bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimizing area of VLSI power distribution networks using river formation dynamics
Authors: Dash Satyabrata , Dey Sukanta , Joshi Deepak , Trivedi Gaurav 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of river formation dynamics to size the widths of power distribution network for very large-scale integration designs so that the wire area required by power rails is minimized. The area minimization problem is transformed into a single objective optimization problem subject to various design constraints, such as IR drop and electromigration constraints.Design/methodology/approachThe minimization process is carried out using river formation dynamics heuristic. The random probabilistic search strategy of river formation dynamics heuristic is used to advance through stringent design requirements to minimize the wire area of an over-designed power distribution network.FindingsA number of experiments are performed on several power distribution benchmarks to demonstrate the effectiveness of river formation dynamics heuristic. It is observed that the river formation dynamics heuristic outperforms other standard optimization techniques in most cases, and a power distribution network having 16 million nodes is successfully designed for optimal wire area using river formation dynamics.Originality/valueAlthough many research works are presented in the literature to minimize wire area of power distribution network, these research works convey little idea on optimizing very large-scale power distribution networks (i.e. networks having more than four million nodes) using an automated environment. The originality in this research is the illustration of an automated environment equipped with an efficient optimization technique based on random probabilistic movement of water drops in solving very large-scale power distribution networks without sacrificing accuracy and additional computational cost. Based on the computation of river formation dynamics, the knowledge of minimum area bounded by optimum IR drop value can be of significant advantage in reduction of routable space and in system performance improvement.
Swarm hybrid optimization for a piecewise model fitting applied to a glucose model
Authors: Acedo Luis , Botella Marta , Cortés Juan Carlos , Hidalgo J. Ignacio , Maqueda Esther , Villanueva Rafael Jacinto 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study insulin pump therapy and accurate monitoring of glucose levels in diabetic patients, which are current research trends in diabetology. Both problems have a wide margin for improvement and promising applications in the control of parameters and levels involved.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have registered data for the levels of glucose in diabetic patients throughout a day with a temporal resolution of 5 minutes, the amount and time of insulin administered and time of ingestion. The estimated quantity of carbohydrates is also monitored. A mathematical model for Type 1 patients was fitted piecewise to these data and the evolution of the parameters was analyzed.FindingsThey have found that the parameters for the model change abruptly throughout a day for the same patient, but this set of parameters account with precision for the evolution of the glucose levels in the test patients. This fitting technique could be used to personalize treatments for specific patients and predict the glucose-level variations in terms of hours or even shorter periods of time. This way more effective insulin pump therapies could be developed.Originality/valueThe proposed model could allow for the development of improved schedules on insulin pump therapies.
A designerly way of analyzing the customer experience
Authors: Trischler Jakob , Zehrer Anita , Westman Jessica 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usability of different design methods in understanding the customer experience from a contextual and systemic standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach
Three design methods (i.e. personas, observations and collaborative service mapping) were applied to analyze customer experiences in two service settings. These methods’ usability was compared across the two settings.

Findings
Personas, as informed by phenomenological interviews, provide insights into the customer’s broader lifeworld context. These insights assist in connecting with and understanding the customer experience from a dyadic customer-firm perspective. The involvement of the customer in service mapping activities supports the validation of findings and gives access to experience dimensions beyond the immediate service setting.

Research limitations/implications
The analysis is limited to three design methods and is based on small samples. Future research should systematically review design methods to provide a basis for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Practical implications
To successfully capture the contextual and systemic nature of the customer experience, managers should apply interpretive approaches and actively involve selected customers as “experts of their experiences”. The study provides guidelines on how design methods can be combined and applied to a more holistic customer experience analysis.

Originality/value
The paper shows that design methods, when applied in a combined form, can support an analysis that captures both in-depth insights into the customer’s lifeworld and the complexity of value constellations.
The complexity continuum, Part 1: hard and soft theories
Authors: Yolles Maurice 
Published: October 2018

PurposeComplex systems adapt to survive, but little comparative literature exists on various approaches. Adaptive complex systems are generic, this referring to propositions concerning their bounded instability, adaptability and viability. Two classes of adaptive complex system theories exist: hard and soft. Hard complexity theories include Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and Viability Theory, and softer theories, which we refer to as Viable Systems Theories (VSTs), that include Management Cybernetics at one extreme and Humanism at the other. This paper has a dual purpose distributed across two parts. In Part 1, the purpose of this paper is to identify the conditions for the complementarity of the two classes of theory. In Part 2, the purpose is to explore (in part using Agency Theory) the two classes of theory and their proposed complexity continuum.Design/methodology/approachA detailed analysis of the literature permits a distinction between hard and softer approaches towards modelling complex social systems. Hard theories are human-incommensurable, while soft ones are human-commensurable, therefore more closely related to the human condition. The characteristics that differentiate between hard and soft approaches are identified.FindingsHard theories are more restrictive than the softer theories. The latter can embrace degrees of “softness” and it is explained how hard and soft approaches can be mixed, sometimes creating Harmony.Originality/valueThere are very few explorations of the relationship between hard and soft approaches to complexity theory, and even fewer that draw in the notion of harmony.
Audit negotiations
Authors: MacTavish Carolyn 
Published: October 2018

PurposeAudit negotiations are impacted by many factors. This study aims to investigate how two such factors, communication of the National Office Accounting Consultation Unit (ACU) and the auditor’s approach, affect chief financial officers’ (CFOs’) willingness to adjust the financial statements and satisfaction with the auditor.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a 2 × 3 between-subjects experimental design. Participants are 169 highly experienced CFOs and financial officers. The experimental design crosses the two multi-dimensional auditor approaches found in the literature with two influence tactics used to communicate ACU involvement, as well as a control condition, with no communication of the ACU involvement.FindingsCommunicating the ACU’s involvement as a higher authority (similar to a boss) results in greater willingness to record an adjustment to the financial statements when auditors use a hands-off “compliance-officer” auditor approach, but lower willingness by CFOs to adjust the financial statements when auditors use an expert-advisor auditor approach as compared to when coalition tactics are used. Results also show that communicating the ACU as a higher authority negatively impacts a CFO’s satisfaction with the audit partner. Overall, these results highlight the importance of the auditor’s approach and communication of ACU involvement within the auditor–client relationship. The outcomes of this study are limited to situations where unexpected audit adjustments are found during the year-end process and thus cannot be discussed pre-emptively with clients.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper advances the understanding of how the multi-dimensional auditor’s approach can shape and limit the effectiveness of influence tactics. These factors are important, as auditors are tasked with maintaining not only quality audits but also client relationships. However, although rich in detail, factors other than auditor approach may have inadvertently been manipulated and are driving results.Practical implicationsThe approach taken by the auditor with a client throughout the audit sets the stage during the auditor–client negotiations. Therefore, audit partners must consider their own approach with the client before communicating the ACU’s involvement as the auditor approach shapes and limits the tactics available for use. Using ill-suited tactics may undermine the client’s willingness to record an adjustment to the financial statements and cause undue harm to the auditor–client relationship.Originality/valueThis paper uses highly experienced CFOs and financial officers to examine how two common elements in the audit negotiation context can significantly affect the outcome to the financial statements and the relationship between the client and audit partner.
Tax avoidance, tax risk and the cost of debt in a bank-dominated economy
Authors: Kovermann Jost Hendrik 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether tax avoidance has a positive or negative effect on firms’ cost of debt. It further investigates whether the implications for the cost of debt are different for tax avoidance and tax risk.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a sample of 201 firms listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2014, three tests are performed using pooled OLS regression. Controlling for numerous variables that have been found to influence the cost of debt, a first model examines the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt. A second model examines the relationship between tax risk and the cost of debt and a third model interacts tax avoidance with tax risk.

Findings
The results show that tax avoidance has a negative effect on the cost of debt; however, tax risk increases the cost of debt. These results indicate that creditors generally view tax avoidance as positive and that tax avoidance is not regarded as inherently risky. Although tax avoidance is rewarded by capital markets with lower interest rates, tax risk contributes to higher interest rates. The effect of tax avoidance on the cost of debt depends therefore on the level of tax risk.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to two distinct strands of research: literature investigating the driving factors behind the cost of debt and literature investigating the consequences of firms’ tax avoidance activities.
The prosocial leadership development process as a means to prepare the next generation of organizational leaders
Authors: Ewest Timothy 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to outline the prosocial leadership development process for guiding pedagogical and social justice course goals as a means to foster prosocial leadership values within the millennial generation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is guided by a social justice framework and proven classroom pedagogies as a means to align millennial characteristics within the four stages of the prosocial leadership development process.FindingsAn educational rubric is provided as a means to guide classroom pedagogies, course goals and millennial characteristics through a prosocial leadership development process.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is conceptual in nature, and therefore, theoretical correspondence remains speculative.Practical implicationsThe research in this paper provided guidelines for educators to use pedagogical practices as a means to develop prosocial values as a basis for organizational leadership behaviors.Social implicationsThis leadership development process when facilitated through proven pedagogical techniques (guided by established social justice curriculum goals) and is within the context of millennial characteristics (those born between the years 1982 and 2005) becomes catalytic in empowering leaders to be a remedy for the world’s environmental and social challenges.Originality/valueThis paper connects characteristics of millennials to a prosocial leadership development model.
The next wave of workforce engagement: technology becomes smarter, and your people do, too
Authors: Snedeker Brad 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to convey why the contact center has become critical to businesses’ success with customer experience at the heart of driving growth and retention. As a company’s central hub for customer interactions coming in from all touchpoints, the contact center holds the key for businesses in turning those interactions into insights. It is the contact center that knows and understands customers’ pain points and how to best course correct, and agents have the power to create a positive experience that fosters loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach
Using insights from Calabrio’s own “Health of the Contact Center” report, as well as other industry studies, this paper reveals why driving a positive customer experience starts from within. Customer demands have become increasingly complex and people now communicate with more channels than before – all of this is impacting agents, the experience they provide and the success of the business. And it shows no signs of slowing down.

Findings
Thirty-two per cent of contact center employees believe that customer queries and demands will become more complex over time. But they do not feel prepared with the right tools: 60 per cent agree that their company does not always provide the technology needed to address the challenges they face when helping customers.

Originality/value
Unlocking a great customer experience starts with a top-notch employee experience. And that requires a fresh approach to workforce management solutions. As an established product category and a topic often discussed among industry experts, today’s contact center leaders use workforce optimization. However, the rising importance of employee engagement calls for a new offering – workforce engagement management.
Prognostic Accuracy of the HEART Score for Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Presenting With Chest Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Fernando Shannon M. , Tran Alexandre , Cheng Wei , Rochwerg Bram , Taljaard Monica , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo , Perry Jeffrey J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe HEART score has been proposed for emergency department (ED) prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We sought to summarize all studies assessing the prognostic accuracy of the HEART score for prediction of MACE in adult ED patients presenting with chest pain.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception through May 2018 and included studies using the HEART score for the prediction of short‐term MACE in adult patients presenting to the ED with chest pain. The main outcome was short‐term (i.e., 30‐day or 6‐week) incidence of MACE. We secondarily evaluated the prognostic accuracy of the HEART score for prediction of mortality and myocardial infarction (MI). Where available, accuracy of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score was determined.ResultsWe included 30 studies (n = 44,202) in analysis. A HEART score above the low‐risk threshold (≥4) had a sensitivity of 95.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 93.3%–97.5%) and specificity of 44.6% (95% CI = 38.8%–50.5%) for MACE. A high‐risk HEART score (≥7) had a sensitivity of 39.5% (95% CI = 31.6%–48.1%) and specificity of 95.0% (95% CI = 92.6%–96.6%) for MACE, whereas a TIMI score above the low‐risk threshold (≥2) had a sensitivity of 87.8% (95% CI = 80.2%–92.8%) and specificity of 48.1% (95% CI = 38.9%–57.5%) for MACE. A high‐risk TIMI score (≥6) was 2.8% sensitive (95% CI = 0.8%–9.6%), but 99.6% (95% CI = 98.5%–99.9%) specific for MACE. A HEART score ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 95.0% (95% CI = 87.2%–98.2%) for prediction of mortality and 97.5% (95% CI = 93.7%–99.0%) for prediction of MI.ConclusionsThe HEART score has excellent performance for prediction of MACE (particularly mortality and MI) in chest pain patients and should be the primary clinical decision instrument used for the risk stratification of this patient population.
CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells recruited and activated by CCR9/CCL25 are crucial for the pathogenic progression of endometriosis
Authors: Sun Ya , Shao Jun , Jiang Feizhou , Wang Yanqiu , Yan Qin , Yu Na , Zhang Jin , Zhang Jie , Li Mingqing , He Yinyan 
Published: October 2018

ProblemEndometriosis (EM) is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease associated with an abnormal immunotolerant microenvironment. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that play a major role in immunosuppression in cancer, inflammation and other diseases. This paper aims to elucidate whether or not MDSCs are involved in regulating this microenvironment in EM and how this regulation occurs.Method of StudyImmunochemistry (IHC) and qPCR were conducted to measure CD11b and ARG1 expression in the ectopic endometrium samples from EM patients. CCL25 levels in EM PF and the expression of CCR9 on M‐MDSCs were measured by ELISA. M‐MDSC migration was determined towards rhCCL25, α‐CCR9, α‐CCL25 and EM PF through in vitro chemotaxis assay. CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR‐ M‐MDSCs isolated from EM PBMCs were added to CD8+ T cells stimulated with α‐CD3/α‐CD28 antibody. After 72 hours of co‐culture, proliferation was measured to rate the immunosuppressive function of M‐MDSCs. Finally, levels of IL‐10, GM‐CSF and arginase activity in the cultured supernatants were detected.ResultsIHC and qPCR results revealed higher CD11b and ARG1 expression in EM endometrium than normal endometrium. MDSCs accumulated in the EM microenvironment, in which M‐MDSCs were the predominant type. CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− M‐MDSCs expressed high CCR9 levels and were recruited through CCL25. M‐MDSCs from EM PBMCs inhibited proliferation and activity in autologous T cells. rhCCL25 promoted IL‐10 and GM‐CSF secretion and arginase enzymatic activity in CD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− M‐MDSCs.ConclusionCD33+CD14+CD11b+HLA‐DR− M‐MDSCs recruited and activated by CCR9/CCL25 play a crucial role in the pathogenic progression of endometriosis, thus providing a potential target for EM treatment.
Seasonal and gestational variation in perinatal depression in a prospective cohort in New Zealand
Authors: Chan Johanna E. , Samaranayaka Ari , Paterson Helen 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPerinatal depression has wide‐ranging impacts on the health of mothers, babies and their families. Previously published data suggest seasonal variation in the prevalence of perinatal depression, as well as possible variation with gestation.AimsTo describe the prevalence of perinatal depression in a New Zealand population; to describe the trend in depression over gestational age; and to assess the influence of season on perinatal depression.Materials and MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort of 260 women in Dunedin, New Zealand. Edinburgh Depression Scores were collected at four antenatal time points and at six months postpartum.ResultsPrevalence of depression decreased from 8.1% to 4.6% antenatally, and to 6.6% postnatally, but the variation was non‐significant. Prevalence was significantly higher in winter and spring antenatally (odds ratio (OR) 3.15, 95% CI 1.01–9.82 and OR 3.16, CI 1.05–9.55), and in spring postnatally (OR 8.40, 95% CI 1.01–69.52) compared to autumn. Antenatal depression was associated with poor sleep quality (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.22–14.93), while postnatal depression was associated with caesarean delivery (OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.29–19.64).ConclusionsThis is the first NZ cohort to assess depression over multiple antenatal and postnatal time points. A significantly higher rate of depression was identified in winter and spring antenatally and in spring postnatally, corresponding to a higher risk of postnatal depression with autumn deliveries. These findings should prompt greater awareness at these higher risk time periods.
PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (SANGUINATE) ameliorates myocardial infarction in a rat model
Authors: Kawaguchi Akira T. , Salybekov Amankeldi A. , Yamano Mariko , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Sekine Kaori , Tamaki Tetsuro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractArtificial oxygen (O2) carriers were reported to be protective in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in various organs including the heart. In the current study, 20 rats underwent ligation (MI) of the left anterior descending artery, were treated with 10 mL/kg of PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (SANGUINATE, S+, n = 10) or saline (S−, n = 10) 10 minutes after MI and daily thereafter for 3 days, and were followed by weekly echocardiography for 4 weeks, when they had left ventricular pressure volume relationship (PVR) analyses followed by necropsy. Echocardiography showed an increase in end‐systolic dimension rather than end‐diastolic dimension, preserved fractional shortening (36 vs. 26%, P < .01), and milder mitral regurgitation in S+ compared with S‐ rats. PVR revealed a milder increase in end‐systolic volume, larger stroke volume (101 vs. 74 μL, P < .005) and cardiac output (33.4 vs. 23.8 mL/min, P = .004) in S+ rats in actual determination and under a wide range of standardized loading conditions 4 weeks after MI. Excised heart showed significantly limited area of MI (8.9 vs. 13.3%, P = .028). The results suggest that SANGUINATE in short‐term repeated doses may accelerate weight recovery, preserving the myocardium, mitral competence, and cardiac function after MI. The mechanism of action and optimal treatment for MI remain to be studied.