bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linear-extended-state-observer-based prescribed performance control for trajectory tracking of a robotic manipulator
Authors: Xu Bingjie , Ji Shuai , Zhang Chengrui , Chen Chao , Ni Hepeng , Wu Xiaojian 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
Trajectory tracking error of robotic manipulator has limited its applications in trajectory tracking control systems. This paper aims to improve the trajectory tracking accuracy of robotic manipulator, so a linear-extended-state-observer (LESO)-based prescribed performance controller is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach
A prescribed performance function with the convergence rate, maximum overshoot and steady-state error is derived for the output error transformation, whose stability can guarantee trajectory tracking accuracy of the original robotic system. A LESO is designed to estimate and eliminate the total disturbance, which neither requires a detailed system model nor a heavy computation load. The stability of the system is proved via the Lyapunov theory.

Findings
Comparative experimental results show that the proposed controller can achieve better trajectory tracking accuracy than proportional-integral-differential control and linear active disturbance rejection control.

Originality/value
In the LESO-based prescribed performance control (PPC), the LESO was incorporated into the PPC design, it solved the problem of stabilizing the complex transformed system and avoided the costly offline identification of dynamic model and estimated and eliminated the total disturbance in real-time with light computational burden. LESO-based PPC further improved control accuracy on the basis of linear-active-disturbance-rejection-control. The new proposed method can reduce the trajectory tracking error of the robotic manipulators effectively on the basis of simplicity and stability.
Performing an FSC audit
Authors: Cook William , Turnhout Esther , van Bommel Séverine 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) intends to promote responsible forestry through its certification scheme. The primary engine that drives this promotion is auditing. Audits serve a dual purpose: they make forest managers accountable for their claim of meeting the FSC standard, and they make the actions of auditors and auditee account-able, or able to be put into an account. The latter of these is rarely investigated, despite it being crucial to understanding how FSC audits are done.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines FSC forest certification audits as practices where the FSC standards gain meaning. In-depth analysis of these practices enables insight into how different values related to forest certification and auditing are articulated and negotiated in practice, characterizing particular modes of auditing. In this paper, the authors examine the practices of FSC forest management auditors in multi-day audits in Africa and in Spain. Their materials were analyzed and coded using Goffman’s elements of dramaturgy.FindingsThe authors’ findings show that auditing practices entail a series of nested performances in which the auditors and auditees interact together and in which front stage and back stage performances constantly alternate as auditors and auditees perform for each other and simultaneously for an absent audience.Originality/valueThe authors’ analysis demonstrates how in these performances, professional values related to following auditing rules and ensuring that audits are rendered account-able in a particular way take a prominent position. This risks overshadowing the accountability of the FSC system which is ultimately grounded in its ambition to improve forest conservation and management.
Assessing the impact of cloud-based services on the talent management of employees
Authors: Liu Dan , Darbandi Mehdi 
Published: June 2021

PurposeFundamental literature exists on the employment of diverse information technology (IT) innovations relied on utility computing, a little experimental literature exists on cloud computing adoption by medium enterprises. So, this essay aims to analyze the determinants of the acceptance of cloud computing in medium-sized organizations. It also targets the impact of cloud-depended services on employers' talent management in the analysis areas of research reports, hypotheses and frameworks used by them.Design/methodology/approachCloud computing is a novel and notable development in the network application field with a novel IT viewpoint. The present investigation aims to assist and enrich the scientific argument regarding the phenomenon nominated cloud computing from a managerial perspective. A quantitative study design was utilized to gather and analyze the data. In total, 345 employees from different medium enterprises reported their perspectives via an online survey. Partial least squares was used to evaluate the model of the study. The investigation was performed from April 2020 to November 2020.FindingsAs expected, the empirical analysis results revealed that cloud computing adaption drivers positively and significantly associated with talent management. The results showed that organizational level is the most important factor in the effectiveness of talent management. Further, this study established a cloud strategy that moderates the relationships between cloud computing adaption drivers and talent management. As a general result, organization managers must implement cloud computing to improve organizational performance, reduce costs, enhance organizational innovation and reduce repetitive work. So, international trade facilitates and helps the country's economy.Research limitations/implicationsThere are still some drawbacks of this analysis that require addressing the findings. Initially, the authors gathered a country's data. Second, by considering multiple significant structures from four aspects, they established the study model. Third, utilizing one-time cross-sectional data, the suggested model was evaluated. As a proposal, future researchers could investigate cloud computing adoption drivers' outcomes within other organizations.Originality/valueThis research presents a straightforward and easy model for understanding the cloud's effect on employee talent management. By systematizing the unrelated studies on the subject and organizing those contributions into strong managerial literature paradigms, such an aim has been accomplished.
Revisiting the “matching managers to strategy” argument in the context of a firm’s internationalisation strategy
Authors: Kaczmarek Szymon , Nyuur Richard B. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to revisit the long-standing in the management literature argument of “matching managers to strategy” in the new empirical context of the top management team (TMT) and firm internationalisation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of matching nationalities of the TMT members to the multinational corporations’ (MNC) countries of operation.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on the quantitative methods. The authors use the traditional regression analysis, with the ordinary least squares estimation, in the moderated multiple regression models.FindingsThe study findings point to the importance of the asset-based exposure to international environments for the benefits of the TMT nationality matching to materialise. They re-affirm the critical remarks on the early “matching managers to strategy” frameworks, which indicated that the effectiveness of matching is underpinned by the detailed specification of the matching contingencies that influence the matching process.Originality/valueThe measure of matching the TMT foreign nationals to the MNCs’ host countries constitutes a novel way of capturing the TMT internationalisation, as opposed to measuring the incidence of foreigners on the TMTs or the TMT nationality diversity variable. It therefore underlines the aspect of matching in terms of the cultural fit between the TMT nationalities and countries of MNCs’ operations.
Fifty years of research on takeover target prediction: a historical perspective
Authors: Tunyi Abongeh 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to review prior studies and presents a synthesis of the takeover prediction literature spanning the period 1968–2018.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a narrative review approach. It explores prior studies on takeover target prediction from a historical perspective, focusing on the evolution and development of the literature over the 50-year period.FindingsFrom a historical development perspective, prior studies in the area can be partitioned into four distinct eras. Studies in the first era (1968–1985) mainly established that takeover targets share common characteristics which can be captured with financial ratios. Studies in the second era (1986–2002) developed and extended formal target prediction hypotheses. These studies concluded that it was impossible to build a successful investment strategy around takeover target prediction. Studies in the third era (2003–2009) explored similar questions using alternative modelling techniques but arrive at similar results – targets can be predicted with limited accuracy and target prediction is unlikely to lead to abnormal returns. Studies in the fourth era (2010–2018) explore implications of M&A predictability on share valuation, governance and bond prices (amongst others), but most importantly, provide some evidence that takeover prediction can lead to abnormal returns when combined with appropriate screening strategies.Originality/valueThis presents the first in-depth review of the literature on takeover target prediction. It highlights the development of the literature over four distinct eras and identifies several limitations, research gaps and opportunities for future research. Given the recent decline in the literature (i.e. fourth era), this study may stimulate new research in the area.
The Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster: A Case Study in the Analysis of Binary Data Using Scatter Diagrams and Logit Regression
Authors: Dixon Robert 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article offers an instructive example of the usefulness of scatter diagrams and of logit regression in decision making. On the morning of 28 January 1986 a US space shuttle named ‘Challenger’ exploded soon after take‐off killing all seven crew members who were on board. The launch went ahead on a very cold morning despite attempts by a group of engineers to halt it. They argued that it was unsafe to proceed given the likelihood of malfunctions occurring when the temperature was below freezing. They failed to convince the decision makers involved of any strong connection between temperature at launch and the malfunction of a particular crucial part. This articles discusses how the engineers’ proper use of scatter diagrams and/or logit regression would likely have supported a convincing case to delay the launch of the shuttle.
From Rationing to Rights: Creating a Universal Entitlement to Aged Care
Authors: Duckett Stephen , Stobart Anika 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article presents an argument for creating a universal entitlement to aged care. Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, significant reform of Australia's aged care system is needed. The current policy of rationing care must end, because it leaves too many older Australians without the level of care they need. It should be replaced with an aged care system that is underpinned by an objective to support the rights of older Australians, including their right to independently assessed, government funded, reasonable and necessary needs‐based care. This more equitable approach will require a massive boost in government spending to ensure all older Australians get the care and support they need, when they need it.
Improving Consumer‐Centred Aged Care: Addressing Issues of Sustainability, Service Integration and Market Incentives
Authors: Woods Michael , Corderoy Grant 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Australian Government is preparing to implement its next tranche of reforms to publicly subsidised aged care services. While prompted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, this is also the next step in an ongoing program of improvement. System sustainability should remain a core concern, shared alike by consumers, providers, regulators and taxpayers. Some unfinished business should also be addressed. First, creating an integrated range of client‐centred services; second introducing market‐based incentives that empower residential care consumers to exercise choice and control and encourage competing providers to improve quality, safety and efficiency.
Replication in field ecology: Identifying challenges and proposing solutions
Authors: Filazzola Alessandro , Cahill James F. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Field ecology has been included in a ‘replication crisis’ that extends across many scientific disciplines. However, the underlying concepts of replication, reproducibility and replicability are not always clearly distinguished, and complicate the identification of best practices. Furthermore, conducting experiments under the high variability of natural field conditions reduces the capacity for replication relative to other biological disciplines working under controlled conditions. Field ecologists are therefore facing a significant challenge in assessing the replicability of their research with implications for overall confidence in study outcomes.

Through a review of the literature, we discuss several related aspects of experimental design that can enhance confidence in scientific outcomes. Specifically, we describe sample replication (repeat sample), within‐study replication (repeat experiment) and between‐study replication (repeat study) and how each can be used within field ecology. Since perfect between‐study replication (i.e. direct replication) is generally not possible in field ecology, we suggest more explicit use of conceptual replication would enhance confidence in scientific outcomes. However, such changes require cultural shifts in practice among all participants in the scientific enterprise.

We suggest several tangible steps could be taken to improve confidence in ecological research: (a) increase the use of within‐study replication before publication, (b) increase replicability for aspects that we can control (e.g. pre‐register experiments, open data, publish code), (c) divest from novelty as the primary criterion for publication in leading ecological journals and invest in experimental design, (d) be sceptical of contradictory findings from studies testing similar research questions and (e) create a publishing environment that encourages more conceptual replication studies.

We believe adopting these practices will increase the confidence in results for field ecology. There are critical obstacles that could prevent some scientists from increasing within‐study or between‐study replication, including short‐term funding mechanisms and the prospect of fewer publications. We suggest strategies to mitigate negative impacts to researchers, such as leading journals piloting new article categories and explicit mention of experimentally linked studies. We acknowledge that adopting greater replication in field ecology will require significant changes to cultural practices, but there are clear benefits for improving our confidence in science.
Soybean grain yield in highland and lowland cultivation systems: A genotype by environment interaction approach
Authors: de Souza Rafael Rodrigues , Toebe Marcos , Marchioro Volmir Sergio , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Mello Anderson Chuquel , Manfio Guilherme Liberalesso , Soldateli Francis Júnior , Soares Franciéle dos Santos , Martins Vinícius , Junges Diéssica Leticia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGenotype x environment interaction (GEI) causes constant interference in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield. This complexity tends to increase when comparing highland and lowland cultivation systems, and there has been little referenced work for these in the situation of subtropical conditions. Hence, the aims of this study were to verify the effects of genotypes, environments and GEI for soybean grain yield in highland and lowland areas with subtropical climate and to compare the adaptability and stability methodologies. The trials were carried out in two locations of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with 20 soybean cultivars on three sowing dates for each location. The experiments were conducted in a randomised block design with three replications. Given the observed magnitude of the GEI, its simple and complex parts were quantified for further analysis of adaptability and stability, using the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Genotype plus Genotype–Environment interaction (GGE) and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) modelling approaches, followed by the verification of similarity between the methodologies via Spearman's correlation coefficient. The complex part of the GEI represented 82.11% of the total variation associated with the GEI, whereas the simple part accounted for 17.89% of that variation. The second sowing date, in both locations, was the one that presented the best rankings according to the models used, and also, cases of specific genotype adaptability were identified in each environment. The highest yield averages were obtained in the highlands. The GGE and BLUP techniques presented genotypic ranking concordance.
TRIM33 protects osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in osteoporosis by inhibiting FOXO3a ubiquitylation and degradation
Authors: Zou De‐bo , Mou Zongyou , Wu Wenliang , Liu Haichun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to probe into the effect of TRIM33 on oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis of osteoblasts in osteoporosis and to probe into the underlying mechanism. The apoptosis of osteoblasts was induced by H2O2 treatment and tested by flow cytometry. A mouse osteoporosis model was conducted by ovariectomy (OVX). The function of TRIM33 was assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The mechanism of TRIM33 was determined by immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent staining and co‐transfection experiments. Here, we found that TRIM33 expression was lessened in the osteoblasts of patients with osteoporosis and was positively correlated with the bone mineral density of these patients. FOXO3a and TRIM33 were co‐localized in the osteoblasts nuclei. TRIM33 silence boosted FOXO3a degradation in normal osteoblasts, while TRIM33 overexpression restrained FOXO3a degradation in H2O2‐treated osteoblasts. The binding of TRIM33 to CBP and its overexpression restrained CBP‐mediated FOXO3a acetylation, thereby attenuating FOXO3a ubiquitylation. The H2O2‐induced apoptosis of osteoblasts was restrained by TRIM33 overexpression, while the FOXO3a knockdown reversed this trend. The in vivo experiments corroborated that TRIM33 overexpression attenuated the OVX‐driven impacts in mice. In general, our findings expounded that TRIM33 protected osteoblasts against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in osteoporosis and that the underlying mechanism was the restraint of FOXO3a ubiquitylation and degradation.
The effects of psychotherapies for depression on response, remission, reliable change, and deterioration: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Karyotaki Eirini , Ciharova Marketa , Miguel Clara , Noma Hisashi , Furukawa Toshi A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveMeta‐analyses of psychotherapies usually report effects sizes, while clinicians and patients need to know the proportion of patients who benefit from therapy. We conducted a meta‐analysis of therapies for depression reporting the rates of response (50% symptom reduction), remission (HAM‐D <7), clinical significant deterioration for psychotherapy, and control conditions (CAU, waitlist, and pill placebo), as well as the relative risk of these outcomes and the numbers‐needed‐to‐be‐treated (NNTs).MethodsWe searched bibliographic databases and included 228 randomized trials comparing psychotherapy for depression against control conditions (75 with low risk of bias). Only therapies with at least 10 trials were included. We extracted outcomes from the studies, and for those studies not reporting the outcomes, we used a validated method to estimate the rates.ResultsThe overall response rate in psychotherapies at 2 (±1) months after baseline was 41% (95% CI: 38~43), 17% (15~20) for usual care (CAU), and 16% (95% CI: 14~18) for waitlist. No significant differences between types of therapy were found. The NNT for therapy versus CAU was 5.3 and versus waitlist 3.9. About one third of patients remitted after therapy compared with 7%–13% in control conditions. The rates of deterioration were 5% versus 12%–13%, respectively. Most sensitivity analyses supported the general findings.ConclusionPsychotherapies for depression may be effective compared with control conditions, but more than half of patients receiving therapy do not respond and only one third remitted. More effective treatments and treatment strategies such as sequencing and combining treatments are clearly needed.
Does heroin‐assisted treatment reduce crime? A review of randomized‐controlled trials
Authors: Smart Rosanna , Reuter Peter 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsSeveral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conclude that heroin‐assisted‐treatment (HAT) has a larger benefit–cost ratio than oral methadone because HAT more reliably and substantially reduces participants’ criminal activity. This review: (1) summarizes results from RCTs concerning the comparative effectiveness of HAT for reducing criminal activity and (2) examines the role of different mechanisms for explaining changes in crime.DesignSystematic search of five databases for RCTs evaluating comparative effectiveness of HAT on participant crime outcomes and potential mediators of crime. Narrative synthesis with tabular comparisons of outcomes extracted across RCTs.SettingEurope and Canada.ParticipantsTwenty studies, spanning 10 RCTs with 2427 participants, met inclusion criteria.InterventionsHAT compared to other treatments for opioid use disorder, primarily oral methadone.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was criminal activity. Mediator outcomes included illicit heroin use, drug expenditures, employment and earnings and social functioning.FindingsAll trials found significantly reduced criminal activity among HAT participants, and four found significantly larger reductions for HAT compared to control condition [median odds ratios (ORs) = 0.45]. Reductions in crime are concentrated in drug‐related and property offenses (ORs range from 0.14 to 0.90 and from 0.12 to 1.89, respectively). Comparative efficacy of HAT for reducing illicit heroin use probably explains reductions in drug possession offenses, but does not show consistent correlation with drug dealing or property offenses. While three trials showed reductions in drug expenditures as possibly driving crime reductions, others did not report expenditures. There is little evidence that treatment effects on economic and social functioning outcomes explain within‐trial changes in criminal activity.ConclusionsExisting literature suggests that heroin‐assisted treatment reduces criminal activity, but trials varied in whether these effects exceeded those from oral methadone treatment. Inconsistency in outcome measures across trials complicates understanding drivers of heterogeneity. More detailed information on legal and illegal income, drug expenditures and social interactions could improve our understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the effect of heroin‐assisted‐treatment on crime.