. The findings indicate that GRI guidelines suffer from significant limitations that hamper the production of reports accounting for CSR impacts. This paper contributes to critical research on CSR reporting practices and calls for redirecting current reporting practice towards a more effective approach. Additionally, it also responds to the need to approach CSR reporting research relying on theories different from the one commonly used.
A DPSK demodulator for biomedical application
Authors: Hosseinnejad Mahdi , Erfanian Abbas , Karami Mohammad Azim
Published: October 2019

In this study, a differential phase‐shift‐keying (DPSK) demodulator, which is implemented by digital circuit, is proposed. A differential voltage clipper is used to generate narrow pulses at the extremum of the received modulated signal. Regarding the DPSK signal, the outputs of the clipper have double frequency. In order to halve the frequency, a frequency divider is applied to get synchronous clock. Two binary counters are used to detect phase variation; the data are recovered after two times sampling. This technique removes the need for voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The proposed demodulator is postlayout simulated in a 0.18‐μm CMOS process, with a power of 64 μW and active area of 68 × 70 μm2. The demodulator recovers 10 Mb/s data rate at 10‐MHz carrier frequency using a 1.8‐V power supply.
Joint distance‐based user grouping and pilot assignment schemes for pilot decontamination in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Kalantarinejad Nazanin , Abbasi‐Moghadam Dariush
Published: October 2019

Pilot contamination (PC) is one of the most crucial problems in massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, due to a limited source of the coherence block. In the current study, two pilot assignment schemes proposed for massive MIMO uplink transmission. We divided each cell into two groups of edge and center users under distance‐based user grouping algorithm (DUG), which the aim is finding the best user grouping boundary. The best boundary is where both signal to interference plus noise Ratio (SINR) of edge and center users is maximum, according to the user's distance to base stations (BS). We investigated the location‐aware pilot assignment (LPA) scheme to enhance the quality of services for both groups. In LPA by assuming three pilot groups for adjacent cells and determining the user's distance to BS, the planned pilots assigned to the users according to their distance to the BS. Then, we optimized pilot schedules in each group by maximizing uplink (UL) rate of each user with auction‐based optimization pilot assignment (AOPA). Simulation results show that both DUG and LPA improve the rate of edge users about 70% and the rate of center users about 30%. Joint DUG and AOPA enhance the rate of the edge and center users about 100% and 80% in each group than conventional schemes and about 50% and 10%, compared with the LPA method. Simulation results show that the proposed method is efficient in reducing PC and improving spectral efficiency.
If you play with fire, you may get burned
Authors: Segura Jordi , Ventura Rosa , Pascual José Antonio , de la Torre Rafael
Published: October 2019

This article reports an interesting doping case in the late 1990s involving the physical tampering of a urine sample containing a prohibited substance, by adding an alcoholic beverage. The regulations and knowledge available at that time allowed consideration of the case as a sanctioned manipulation and the prohibited substance as an additional element that explained the reasons for it. The development of the case involved some aspects that appeared for the first time in doping control. These include, among others, the participation of an enologist as part of the B sample confirmation, forensic inspection of the sample container, the early development of gas chromatography/combustion/isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), and the first public hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which allowed a wide following of the developments of the case. The information was especially interesting for the general public as the athlete had had, at that time, great Olympic success.
Experimental verification of a linear AC LED driver with a light flicker compensating circuit and high power factor operation by modulating the current regulator
Authors: Noge Yuichi
Published: October 2019

This article proposes a linear PFC regulator with a light flicker compensating circuit for LED lighting applications. The proposed circuit is small in size because it includes no reactors or electrolytic capacitors. The light flicker compensating circuit, which is connected in parallel to the LED string, consists of four ceramic capacitors and diodes. These capacitors are operated in series in the charge state and in parallel in the discharge state by using a diode network circuit. Therefore, an external controller and large capacitors are not required. The proposed circuit is experimentally validated using a 9 W prototype. From the experimental results, it is found that the power fluctuation of the LED string is less than the JIS and JLMA limitations, and the power factor is 0.95. In addition, the power loss is analyzed at an efficiency of 89.4% for the prototype circuit. Also, by modulating the current regulator, sinusoidal input current can be achieved. The second proposed circuit is experimentally validated using a 7.5 W prototype, and the power factor and input current distortion are found to be 0.999 and 2.1%, respectively.
Development of a nonconservative discontinuous Galerkin formulation for simulations of unsteady and turbulent flows
Authors: Lv Yu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization schemes for Navier‐Stokes equations of a nonconservative form was proposed, in which the constitutional equation for energy conservation is written in terms of pressure. The primary focus is to address the treatment of nonconservative products in the pressure equation, for which we formulate four different scheme variants by using the path‐conservative scheme or solely regarding the nonconservative products as source terms. In addition to the complete description of the discretization formulations, we highlight the positivity‐preserving properties of the proposed nonconservative DG schemes. The performance of the four schemes are thoroughly assessed and tested with the consideration of a series of classical flow configurations that involve steady/unsteady, inviscid/viscous, and laminar/turbulence flow physics. It is found that two out of the four schemes are able to provide the optimal convergence and similar accuracies as the fully conservative formulation. The nonconservative formulations provide an alternative way to model fluid flows with substantial thermodynamic and compositional complexities. The present work aims to lay the theoretical foundation for further algorithmic extensions to simulations of such fluid flows of practical relevance.
Developmental stage‐specific role of Frs adapters as mediators of FGF receptor signaling in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells
Authors: Furusho Miki , Ishii Akihiro , Hebert Jean M. , Bansal Rashmi
Published: October 2019

FGF signaling is important for numerous cellular processes and produces diverse cellular responses. Our recent studies using mice conditionally lacking FGF‐Receptor‐1 (Fgfr1) or Fgfr2 during different stages of myelinogenesis revealed that Fgfr signaling is first required embryonically for the specification of oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) and then later postnatally for the growth of the myelin sheath during active myelination but not for OPC proliferation, differentiation, or ensheathment of axons. What intracellular signal transduction pathways are recruited immediately downstream of Fgfrs and mediate these distinct developmentally regulated stage‐specific responses remain unclear. The adapter protein Fibroblast‐Growth‐Factor‐Receptor‐Substrate‐2 (Frs2) is considered a key immediate downstream target of Fgfrs. Therefore, here, we investigated the in vivo role of Frs adapters in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells, using a novel genetic approach where mice were engineered to disrupt binding of Frs2 to Fgfr1 or Fgfr2, thus specifically uncoupling Frs2 and Fgfr signaling. In addition, we used conditional mutants with complete ablation of Frs2 and Frs3. We found that Frs2 is required for specification of OPCs in the embryonic telencephalon downstream of Fgfr1. In contrast, Frs2 is largely dispensable for transducing Fgfr2‐mediated signals for the growth of the myelin sheath during postnatal myelination, implying the potential involvement of other adapters downstream of Fgfr2 for this function. Together, our data demonstrate a developmental stage‐specific function of Frs2 in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells. This contextual requirement of adapter proteins, downstream of Fgfrs, could partly explain the distinct responses elicited by the activation of Fgfrs during different stages of myelinogenesis.
Trade union or trait d'union? Setting targets for general practitioners: A regional case study
Authors: Barsanti Sara , Vola Federico , Bonciani Manila
Published: October 2019

Aims

The Italian general practitioners (GPs) are not directly employed by the National Health Service but work as independent contractors. Their activity and their salary are managed at the national, regional, and local level. This paper analyses the Tuscany Region case study to investigate if primary care's target‐setting styles are associated with different GP perceptions, by comparing nine different local agreements to a survey on 102 GPs. We propose a classification of the different target‐setting (ideal typical) styles, ranging from “financial governance” (FG), mainly based on financial targets, to “clinical governance” (CG), that mainly relies on clinical and quality targets.

Findings

Results show that GPs are more likely to have a more favourable attitude toward primary care managerial tools if they have certain characteristics, ie, quality measures. This suggest that target setting system might promote both the GPs' compliance to the targets set by the agreement and the involvement of the GPs in the LHA's governance processes too.

Conclusions

The managerial tools could pave the way to overcome the classical “trade unionist” relationship between the regional and local authority and the GPs, working as a “trait d'union” between the two players.
An integrated MUSA to measure health care service quality from a patient's perspective in a resource‐constrained setting
Authors: Al‐Awlaqi Mohammed Ali , Aamer Ammar Mohamed
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Although assessing the quality of health services offered in a least developed country such as Yemen is very important, it is not yet given attention. As a result, Yemeni patients started to look for higher quality of health services abroad. Thus, Yemeni health private providers need to know how to link their patients' satisfaction to the quality of the services offered to end up with more satisfied patients and higher health service quality offered.

Methodology

Data were collected form 5310 patients in 249 private clinics. The patients evaluated their satisfaction on the quality of service on the basis of nine criteria that comprised 31 subcriteria. We used multicriteria satisfaction analysis (MUSA) to analyze the data.

Findings and Conclusion

The data analysis results showed low level of satisfaction on the health care quality services offered by the private clinics in Yemen. The majority of the criteria and subcriteria showed low level of satisfaction, high demand, and high mandate for improvement.
Prediagnostic circulating inflammation biomarkers and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case–cohort study in Japan
Authors: Aversa John , Song Minkyo , Shimazu Taichi , Inoue Manami , Charvat Hadrien , Yamaji Taiki , Sawada Norie , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Karimi Parisa , Dawsey Sanford M. , Rabkin Charles S. , Tsugane Shoichiro , Camargo M. Constanza
Published: October 2019

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant histologic subtype of esophageal cancer worldwide. Measurements of circulating inflammation‐related biomarkers may inform etiology or provide noninvasive signatures for early diagnosis. We therefore examined levels of inflammation molecules for associations with ESCC risk. Using a case–cohort study designed within the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study, we measured baseline plasma levels of 92 biomarkers using a multiplex assay in a subcohort of 410 randomly selected participants and 66 participants with incident ESCC (including four cases that occurred in the subcohort). ESCC hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for 2–4 quantiles of each biomarker by Cox proportional hazards regression models with age as the time metric, adjusted for sex, smoking and alcohol use. Twenty analytes were undetectable in nearly all samples. Of the remaining 72, 12 biomarkers (FGF19, ST1A1, STAMBP, AXIN1, CASP8, NT3, CD6, CDCP1, CD5, SLAMF1, OPG and CSF1) were associated with increased ESCC risk (ptrend < 0.05) with HRs per quantile 1.28–1.65. Seven biomarkers (CXCL6, CCL23, CXCL5, TGFA, CXCL1, OSM and CCL4) were inversely associated with HRs 0.57–0.72. FGF19, CASP8, STAMBP, ST1A1 and CCL‐4 met statistical significance with false discovery rate correction. Associations did not differ <5 vs. ≥5 years between blood collection and ESCC diagnosis. CASP8, STAMBP and ST1A1 were strongly correlated (p < 0.05). Our study expands the range of inflammation molecules associated with the development of this highly lethal neoplasia. Correlations among these novel biomarkers suggest a possible shared pathway. These findings need replication and could further delineate ESCCs molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
Burden of melanoma in China, 1990–2017: Findings from the 2017 global burden of disease study
Authors: Wu Yan , Wang Yu , Wang Lijun , Yin Peng , Lin Yun , Zhou Maigeng
Published: October 2019

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, and a worldwide problem with increasing incidence. Little is known about the burden of melanoma in the Chinese population. We evaluated temporal trends and geographic variation in melanoma‐associated burden, to narrow an important knowledge gap concerning the consequences of this disorder across time, provinces in China. After the general analytic strategy used in the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study, we analyzed the incidence, mortality, prevalence and disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs) of melanoma, by age, sex and geography from 1990 to 2017. Levels in melanoma burden were assessed for 33 province‐level administrative units between 1990 and 2017. We used joinpoint regression analysis to estimate the slope of incidence and mortality trends. The age‐standardized incidence rate of melanoma was 0.9 per 100,000 in 2017, with a 110.3% rise compared to 1990. Although the age‐standardized DALYs rate (per 100,000) decreased from 9.1 in 1990 to 7.6 in 2017, it showed an upward trend from 2007 to 2017. The DALYs rate increased steadily with age for females while increased and peaked at 55–59 years for males. The incidence of melanoma was higher in the clustered eastern provinces than western provinces, while the DALYs showed a pattern in opposite direction. In China, there has been a substantial increase in the burden of melanoma over the last decade, representing an ongoing challenge in Chinese population. More targeted strategies should be developed for elderly population, especially for females, to reduce the melanoma burden throughout China, particularly the western provinces.
Trends and predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Chile
Authors: Garmendia María L. , Mondschein Susana , Montiel Braulio , Kusanovic Juan P.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine the temporal trends in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevalence in Chile, and to determine the main predictors of GDM.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of all birth records at Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, Chile, from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2015. We excluded those women with pre‐existing type 2 diabetes, those with missing data, and those with unlikely data. GDM was defined as fasting glucose levels >5.55 mmol/L [>100 mg/dL] or >7.77 mmol/L [>140 mg/dL] 2 hours after glucose load in the oral glucose tolerance test. Potential predictors were selected based on prior research and ease of evaluation.

Results

From the original database of 100 758 records, 86 362 women were included in the final cohort. The mean GDM prevalence was 7.6% (95% CI [confidence interval] 7.5%–7.8%), increasing from 4.4% (95% CI 4.0%–4.9%) in 2002 to 13.0% (95% CI 12.0%–13.9%) in 2015. Age, education, marital status, parity, family history of type 2 diabetes, personal history of GDM, hypertension and pre‐eclampsia, alcohol consumption, smoking, and pre‐gestational nutritional status performed well in the prediction of GDM.

Conclusion

One out of eight Chilean pregnant women of medium‐ to low socio‐economic status were found to develop GDM. We identified a set of easy‐to‐capture predictors in the primary health care system that may allow for the early identification of women at high‐risk for the development of GDM.
Functional assessment of moisture influenced cadaveric tympanic membrane using phase shift‐resolved optical Doppler vibrography
Authors: Jeon Byeonggyu , Lee Jaeyul , Jeon Deokmin , Kim Pilun , Jang Jeong Hun , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun
Published: October 2019

An elevated relative moisture in the external ear canal and middle ear cavity may predispose to chronic otorrhea and related infections along with abnormal tympanic membrane (TM) vibration patterns. Therefore, phase shift‐resolved optical Doppler vibrography (ODV) was used for vibration assessments of moisture influenced cadaveric TM. ODV was applied to generate time resolved cross‐sectional and volumetric vibrographs of a cadaveric TM, driven acoustically at several frequencies. In order to analyze the effect of moisture on TM, homogenous moisture conditions were provided by soaking the cadaveric TM specimens in 1× phosphate buffer saline with a pH of 7.4. The TM specimen was exposed to a rapidly switchable frequency generator during the ODV image acquisition. The experiment was conducted for 3 hours and the cadaveric TM was exposed to each frequency with an interval of 30 minutes. Acquired phase shift‐resolved ODV assessments revealed a depth dependent vibration tendency between the applied frequencies, along with a decline in the moisture level of the cadaveric TM specimen. Thus, the ODV method can aid our understanding of sound conduction in the middle ear, thus supporting the diagnosis of TM diseases.