bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking of Six Sigma in telecom services
Authors: Dalalah Doraid 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess and benchmark Six Sigma strategies in services sector, namely, the telecom field, by establishing tables of fallouts of non-conforming services and their associated costs along with a custom data envelopment model for benchmarking the different strategic alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach
Under normality assumption, process fallout in Six Sigma is around 0.002/3.4 part per million for a centered/shifted process. By introducing Six Sigma to applications in services sector, normality assumption may no longer be valid; hence, fallouts of non-normal attributes are computed for different one-sided quality levels. The associated costs of strategy deployment, fallout and transaction completion are all considered. Data envelopment analysis model is also established to benchmark the Six Sigma strategic plans. The strategies are detailed down to processes and to quality characteristics which constitute the decision-making units. The efficiency of each service unit is computed using both CCR and super efficiency models.

Findings
The amount of efforts/costs needed to reduce the variation in a service may differ according to the targeted quality level. For the same Six Sigma quality level, services demonstrate different performance/efficiencies and hence different returns. In some scenarios, moderate quality levels could present high efficiencies as compared to services of higher levels. It was also found that the required improvement is less in the case of Log-normal as compared to normal distributions at some quality levels. This observation is also noted across the presented distributions of this study (Normal, Log-normal, Exponential, Gamma and Weibull).

Social implications
The deployment of Six Sigma in services is mostly found in time-related concepts such as timeliness of billing, lifetimes in reliability engineering, queueing theory, healthcare and telecommunication.

Originality/value
The paper contributes to the existing research by presenting an assessment model of Six Sigma strategies in services of non-normal distributions. Strategies of different quality levels present diverse efficiencies; hence, higher quality levels may not be the best alternatives in terms of the returns on investment. The computed fallout rates of the different distributions can serve as palm lines for further deployment of Six Sigma in services. Besides, the combination of optimization and Six Sigma analysis provides additional benchmarking tool of strategic plans in both manufacturing and services sector.
Induction-assisted laser welding taking into account phase changes
Authors: Kotlan Václav , Hamar Roman , Smolyanov Ivan Alexandrovich , Doležel Ivo 
Published: June 2019

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the modeling of the induction-assisted laser welding process taking into account the keyhole effect and phase changes in the material.Design/methodology/approachA sophisticated mathematical model of the above heat treatment process is presented, taking into account the above phenomena and all available nonlinearities of the material. Its numerical solution is carried out using the finite element method incorporating algorithms for the deformation of geometry and solution of the flow field.FindingsUnlike various simplified models solved in the past, this approach incorporating a sophisticated model of heat transfer and flow of melt is able to reach a very accurate solution, differing only by a small error (not more than 8 per cent) from the experiment.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented model does not consider several subtle phenomena related to the evaporation of metal after irradiation of the material by a laser beam. In fact, at the heated spot, all three phases of the material coexist. The evaporated metal forms a capillary leak off and forms a cloud above the spot of irradiation. Due to the absorption of laser power in this cloud, the process of heating decelerates, which leads to a decrease in the process efficiency.Practical implicationsThe presented model and methodology of its solution may represent a basis for design of the process of laser welding.Originality/valueThe main value is the proposal of numerical model for solution a complex multiphysical model with respecting several physical phenomena whose results are available in a short time and still with a good agreement with the experimental verification.
Numerical investigation of the condensation flow characteristics and modification optimization of a condensing steam turbine cascade
Authors: Han Xu , Zeng Wei , Han Zhonghe 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improved the efficiency of condensing steam turbines by legitimately reforming the flow structure. It is of great significance to study the condensation flow characteristics of wet steam for optimizing the operation of condensing steam turbines.

Design/methodology/approach
A two-fluid model was used to study the wet steam flow in a stator cascade. The effects of the inlet temperature and pressure drop on the cascade performance were analyzed. On this basis, endwall protrusion models were set up at varied axial position on the pressure surface to evaluate the wetness control and loss under different design conditions for cascade optimization.

Findings
The analysis indicates that increasing the inlet temperature or decreasing the pressure drop can effectively control the steam wetness but increase the droplet radius. The increasing inlet temperature can delay the condensation and alleviate the deterioration of the aerodynamic performance of cascades. The non-axisymmetric endwall can significantly affect the distribution of steam parameters below its height and slightly reduce the droplet radius. Compared with the original stator cascade, the optimum design conditions reduce the steam wetness by 8.07 per cent and the total pressure loss by 6.91 per cent below a 20 per cent blade height.

Originality/value
These research results can serve as a reference for condensing steam turbine wetness losses evaluation and flow passage optimization design.
Measuring output-based technical efficiency of Indian coal-based thermal power plants
Authors: Murty Sushama , Nagpal Resham 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to measure technical efficiency of Indian thermal power sector employing the recent by-production approach.

Design/methodology/approach
The by-production approach is used in conjunction with data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) of India to compute the output-based Färe, Grosskopf, Lovell (FGL) efficiency index and its decomposition into productive and environmental efficiency indexes for the ITPPs

Findings
The authors show that given the aggregated nature of data on coal reported by CEA, CEA’s computation of CO2 emissions through a deterministic linear formula that does not distinguish between different coal types and the tiny share of oil in coal-based power plants, the computed output-based environmental efficiency indexes are no longer informative. Meaningful measurement of environmental efficiency using CEA data is possible only along the dimension of the coal input. Productive efficiency is positively associated with the engineering concept of thermodynamic/energy efficiency and is also high for power plants with high operating availabilities reflecting better management and O&M practices. Both these factors are high for private and centrally owned as opposed to state-owned power-generating companies. The example of Sipat demonstrates the importance of (ultra)supercritical technologies in increasing productive and thermodynamic efficiencies of the ITPPs, while also reducing CO2 emitted per unit of the net electricity generated.

Originality/value
This paper uses the by-production approach for the first time to measure technical efficiency of ITPPs and highlights how the nature of the Indian data impacts on efficiency measurement.
Effective productivity management of mixed flower farms
Authors: Bechar Avital , Vitner Gad 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of low yields in the packinghouses of green ornamentals and cut flowers due to the high rate of crops waste. Waste may be caused by pests, diseases and extreme weather or environmental conditions that are not under the farmer’s control. Other causes may relate to work processes as follows: irrigation, spraying, harvesting, handling, transportation, sorting, bundling and packaging.

Design/methodology/approach
The farm under study is a private owned business managed by the owner’s family members with growing area of 22 ha and eight daily workers. The farm produces about 2.5m units (flower stems) per year. The farm represents a typical flower farm in Israel. A costing model and decision rules were developed to identify the critical waste rate that will consider being economic to ship to the market. The model takes into account the production process, the production yield, the operational costs and sales price and calculates the breakeven point. A simulation model was developed to verify the relationships between waste rate to the total process time per stem and flow time.

Findings
Results show that the critical waste rate for Ruscus, Antirrhinum, Aralia and Aspidistra crops is 16, 74, 22 and 39 percent, respectively. The total process time per harvested stem decreases as the waste rate increases.

Originality/value
A working model was developed to determine the waste threshold rate and support the farmer in day-to-day economic decisions regarding shipment to the market and effective management of his workers.
Stay in touch! New insights into end-user attitudes towards engagement platforms
Authors: Marino Vittoria , Lo Presti Letizia 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
Because engagement platforms are becoming an emerging service research context, the purpose of this paper is to understand how consumers may be segmented with respect to attitude towards the mobile instant messaging (MIM) apps used as channels for customer service.

Design/methodology/approach
Consumers are segmented on the basis of perception of MIM apps by means of data from 478 consumers. A two-step cluster analysis was used to individuate groups according to the similarity of their attitudinal variables and their chat experience with organizations using MIM, while the discriminant function analysis was used to assess the stability of the cluster solution.

Findings
Three segments were identified – benevolent, proactive and hesitant – along with significant descriptive variables, such as interaction with organization, opinion regarding effort expectancy, perception of usefulness and perceived ease of technology use. The most engaged, the proactive (30%), are most open to interaction with the organization by means of MIM, while the benevolent (51%) look favourably on the use of instant messaging to communicate with organizations, even if this cluster has never used it with an organization.

Practical implications
Understanding how potential customers receive the opportunities offered by MIM as a new channel for improving, extending or completing the service helps to guide the efforts of marketing investments towards a better relationship with customers.

Originality/value
This study explores the use of MIM apps on the part of the customer/organization as engagement platforms from the customer point-of-view. The study highlights how MIM apps can be valuable channels for weaving together relations with customers.
Application level of lean construction techniques in reducing accidents in construction projects
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Saleh Nour , Mohamed Sherif 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the application of lean construction (LC) techniques in reducing accidents in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used to collect the required data using a questionnaire survey and descriptive analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The LC techniques that were investigated in this paper are related to the tools of the last planner system (LPS), increased visualisation (IV), 5S, error-proofing, daily huddle meetings (DHMs), first-run studies (FRS), continuous improvement (Kaizen) and accident investigation (5Whys).

Findings
The overall results indicated that LC techniques are poorly implemented in construction projects in the Gaza Strip. The top three LC tools used to reduce the causes of accidents in the Gaza construction projects were 5Whys, 5S and LPS, while the highest three LC techniques applied to reduce the causes of accidents that were applicable were cleaning the workplace and removing materials and machines that are not required; conducting accident investigation and root cause analysis programmes; and using safety signs and labels on site.

Research limitations/implications
There is a lack of information and published studies regarding the links between LC and safety, especially in the Middle East. This paper is limited to the perceptions and geographical boundaries; therefore, it cannot be generalised. However, it could form the basis for useful comparison in the future. Triangulation research method could also be used in future research to minimise the bias and validate the conclusions.

Practical implications
The findings of this paper will stress professionals and construction companies in Gaza to reconsider their behaviour towards using LC techniques. The findings of this paper will aid them to shift their attention and resources towards including LC techniques in their plans to reduce the causes of accidents on construction sites.

Social implications
The findings of this paper will encourage professionals and construction companies in Gaza to reconsider their behaviour towards using LC techniques. The findings will also aid them to shift their attention and resources towards including LC techniques in their plans to reduce and/or avoid the causes of accidents on construction.

Originality/value
Because of the lack of published works that are specific to the Middle East, the authors believe that the originality lies in the paper’s serious attempt to explore the application level of the LC concept to safety in this part of the world. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the applicability of LC techniques in terms of accidents reduction. Findings from this paper provide a clear picture of the current status of using LC techniques to reduce accidents in the Gazan construction projects which drive them to investigate the main barriers and try to overcome them.
Is feedback to tutors the key to supporting quality in adult education?
Authors: Wilson Euan 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine best practices in supporting tutors in academic quality within private training enterprises (PTEs) in New Zealand and to make practical recommendations for people working in the tertiary education sector.

Design/methodology/approach
A hypothesis is proposed, which is then tested using a case study examining what support from the quality assurance section of a PTE’s tutors perceive to be important. The hypothesis is that additional feedback is required for tutors. The results are compared with those on the literature on quality assurance to see if there is consistency in themes.

Findings
The primary themes that emerged from interview and survey data were that tutors with more than three years of experience feel they would benefit from more regular, clear and constructive feedback and that these tutors need support during any programme-related changes.

Research limitations/implications
This research highlights that the quality of feedback is crucial in education and a worthwhile area of further investigation. Limitations include the size of the sample of interviewees and that the study was based on only one organization in New Zealand. Future research is also suggested, which could include data from other tertiary educational institutions.

Practical implications
The paper concludes with a practical overview of “dos” and two “don’ts” identified from the case study. The objective is to share recommendations in a practical and useable way with other practitioners.

Social implications
This account of an inquiry into internal quality assurance processes and outcomes offers transferable learnings to tutors, academic quality assurance teams, employers and other stakeholders across the education sector.

Originality/value
The conclusion drawn from this is case study is that educational organisations should ensure that anyone tasked with providing feedback to tutors is first coached themselves; otherwise, the feedback can be unhelpful.
Temperature analysis by moving heat source during plasma arc cutting process: an analytical approach
Authors: Naik Deepak Kumar , Maity Kalipada 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to work exhibits the temperature distribution over the surface of the workpiece during plasma arc cutting process.

Design/methodology/approach
The moving heat source is taken into consideration for calculating the heat created by plasma arc. The heat is generated at the plasma – liquid metal boundary. The heat of fusion is also considered for estimation because of molten layer separates the plasma and solid layer. This causes to hamper the heat transfer towards the melting front. Eliminating the heat resistance may calculation error at high cutting speed. Power required to melt the material depends on the speed of the cut.

Findings
Higher cutting speed increases the power required. The temperature drop over the layer of molten front increases as the speed of cut increases at higher Peclet number. Different thickness of the molten layer was taken for calculation i.e. zero thickness, 10 and 20 per cent.

Originality/value
The estimated results are shown in non-dimensional form. So, the method can be applied for any other types of material.
Efficacy and safety of risankizumab in Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Results from the SustaIMM phase 2/3 trial
Authors: Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Fujita Hideki , Watanabe Mitsunori , Suzaki Keiko , Flack Mary , Huang Xin , Kitamura Susumu , Valdes Joaquin , Igarashi Atsuyuki 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRisankizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, selectively inhibits interleukin‐23, a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, by binding to its p19 subunit. In SustaIMM (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03000075), a phase 2/3, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study, Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (n = 171) were stratified by bodyweight and concomitant psoriatic arthritis and randomized 2:2:1:1 to 75 mg risankizumab, 150 mg risankizumab, placebo with cross‐over to 75 mg risankizumab and placebo with cross‐over to 150 mg risankizumab. Dosing was at weeks 0, 4, 16, 28 and 40, with placebo cross‐over to risankizumab at week 16. The primary end‐point was 90% or more improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI‐90) at week 16 for risankizumab versus placebo. Missing data were imputed as non‐response. All primary and psoriasis‐related secondary end‐points were met for both risankizumab doses (P < 0.001). At week 16, PASI‐90 responses were significantly higher in patients receiving 75 mg (76%) or 150 mg (75%) risankizumab versus placebo (2%). Corresponding response rates were 86%, 93% and 10% for static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) score of clear/almost clear; 90%, 95% and 9% for PASI‐75; and 22%, 33% and 0% for PASI‐100, with significantly higher responses for both risankizumab doses versus placebo. Through week 52, PASI and sPGA responses increased or were maintained and treatment‐emergent adverse events were comparable across treatment groups. Both doses of risankizumab were superior to placebo in treating patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The safety profile was consistent with previous risankizumab trials, with no new or unexpected safety findings.
Testing and using complete plastomes and ribosomal DNA sequences as the next generation DNA barcodes in Panax (Araliaceae)
Authors: Ji Yunheng , Liu Changkun , Yang Zhenyan , Yang Lifang , He Zhengshan , Wang Hengchang , Yang Junbo , Yi Tingshuang 
Published: June 2019

AbstractComplete plastid genome (plastome) sequences and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) regions have been proposed as candidates for the next generation of DNA barcodes for plant species discrimination. However, the efficacy of this approach still lacks comprehensive evaluation. We carried out a case study in the economically important but phylogenetically and taxonomically difficult genus Panax (Araliaceae). We generated a large data set of plastomes and nrDNA sequences from multiple accessions per species. Our data improved the phylogenetic resolution and levels of species discrimination in Panax, compared to any previous studies using standard DNA barcodes. This provides new insights into the speciation, lineage diversification and biogeography of the genus. However, both plastome and nrDNA failed to completely resolve the phylogenetic relationships in the Panax bipinnatifidus species complex, and only half of the species within it were recovered as monophyletic units. The results suggest that complete plastome and ribosomal DNA sequences can substantially increase species discriminatory power in plants, but they are not powerful enough to fully resolve phylogenetic relationships and discriminate all species, particularly in evolutionarily young and complex plant groups. To gain further resolving power for closely related species, the addition of substantial numbers of nuclear markers is likely to be required.
MEMORY, PLACE, AND LANDSCAPE IN ROMAN SYRIA: THE VIEW FROM THE SANCTUARIES OF MOUNT LEBANON
Authors: NEWSON PAUL 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe creation of memory and place within landscapes has received considerable critical attention in archaeology in recent years, with a focus on power relations, social cohesion, and social memory. As yet, such notions have not been fully explored within Roman contexts, generally in the Eastern Mediterranean, and particularly within the Roman province of Syria. In this region, the well-preserved Graeco-Roman temples of Lebanon have long been interpreted as powerful symbols of the Roman period. However, because of this status, study of these impressive structures has centred primarily on certain aspects, for example, the ‘Roman-ness’ of their architecture and the practical construction of their sacred landscapes. Utilizing notions of memory and power, place and performance, this paper seeks to move beyond such empirical analyses. Focusing on three case studies, it explores elements of the development of place through memory within the rural environment.