bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choriocarcinoma in Women
Authors: Savage Johanna , Adams Emily , Veras Emanuela , Murphy Kathleen M. , Ronnett Brigitte M.
Published: September 2017

Choriocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant neoplasm, which can be either gestational or nongestational in origin. Distinction of these subtypes has prognostic and therapeutic implications. Twenty-two tumors were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction amplification of 15 short tandem repeat loci and the amelogenin locus (XY determination). DNA patterns from tumor and maternal tissue, as well as villous tissue from any available prior or concurrent gestation, were compared, to determine gestational versus nongestational nature (containing vs. lacking a paternal chromosome complement, respectively) and the relationship between the tumor and any prior or concurrent gestation. Nineteen tumors were gestational. Of these, 14 were purely androgenetic/homozygous XX: 6 uterine tumors with a concurrent or prior genetically related complete hydatidiform mole (CHM), 4 uterine tumors without an accompanying villous component, 1 uterine cornual tumor separate from a genetically distinct second trimester intrauterine placenta, 1 ectopic ovarian tumor separate from a genetically distinct third trimester intrauterine placenta, and 2 ectopic fallopian tube tumors. Five gestational tumors were biparental: 3 (2 XX, 1 XY) intraplacental choriocarcinomas genetically related to the placenta and 2 uterine tumors without accompanying placental tissue after term deliveries (1 XX 4 weeks postpartum and 1 XYY with allelic imbalances 1 year postpartum; prior placentas not available for analysis). Three tumors were nongestational: all XX with allelic imbalances; 2 ovarian, 1 pelvic. Gestational choriocarcinoma can be androgenetic or biparental. Most are androgenetic/homozygous XX, often associated with a genetically related concurrent or prior CHM, and thus of molar-associated type. These findings support that homozygous XX CHMs are associated with some risk of significant gestational trophoblastic disease. Intraplacental choriocarcinomas are biparental and genetically related to the placenta. Biparental choriocarcinoma detected in a postpartum uterine sample is consistent with undetected intraplacental choriocarcinoma. Eutopic or ectopic androgenetic choriocarcinoma separate from a concurrent intrauterine placenta is not derived from intraplacental tumor and is consistent with either a form of dispermic twin gestation (molar-type choriocarcinoma and coexistent nonmolar fetus) or origin from an antecedent molar pregnancy. While fallopian tube tumors are usually gestational, tumors in other sites (ovary, pelvis) can be nongestational and should not be assumed to be metastatic from a regressed or occult intrauterine or intraplacental gestational tumor.
Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of Synchronous Colorectal Carcinoma With Mismatch Repair Deficiency
Authors: Nakano Kayoko , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Fujiwara Minako , Koga Yutaka , Tsuruta Shinichi , Ihara Eikichi , Oki Eiji , Nakamura Masafumi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Oda Yoshinao
Published: September 2017

Synchronous colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a unique disease associated with a high prevalence (∼35%) of microsatellite instability and occasionally with Lynch syndrome. The clinicopathologic and molecular features of synchronous CRC are poorly understood, particularly in Japanese patients. We examined 118 Japanese patients (236 tumors) with synchronous CRC and 117 Japanese patients (117 tumors) with solitary CRC with immunohistochemical staining for TP53 and mismatch repair (MMR) protein (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6) and mutation analyses of KRAS and BRAF genes. The results revealed no significant differences in clinicopathologic, histologic, and molecular findings between the synchronous and solitary CRC groups. Among the 118 synchronous CRC patients, 15 (12.7%) showed loss of MMR protein(s) expression in at least 1 tumor, whereas 103 (87.3%) showed intact expression of all 4 MMR proteins in both tumors. Of note, all patients with MMR deficiency had excellent prognoses. The 15 patients were further subdivided into 2 groups: the Concordant group, with concordant MMR loss (n=9, 7.6%) and the Discordant group, with discordant MMR loss (n=6, 5.1%). The Concordant patients showed concurrent MLH1/PMS2 loss (n=3), concurrent MSH2/MSH6 loss (n=4) and isolated MSH6 loss (n=2) in both tumors, whereas the Discordant patients showed concurrent MLH1/PMS2 loss (n=2), isolated PMS2 loss (n=2) and isolated MSH6 loss (n=2) in a single tumor. On the basis of the MMR expression pattern and BRAF mutation, the Concordant and Discordant groups were suspected to include Lynch syndrome, Lynch-like syndrome and sporadic MLH1 promoter hypermethylated CRC. In addition, KRAS mutation was present in only 1 tumor in a single patient in each group. In conclusion, the frequency of MMR protein deficiency in synchronous CRC in the Japanese population may be lower compared with the reported data from Western populations. MMR protein loss and KRAS and BRAF mutations in synchronous CRCs were heterogenous even in an individual patient.
Abdominal Pain and Vomiting
Authors: McCambridge Joshua , Wang Peter
Published: September 2017

Abdominal ultrasound of a 28-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain and vomiting demonstrates a dilated aperistaltic distal esophagus, which was confirmed on follow-up esophagram as achalasia. The 2 main types of achalasia are primary and secondary. Primary achalasia occurs with the loss of postganglionic neurons resulting in failed distal esophageal relaxation. Secondary achalasia is esophageal narrowing due to nondenervation causes. The diagnosis of achalasia is typically made with manometry and barium esophagram.
A 3-Dimensional Printed Ultrasound Probe Visuospatial Trainer
Authors: McKenna Ryan T. , Dove Jesse C. , Ratzlaff Robert A. , Diaz-Gomez Jose L. , Cox Daniel J. , Simon Leslie V.
Published: September 2017

Training adult learners to use ultrasound in clinical practice relies on the ability of the learner to apply visuospatial concepts to the anatomy of the human body. We describe a visuospatial trainer that replicates the housing of an ultrasound transducer, through which a linear laser projects light in the same plane and orientation as the ultrasonic sound waves. We use this trainer in combination with a porcine heart dissection laboratory to teach bedside cardiac ultrasound and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Off-the-shelf components, including an on/off switch, a laser, and 2 ampere batteries are connected in series and placed inside the 3-dimensional (3D)–printed housing. The trainer's laser emission projects a red line that visually represents the ultrasound's field. Learners project the laser against a porcine or human heart in the orientation of the TTE window they wish to obtain and then dissect the heart in that plane, allowing for visualization of how grayscale images are obtained from 3D structures. Previous research has demonstrated that visuospatial aptitude is correlated with ultrasound procedural performance. We present this trainer and educational method as a specific training intervention that could enhance the visuospatial ability of the ultrasound learner. This visuospatial trainer and educational method present a novel process for enhancing learner understanding of 2-dimensional ultrasound images as they relate to 3D structures. Having a clear understanding of how images are generated in cross section may translate into more proficient adaptation of cardiac ultrasound and TTE.
Improved surface-enhanced Raman and catalytic activities of reduced graphene oxide–osmium hybrid nano thin films
Authors: Kavitha C. , Bramhaiah K. , John Neena S. , Aggarwal Shantanu
Published: September 2017

Reduced graphene oxide–osmium (rGO-Os) hybrid nano dendtrites have been prepared by simple liquid/liquid interface method for the first time. The method involves the introduction of phase-transfered metal organic precursor in toluene phase and GO dispersion in the aqueous phase along with hydrazine hydrate as the reducing agent. Dendritic networks of Os nanoparticles and their aggregates decorating rGO layers are obtained. The substrate shows improved catalytic and surface-enhanced activities comparable with previous reports. The catalytic activity was tested for the reduction of
p
-nitroaniline into
p
-phenyldiamine with an excess amount of NaBH
4
. The catalytic activity factors of these hybrid films are 2.3 s
−1
 g
−1
(Os film) and 4.4 s
−1
 g
−1
(rGO-Os hybrid film), which are comparable with other noble metal nanoparticles such as Au, Ag, but lower than Pd-based catalysts. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements have been done on rhodamine 6G (R6G) and methylene blue dyes. The enhancement factor for the R6G adsorbed on rGO-Os thin film is 1.0 × 10
5
and for Os thin film is 7 × 10
3
. There is a 14-fold enhancement observed for Os hybrids with rGO. The enhanced catalytic and SERS activities of rGO-Os hybrid thin film prepared by simple liquid/liquid interface method open up new challenges in electrocatalytic application and SERS-based detection of biomolecules.
Mixed-matrix membranes with enhanced antifouling activity: probing the surface-tailoring potential of Tiron and chromotropic acid for nano-TiO
2
Authors: Pal Avishek , Dey T. K. , Debnath A. K. , Bhushan Bharat , Sahu A. K. , Bindal R. C. , Kar Soumitra
Published: September 2017

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were developed by impregnating organofunctionalized nanoadditives within fouling-susceptible polysulfone matrix following the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The facile functionalization of nanoparticles of anatase TiO
2
(nano-TiO
2
) by using two different organoligands,
viz
. Tiron and chromotropic acid, was carried out to obtain organofunctionalized nanoadditives, F
T
-nano-TiO
2
and F
C
-nano-TiO
2
, respectively. The structural features of nanoadditives were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which established that Tiron leads to the blending of chelating and bridging bidentate geometries for F
T
-nano-TiO
2
, whereas chromotropic acid produces bridging bidentate as well as monodentate geometries for F
C
-nano-TiO
2
. The surface chemistry of the studied membranes, polysulfone (Psf): F
T
-nano-TiO
2
UF and Psf: F
C
-nano-TiO
2
UF, was profoundly influenced by the benign distributions of the nanoadditives enriched with distinctly charged sites (

−

SO
3
−

H
+

), as evidenced by superior morphology, improved topography, enhanced surface hydrophilicity and altered electrokinetic features. The membranes exhibited enhanced solvent throughputs,
viz
. 3500–4000 and 3400–4300 LMD at 1 bar of transmembrane pressure, without significant compromise in their rejection attributes. The flux recovery ratios and fouling resistive behaviours of MMMs towards bovine serum albumin indicated that the nanoadditives could impart stable and appreciable antifouling activity, potentially aiding in a sustainable ultrafiltration performance.
Large batoid fishes frequently consume stingrays despite skeletal damage
Authors: Dean Mason N. , Bizzarro Joseph J. , Clark Brett , Underwood Charlie J. , Johanson Zerina
Published: September 2017

The shapes of vertebrate teeth are often used as hallmarks of diet. Here, however, we demonstrate evidence of frequent piscivory by cartilaginous fishes with pebble-like teeth that are typically associated with durophagy, the eating of hard-shelled prey. High-resolution micro-computed tomography observation of a jaw specimen from one batoid species and visual investigation of those of two additional species reveal large numbers of embedded stingray spines, arguing that stingray predation of a scale rivalling that of the largest carnivorous sharks may not be uncommon for large, predatory batoids with rounded, non-cutting dentition. Our observations demonstrate that tooth morphology is not always a reliable indicator of diet and that stingray spines are not as potent a deterrent to predation as normally believed. In addition, we show that several spines in close contact with the jaw skeleton of a wedgefish (Rhynchobatus) have become encased in a disorganized mineralized tissue with a distinctive ultrastructure, the first natural and unequivocal evidence of a callus-building response in the tessellated cartilage unique to elasmobranch skeletons. Our findings reveal sampling and analysis biases in vertebrate ecology, especially with regard to the role of large, predatory species, while also illustrating that large body size may provide an escape from anatomical constraints on diet (e.g. gape size, specialist dentition). Our observations inform our concepts of skeletal biology and evolution in showing that tessellated cartilage—an ancient alternative to bone—is incapable of foreign tissue resorption or of restoring damaged skeletal tissue to its original state, and attest to the value of museum and skeletal specimens as records of important aspects of animal life history.
Audiovisual detection at different intensities and delays
Authors: Chandrasekaran Chandramouli , Gondan Matthias
Published: September 2017

In divided-attention tasks with two classes of target stimuli (e.g., auditory and visual), redundancy gains are typically observed if both targets are presented simultaneously, as compared with single-target presentation. Different models explain such redundant-signals effects, including race and coactivation models. Here we generalize one such coactivation model, the superposition model, and show that restricting this evidence accumulation process to a limited time interval, that is a temporal deadline, provides the model the ability to describe the detection behavior of two monkeys across a wide range of intensities and stimulus onset asynchronies. We present closed-form solutions for the mean absorption times and probabilities for the two-stage diffusion process with drift towards a single barrier in the presence of a temporal deadline.
The SIN3A histone deacetylase complex is required for a complete transcriptional response to hypoxia
Authors: Tiana Maria , Acosta-Iborra Barbara , Puente-Santamaría Laura , Hernansanz-Agustin Pablo , Worsley-Hunt Rebecca , Masson Norma , García-Rio Francisco , Mole David , Ratcliffe Peter , Wasserman Wyeth W. , Jimenez Benilde , del Peso Luis
Published: September 2017

Cells adapt to environmental changes, including fluctuations in oxygen levels, through the induction of specific gene expression programs. To identify genes regulated by hypoxia at the transcriptional level, we pulse-labeled HUVEC cells with 4-thiouridine and sequenced nascent transcripts. Then, we searched genome-wide binding profiles from the ENCODE project for factors that correlated with changes in transcription and identified binding of several components of the Sin3A co-repressor complex, including SIN3A, SAP30 and HDAC1/2, proximal to genes repressed by hypoxia.SIN3Ainterference revealed that it participates in the downregulation of 75% of the hypoxia-repressed genes in endothelial cells. Unexpectedly, it also blunted the induction of 47% of the upregulated genes, suggesting a role for this corepressor in gene induction. In agreement, ChIP-seq experiments showed that SIN3A preferentially localizes to the promoter region of actively transcribed genes and that SIN3A signal was enriched in hypoxia-repressed genes, prior exposure to the stimulus. Importantly, SINA3 occupancy was not altered by hypoxia in spite of changes in H3K27ac signal. In summary, our results reveal a prominent role for SIN3A in the transcriptional response to hypoxia and suggest a model where modulation of the associated histone deacetylase activity, rather than its recruitment, determines the transcriptional output.
IntelliEppi: Intelligent reaction monitoring and holistic data management system for the molecular biology lab
Authors: Neuberger Arthur , Ahmed Zeeshan , Dandekar Thomas
Published: September 2017

Daily alterations of routines and protocols create high, yet so far unmet demands for intelligent reaction monitoring, quality control and data management in molecular biology laboratories. To meet such needs, the “internet of things” is implemented here. We propose an approach which combines direct tracking of lab tubes, reactions and racks with a comprehensive data management system. Reagent tubes in this system are tagged with 2D data matrices or imprinted RFID-chips using a unique identification number. For each tube, individual content and all relevant information based on conducted experimental procedures are stored in an experimental data management system. This information is managed automatically but allow scientists to engage and interfere via user-friendly graphical interface. Tagged tubes are used in connection with a detectable RFID-tagged rack. We show that reaction protocols, HTS storage and complex reactions are easily planned and controlled.
Local temporal variability reflects functional network integration in the human brain: On the crucial role of the thalamus
Authors: Garrett Douglas D. , Epp Samira M. , Perry Alistair , Lindenberger Ulman
Published: September 2017

Local moment-to-moment variability exists at every level of neural organization, but its driving forces remain opaque. Inspired by animal work demonstrating that local temporal variability may reflect synaptic input rather than locally-generated “noise,” we used publicly-available high-temporal-resolution fMRI data (N = 100 adults; 33 males) to test in humans whether greater temporal variability in local brain regions was associated with functional network integration. We indeed found that individuals with higher local temporal variability had a more integrated (lower-dimensional) network fingerprint. Notably, temporal variability in the thalamus showed the strongest negative association with network dimensionality. Previous animal work also shows that local variability may upregulate from thalamus to visual cortex; however, such principled upregulation from thalamus to cortex has not been demonstrated in humans. In the current study, we rather establish a much more general putative dynamic role of the thalamus by demonstrating that greater within-person thalamocortical upregulation in variability is itself a unique hallmark of greater network integration that cannot be accounted for by local fluctuations in several other well-known integrative-hub regions. Our findings indicate that local variability primarily reflects functional network integration and establish a fundamental role for the thalamus in how the brain fluctuatesandcommunicates across moments.
T cell activation and the HLA locus associate with latent infections of human African trypanosomiasis
Authors: Capewell Paul , Bucheton Bruno , Clucas Caroline , Ilboudo Hamidou , Cooper Anneli , Gorman Taylor-Anne , O’Neill Kerry , Patakas Agapitos , Platt Andrew , Vaikkinen Heli , Weir William , Camara Mamadou , Garside Paul , Jamonneau Vincent , MacLeod Annette
Published: September 2017

Infections by many pathogens can result in a wide range of phenotypes, from severe to mild, or even asymptomatic. Understanding the genetic basis of these phenotypes can lead to better tools to treat patients or detect reservoirs. To identify human genetic factors that contribute to symptoms diversity, we examined the range of disease severities caused by the parasiteT. b. gambiense, the primary cause of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). We analyzed the transcriptomes of immune cells from both symptomatic HAT cases and individuals with latent infections. Our analysis identified several genes and pathways that associated with the latent phenotype, primarily suggesting increased T and B cell activation in HAT patients relative to latent infections. We also used these transcriptome data to conduct an exome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association study. This suggested that SNPs in the human major histocompatibility locus (HLA) associate with severity, supporting the transcription data and suggesting that T cell activation is a determining factor in outcome. Finally, to establish if T cell activation controls disease severity, we blocked co-stimulatory dependent T cell activation in an animal model for HAT. This showed that reducing T cell activation during trypanosome infection improves symptoms and reduces parasitemia. Our data has used a combination of transcriptome-wide analysis and anin vivomodel to reveal that T cell activation and the HLA locus associate with the development of symptoms during HAT. This may open new avenues for the development of new therapeutics and prognostics.
A transcriptome-wide association study identifiesPALMDas a susceptibility gene for calcific aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Thériault Sébastien , Gaudreault Nathalie , Lamontagne Maxime , Messika-Zeitoun David , Clavel Marie-Annick , Capoulade Romain , Dagenais François , Pibarot Philippe , Mathieu Patrick , Bossé Yohan
Published: September 2017

Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is a common and life-threatening heart disease with no drug that can stop or delay its progression. Elucidating the genetic factors underpinning CAVS is an urgent priority to find new therapeutic targets1. Major landmarks in genetics of CAVS include the discoveries ofNOTCH12andLPA3. However, genetic variants in these genes accounted for a small number of cases and low population-attributable risk. Here we mapped a new susceptibility locus for CAVS on chromosome 1p21.2 and identifiedPALMD(palmdelphin) as the causal gene.PALMDwas revealed using a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS)4, which combines a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1,009 cases and 1,017 ethnically-matched controls with the first large-scale expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping study on human aortic valve tissues (n=233). The CAVS risk alleles and increasing disease severity were both associated with lowered mRNA expression levels ofPALMDin valve tissues. The top variant explained up to 12.5% of the population-attributable risk and showed similar effect and strong association with CAVS (P=1.53 × 10−10) in UK Biobank comparing 1,391 cases and 352,195 controls. The identification ofPALMDas a susceptibility gene for CAVS provides new insights about the genetic nature of this disease and opens new avenues to investigate its etiology and develop much-needed therapeutic options.
Rescue of Conformational Dynamics in Enzyme Catalysis by Directed Evolution
Authors: Otten Renee , Liu Lin , Kenner Lillian R. , Clarkson Michael W. , Mavor David , Tawfik Dan S. , Kern Dorothee , Fraser James S.
Published: September 2017

Rational design and directed evolution have proved to be successful approaches to increase catalytic efficiencies of both natural and artificial enzymes1-3. However, a comprehensive understanding of how evolution shapes the energy landscape of catalysis remains a fundamental challenge. Protein dynamics is widely recognized as important, but due to the inherent flexibility of biological macromolecules it is often difficult to distinguish which conformational changes are directly related to function. Here, we used directed evolution on an impaired mutant of the human proline isomerase cyclophilin A (CypA) and identify two second-shell mutations that partially restore its catalytic activity. We show both kinetically, using NMR spectroscopy, and structurally, by room-temperature X-ray crystallography, how local perturbations propagate through a large allosteric network to facilitate conformational dynamics. The increased catalysis selected for in the evolutionary screen could be rationalized entirely by accelerated interconversion between the two catalytically essential conformational sub-states, which are both captured in the high-resolution X-ray ensembles at room temperature. Our data provide a glimpse of the evolutionary trajectory of an enzyme’s energy landscape and shows how subtle changes can fine-tune its function.
Strategic responses to institutional pressures for sustainability
Authors: Wijethilake Chaminda , Munir Rahat , Appuhami Ranjith
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of management control systems (MCS) in strategically responding to institutional pressures for sustainability (IPS). Drawing on institutional theory (DiMaggio and Powell, 1983) and strategic responses to institutional pressures framework (Oliver, 1991), the study argues that organisations strategically respond to IPS using MCS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by interviewing sustainability managers of a large-scale multinational apparel manufacturing organisation with its headquarters in Sri Lanka.

Findings

The study finds that organisations actively respond to IPS using acquiescence, compromise, avoidance, defiance, and manipulation strategies. The results not only reveal that formal MCS play a critical role in complying with IPS, but also in more active responses, including compromise, avoidance, defiance, and manipulation. The findings highlight that organisations use MCS as a medium to respond strategically to IPS, and in turn, the use of MCS has important implications for organisational change and improvement.

Practical implications

The study has implications for Western organisations, finding that suppliers committed to sustainability in Asia strategically respond to IPS as a means of strengthening outsourcing contracts, instead of blindly accepting. Findings indicate that organisational changes and success seem to be a function of strategically responding to IPS rather than operating an organisation by neglecting sustainability challenges. The organisational ability to use MCS in strategically responding to IPS has the potential for long-term value creation.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the MCS, strategy and sustainability literatures by exploring different uses of MCS tools in strategically responding to IPS. More specifically, it shows how the use of MCS tools varies in supporting strategic responses, and with respective IPS. In doing so, it enhances our understanding of the importance of the use of MCS in dynamics of institutional change and practical variances in strategically responding to IPS.
Fast image matching via multi-scale Gaussian mutation pigeon-inspired optimization for low cost quadrotor
Authors: Chen Shanjun , Duan Haibin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved optimization method for image matching problem, which is based on multi-scale Gaussian mutation pigeon-inspired optimization (MGMPIO) algorithm, with the objective of accomplishing the complicated image matching quickly.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid model of multi-scale Gaussian mutation (MGM) mechanism and pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm is established for image matching problem. The MGM mechanism is a nonlinear model, which can adjust the position of pigeons by mutation operation. In addition, the variable parameter (VP) mechanism is exploited to adjust the map and compass factor of the original PIO. Low-cost quadrotor, a type of electric multiple rotorcraft, is used as a carrier of binocular camera to obtain the images.

Findings

This work improved the PIO algorithm by modifying the search strategy and adding some limits, so that it can have better performance when applied to the image matching problem. Experimental results show that the proposed method demonstrates satisfying performance in convergence speed, robustness and stability.

Practical implications

The proposed MGMPIO algorithm can be easily applied to solve practical problems and accelerate convergence speed of the original PIO, and thus enhancing the speed of matching process, which will considerably increase the effectiveness of algorithm.

Originality/value

A hybrid model of the MGM mechanism and PIO algorithm is proposed for image matching problem. The VP mechanism and low-cost quadrotor is also utilized in image matching problem.
Sequence planning for human and robot cooperative assembly of large space truss structures
Authors: Guo Jifeng , Bai Chengchao , Chen Cheng
Published: September 2017

Purpose

In the future, large space truss structures will be likely to require on-orbit assembly. One of the several proposed methods includes cooperative assembly performed by pressure-suited astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA) and space robots. An intelligent planning method was presented to generate optimal assembly tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the inherent hierarchical nature of truss structures allows assembly sequences to be considered from strut level and structural volume element (SVE) level. Then, a serial assembly strategy in human-robot environment was applied. Furthermore, a two-level planning algorithm was presented. At the first-level planning, one ant colony algorithm for assembly sequence planning was improved to adopt assembly direction and time as heuristic information and did not consider assembly tasks. And, at the second-level planning, another novel colony algorithm for assembly task planning mainly considered results of the first-level planning, human-robot interactive information, serial assembly strategy and assembly task distributions.

Findings

The proposed two-level planning algorithm is very effective for solving the human and robot cooperative assembly of large space truss structures.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the case study is based on the following assumptions: each tetrahedron is assembled by two astronauts; each pentahedron is assembled by three astronauts.

Practical implications

A case illustrates the results of the two-level planning. From this case study, because of geometrical symmetry nature of large space truss structures, the optimal assembly sequences are not only one.

Originality/value

The improved ant colony algorithm can deal with the assembly sequence and task planning in human-robot environment more effectively.
An innovative method for exhaust gases toxicity evaluation in the miniature turbojet engine
Authors: Gawron Bartosz , Białecki Tomasz , Janicka Anna , Górniak Aleksander , Zawiślak Maciej
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an assessment method of the toxicity emission evaluation during combustion in the miniature turbojet engine.

Design/methodology/approach

A small-scale turbojet engine was used for the research because measurements on real aircraft turbines are complex and expensive. The experiment was performed in accordance with innovative BAT – CELL Bio – Ambient Cell method which consists of determination of virtual toxic impact of the gas mixture on the living cells; it is therefore a direct method. The most significant innovation of this method is that, during the test, which consists of exposing the cells to the gas mixture, the cells are deprived of culture fluid.

Findings

The preliminary analysis shows that the method used here allows to determine the virtual impact of the gases on the human respiratory system and skin. It could be useful in defining the arduousness of an airport. The obtained results show that both of exhaust gases represent similar toxicity.

Practical implications

The new in vitro method allows to determine the virtual impact of the gases on the human respiratory system and skin. Significant potential for further research not only on the miniaturised engines, but also in the case of real objects, as this method does not have to be performed in a laboratory.

Originality/value

The work presents potential application of the innovatory method for exhaust gases toxicity evaluation in jet engines, which could be useful in defining the arduousness of an airport.
Iron loss research of amorphous alloy motor by considering the influences of solidifying and annealing on stator core
Authors: Zhu Longfei , Tong Wenming , Han Xueyan , Zhu Jianguo
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The specific iron losses of amorphous alloy material are extremely low compared with silicon steel material. The iron losses of motors may reduce by replacing the silicon steel core with an amorphous alloy core. However, one drawback of amorphous alloy material is that the specific iron losses will increase a lot after the motor manufacturing process. This paper aims to study the influences of interlaminar insulator solidifying and annealing on amorphous alloy material. The iron losses of motors made of amorphous alloy and baseline silicon steel sheets are compared and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for an exploratory study using the experimental analysis and loss separation methods. Two amorphous alloy cores are produced and tested. The iron losses of motors made of amorphous alloy and silicon steel sheets are calculated and compared based on the measured specific iron losses. Three wound amorphous alloy core samples are made and measured. The iron losses are separated and compared by considering the manufacturing influences.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights about what change is brought in amorphous alloy material after manufacturing. The results have shown that, for amorphous alloy cores without the annealing process, the loss increase caused by solidifying is mainly the eddy current loss, while it is mainly the hysteresis loss component for annealed amorphous alloy cores.

Originality/value

This paper presents for the first time the measured results of manufactured amorphous alloy cores. This paper fulfils the need to manufacture amorphous alloy motors properly for the producers.
Macro-modeling and passivity enforcement for PMSM winding
Authors: Huangfu Youpeng , Wang Song , Wang Shuang , Li Hailin , Yuan Dongsheng , Wang Shuhong , Di Rienzo Luca
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the macro-modeling and passivity enforcement for the equivalent high frequency circuit model of a single-phase winding for an alternating current (AC) three-phase motor. It provides a stable and strictly passive Foster-type circuit macro-model for the winding. Consequently, a stable circuit network is guaranteed when it is connected with an external passive circuit. The equivalent circuit is validated on a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor. Furthermore, the corresponding three-phase windings macro-model could be obtained accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

The following techniques are used: the least square method, vector fitting method, the fast residue perturbation method, circuit synthesis, sequence quadratic programming method and simulated annealing method.

Findings

This work presents an effective approach to model an equivalent high frequency circuit macro-model for a single-phase winding. Simultaneously, both the characteristics of port passivity and component passivity are guaranteed.

Originality/value

This paper carries out both the port passivity and the component passivity enforcement for a single-phase winding of a motor during the macro-modeling procedure. This equivalent motor winding model can be applied to obtain the conducted electromagnetic interference and the overvoltage performance analysis for an adjustable speed motor drive system.
Event portfolios: asset value, risk and returns
Authors: Andersson Tommy Daniel , Getz Don , Gration David , Raciti Maria M.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The research question addressed is whether an event portfolio analysis rooted in financial portfolio theory can yield meaningful insights to complement two approaches to event portfolios. The first approach is extrinsic and rooted in economic impact analysis where events need to demonstrate a financial return on investment. In the second approach events are valued ally, with every event having inherent value and the entire portfolio being valued for its synergistic effects and contribution to social and cultural goals. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from visitors to four events in the Sunshine Coast region of Australia are analyzed to illustrate key points, including the notion of “efficient frontier.”

Findings

Conceptual development includes an examination of extrinsic and intrinsic perspectives on portfolios, ways to define and measure value, returns, risk, and portfolio management strategies. In the conclusions a number of research questions are raised, and it is argued that the two approaches to value event portfolios can be combined.

Research limitations/implications

Only four events were studied, in one Australian local authority. The sample of residents who responded to a questionnaire was biased in terms of age, education and gender.

Social implications

Authorities funding events and developing event portfolios for multiple reasons can benefit from more rigorous analysis of the value created.

Originality/value

This analysis and conceptual development advances the discourse on portfolio theory applied to event management and event tourism.
The provenance of public management and its future: is public management here to stay?
Authors: Kisner Mirit , Vigoda-Gadot Eran
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the views of authors in regard to the provenance and future of PM and the advantages of using management science in administrative science. The authors point to the meaning of both sciences for government studies and to the use that both theoreticians and practitioners may gain from adequately balancing the disciplines for the public interest.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a wide literature review of empirical and epistemological studies on new public management (NPM) and its evolvement across continents and cultures, and on a critical analysis of lessons learned from implementations of ideas and practices.

Findings

The authors identify the managerial reform in public administration as one of the more influential reforms of modern nations that cut across multiple policy areas, public agencies and cultures. The authors expect that public managers in the years to come are about to play a decisive role and be required to build collaborative capacity while governing creatively but without bending the rules. Ingenious civil servants are going to carry weight and devise new mechanisms for coping with prospective challenges; no doubt they will have to be savvier, more adept and open-minded than ever to be able to step up to the plate and assist governments to deal with impending crises.

Originality/value

The originality of this essay is reflected in the wide coverage of transitions in the managerial language of the discipline. Using manifold examples from different perspectives on NPM provides a unique and balanced look into what became the most influential reforms in public administration since the second half of the twentieth century, and is still alive and kicking.
Historic urban landscape: an approach for sustainable management in Cuenca (Ecuador)
Authors: Rey-Perez Julia , Siguencia Ávila María Eugenia
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology developed on the basis of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) notion applied for the city of Cuenca in Ecuador. The identification of cultural values – among all the actors involved in the city – draws up a series of sustainable urban development strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This methodology is based on the city analysis from the local community and multiple disciplines such as geomorphology, environment, urban planning, historic cartography, architecture, archaeology, anthropology, and economy. Further qualitative data collection methods included 16 workshops with 168 citizens, specific surveys, mapping, and on-site observations. The challenge of this methodology is not only its implementation in the world heritage city of Cuenca in Ecuador, but also the integration of the management of the historic centre within the overall city development plan.

Findings

The application of the HUL concept has allowed the identification of a series of strategies for the urban development where the points of view coming from different stakeholders were gathered. The project reveals the existence of values and attributes, so far overlooked in the actual heritage management system. In addition, a Geographic Information System database has been created with all the information related to Cuenca with the possibility of making it available for the community in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The project has been developed within one year with scarce economic resources: that is the reason why the planned activities took longer than expected.

Social implications

Social participation has played a key role in the development of the project.

Originality/value

This research process in Cuenca has led to its incorporation as a Latin-American pilot city for a programme developed by the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region.
A novel module for cultivate unity and harmony in multicultural society through arts education
Authors: Balakrishnan Balamuralithara
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Promoting unity in multicultural society among Malaysians should start from school education since young age. Art through its own variety of approaches could show possibilities in addressing diversity in a community that consists of multiple ranges of racial and cultural backgrounds such as Malaysian community. Arts education is essential for each child because arts cover the entire learning domain – cognitive, psychomotor and affective. Using the advantages of arts in a child’s learning process and its possibilities to create harmony among communities from different races.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants were interviewed using a qualitative approach, which consisted of two main questions: What is your perception on this module through participating in this programme? How the module of this programme has influenced you as a Malaysian?

Findings

The proposed module was implemented, and the findings showed that through arts education, the unity and harmony among children in multicultural society could be flourished and strengthened.

Practical implications

It shows that the proposed arts education module could be used among students from different schooling systems and different races to cultivate unity and harmony among them. At the same time, strengthening the unity among children in multicultural society could bring harmony and peace in future.

Originality/value

This paper is a novel approach that uses arts education as a tool in achieving national agenda to strengthen the unity and harmony among primary school children in Malaysia who are from different races and schooling system.
Numbers don’t lie: problematizing faculty diversity at HSIs
Authors: Banda Rosa Maria , Flowers Alonzo M. , Robinson Petra
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), like other universities, are faced with challenges related to faculty diversity. The literature related to faculty at HSIs is scant and so this paper aims to address this gap by problematizing faculty diversity at these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of a document analysis, the authors have scoured the data on faculty demographics at these institutions and the findings of the study are threefold.

Findings

First, a lack of accessible and transparent data exists. Second, there is a lack of available demographic information and third, this creates a dismal narrative regarding faculty diversity at HSIs.

Research limitations/implications

Further critical research is warranted as a means to uncover data on faculty diversity at HSIs.

Originality/value

This study supports the need for a critical consciousness lens to problematize faculty diversity at HSIs.
A cultural insight into the development of teacher autonomy support scale
Authors: Awang-Hashim Rosna , Thaliah Rajaletchumi , Kaur Amrita
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The cross-cultural significance of autonomy within self-determination theory is divisive on universal significance. This paper aims to report a sequential exploratory mixed methods study conducted to construct and validate a scale to investigate how, in Malaysian context, the construct of autonomy is conceptualized in comparison with the existing scale owing to cultural variation.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group interviews identified dimensions of autonomy support that were specific to Malaysian culture and guided the development of the survey and construct validation was done using structure equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that the proposed scale has satisfactory psychometric properties, and the hypothesized model had a good fit to the data. The new scale produced four dimensions of teacher autonomy support, namely, responsible, approachable, shows respect and conveys confidence, with three items in each dimension. Malaysian secondary school students’ perception of autonomy support was found to be distinctive from the traditional measure.

Originality/value

Implications for teachers are discussed for culturally meaningful interpretation of the autonomy construct for classroom teaching practices.
Identifying challenges facing manufacturing enterprises toward implementing sustainability in newly industrialized countries
Authors: Garbie Ibrahim
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and identify the challenges toward implementing sustainability strategies both strategic and tactical (STs) and performance measures (PMs) facing industrial organizations in newly industrialized countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducting a comprehensive survey on the published papers focused on the area of sustainability and/or sustainable development (S/SD) in manufacturing enterprises to identify the most common critical challenges. Setting with industrialists to determine which challenges the industrial organizations facing while implementing the S/SD strategies in terms of strategic, tactic and PMs. Using support logic techniques such as interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and interpretive ranking process (IRP) as modeling approaches to examine the contextual relationship among the STs and PMs individually “first phase,” to clarify and identify the most and least dominant factors, and to rank STs with respect to the PMs “second phase.”

Findings

The investigation shows that some challenges are more dominant and influential. Literacy and an awareness of sustainability, globalization and international issues and competitive strategies have emerged as the most dominant and key driving factors for STs in the ISM model, while the whole PMs are driven by remanufacturing and recycling factors in the ISM model. In addition, drivers and barriers to implementing S/SD challenges received the highest rank in the IRP model.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the STs and PMs were identified from academicians. Most of the manufacturing companies participated in the discussion; unfortunately, all are not familiar with the S/SD as a whole. They see to the S/SD from very narrow scope like climate change, environmental and energy issues only based on what they heard from media. Most of them are not fully interested to join with academicians to progress the work.

Practical implications

Most of the manufacturing companies are keen to investigate extremely sustainability challenges. Although this paper has a goal to provide a comprehensive framework to analyze, investigate and model sustainability challenges for industrial/manufacturing companies in different industrial sectors, most of the STs and PMs were identified from academicians. Most of the industrial/manufacturing companies participated in the discussion; unfortunately, all are not familiar with the S/SD as a whole. This study will help manufacturing/industrial companies to analyze and investigate the challenges toward implementing S/SD.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to identify the most common ST and PM challenges facing industrial organization toward implementing S/SD, modeling them into logical techniques and comparing between STs with respect to PMs.