bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total Quality Management practices and work-related outcomes
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naeem , Malik Shahab Alam , Janjua Saquib Yousaf 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices on the performance of employees working in higher education institutions (HEIs). It also examines the mechanism through which TQM practices affect the performance of employees.Design/methodology/approachData for the current study were obtained from both public and private sector HEIs of Pakistan. In total, 400 questionnaires were distributed among the administrative and academic staff of 3 universities and 240 usable questionnaires were received. Data were analyzed through regression analysis using SPSS.FindingsThe results show that the TQM positively and significantly determines employee performance, and the mediating variables of job satisfaction and affective commitment. Both the mediating variables show a mediating role in the TQM/employee performance relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has practical implications for universities’ top management to focus on TQM practices that help in building and enhancing satisfaction, commitment, as well as performance of the employees that could ultimately result in better performance of the universities.Originality/valueThis research is an addition to the current literature and the first attempt in this area to the best of authors’ knowledge. This study will help in identifying how important and beneficial it would be for the services organizations to implement the TQM practices and identifying the impact of TQM practices on employee’s job performance.
Acceptance X-bar chart considering the sample distribution of capability indices, C ˆ p and C ˆ p k
Authors: Oprime Pedro Carlos , Lizarelli Fabiane Leticia , Pimenta Marcio Lopes , Achcar Jorge Alberto 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe traditional Shewhart control chart, the X-bar and R/S chart, cannot give support to decide when it is not economically feasible to stop the process in order to remove special causes. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose a new control chart design – a modified acceptance control chart, which provides a supportive method for decision making in economic terms, especially when the process has high capability indices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors made a modeling expectation average run length (ARL), which incorporates the probability density function of the sampling distribution ofCpk, to compare and analyze the efficiency of the proposed design.FindingsThis study suggested a new procedure to calculate the control limits (CL) of the X-bar chart, which allows economic decisions about the process to be made. By introducing a permissible average variation and defining three regions for statistical CL in the traditional X-bar control chart, a new design is proposed.Originality/valueA framework is presented to help practitioners in the use of the proposed control chart. Two new parameters (CpandCpk) in addition tomandnwere introduced in the expected ARL equation. TheCpkis a random variable and its probability function is known. Therefore, by using a preliminary sample of a process under control, the authors can test whether the process is capable or not.
Seismic assessment of RC column under seismic loads
Authors: Apostolopoulos Charis , Drakakaki Argyro , Basdeki Maria 
Published: February 2019

PurposeAs it is widely known, corrosion is a major deterioration factor for structures which are located on coastal areas. Corrosion has a great impact on both the durability and seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures. In the present study, two identical reinforced concrete columns were constructed and mechanical tests were organized to simulate seismic conditions. Prior to the initiation of the mechanical tests, the base of one of the two columns was exposed to predetermined accelerated electrochemical corrosion (at a height of 60 cm from the base). After the completion of the experimental loading procedure, the hysteresis curves – for unilateral and bilateral loadings – of the two samples were presented and analyzed (in terms of strength, displacement and dissipated energy). The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, two identical reinforced concrete columns were constructed and mechanical tests were organized to simulate seismic conditions. The tests were executed under the combination of a constant vertical force with horizontal, gradually increasing, cyclic loads. The implemented displacements, of the free end of the column, ranged from 0.2 to 5 percent. Prior to the initiation of the mechanical tests, the base of one of the two columns was exposed to predetermined accelerated electrochemical corrosion (at a height of 60 cm from the base). After the completion of the experimental loading procedure, the hysteresis curves of the two samples were presented and analyzed (in terms of strength, displacement and dissipated energy).FindingsAnalyzing the results, for both unilateral and bilateral loadings, a significant reduction of the seismic performance of the corroded column was highlighted. The corrosion damage imposed on the reference column resulted in the dramatic decrease of its energy reserves, even though an increase in ductility was recorded. Furthermore, more attention was paid to the consequences of the uneven corrosion damage, recorded on the steel bars examined, on ductility, hysteretic behavior and damping ratio.Originality/valueIn the present paper, the influence of the corrosion effects on the cyclic response of structural elements was presented and analyzed. The simulation of the seismic conditions was achieved by imposing, at the same time, a constant vertical force and horizontal, gradually increasing, cyclic loads. Finally, an evaluation of the performance of a column, under both unilateral and bilateral loadings, took place before and after corrosion.
Accelerating the fatigue analysis based on strain signal using Hilbert–Huang transform
Authors: M. Nasir Nadia Nurnajihah , Singh Salvinder , Abdullah Shahrum , Mohamed Haris Sallehuddin 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the application of Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) for fatigue damage feature characterisation in the time–frequency domain based on strain signals obtained from the automotive coil springs.

Design/methodology/approach
HHT was employed to detect the temporary changes in frequency characteristics of the vibration response of the signals. The extraction successfully reduced the length of the original signal to 40 per cent, whereas the fatigue damage was retained. The analysis process for this work is divided into three stages: signal characterisation with the application of fatigue data editing (FDE) for fatigue life assessment, empirical mode decomposition with Hilbert transform, an energy–time–frequency distribution analysis of each intrinsic mode function (IMF).

Findings
The edited signal had a time length of 72.5 s, which was 40 per cent lower than the original signal. Both signals were retained statistically with close mean, root-mean-square and kurtosis value. FDE improved the fatigue life, and the extraction did not affect the content and behaviour of the original signal because the editing technique only removed the minimal fatigue damage potential. HHT helped to remove unnecessary noise in the recorded signals. EMD produced sets of IMFs that indicated the differences between the original signal and mean of the signal to produce new components. The low-frequency energy was expected to cause large damage, whereas the high-frequency energy will cause small damage.

Originality/value
HHT and EMD can be used in the strain data signal analysis of the automotive component of a suspension system. This is to improve the fatigue life, where the extraction did not affect the content and behaviour of the original signal because the editing technique only removed the minimal fatigue damage potential.
Threshold elemental ratios and the temperature dependence of herbivory in fishes
Authors: Moody Eric K. , Lujan Nathan K. , Roach Katherine A. , Winemiller Kirk O. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Herbivorous ectothermic vertebrates are more diverse and abundant at lower latitudes. While thermal constraints may drive this pattern, its underlying cause remains unclear. We hypothesized that this constraint stems from an inability to meet the elevated phosphorus demands of bony vertebrates feeding on P‐poor plant material at cooler temperatures because low gross growth efficiency at warmer temperatures facilitates higher P ingestion rates. We predicted that dietary carbon:phosphorus (C:P) should exceed the threshold elemental ratio between carbon and P‐limited growth (TERC:P) for herbivores feeding at cooler temperatures, thereby limiting the range of herbivorous ectothermic vertebrates facing P‐limited growth.

We tested this hypothesis using the Andean suckermouth catfishes Astroblepus and Chaetostoma. Astroblepus are invertivores that inhabit relatively cool, high‐elevation streams while Chaetostoma are grazers that inhabit relatively warm, low‐elevation streams. We calculated TERC:P for each genus across its elevational range and compared these values to measured values of food quality over an elevational gradient in the Andes. We also broadly summarized measurements of TERC:P across diverse groups of fishes.

Supporting our hypothesis, we found that dietary C:P was predicted to exceed the TERC:P for the grazer Chaetostoma near the highest elevation where this genus has been recorded. Conversely, the TERC:P for the invertivore Astroblepus was consistently higher than that of Chaetostoma and thus its dietary C:P never approached the TERC:P. We found that, among all fishes, omnivores had higher average TERC:P than invertivores, and TERC:P did not vary with temperature.

Our results suggest that, at least for Andean suckermouth catfishes, cool temperatures constrain herbivory at higher elevations. Increased gross growth efficiency at cooler temperatures evidently restricts the ability of P‐limited consumers to meet P demand. However, our survey of fish TERC:P estimates suggests that some fishes are able to circumvent this constraint through behavioural and life‐history adaptations that reduce P demand or increase P use efficiency.

The physiological trade‐offs underlying these functional shifts reveal that geographic dietary patterns can be predicted by stoichiometric theory, but variation in food quality and consumer traits that reduce P demand and/or increase P efficiency can create exceptions to these patterns.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Nitrification inhibitors effectively target N2O‐producing Nitrosospira spp. in tropical soil
Authors: Cassman Noriko A. , Soares Johnny R. , Pijl Agata , Lourenço Késia S. , van Veen Johannes A. , Cantarella Heitor , Kuramae Eiko E. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe nitrification inhibitors (NIs) 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole (DMPP) and dicyandiamide (DCD) can effectively reduce N2O emissions; however, which species are targeted and the effect of these NIs on the microbial nitrifier community is still unclear. Here, we identified the ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) species linked to N2O emissions and evaluated the effects of urea and urea with DCD and DMPP on the nitrifying community in a 258 day field experiment under sugarcane. Using an amoA AOB amplicon sequencing approach and mining a previous dataset of 16S rRNA sequences, we characterized the most likely N2O‐producing AOB as a Nitrosospira spp. and identified Nitrosospira (AOB), Nitrososphaera (archaeal ammonia oxidizer) and Nitrospira (nitrite‐oxidizer) as the most abundant, present nitrifiers. The fertilizer treatments had no effect on the alpha and beta diversities of the AOB communities. Interestingly, we found three clusters of co‐varying variables with nitrifier operational taxonomic units (OTUs): the N2O‐producing AOB Nitrosospira with N2O, NO3−, NH4+, water‐filled pore space (WFPS) and pH; AOA Nitrososphaera with NO3−, NH4+ and pH; and AOA Nitrososphaera and NOB Nitrospira with NH4+, which suggests different drivers. These results support the co‐occurrence of non‐N2O‐producing Nitrososphaera and Nitrospira in the unfertilized soils and the promotion of N2O‐producing Nitrosospira under urea fertilization. Further, we suggest that DMPP is a more effective NI than DCD in tropical soil under sugarcane.
Formal and informal governance networks: Diabetes care in Australia and India
Authors: Ugyel Lhawang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe concept of networks has gained interest in public administration and management. They address concerns such as the coordination of multiple actors within the policy process. Networks take both formal and informal forms. As the integration of formal and informal networks in public service delivery is gaining traction, this paper uses the example of diabetes care in Australia and India to provide an analytical framework to examine one of the ways such integration of networks take place. Diabetes, a chronic long‐term disease, poses to be a global problem with a high rate of diagnosis with implications for public health expenditure. A multi‐disciplinary team, which comprises both formal and informal categories, is required to manage diabetes. This paper highlights the integration of networks in diabetes care in different institutional and cultural settings. For such form of integration of networks to work, collaboration among the various actors is important. Lessons learnt from diabetes care will be relevant for other long‐term chronic conditions to help reduce the human resource and financial burden. The analytical framework developed based on the example of diabetes care will provide useful lessons for examining the mechanics and dynamics of the integration between formal and informal networks in the field of public administration and management.
Racial/ethnic disparities in specialty behavioral health care treatment patterns and expenditures among commercially insured patients in managed behavioral health care plans
Authors: Narain Kimberly , Xu Haiyong , Azocar Francisca , Ettner Susan L. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo document differences among racial/ethnic/gender groups in specialty behavioral health care (BH) utilization/expenditures; examine whether these differences are driven by probability vs intensity of treatment; and identify whether differences are explained by socioeconomic status (SES).Data SourceThe cohort consists of adults continuously enrolled in Optum plans with BH benefits during 2013.Study DesignWe modeled each outcome using linear regressions among the entire sample stratified by race/ethnicity, language and gender. Then, we estimated logistic regressions of the probability that an enrollee had any spending/use in a given service category (service penetration) and linear regressions of spending/use among the user subpopulation (treatment intensity). Lastly, all analyses were rerun with SES controls.Data CollectionThis study links administrative data from a managed BH organization to a commercial marketing database.Principal FindingsWe found that in many cases, racial/ethnic minorities had lower specialty BH expenditures/utilization, relative to whites, primarily driven by differences in service penetration. Among women, relative to whites, Asian non‐English speakers, Asian English speakers, Hispanic non‐English speakers, Hispanic English speakers, and blacks had $106, $95, $90, $48, and $61 less in total expenditures. SES explained racial/ethnic differences in treatment intensity but not service penetration.ConclusionsIn this population, SES was not a major driver of racial/ethnic differences in specialty BH utilization. Future studies should explore the role of other factors not studied here, such as stigma, cultural competence, and geography.
Explosion Scene Forensic Image Interpretation
Authors: Li Zhihui , Sun Yuyou , Xu Lei , Zhang Ning , Liu Jia , Wang Haiou , Zhao Qimin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractImage interpretation is an important aspect in the field of forensic science; however, it is seldom reported how to use these techniques in explosion scene forensic investigations. On 12 August 2015, a series of explosions killed 165 people and injured hundreds more at a container storage station at the Port of Tianjin. In this study, we applied image interpretation methods to determine the seat of the explosion by analyzing low‐quality video clips of the event. The interpretation fits well with recently published standard operating procedures, including the hypothesis, evaluation, inference, and confirmation. Image processing was adopted to enhance the images while the explosion scene was reconstructed with the same images. Some important features were extracted and utilized to distinguish whether the flashes were caused by reflection or a real blast. We reveal the real explosion location, which guides the overall investigation. The results indicate that image interpretation is a powerful tool for forensic investigators to analyze low‐quality images in complicated explosions or fire accidents.
Use of a Gelatin‐based Consolidant to Preserve Thermally‐Altered Skeletal Remains,
Authors: Topoleski Jan J. , Christensen Angi M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThermally altered skeletal remains can be very fragile and fragmented and are typically further fragmented or even destroyed when handled; recovery of such remains from a scene can therefore be extremely challenging. There are few recommendations and no generally accepted practices for preserving burned bone for recovery and transport. Here, we test whether the application of a gelatin‐based consolidant at the scene can preserve thermally altered bone in the condition and relative anatomical position in which it was discovered. A solution of Knox® brand gelatin and water was applied to burned pig mandibles using a spray bottle. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicates that the application of the consolidant significantly decreased fragmentation as compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05), with most of the treated mandibles remaining completely intact after recovery and transport to a secondary location. In addition to the effectiveness for preservation, the method is also easy to apply, inexpensive, and reversible.
Squalene epoxidase promotes the proliferation and metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells though extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling
Authors: Ge Hong , Zhao Yamei , Shi Xinyan , Tan Zhen , Chi Xiaorui , He Man , Jiang Guohui , Ji Lixia , Li Hongmei 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe biological function of squalene epoxidase (SQLE), an important rate‐limiting enzyme in downstream cholesterol synthesis, is to convert squalene to 2‐3 oxacin squalene. The expression of SQLE in lung cancer is abnormal. We conducted this study to investigate the effect of SQLE expression on lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) proliferation, migration, and invasion and its role in extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling.MethodsCell Counting Kit 8, wound healing, and Transwell assays; Western blotting; and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to investigate the effect of SQLE in a lung SCC H520 cell line. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to identify the prognostic significance of SQLE.ResultsOverexpression of SQLE promoted lung SCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of SQLE expression showed the opposite effect. SQLE can interact with ERK to enhance its phosphorylation. SQLE may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung cancer by modulating ERK signaling. Further survival analysis indicated that high expression of SQLE indicated poor prognosis in lung SCC.ConclusionOur study presents novel evidence of potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for lung SCC therapy and prognosis.
Multivariable models using administrative data and biomarkers to adjust for case mix in the ICU
Authors: Lipcsey Miklos , Aronsson Anna , Larsson Anders , Renlund Henrik , Gedeborg Rolf 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundRoutinely collected laboratory biomarkers could improve control of confounding from disease severity in non‐interventional studies of general intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Their ability to predict both short‐ and long‐term mortality was evaluated.MethodsThe performance of age, sex, Charlson co‐morbidity index, and baseline values of ten predefined blood biomarkers as predictors of 30‐day and 1‐year mortality was evaluated in 5505 general ICU stays.ResultsRegression models based on age, sex, Charlson index, and biomarkers were somewhat less accurate in predicting 30‐day mortality (c‐index 0.83, Brier score 0.27) compared to the SAPS II score (c‐index = 0.88, Brier score = 0.09) and in predicting 1‐year mortality (c‐index = 0.82, Brier score = 0.31) compared to the SAPS II score (c‐index = 0.85, Brier score = 0.13). Cystatin C improved predictive ability slightly compared to creatinine, but age and Charlson comorbidity index were more important predictors. Using multiple imputation to replace missing biomarker values notably improved predictive ability of the models.ConclusionsAutomatically collected baseline variables are almost as predictive of both short‐ and long‐term mortality in general ICU patients, as the SAPS II score. This can facilitate internal control of confounding in non‐interventional studies of mortality using administrative data.
Agmatine Inhibits Behavioral Sensitization to Ethanol Through Imidazoline Receptors
Authors: Taksande Brijesh G. , Khade Supriya D. , Aglawe Manish M. , Gujar Shreyans , Chopde Chandrabhan T. , Kotagale Nandkishor R. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundLocomotor sensitization to repeated ethanol (EtOH) administration is proposed to play a role in early and recurring steps of addiction. The present study was designed to examine the effect of agmatine on EtOH‐induced locomotor sensitization in mice.MethodsMice received daily single intraperitoneal injection of EtOH (2.5 g/kg, 20 v/v) for 7 consecutive days. Following a 3‐day EtOH‐free phase, the mice were challenged with EtOH on day 11 with a single injection of EtOH. Agmatine (10 to 40 μg/mouse), endogenous agmatine enhancers (l‐arginine [80 μg/mouse], arcaine [50 μg/mouse], aminoguanidine [25 μg/mouse]), and imidazoline receptor agonist/antagonists were injected (intracerebroventricular [i.c.v.]) either daily before the injection of EtOH during the 7‐day development phase or on days 8, 9, and 10 (EtOH‐free phase). The horizontal locomotor activity was determined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.ResultsAgmatine (20 to 40 μg/mouse) administration for 7 days (development phase) significantly attenuated the locomotor sensitization response of EtOH challenge on day 11. Further, the agmatine administered only during EtOH‐free period (days 8, 9, and 10) also inhibited the enhanced locomotor activity on the 11th day to EtOH challenge as compared to control mice indicating blockade of expression of sensitization. Daily treatment (i.c.v.) with endogenous agmatine enhancers like l‐arginine (80 μg/mouse) or arcaine (50 μg/mouse) and aminoguanidine (25 μg/mouse) restrained the development as well as expression of sensitization to EtOH. Imidazoline I1 receptor agonist, moxonidine, and I2 agonist, 2‐BFI, not only decreased the development and expression of locomotor sensitization but also potentiated the effect of agmatine when employed in combination. Importantly, I1 receptor antagonist, efaroxan, and I2 antagonist, idazoxan, blocked the effect of agmatine, revealing the involvement of imidazoline receptors in agmatine‐mediated inhibition of EtOH sensitization.ConclusionsInhibition of EtOH sensitization by agmatine is mediated through imidazoline receptors and project agmatine and imidazoline agents in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol addiction.