bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of nonlinear vibration analysis for triple-walled carbon nanotubes conveying viscous fluid
Authors: Mohamadi Bijan , Eftekhari S. Ali , Toghraie Davood 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate nonlinear vibrations of triple-walled carbon nanotubes buried within Pasternak foundation carrying viscous fluids.

Design/methodology/approach
Considering the geometry of nanotubes, the governing equations were initially derived using Timoshenko and modified couple stress theories and by taking into account Von-Karman expressions. Then, by determining boundary conditions, type of fluid motion, Knudsen number and, ultimately, fluid viscosity, the principal equation was solved using differential quadrature method, and linear and nonlinear nanotube frequencies were calculated.

Findings
The results indicated that natural frequency is decreased as the fluid velocity and aspect ratio increase. Moreover, as the aspect ratio is increased, the results converge for simple and fixed support boundary conditions, and the ratio of nonlinear to linear frequencies approaches. Natural frequency of vibrations and critical velocity increase as Pasternak coefficient and characteristic length increase. As indicated by the results, by assuming a non-uniform velocity for the fluid and a slip boundary condition at Kn = 0.05, reductions of 10.714 and 28.714% were observed in the critical velocity, respectively. Moreover, the ratio of nonlinear to linear base frequencies decreases as the Winkler and Pasternak coefficients, maximum deflection of the first wall and characteristic length are increased in couple stress theory.

Originality/value
This paper is a numerical investigation of nonlinear vibration analysis for triple-walled carbon nanotubes conveying viscous fluid.
An empirical study of the relationship between accounting conservatism and executive compensation-performance sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Xi , Gao Simon , Zeng Yi 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between accounting conservatism and executive compensation-performance sensitivity with a view to identify the influence of accounting conservatism on the efficiency of executive compensation contracts.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses multiple regression models based on the approach of Iyengar and Zampelli (2010), Clarkson et al. (2011) and Huang and Kisgen (2013) with the data from all of China’s listed non-financial firms over the period of 10 years to test the relationship between accounting conservatism and the sensitivity of executive compensation-performance.FindingsThis study finds a positive association between executive compensation and accounting-based measure of performance. More importantly, it reveals that conservatism has a positive relation with the executive compensation-performance sensitivity after controlling for a number of firm-specific factors and control variables. This study shows that the sensitivity of executive compensation to firm performance is higher for firms with higher accounting conservatism.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies to examine the relationship between accounting conservatism and executive compensation-performance sensitivity. It provides supportive evidence to the argument that accounting conservatism, being an efficient governance mechanism, can help mitigate information risk and moral risk for agency problems.
Perceived uncertainty and use of environmental information in decision making
Authors: Abu-Rahma Ali , Jaleel Bushra 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the nature and prevalence of environmental scanning as practiced by organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explore the impact of perceived uncertainty on the way various information sources are used in managerial decision-making. Specifically, by targeting firms in the region, the paper examines whether the degree and frequency of scanning activities influence the relationship between perceived uncertainty and the use of environmental information in making strategic decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a cross-sectional research design, with self-administered questionnaires as the main mode of data collection, and uses quantitative data analysis tools to answer the research questions.FindingsThe study finds that perceived environmental uncertainty significantly influences scanning efforts in an organization, which in turn influence the use of environmental information in decision-making. Additionally, findings suggest that while perceived source quality significantly influences frequency of scanning, the influence of perceived source accessibility on scanning is statistically insignificant.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study have several implications for academics in the field of strategic management and industry professionals involved in long range planning. Results indicate that scanning activities should be more extensive and frequent when perceived uncertainty is high and indicates the potential value of timely market research to assess demand, gather consumer feedback and respond to changing needs of the customers.Originality/valueThe study addresses an identified gap in the literature and adds to the existing body of work by exploring organizational practices in a unique cultural context and assessing a conceptual model that links perceived uncertainty and environmental scanning to strategic management practices.
Damage assessment of reinforced concrete flat slabs through modal tests using impact excitation
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel S. , Guedes Tulio O. , Melo Lucas F. , Gonçalves Márcio S. , Pimentel Roberto 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
In reinforced concrete (RC) structures, an evidence of damage is the presence of cracking. In order to evaluate the effect of damage on cracking pattern and natural frequency in RC slabs, two of such structures with different dimensions and reinforcement ratios were tested, in which cracks were induced through application of static load, followed by modal tests using impact excitation. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach
The gradient of the fundamental natural frequency along the decay, the crack opening rate and also a global damage index based on changes of the fundamental natural frequency were evaluated.

Findings
The behaviour of the aforementioned gradient was distinct for both slabs, increasing monotonically with the cracking level for the slab with lowest reinforcement ratio, and increasing until 33 per cent of the collapse load and then decreasing afterwards for the slab with the highest ratio. Changes of the gradient were consistent with changes of the crack opening rate. Both results of gradient changes and cracking pattern brought evidence that the balance between open (old) and breathing (new) cracks differed between the slabs, and may be responsible for such differences.

Originality/value
Damage assessment in RC structures using vibration tests is mostly concentrated on beams. In this work, an advance is made by investigating slabs. The lack of a unique pattern of changes of the gradient implies that its absolute value is not generally suitable for the association with the damage level. However, the impact tests can be effectively used to detect early damage on slabs using this proposed parameter.
Assessing the impact of Minnesota's return to community initiative for newly admitted nursing home residents
Authors: Hass Zachary , Woodhouse Mark , Grabowski David C. , Arling Greg 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate Minnesota's Return to Community Initiative's (RTCI) impact on community discharges from nursing homes.Data SourcesSecondary data were from the Minimum Data Set and RTCI staff (April 2014 – December 2016). The sample consisted of 18 444 non‐Medicaid nursing home admissions in Minnesota remaining for at least 45 days, with high predicted probability of community discharge.Study DesignThe RTCI facilitates community discharge for non‐Medicaid nursing home residents by assisting with discharge planning, transitioning to the community, and postdischarge follow‐up. A key evaluation question is how many of those transitions were directly attributable to the program. Return to Community Initiative was implemented statewide without a control group. Program impact was measured using regression discontinuity, a quasi‐experimental design approach that leverages the programs targeting model.Principal FindingsReturn to Community Initiative increased community discharge rates by an estimated 11 percent (P < 0.05) for the targeted population. The program effect was robust to time and increased with level of facility participation in RTCI.ConclusionsThe RTCI had a modest yet significant impact on the community discharge rates for its targeted population. Findings have been applied in strengthening the RTCI's targeting approach and transitioning process.
Changes in Bread Quality, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Acid Composition of Wheats During Early‐Stage Germination
Authors: Tian Wenfei , Ehmke Laura , Miller Rebecca , Li Yonghui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study reported changes in baking properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and phenolic acid composition of three hard red winter wheat varieties during the early stage of seed germination. The wheats were sprouted at 30 °C and 95% relative humidity to achieve different germination levels based on falling number ranges (550 s for control flour; 350 s [low], 250 s [medium], and 120 s [high] for sprouted flours, respectively). Average germination times were 7, 8, and 10 hr for the low, medium, and high germinated samples, respectively. Most baking properties of sprouted whole flour were comparable to the control flour. However, TPC, flavonoid content, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity of sprouted flour were lower than the control flour. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reported both baking properties and antioxidant potential of sprouted whole wheat flour from early‐stage germination. The study deepens the understanding of seed germination and the potential use of sprouted flour in baking industry.Practical ApplicationThis study evaluates the baking quality and nutraceutical value of sprouted whole wheat flour, which are key factors determining the application of sprouted flour in the baking industry. The results will contribute to the production of quality bakery products with enhanced nutraceutical benefits.
Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys Are Legally Distinct but Are Not Discriminated by Sensory Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Lahne Jacob , Abdi Hervé , Collins Thomas , Heymann Hildegarde 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe present a Descriptive Analysis (DA) of a large representative sample (24 whiskeys) of two legally distinct types of American whiskeys: bourbon and rye whiskey (respectively distilled from a fermented “mashbill” of at least 51% corn or rye). We wanted to determine whether a trained panel could find sensory differences between these two products. We used standard DA: 11 judges were trained for 10 hours to develop a lexicon of 24 flavor, taste, and mouthfeel descriptors for the 24 whiskey samples (15 bourbons and 9 ryes). Then, subjects rated each whiskey sample on each attribute, using unstructured line scales, in standard good sensory‐evaluation conditions, and in triplicate. Results were analyzed using MANOVA, Barycentric Discriminant Analysis, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. Overall, while 10 descriptors significantly differentiated the whiskeys, no attribute or combination of attributes was predicted by mashbill: The judges did not find differences in sensory character between bourbon and rye whiskeys as categories. However, significant differences could be attributed to the producer of the whiskey and to age at bottling. These results are important because American whiskey has recently become staggeringly popular, and because there is a consistent belief that bourbon and rye whiskeys—as categories—have distinct sensory characteristics.Practical ApplicationThis research contradicts popular and expert beliefs about the distinction between the popular and important American rye and bourbon whiskeys. A comprehensive sensory DA study of 24 American whiskeys with different mashbills (9 ryes and 15 bourbons) shows that—while each whiskey is individually distinct on a number of sensory dimensions—sensory differences between rye and bourbon whiskeys as product categories cannot be predicted by mashbill. For producers, consumers, and researchers, this research points to the need for new theories on the origins of flavors in whiskey, as it is now clear that the grain content alone cannot predict sensory qualities.
Apoptosis in patients with primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Tang Kuo‐Tung , Hsieh Tsu‐Yi , Chao Ya‐Hsuan , Li Ju‐Pi , Lan Joung‐Liang , Lin Chi‐Chien , Chen Der‐Yuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimDysregulated apoptosis has been implicated in autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we investigated the apoptosis‐related cytokines and apoptosis in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (pAPS).MethodWe prospectively recruited 12 pAPS patients, 17 antiphospholipid antibody (APA)‐positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without APS manifestations (APA+SLE), 13 SLE patients with secondary APS (APS+SLE) and 10 healthy controls (HCs). Plasma levels of soluble apoptosis‐inducing ligands and cytokines, and the expression levels of apoptosis‐inducing ligands in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were determined. In addition, blood lymphocytes/monocytes apoptosis were determined in six pAPS patients and six HCs, using flow cytometric analysis of caspase 3, 8 and 9 activities.ResultsThere was a trend toward higher plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (sTRAIL), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and TNF‐α in pAPS patients when compared with HCs. We also observed higher plasma levels of IL‐10 and TNF α in APA+SLE and APS+SLE patients when compared with HCs. However, there was no significant difference in blood lymphocytes/monocytes apoptosis between pAPS patients and HCs.ConclusionThere was a trend toward elevated plasma levels of sTRAIL, IL‐10 and TNF‐α, but no evidence for dysregulated apoptosis in pAPS patients.
Validation of algorithms to identify knee osteoarthritis patients in the claims database
Authors: Park Ha‐Rim , Im SeulGi , Kim Hyoungyoung , Jung Sun‐Young , Kim Dalho , Jang Eun Jin , Sung Yoon‐Kyoung , Cho Soo‐Kyung 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo identify knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients among OA patients in the claims database.MethodsAll patients with OA diagnostic codes for any sites (M15 to M19) in 2014 were recruited from a single academic referral hospital. After excluding patients who had inflammatory arthritis or were less than 50 years of age, we identified data for the overall OA population. Radiographic knee OA of Kellgren and Lawrence grades ≥2 is considered the gold standard for knee OA, and we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of three operational definitions using the diagnostic codes in the claims database. The operational definitions were: (1) gonarthrosis (M17); (2) any site of OA (M15 to M19) with knee X‐ray; and (3) (1) or (2).ResultsA total of 7959 OA patients were included in this study of whom 74.5% were women. The PPV of gonarthrosis (M17) was 0.67 (95% CI 0.65‐0.69), and sensitivity was 0.44 (95% CI 0.42‐0.46). The PPV and sensitivity of any OA site (M15 to M19) with knee X‐ray were 0.65 (95% CI 0.62‐0.67), and 0.37 (95% CI 0.35‐0.39), respectively. When knee OA was defined as satisfying either of the two above definitions, PPV was 0.63 (95% CI 0.62‐0.65) and sensitivity 0.55 (95% CI 0.53‐0.57).ConclusionsKnee OA patients can be identified in a claims database using the algorithms of gonarthrosis (M17) or any site of OA (M15 to M19) with a performed knee X‐ray.
Serum miR‐214 as a novel biomarker for ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Kook Hyun Yi , Jin So‐Hee , Park Pu‐Reum , Lee Seung‐Jin , Shin Hong‐Joon , Kim Tae‐Jong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveSerum microRNA (miR) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients has been rarely identified. The objective of this study was to find AS‐specific miR in sera of patients with AS.MethodsTotal RNAs were isolated from whole sera of patients with AS, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and healthy controls (HC) using miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit. The presence of miR was assayed using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer Small RNA assay. Each RNA sample was used for miR microarray. To verify microarray results, candidate circulating miRs were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using samples from patients with AS (n = 65), patients with RA (n = 25), and HCs (n = 39). Cycle threshold values were converted to copy numbers by drawing a standard curve using a synthetic chemical standard. All clinical values were also evaluated at the time of miR isolation.ResultsA total of 887 miRs were screened for three groups. Lower expression of miR‐214 in AS than in HC and RA was observed after normalization of raw data. Finally, lower expression of serum miR‐214 was confirmed in AS after validation by qPCR. Correlation analysis showed that the level of miR‐214 of AS was significantly associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score—C‐reactive protein (r = 0.299, P = 0.02). However, other disease‐specific variables showed no statistical significance: gender (P = 0.286), peripheral arthritis (P = 0.634), enthesitis (P = 0.464), dacylitis (P = 0.750), psoriasis (P = 0.552), inflammatory bowel disease (P = 0.369), human leukocyte antigen‐B27 positivity (P = 0.473), use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (P = 0.448), and use of tumor necrosis factor‐blocker in the last 3 months (P = 0.505).ConclusionmiR‐214 may serve as a noninvasive biomarker for diagnosis of AS. In addition, expression level of miR‐214 was associated with disease activity.
HLA‐B27 prevalence in axial spondyloarthritis patients and in blood donors in a Lebanese population: Results from a nationwide study
Authors: Ziade Nelly , Abi Karam Ghada , Merheb Georges , Mallak Iyad , Irani Laure , Alam Elie , Messaykeh Jamil , Menassa Jeanine , Mroue’ Kamel , Uthman Imad , Masri Abdel Fattah , Ghorra Pierre , Witte Torsten , Baraliakos Xenofon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo calculate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 in axial spondyloarthritis patients (axSpA) compared to blood donors (BD) in Lebanon, to identify the clinical and radiological findings associated with HLA‐B27 and to estimate the proportion of patients fulfilling the clinical arm of the Assessment of the Spondyloarthritis International Association (ASAS) criteria.MethodConsecutive Lebanese adult axSpA patients fulfilling the ASAS classification criteria were included from 12 rheumatology clinics across Lebanon. BD served as controls. A binary logistic regression was used to study the association between HLA‐B27 and the disease features.ResultsA total of 247 individuals were included (141 axSpA patients and 106 BD). The prevalence of HLA‐B27 was 3.8% in BD and 41.1% in axSpA. Overall, 39.7% of the axSpA patients fulfilled the clinical arm of the ASAS classification criteria. Sensitivity of HLA‐B27 for axSpA was 41.1%, specificity was 96.2%, positive predictive value was 93.6%, and negative predictive value was 55.13%. Positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 10.9 and negative LR was 1.63. We found a positive association of HLA‐B27 with family history of SpA and psoriasis.ConclusionOur study confirmed a low prevalence of HLA‐B27 in axSpA patients and BD in this Lebanese population, However, we found a high specificity and positive LR, as well as the same number of axSpA patients fulfilling the clinical arm of the ASAS criteria as in European studies. HLA‐B27 is therefore valuable for identification of axSpA in Lebanese patients despite the overall low prevalence in this population. Our results may guide future evaluations the role of HLA‐B27 in planning local referral strategies.
Prognostic nutritional index is associated with disease severity and relapse in ANCA‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Jung Seung Min , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThe prognostic nutritional index (PNI), calculated by serum albumin and peripheral blood lymphocyte count, is considered to reflect immune‐related nutritional status. In this study, we first investigated the clinical significance of PNI in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodMedical records of 160 patients classified as AAV from October 2000 to September 2017 were reviewed. We calculated the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) and collected laboratory data including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, white blood cell, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, and serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels at diagnosis. PNI at diagnosis was calculated as (10 × serum albumin [g/dL] + 0.005 × lymphocyte count [/mm3]). Associations between laboratory variables, PNI, and BVAS were assessed by linear regression analyses, and Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with disease relapse.ResultsThe mean age was 55.2 years and 48 patients (30.0%) were male. In univariable linear regression analysis, BVAS was positively correlated with ESR and CRP and negatively with lymphocyte count, serum albumin, and PNI (r = −0.307). In multivariable linear regression analysis, among ESR, CRP, and PNI, PNI was associated with BVAS (β = −0.299). PNI also significantly correlated with the included laboratory data. In Cox proportional hazard analysis, myeloperoxidase—antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity (odds ratio [OR] 2.875, P = 0.003) and PNI ≤36.75 (OR 2.066, P = 0.042) revealed to be independent predictors of disease relapse during the follow‐up period.ConclusionsPrognostic nutritional index at diagnosis might be useful for assessing disease severity and predicting the prognosis of AAV patients.