bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference point based evolutionary multi-objective optimization with dynamic resampling for production systems improvement
Authors: Ng Amos H.C. , Siegmund Florian , Deb Kalyanmoy 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
Stochastic simulation is a popular tool among practitioners and researchers alike for quantitative analysis of systems. Recent advancement in research on formulating production systems improvement problems into multi-objective optimizations has provided the possibility to predict the optimal trade-offs between improvement costs and system performance, before making the final decision for implementation. However, the fact that stochastic simulations rely on running a large number of replications to cope with the randomness and obtain some accurate statistical estimates of the system outputs, has posed a serious issue for using this kind of multi-objective optimization in practice, especially with complex models. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the performance enhancements of a reference point based evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm in practical production systems improvement problems, when combined with various dynamic re-sampling mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach
Many algorithms consider the preferences of decision makers to converge to optimal trade-off solutions faster. There also exist advanced dynamic resampling procedures to avoid wasting a multitude of simulation replications to non-optimal solutions. However, very few attempts have been made to study the advantages of combining these two approaches to further enhance the performance of computationally expensive optimizations for complex production systems. Therefore, this paper proposes some combinations of preference-based guided search with dynamic resampling mechanisms into an evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm to lower both the computational cost in re-sampling and the total number of simulation evaluations.

Findings
This paper shows the performance enhancements of the reference-point based algorithm, R-NSGA-II, when augmented with three different dynamic resampling mechanisms with increasing degrees of statistical sophistication, namely, time-based, distance-rank and optimal computing buffer allocation, when applied to two real-world production system improvement studies. The results have shown that the more stochasticity that the simulation models exert, the more the statistically advanced dynamic resampling mechanisms could significantly enhance the performance of the optimization process.

Originality/value
Contributions of this paper include combining decision makers’ preferences and dynamic resampling procedures; performance evaluations on two real-world production system improvement studies and illustrating statistically advanced dynamic resampling mechanism is needed for noisy models.
Family control and ownership monitoring in Stakeholder-oriented corporate governance
Authors: Sakawa Hideaki , Watanabel Naoki 
Published: November 2018

PurposePrincipal–principal conflicts between family shareholders and other shareholders have been investigated in emerging economies, but fewer studies have examined the effect of concentrated ownership on firm profitability and dividend payout in stakeholder-oriented systems. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether family control leads to principal–principal conflicts resulting in wealth expropriation of minority shareholders by family owners in stakeholder-oriented systems.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses large listed firms of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in Japan during 2007–2016. Using 14,991 firm year observations, the authors analyze the effect of family control on dividend payout and firm performance to test the possibility of exploitation by family owners.FindingsThe authors find that family board members do not exploit minority shareholders and rather behave as stewards of the firm. The authors also find that foreign shareholders interact with family control to increase firm profitability, suggesting that foreign shareholders enhance the role of family board members as stewards.Originality/valueExisting research on principal–principal conflicts tends to examine expropriation by family board members in emerging markets. This research reveals that family board members behave like stewards in the presence of stakeholder-oriented corporate governance mechanisms. In addition, foreign shareholders strengthen the stewardship role of family controlled firms.
Methodological proposals for the study of consumer experience
Authors: Becker Larissa 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
As the consumer experience literature broadens in scope – specifically, from dyads to ecosystems and from provider-centric to consumer-centric perspective – traditional data collection methods are no longer adequate. In that context, the paper aims to discuss three little-used data collection methods that can contribute to this broader view of consumer experience.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper identifies methodological requirements for exploring the broadened view of consumer experience and reviews data collection methods currently in use.

Findings
The paper elaborates tailored guidelines for the study of consumer experience through first-hand, systemic and processual perspectives for three promising and currently underused data collection methods: phenomenological interviews, event-based approaches and diary methods.

Research limitations/implications
Although the list of identified methods is not exhaustive, the methods and guidelines discussed here can be used to advance empirical investigation of consumer experience as more broadly understood.

Practical implications
Practitioners can apply these methods to gain a more complete view of consumers’ experiences and so offer value propositions compatible with those consumers’ lifeworlds.

Originality/value
The paper principally contributes to the literature in two ways: by defining the methodological requirements for investigating consumer experience from consumer-centric, systemic and processual perspectives, and by specifying a set of data collection methods that meet these requirements, along with tailored guidelines for their use.
Bordetella bronchiseptica Bcr4 antagonizes the negative regulatory function of BspR via its role in type III secretion
Authors: Nishimura Ryutaro , Abe Akio , Sakuma Yusuke , Kuwae Asaomi 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBordetella species, including B. pertussis, have a type III secretion system that is highly conserved among gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria. Genes encoding the component proteins of the type III secretion system are localized at the bsc locus in the Bordetella genome. Here, the function of a hypothetical protein Bcr4 encoded at the bsc locus in the B. bronchiseptica genome was investigated. A Bcr4‐deficient mutant was created and the amounts of type III secreted proteins (e.g., BopB, BopN and Bsp22) in both the supernatant fraction and whole‐cell lysates of the Bcr4‐deficient mutant were determined. It was found that the amounts of these proteins were significantly lower than in the wild‐type strain. The amounts of type III secreted proteins in the supernatant fraction and whole‐cell lysates were much greater in a Bcr4‐overproducing strain than in the wild‐type strain. The type III secreted protein BspR reportedly negatively regulates the type III secretion system. Here, it was observed that a Bcr4 + BspR double‐knockout mutant did not secrete type III secreted proteins, whereas the amounts of these proteins in whole‐cell lysates of this mutant were nearly equal to those in whole‐cell lysates of the BspR‐deficient mutant. Bcr4 thus appears to play an essential role in the extracellular secretion of type III secreted proteins. Our data also suggest that Bcr4 antagonizes the negative regulatory function of BspR.
Mycelia‐derived C contributes more to nitrogen cycling than root‐derived C in ectomycorrhizal alpine forests
Authors: Zhang Ziliang , Phillips Richard P. , Zhao Wenqiang , Yuan Yuanshuang , Liu Qing , Yin Huajun 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Plant roots and their associated microbial symbionts impact carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, but estimates of the relative contributions of root‐ versus microbe‐derived dynamic inputs are highly uncertain. Roots release C into soil via exudation and turnover (i.e., root‐derived C), but also by allocating C to mycorrhizal fungal mycelia, which exude C and undergo turnover (i.e., mycelia‐derived C). Given that the relative contributions of root‐ and mycelia‐derived C inputs are unknown, a key knowledge gap lies in understanding not only the relative contributions of root‐ versus mycelia‐derived C inputs, but also the consequences of these fluxes on nutrient cycling.

Using ingrowth cores and stable isotope analyses, we quantified root‐ and mycelia‐derived C inputs into the soil and their relative contributions to nitrogen (N) cycling in two ectomycorrhizal alpine forests, a 70‐year‐old spruce plantation and a 200‐year‐old spruce‐fir dominated forest, in western Sichuan, China.

Across the two forests, extramatrical mycelia of ectomycorrhizal fungi accounted for up to two‐thirds of the new root C inputs into soil and ~80% of the stimulated N mineralization. Moreover, flux‐specific (per gram) mycelia‐derived C inputs stimulated multiple indices of soil N cycling to a greater degree than the flux‐specific root‐derived C inputs, accounting for ~70% of the stimulated N mineralization in both forests.

Collectively, our findings indicate that the effects of mycorrhizal fungi on soil C and N cycling may exceed those of roots in alpine coniferous forests dominated by ectomycorrhizal fungi, highlighting the need to incorporate mycorrhizal fungal inputs into biogeochemical models for ecosystems.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
A qualitative investigation of former Taiwanese unaccompanied minors’ culture‐based conflicts with parents
Authors: Lee Hsin‐Hua , Kasson David M. , Chong Shiqin 
Published: November 2018

The purposes of the study were to investigate (a) the role Taiwanese culture played during former unaccompanied minors’ transition to the US, (b) the type of acculturation conflicts with parents they experienced, and (c) how they managed them. Five former Taiwanese unaccompanied minors who remained in the US, and four who have returned to Taiwan after completing their education, were interviewed. Results demonstrated that there were no distinct differences between the two subsamples. The majority of the participants reported that Taiwanese culture was meaningful for them during the transition. Many of them reported feeling closer to their parents after immigration, experienced various types of acculturation conflicts, and became more flexible in how they managed these conflicts over time. Adherence to native culture appears to be psychologically protective, and acculturation conflict with parents may be adequately managed despite the long‐term physical separation.Practitioner points

Accessing one’s native community and culture may be particularly helpful for unaccompanied minors during adolescence

Physical separation from parents among this population may or may not be predictive of family functioning

Some unaccompanied minors may use avoidance in order to manage acculturation conflict with parents, which may be out of convenience

Marriage and relationships are the primary source of acculturation conflict for this population in adulthood
Group formation, styles, and grammars of commonality in local activism
Authors: Luhtakallio Eeva 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article argues that in order to analyse democracy as a pattern constantly processed in a given society, it is useful to look at activist groups’ agenda setting and recruitment principles, group bonds and boundaries, and how these actions direct and influence ways of creating the common. Based on an ethnographic study on bicycle activism in Helsinki, Finland, it describes a local critical mass movement that was successful in promoting a bicycle friendly and sustainable city, yet dissolved due to lack of people involved, and the bicycle demonstrations stopped at a moment of high public interest. This empirical puzzle is addressed by combining three theoretical perspectives: Kathleen Blee’s work on path dependencies in nascent activist groups; Nina Eliasoph and Paul Lichterman’s work on group styles, and Laurent Thévenot’s work on the grammars of commonality. These theoretical tools help understand the sense of what is deemed possible, desirable and feasible in activist groups, and the consequences thereof to social movement ‘success’ and ‘failure’. The article claims that everyday practices and interaction are crucial in understanding the ‘democratic effects’ of social movements. It concludes that following specific processes of politicization and their conditionings in activist groups provides keys to understanding contextual differences in democracies without resorting to methodological nationalism or to exaggerated global isomorphism, and thus may contribute to figuring out how to succeed global action plans over wicked, pressing problems like global warming.
Characteristics of accidental injuries from power tools treated at two emergency departments in Queensland
Authors: Judge Chantelle , Eley Rob , Miyakawa‐Liu Monica , Brown Nathan J , McCosker Laura , Livesay Georgia , Hughes James A , Vallmuur Kirsten 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveInjuries are a major burden on the Australian healthcare system. Power tool usage is a common cause of accidental injury. A better understanding of the trends of power tool injuries will inform prevention strategies and potentially mitigate costs.MethodsThe ED databases from two level 1 hospitals were reviewed for presentations between 2005 and 2015 resulting from accidental injury with power tools. A subgroup of patients presenting to one hospital between 2016 and 2017 were interviewed about the activities and circumstances that led to their injuries, and followed up 3 months later to assess outcomes.ResultsA total of 4057 cases of accidental injury from power tool use were identified. Power saws and grinders contributed to 54% of injuries. Most injuries were located on an upper limb (48%) or the head and neck (30%). Over half (54%) of all head injuries were associated with metal and wood fragments to the eye from grinders, drills and saws. Hospital admission rates were highest for patients aged >60 years. Injuries to females were <5% of all presentations, but 40% of those caused by lawnmowers. Among the 200 patients interviewed, lapses in concentration during use, and modification and inappropriate use of a power tool were the main contributors to injury. Recovery periods >3 months were common.ConclusionsAccidental injuries from power tool use have a considerable impact on ED resources and can affect the long‐term quality of life of those injured. Effective education about safe usage and protection may prevent many injuries.
Low additive effect of hydroxychloroquine on Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus taking calcineurin inhibitor
Authors: Hanaoka Hironari , Iida Harunobu , Kiyokawa Tomofumi , Takakuwa Yukiko , Kawahata Kimito 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo assess for any additive value of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) depending on calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients with SLE who visited our hospital from 2015 to 2016 and were taking prednisolone (PSL) at <20 mg/d and one immunosuppressant (IS). Patients were divided into two groups depending on HCQ use and the groups were compared for changes in SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), prednisolone (PSL) dose, and cumulative flare rate between patients who were treated and not treated with CNI.ResultsAmong the 103 patients evaluated, 19 (18.4%) were treated with HCQ. On analysis of all patients, SLEDAI, PSL doses, and cumulative flare rate were significantly reduced in patients who received HCQ compared to those who did not (P = 0.04, P = 0.01, and P = 0.03, respectively). Regarding IS use, we found less additive therapeutic effect in CNI users than in users of other ISs in terms of reduction in SLEDAI and PSL dose (P = 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionsThe addition of HCQ reduced disease activity, PSL dose, and flares in Japanese SLE patients but conferred less additive clinical efficacy when added to CNIs.
Needle‐free jet versus conventional needle injection for local anesthesia in men undergoing surgical sperm retrieval
Authors: Khoa L. D. , Quang T. N. , Toan P. D. , Loc N. M. T. , Diem N. T. N. , Dang V. Q. , Vu H. N. A. , Mol B. W. , Handelsman D. J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundSurgical sperm retrieval, requiring local anesthetic injection, is the most frequent surgical procedure in male infertility. However, needle phobia is common and may contribute to negative experiences or refusal of procedures employing needle injection.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the acceptability, safety, and efficacy of needle‐free jet anesthetic technique (MadaJet) with conventional needle injection for surgical sperm retrievals in patients with azoospermia.Materials and methodsThis single‐blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was included of 59 participants who underwent surgical sperm retrievals. Patients were randomly assigned to the needle‐free jet (n = 29) or needle injection (n = 30) groups prior to undergoing the surgery. The primary endpoint was the pain score.ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The safety and adverse outcomes were also not statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The pain score in patients using needle‐free jet was significantly lower than that in patients using needle injection (p < 0.05). Patients in MadaJet group had a significantly lower discomfort score during (p < 0.001) and after (p = 0.01) injection than those in the needle injection group. However, there was no significant difference in the fear score (before, during, and after) of MadaJet and needle injection (p = 0.98, p = 0.74, and p = 0.94, respectively). The mean time to onset of anesthesia was much shorter in the MadaJet group as compared with needle injection (10 ± 4 vs. 157.5 ± 71 s, p < 0.001). However, the duration of anesthesia in patients using MadaJet was shorter compared with those using needle injection (44 ± 13 vs. 63 ± 26 min, p < 0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, for local anesthesia in patients undergoing surgical sperm retrieval, MadaJet produces less pain and discomfort with quicker time to onset and offset of anesthesia compared with conventional needle injection.
Penile doppler ultrasound predicts cardiovascular events in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Caretta N. , De Rocco Ponce M. , Minicuci N. , Palego P. , Valente U. , Garolla A. , Ferlin A. , Foresta C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundTraditional risk factors used to assess cardiovascular risk miss a significant population who are indeed at risk for future cardiac events. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an emerging marker for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), especially in young and middle‐aged men with vasculogenic ED. Cavernous arteries morphological alterations at penile colour doppler ultrasound (P‐CDU) are used to find a vasculogenic ED.ObjectivesWe investigated the possible relationship between cavernous arteries morphological alterations at P‐CDU assessment and future MACE.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 300 ED patients, aged 35–65 years (mean age 54.1 ± 7.1), with a follow‐up period of 10 years. Patients underwent vascular evaluation including P‐CDU, colour doppler ultrasound of the carotid and lower limbs arteries. At baseline data for glucose metabolism, lipid profile, hypertension and hormonal status were collected. During the follow‐up period, the occurrence of MACE was evaluated.ResultsWe found a strong association between cavernous arteries morphological alterations and CVD with a threefold increased risk of future MACE in comparison to patients with healthy cavernous arteries (RR 3.2, 95% CI 1.17–8.78). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for CV risk factors (age, glycaemia, total cholesterol, hypertension and smoke).ConclusionsMorphological alterations of cavernous arteries are independently associated with an increased risk of future MACE. These data contribute to the formulation of the hypothesis that cavernous artery pathology at P‐CDU is related to MACE.
Automatic computer‐aided analysis of optic disc pallor in fundus photographs
Authors: Yang Hee Kyung , Oh Ji Eun , Han Sang Beom , Kim Kwang Gi , Hwang Jeong‐Min 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeAssessment of optic disc pallor in fundus photographs may be frequently misinterpreted due to the subjective nature of interpretation. We developed a fully automatic computer‐aided detection (CAD) system for optic disc pallor using colour fundus photographs and evaluated the accuracy of the system.MethodsA newly proposed CAD system was developed for automated segmentation and image analysis of optic disc pallor, and a logistic regression model was developed for risk analysis. A total of 230 photographs with variable degree of optic disc pallor, and 123 normal optic discs confirmed by optical coherence tomography were tested for validation of the software. Sensitivity and specificity of the CAD system in automatic detection of optic disc pallor using colour fundus photographs were evaluated. The results of manual detection of optic disc pallor on fundus photographs by two independent ophthalmologists were compared with the efficacy of the CAD system.ResultsThe fully automated CAD system achieved a sensitivity of 95.3% and a specificity of 96.7% for detecting optic disc pallor in colour fundus images. The overall accuracy of the CAD system was 96.1%, which was superior to the results of manual detection by individual examiners.ConclusionsWe developed an automated CAD system that successfully detected optic disc pallor in fundus photographs. The proposed algorithm can assist the clinical judgement of ophthalmologists for detecting optic disc pallor in fundus photographs.
Current treatment paradigms for advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Longley Jemma , Johnson Peter W. M. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe treatment of advanced classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) has evolved over the last 50 years with a progressive improvement in long term cure rates in patients up to the age of 60 years. However, a minority of these survivors experience severe morbidity and mortality resulting from intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading to a drive to de‐escalate treatment without compromising survival. The early identification of patients with chemoresistant disease by functional imaging allows the modulation of therapy and an efficient means to test new agents in those most in need of more effective therapy. The outcomes of treatment for older patients have not improved at the same rate, and this group requires a different approach, incorporating specialist geriatric support to personalise therapy. Clinical trials that focus on quality of life, comorbidity and survival are needed to improve survival rates for this expanding population with complex needs.