bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of experiments in the service industry: results from a global survey and directions for further research
Authors: Antony Jiju , Viles Elisabeth , Torres Alexandre Fonseca , Fernandes Marcelo Machado , Cudney Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the current status of Design of experiments (DoE) in the service industry or non-manufacturing processes in the manufacturing sector. This involves the identification of critical success factors and challenges in the use of DoE in the context of the service industry as well as the key skills needed for its successful applications.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify the critical success factors and challenges, an online survey instrument was developed and distributed across Six Sigma Black Belts (SSBB), Six Sigma Master Black Belts (SSMBB), process improvement champions, continuous improvement professionals, DoE experts and specialists as well as academics who are involved in DoE research and applications.FindingsA total of 109 participants from over 20 countries responded to the study. One of the first findings of the study is that over 40% of the process improvement professionals in the service sector do not have any hands-on experience with the application of DoE. Further, this study highlights the following critical factors for successful DoE applications: dedicating adequate resources in terms of time, budget and people for the experiment; getting a clear understanding of the problem at hand; securing a reliable and validated measurement system for measuring the response or quality characteristics of interest; and identifying input independent variables, which influence the quality characteristics during the brainstorming stage. Some respondents also mention the importance of having training or education in DoE as a critical success factor. At the same time, the lack of adequate planning to experimentation, mathematical knowledge and statistical reasoning remains as challenge to be solved.Research limitations/implicationsAs data were collected at an individual level, inter-reliability, which measures the consistency of judgements on a particular survey item, could not be gauged. Moreover, due to low sample size across some continents, an intercontinental comparative study on the extent of the application of DoE across various continents could not be performed.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first global survey carried out to understand the status of DoE in the service industry. The results of the global study can be used to encourage quality, continuous improvement and process improvement professionals in the service sector to drive wider acceptance of one of the most powerful tools in the Six Sigma toolkit for problem-solving scenarios. Moreover, senior managers in the service industry can take away some of the key benefits, challenges and success factors in the implementation of DoE.
Late‐life reproduction in an insect: Terminal investment, reproductive restraint or senescence
Authors: Jehan Charly , Sabarly Camille , Rigaud Thierry , Moret Yannick 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The terminal investment, reproductive restraint or senescence theories may explain individual late‐life patterns of reproduction. The terminal investment hypothesis predicts that individuals increase reproductive allocation late in life as prospects for future survival decrease. The other two hypotheses predict reduced reproduction late in life, but for different reasons. Under the Reproductive Restraint hypothesis, individuals restrain their reproductive effort to sustain future survival and gain more time for reproducing, whereas under the Senescence process, reproduction is constrained because of somatic deterioration. While these hypotheses imply that reproduction is costly, they should have contrasted implications in terms of survival after late reproduction and somatic maintenance.

Testing these hypotheses requires proper consideration of the effects of age‐dependent reproductive effort on post‐reproduction survival and age‐related somatic functions. We experimentally tested these three hypotheses in females of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, an iteroparous and income breeder insect. We manipulated their age‐specific allocation into reproduction and observed the effects of this manipulation on their late‐life fecundity, post‐reproduction survival and immunocompetence as a measurement of somatic protection.

We found that females exhibit age‐related decline in fecundity and that this reproductive senescence is accelerated by a cost of early reproduction. The cost of reproduction had no significant effect on female longevity and their ability to survive a bacterial infection, despite that some immune cells were depleted by reproduction. We found that female post‐infection survival deteriorated with age, which could be partly explained by a decline in some immune parameters. Importantly, females did not increase their reproductive effort late in life at the expense of their late‐life post‐reproduction survival.

Late‐life reproduction in T. molitor females is senescing and not consistent with a terminal investment strategy. Rather, our results suggest that females allocate resources according to a priority scheme favouring longevity at the expense of reproduction, which is in line with the reproductive restraint hypothesis.

Such a priority scheme also shows that a relatively short‐lived insect can evolve life‐history strategies hitherto known only in long‐lived animals. This puts in perspective the role of longevity in the evolution of life‐history strategies.
The Size of Terroir: A Theoretical Note on Economics and Politics of Geographical Indications
Authors: Deconinck Koen , Swinnen Jo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGeographical indications (GI) certify the geographical origins of a product and delineate the specific area in which the certified product must be produced. Despite a large literature on the economics of GIs, few papers have explored the question of the optimal size of GI regions. This note presents a flexible conceptual framework to explore the economics and politics of the delimitation of a GI. The general framework describes the efficiency and distributional effects of the size of a GI and shows how this affects interest groups’ incentives to influence government decision‐making.
Chrysomya albicepsWiedemann (Diptera: Calliphoridae) colonising poisoned rabbit carcasses
Authors: Mashaly Ashraf , Al‐Khalifa Mohammed , Al‐Qahtni Abdullah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChrysomia albicepsWiedemann (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is one of the first insects to colonise human and animal carrion and thus one of the most important insects in forensic entomology. Since the presence of these blow flies have been reported in most of the provinces in Saudi Arabia, we analyse the succession patterns ofC. albicepson decomposing rabbit carcasses injected with heroin or administered orally with alcoholic beverages. Samples of flies from the carcasses of heroin or alcohol‐treated and untreated rabbits were obtained for 15 days post mortem. A total of 1,297 and 1,426 flies were attracted to rabbit carcasses during the heroin and alcohol tests, respectively. The blow flies appeared in different developmental instars (larvae, pupae and adults), and at all stages of decomposition. Administration of higher concentrations of heroin or higher amounts of alcohol were generally associated with an increase in the number of blow flies drawn to rabbit carcasses (P < 0.05). The highest number of blow flies were attracted during the decay stage of decomposition, and the lowest during the fresh stage. In the case of medicolegal investigation, whenC. albicepsused as a forensic indicator, it is recommended that the impact of heroin or alcoholic beverages on the succession patterns be considered.
A deep active learning system for species identification and counting in camera trap images
Authors: Norouzzadeh Mohammad Sadegh , Morris Dan , Beery Sara , Joshi Neel , Jojic Nebojsa , Clune Jeff 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

A typical camera trap survey may produce millions of images that require slow, expensive manual review. Consequently, critical conservation questions may be answered too slowly to support decision‐making. Recent studies demonstrated the potential for computer vision to dramatically increase efficiency in image‐based biodiversity surveys; however, the literature has focused on projects with a large set of labelled training images, and hence many projects with a smaller set of labelled images cannot benefit from existing machine learning techniques. Furthermore, even sizable projects have struggled to adopt computer vision methods because classification models overfit to specific image backgrounds (i.e. camera locations).

In this paper, we combine the power of machine intelligence and human intelligence via a novel active learning system to minimize the manual work required to train a computer vision model. Furthermore, we utilize object detection models and transfer learning to prevent overfitting to camera locations. To our knowledge, this is the first work to apply an active learning approach to camera trap images.

Our proposed scheme can match state‐of‐the‐art accuracy on a 3.2 million image dataset with as few as 14,100 manual labels, which means decreasing manual labelling effort by over 99.5%. Our trained models are also less dependent on background pixels, since they operate only on cropped regions around animals.

The proposed active deep learning scheme can significantly reduce the manual labour required to extract information from camera trap images. Automation of information extraction will not only benefit existing camera trap projects, but can also catalyse the deployment of larger camera trap arrays.
Life tables for the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in southeast Brazil indicate ants and spiders as leading mortality factors
Authors: Farias Elizeu S. , Santos Renata C. , Carmo Daiane G. , Soares João R. S. , Costa Thiago L. , Santos Abraão A. , Picanço Marcelo C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lep.: Plutellidae), causes significant losses in Brassica crops. Leaf consumption by the larvae reduces plant yield and causes the contamination of heading brassicas. Chemical control usually provides unsatisfactory results due to the quickly developed resistance of DBM populations to insecticides. Thus, natural control by biotic factors (predators, parasitoids, and entomopathogens) is crucial and should be managed upon knowledge of their role as DBM regulators. The leading mortality factors of DBM across the annual seasons in southeast Brazil were investigated by conducting 57 field life tables for 2 years. The highest and lowest total mortalities of DBM occurred in winter (99.7%) and autumn (94%). Predation was the main mortality factor in all seasons. Marginal parasitism rates were higher in spring and lower in autumn, and Oomyzus sokolowskii (Hym.: Eulophidae) accounted for almost 90% of total parasitism. The highest mortalities by rainfall were recorded in spring (44.5%), while physiological death and infection caused low mortalities (≤ 6%) throughout the seasons. In addition, models were built to investigate the main predators acting on the DBM life stages; Araneae, Brachymyrmex bruchi, and Tetramorium simillimum (Hym.: Formicidae) were the predators associated with egg/L1 predation whereas Solenopsis saevissima, T. simillimum and Camponotus spp. (Hym.: Formicidae) were the ones responsible for L4/pupa predation. The L2/L3 stage was the least affected by predation, and the final model for this stage did not include any predator. In light of these findings, habitat manipulation and insecticide selectivity are discussed as measures to preserve the main predators and parasitoid.
Interpreting the results of clinical trials, embracing uncertainty: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Frost Steven A. , Alexandrou Evan , Schulz Luis , Aneman Anders 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMost clinical trials use null hypothesis significance testing with frequentist statistical inference to report P values and confidence intervals for effect estimates. This method leads to a dichotomisation of results as ‘significant’ or ‘non‐significant’. A more nuanced interpretation may often be considered and in particular when the majority of the confidence interval for the effect estimate suggests benefit or harm. In contrast to the frequentist dichotomised approach based on a P value, the application of Bayesian statistics allocates credibility to a continuous spectrum of possibilities and for this reason a Bayesian approach to inference is often warranted as it will incorporate uncertainty when updating our current belief with information from a new trial. The use of Bayesian statistics is introduced in this paper for a hypothetical sepsis trial with worked examples in the R language for Statistical Computing environment and the open‐source statistical software JASP. It is hoped that this general introduction to Bayesian inference stimulates some interest and confidence among clinicians to consider applying these methods to the interpretation of new evidence for interventions relevant to anaesthesia and intensive care medicine.
Streamlining and simplification of surgical stent fabrication for micro‐endodontic surgery
Authors: George Roy , Cameron Andrew , Meer Mohammed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSurgical stents allow clinicians to undertake micro‐endodontic surgical procedures with an increased level of accuracy. When planned in combination with cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographic imaging, surgical stents can help accurately determine the point of entry of the surgical drill, minimise the size of the osteotomy, ensure accurate resection of the root/s and avoid vital anatomical structures. Fabrication of surgical stents can, however, be a complex and long‐drawn‐out process, adding to the cost of the surgery. This case report presents a relatively easy method of fabricating a surgical guide and showcases the benefits of a planned surgical guide in managing a periapical pathology with close proximity to the mental nerve canal.
A preclinical trial of perventricular pulmonary valve implantation: Pericardial versus aortic porcine valves mounted on self‐expandable stent
Authors: Kim Min‐Seok , Lee Whal , Kim Ki‐Bum , Lim Hong‐Gook , Kim Yong Jin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPerventricular pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) of a xenograft valve can be a less invasive technique that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass in patients who require pulmonary valve replacement. We compared the hemodynamics, durability, and histologic changes between two different xenogenic valves (pericardial vs. aortic valve porcine xenografts) implanted into the pulmonary valve position using a PPVI technique and evaluated the safety and efficacy of PPVI as a preclinical study. In 18 sheep, pericardial (group porcine pericardial [PP], n = 9) or aortic valve (group porcine aortic valve [PAV], n = 9) xenogenic porcine valves manufactured as a stented valve were implanted using a PPVI technique. The porcine tissues were decellularized, alpha‐galactosidase treated, fixed with glutaraldehyde after space‐filler treatment, and detoxified to improve durability. Hemodynamic and immunohistochemical studies were performed after the implantation; radiologic and histologic studies were performed after a terminal procedure. All stented valves were positioned properly after the implantation, and echocardiography and cardiac catheterization demonstrated good hemodynamic state and function of the valves. All the anti‐α‐Gal IgM and IgG titers were below 0.3 optical density. Computed tomography of extracted valves demonstrated no significant differences in the degree of calcification between the two groups (P = .927). Microscopic findings revealed a minimal amount of calcification and no significant infiltration of macrophage or T‐cell in both groups, regardless of the implantation duration. The PPVI is a feasible technique. Both stented valves made of PP and PAV showed no significant differences in hemodynamic profile, midterm durability, and degree of degenerative dystrophic calcification.
COVID‐19 Increases Online Searches for Emotional and Health‐Related Terms
Authors: Du Hongfei , Yang Jing , King Ronnel B. , Yang Lei , Chi Peilian 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has powerfully shaped people’s lives. The current work investigated the emotional and behavioral reactions people experience in response to COVID‐19 through their internet searches. We hypothesised that when the prevalence rates of COVID‐19 increase, people would experience more fear, which in turn would predict more searches for protective behaviors, health‐related knowledge, and panic buying.MethodsPrevalence rates of COVID‐19 in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia were used as predictors. Fear‐related emotions, protective behaviors, seeking health‐related knowledge, and panic buying were measured using internet search volumes in Google Trends.ResultsWe found that increased prevalence rates of COVID‐19 were associated with more searches for protective behaviors, health knowledge, and panic buying. This pattern was consistent across four countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Fear‐related emotions explained the associations between COVID‐19 and the content of their internet searches.ConclusionsFindings suggest that exposure to COVID‐19 prevalence and fear‐related emotions may motivate people to search for relevant health‐related information so as to protect themselves from the pandemic.
An evaluation of online discussion relating to nonmedical use of prescription opioids within the UK
Authors: Hockenhull Joanna , Black Joshua C. , Bletz Alex , Margolin Zachary , Olson Rick , Wood David M. , Dart Richard C. , Dargan Paul I. 
Published: October 2020

AimTo identify and describe the nature of online discussion relating to prescription opioids within the UK.MethodsWe performed analysis of posts originating in the UK related to buprenorphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and tramadol using Social Studio, a web‐monitoring platform. The study included posts published between January 2014 and December 2016. The data were cleaned to produce a final dataset consisting only of substantive mentions, which were then categorised by defined themes.ResultsThe final dataset included a total of 17 361 substantive mentions (2936 buprenorphine, 2894 hydrocodone, 3826 oxycodone and 7705 tramadol). The most common theme for all 4 drugs was sharing experience or opinion comprising over 90% of mentions for each drug, while discussion related to polysubstance use was present in >1/4 of mentions across drug substances. Mentions related to diversion were more common for hydrocodone and oxycodone (8.1% [6.3–10.1 95% confidence interval] and 7.8% [6.5–9.2], respectively) than buprenorphine or tramadol (4.1 and 3.9% [3.5–4.3], respectively).ConclusionThis investigation shows that there is substantial online discussion relating to a variety of nonmedical use (NMU) behaviours of prescription opioids within the UK, including for hydrocodone, which is not medically available. Web monitoring provides useful data and merits future investigation; this could include expansion to other categories of drugs and a more in‐depth analysis of motivations behind NMU, both of which could add timely evidence regarding the current situation in the UK and help inform public health interventions for NMU of prescription drugs.
Interstitial pneumonitis related to trastuzumab deruxtecan, a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐targeting Ab–drug conjugate, in monkeys
Authors: Kumagai Kazuyoshi , Aida Tetsuo , Tsuchiya Yoshimi , Kishino Yuki , Kai Kiyonori , Mori Kazuhiko 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTrastuzumab deruxtecan (T‐DXd: DS‐8201a) is an anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) Ab–drug conjugated with deruxtecan (DXd), a derivative of exatecan. The objective of this study was to characterize T‐DXd‐induced lung toxicity in cynomolgus monkeys. Trastuzumab deruxtecan was injected i.v. into monkeys once every 3 weeks for 6 weeks (10, 30, and 78.8 mg/kg) or for 3 months (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg). To evaluate the involvement of DXd alone in T‐DXd‐induced toxicity, DXd monohydrate was given i.v. to monkeys once a week for 4 weeks (1, 3, and 12 mg/kg). Interstitial pneumonitis was observed in monkeys given T‐DXd at 30 mg/kg or more. The histopathological features of diffuse lymphocytic infiltrates and slight fibrosis were similar to interstitial lung diseases (ILD)/pneumonitis related to anticancer drugs in patients, with an incidence that was dose‐dependent and dose‐frequency‐dependent. Monkeys receiving DXd monohydrate did not suffer lung toxicity, although the DXd exposure level was higher than that of DXd in the monkeys given T‐DXd. The HER2 expression in monkey lungs was limited to the bronchial level, although the lesions were found at the alveolar level. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that T‐DXd localization was mainly in alveolar macrophages, but not pulmonary epithelial cells. These findings indicate that monkeys are an appropriate model for investigating T‐DXd‐related ILD/pneumonitis. The results are also valuable for hypothesis generation regarding the possible mechanism of T‐DXd‐induced ILD/pneumonitis in which target‐independent uptake of T‐DXd into alveolar macrophages could be involved. Further evaluation is necessary to clarify the mechanism of ILD/pneumonitis in patients with T‐DXd therapy.
Multilayer weighted integrated self‐learning algorithm for automatic diagnosis of epileptic electroencephalogram signals
Authors: Zhao Jian , Zhao Di , Shi Lijuan , Kuang Zhejun , Jing Weipeng , Wang Huihui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEpilepsy is a common mental disorder that affects about 70 million people worldwide. Epileptic electroencephalogram (EEG) signal, an important means to judge epileptic seizure, needs neurologists' prior knowledge to mark manually. This marking method is time‐consuming and laborious. Currently, the existing automated diagnosis methods have achieved good results on one benchmark EEG dataset, most of which can achieve accuracy of more than 0.95. However, the method has limitations on the dataset, and the accuracy of the diagnosis results on another new dataset drops sharply to nearly 0.5. Aiming at the existing EEG signal diagnosis lacks stability and generalization ability, this paper proposed a multilayer‐weighted integrated self‐learning algorithm for different classifiers. For this algorithm, weighted voting was first conducted on the the diagnostic results by different classifiers to obtain a result, which was weighted again to produce the final diagnostic results. This algorithm improves the problem that the traditional self‐learning algorithm is greatly affected by data noise, which shows a strong stability in different data sets and in clinical epileptic EEG signal data detection, so as to reduce the workload of neurologists and provide support and assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. The experiment result shows that the algorithm can improve the stability and reliability of EEG automatic diagnosis of epilepsy. The accuracy and AUC area of its classification in two different public data sets and clinical data can reach 0.80 to 0.95.