bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ranking manufacturing processes from the quality management perspective in the automotive industry
Authors: Nestic Snezana , Lampón Jesús F. , Aleksic Aleksandar , Cabanelas Pablo , Tadic Danijela 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study is to propose a fuzzy decision‐making model to rank manufacturing processes from the quality management perspective in the automotive industry. This paper proposes a model for improving quality management through the assessment and ranking of manufacturing subprocesses with respect to key performance indicators (KPIs). The developed model, supported with the fuzzy extended ELECTRE III, allows for the determination of subprocesses' rank. An illustrative example indicates that the proposed model could be very useful in everyday business operations as total quality management asset. The model can handle all uncertain and vague input data by applying the theory of fuzzy sets. The research also suggests different managerial implications because it provides an adequate tool for overall quality improvement. The number of treated KPIs is relatively high, so ELECTRE III method gives an advantage over other multicriteria analysis methods because it embraces less subjective thinking and demands slightly less experts' knowledge during the process of decision making and assessment.
Modeling the impact of liana infestation on the demography and carbon cycle of tropical forests
Authors: di Porcia e Brugnera Manfredo , Meunier Félicien , Longo Marcos , Krishna Moorthy Sruthi M. , De Deurwaerder Hannes , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Bonal Damien , Faybishenko Boris , Verbeeck Hans 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThere is mounting empirical evidence that lianas affect the carbon cycle of tropical forests. However, no single vegetation model takes into account this growth form, although such efforts could greatly improve the predictions of carbon dynamics in tropical forests. In this study, we incorporated a novel mechanistic representation of lianas in a dynamic global vegetation model (the Ecosystem Demography Model). We developed a liana‐specific plant functional type and mechanisms representing liana–tree interactions (such as light competition, liana‐specific allometries, and attachment to host trees) and parameterized them according to a comprehensive literature meta‐analysis. We tested the model for an old‐growth forest (Paracou, French Guiana) and a secondary forest (Gigante Peninsula, Panama). The resulting model simulations captured many features of the two forests characterized by different levels of liana infestation as revealed by a systematic comparison of the model outputs with empirical data, including local census data from forest inventories, eddy flux tower data, and terrestrial laser scanner‐derived forest vertical structure. The inclusion of lianas in the simulations reduced the secondary forest net productivity by up to 0.46 tC ha−1 year−1, which corresponds to a limited relative reduction of 2.6% in comparison with a reference simulation without lianas. However, this resulted in significantly reduced accumulated above‐ground biomass after 70 years of regrowth by up to 20 tC/ha (19% of the reference simulation). Ultimately, the simulated negative impact of lianas on the total biomass was almost completely cancelled out when the forest reached an old‐growth successional stage. Our findings suggest that lianas negatively influence the forest potential carbon sink strength, especially for young, disturbed, liana‐rich sites. In light of the critical role that lianas play in the profound changes currently experienced by tropical forests, this new model provides a robust numerical tool to forecast the impact of lianas on tropical forest carbon sinks.
Similarities and differences in health‐related behavior clustering among older adults in Eastern and Western countries: A latent class analysis of global aging cohorts
Authors: Liao Jing , Mawditt Claire , Scholes Shaun , Lu Wentian , Umeda Maki , Muniz Terrera Graciela , Hao Yuantao , Mejía Shannon 
Published: July 2019

AimTo quantify variations in health‐related behaviors (HRB) clustering of older adults in Western and Eastern countries.MethodsUsing six aging cohorts from the USA, England, Europe, Japan, Korea and China, latent class analysis was applied to access the clustering of smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and social activity.ResultsA total of 104 552 participants (55% women) aged ≥50 years in 2010 were included. Despite a different number of clusters identified, three consistent cluster profiles emerged: “Multiple‐HRB” (ex‐/never smoking, moderate drinking, frequent physical and social activity); “Inactives” (socially and physically inactive without other risk behaviors); and “(ex‐)Smokers with Risk Behaviors”. Sex and cohort variations were shown. For men in Western cohorts, “Multiple‐HRB” was the predominant cluster, whereas their Asian counterparts were more likely to be members of the “Smokers with risk behavior” and “Inactives” clusters. Most women, particularly those in Asian cohorts, were never smokers and non‐drinkers, and most of them belonged to the socially “Inactives” cluster.ConclusionsWe provide a person‐centered understanding of HRB clustering of older adults over selected countries by sex, informing tailored health promotion for the target population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 930–937.
When top‐down meets bottom‐up: Local adoption of social policy reform in China
Authors: Huang Xian , Kim Sung Eun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAuthoritarian local leaders face two driving forces in social policymaking: top‐down pressure from the regime and bottom‐up motivations derived from local conditions. Existing studies recognize the importance of both forces, but remain unclear as to how they interact and which of them is more influential in driving local policy adoption. Focusing on two health insurance integration policies in China, we find that when the policy entails substantial class or distributive conflicts and bureaucratic friction, top‐down pressure for compliance is a dominant driver for local policy adoption; when the policy does not entail such conflicts or bureaucratic infighting, bottom‐up motivations based on local economic geography together with top‐down pressure drive local adoption. We find support for this argument from an analysis of an original city‐level data set in China from 2004 to 2016. This study has implications for social policy reform, decentralization, and government responsiveness in authoritarian countries with multilevel governance.
Tongue coating in relationship to gender, plaque, gingivitis and tongue cleaning behaviour in systemically healthy young adults
Authors: Van Gils Laura M. , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Sluijs Eveline , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos Nienke L. , Van der Weijden Fridus (GA) 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this observational study was to investigate the relationship between tongue coating (thickness [Tc] and surface discoloration [Td]) and gender, plaque, gingivitis (bleeding on marginal probing [BOMP] and bleeding on pocket probing [BOPP]) and tongue cleaning behaviour.Materials and MethodsA total of 336 participants were screened for this cross‐sectional study, from which 268 (150 male, 118 female) were found to be eligible. Aspects of tongue coating were visually assessed. Additionally, BOMP, BOPP and the plaque index (PI) were scored. To ascertain the tongue cleaning behaviour, the Oral Hygiene Behavior questionnaire was used.ResultsMost tongue coating was found at the posterior sections of the tongue surface. A thin coating and white discoloration were most prevalent as highest score for both males (92.7%) and females (87.4%), as well as white discoloration for the whole group of participants (50.2%). A gender difference was observed for TC and Td (P < .001). Analysis did not reveal a relationship between Tc and PI and between Td and PI. Also, no relation was detected between tongue cleaning behaviour and Tc or Td. However, tongue cleaning was associated with lower BOMP and BOPP scores.ConclusionBOMP, BOPP or PI score did not appear to be linked to Tc and Td. A significant gender difference was found for Tc and Td. Self‐reported tongue cleaning behaviour was associated with slightly lower BOMP and BOPP scores.
Combined application of electrolysed water and ultrasound to improve the sanitation of knives in the meat industry
Authors: Brasil Carla C. B. , de Menezes Cristiano R. , Jacob‐Lopes Eduardo , Barin Juliano Smanioto , Zepka Leila Queiroz , Campagnol Paulo Cezar Bastianello , Wagner Roger , Cichoski Alexandre José 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThis study investigated the effect of the combination of basic electrolysed water (BEW) and slightly acid electrolysed water (SAEW) with ultrasound (US) for cleaning and sanitation of the knives used in slaughtering processes. The knives were sonicated in a US bath using two modes of operation (normal and sweep) in two steps: (i) 5 min with BEW and (ii) 10 min with SAEW at 35 °C. The microbiological counts and the possible changes in the physical structure of the knives were evaluated. The association BEW + SAEW + US, in the sweep mode, provided lower mesophilic, enterobacterial, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast counts when compared to the values recommended by the international legislation. In addition, these conditions removed all organic residues from the knife blades and promoted the highest migration rate of the residues to the US water bath (12.35 mg/L·min), without modifications in the knife blades. Thus, cleaning and sanitation of knives was feasible with the association of BEW + SAEW + US, which could be a useful alternative for the meat industry.
Initial experience of a community‐based prostate cancer risk assessment clinic for men of black and minority ethnicity background
Authors: McAllister Bria J. , Patterson Marva I. , Sherwood Benedict T. , Howarth Jodie A. , Malone Kerry J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe designed and implemented a community‐based prostate cancer risk assessment clinic targeting men from black and minority ethnicity (BME) background. This service had the dual aims of optimizing detection of prostate cancer within a local BME population, with a secondary goal of encouraging longer‐term engagement with primary care for follow‐up prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing in order to facilitate early diagnosis of future disease. “Drop‐in” clinics were set up in strategic locations and, staffed by experienced urology nurses. Risk assessment was offered in the form of a PSA test, and digital rectal examination (DRE). We targeted men of BME background aged between 45 and 75 but all attending individuals were given access to counselling and assessment as appropriate. In total, 312 men attended clinics for risk assessment. We diagnosed nine prostate cancers with histological confirmation, with a further two individuals considered to have prostate cancer based on clinical/biochemical parameters. These findings were consistent with similar previously published reports. Nurse‐led, community‐based targeted risk assessment is feasible, leads to the detection of significant numbers of prostate cancers and is well received by patients.
What factors determine dividend smoothing by US and EU banks?
Authors: Koussis Nicos , Makrominas Michalis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUsing a relatively large sample of European and US banks for the period 1998–2016, we investigate the determinants of bank dividend smoothing based on agency, asymmetric information and risk‐shifting theories. We show that dividend payout ratio smoothing practices were implemented on both continents before and after the crisis of 2007 and were more strongly pronounced for EU banks. Our findings mostly support agency‐based explanations of bank dividend behavior as evidenced by higher payout ratio smoothing for banks with higher (initial) dividend payouts, lower ownership concentration, public banks, and banks with lower growth opportunities and weaker investor protection. Evidence in favor of asymmetric information explanations is stronger for EU countries, where smaller (more opaque) banks appear to smooth more. In both continents, banks that rely more heavily on equity issuances are found to smooth dividend payout ratios more, suggesting that banks aim at improving access to equity markets. We also provide evidence in support of risk‐shifting, as evidenced by the persistence of dividend payout ratio smoothing in the crisis years and higher dividend smoothing for banks under greater regulatory pressure. Additional analysis using a time series partial adjustment model for dividend levels provides evidence supporting the prevalence of dividend smoothing and the suggested theoretical explanations.
Virtual behaviors affecting adolescent mental health: The usage of Internet and mobile phone and cyberbullying
Authors: Calpbinici Pelin , Tas Arslan Fatma 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProblemAn important environmental factor affecting adolescents today is undoubtedly technological tools. This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship of adolescents’ Internet and mobile phone usage, cyberbullying behaviors, and their self‐reported mental health.MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of a total of 426 students including 215 male students and 211 female students. A questionnaire was prepared by the researcher to determine the sociodemographic and personal characteristics and virtual behavioral characteristics of individuals. The Brief Symptom Inventory was used to determine the participants’ mental status.FindingsIt was found that adolescents’ daily Internet usage duration, Internet usage purpose, the place where they use Internet, cyberbullying, and exposure to cyberbullying were related to the adolescents’ self‐reported mental health (p < .05).ConclusionSeveral aspects of the virtual behaviors of the adolescents were associated with their sense of mental health issues. In this context, the school health nurse should raise awareness among adolescents about the use of technology and how it might impact their mental wellbeing.
His bundle pacing, learning curve, procedure characteristics, safety, and feasibility: Insights from a large international observational study
Authors: Keene Daniel , Arnold Ahran D , Jastrzębski Marek , Burri Haran , Zweibel Steven , Crespo Eric , Chandrasekaran Badrinathan , Bassi Sukhbinder , Joghetaei Nader , Swift Matthew , Moskal Pawel , Francis Darrel P , Foley Paul , Shun‐Shin Matthew J , Whinnett Zachary I 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundHis‐bundle pacing (HBP) provides physiological ventricular activation. Observational studies have demonstrated the techniques’ feasibility; however, data have come from a limited number of centers.ObjectivesWe set out to explore the contemporary global practice in HBP focusing on the learning curve, procedural characteristics, and outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective, multicenter observational study of patients undergoing attempted HBP at seven centers. Pacing indication, fluoroscopy time, HBP thresholds, and lead reintervention and deactivation rates were recorded. Where centers had systematically recorded implant success rates from the outset, these were collated.ResultsA total of 529 patients underwent attempted HBP during the study period (2014‐19) with a mean follow‐up of 217 ± 303 days. Most implants were for bradycardia indications.In the three centers with the systematic collation of all attempts, the overall implant success rate was 81%, which improved to 87% after completion of 40 cases.All seven centers reported data on successful implants. The mean fluoroscopy time was 11.7 ± 12.0 minutes, the His‐bundle capture threshold at implant was 1.4 ± 0.9 V at 0.8 ± 0.3 ms, and it was 1.3 ± 1.2 V at 0.9 ± 0.2 ms at last device check.HBP lead reintervention or deactivation (for lead displacement or rise in threshold) occurred in 7.5% of successful implants.There was evidence of a learning curve: fluoroscopy time and HBP capture threshold reduced with greater experience, plateauing after approximately 30‐50 cases.ConclusionWe found that it is feasible to establish a successful HBP program, using the currently available implantation tools. For physicians who are experienced at pacemaker implantation, the steepest part of the learning curve appears to be over the first 30‐50 cases.
Prognostic significance of P‐wave morphology in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Nortamo Santeri , Laitinen Idamaria , Passi Jussi , Tulppo Mikko , Ukkola Olavi H. , Junttila M. Juhani , Kiviniemi Antti M. , Kenttä Tuomas , Huikuri Heikki V. , Perkiömäki Juha S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe prognostic significance of P‐wave morphology in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is not well‐known.MethodsA total of 1946 patients with angiographically verified CAD were included in the Innovation to reduce Cardiovascular Complications of Diabetes at the Intersection (ARTEMIS) study. The P‐wave morphology could be analyzed in 1797 patients.ResultsDuring 7.4 ± 2.0 years, a total of 168 (9.3%) patients died or experienced resuscitation from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), 43 (2.4%) patients experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD) or were resuscitated from SCA, 37 (2.1%) patients succumbed to non‐SCD (NSCD), and 88 (4.9%) patients to noncardiac death (NCD). Of the P‐wave parameters, the absolute P‐wave residuum (PWR), the heterogeneity of the P‐wave morphology (PWH), and the P‐wave duration (Pdur) had the closest univariate association with the risk of SCD/SCA (0.0038 ± 0.0026 vs 0.0022 ± 0.0017, P < .001; 11.0 ± 5.2 vs 8.6 ± 3.6, P < .01; 142.7 ± 16.9 vs 134.8 ± 14.3 milliseconds, P < .01; SCD/SCA vs no SCD/SCA, respectively). After adjustments with factors that were associated with the risk of SCD/SCA, such as diabetes, smoking, left bundle branch block, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and high‐sensitivity troponin T, PWR (P < .001), PWH (P < .05), and Pdur (P < 0.01) still predicted SCD/SCA but not non‐sudden cardiac death. When these parameters were added to the SCD/SCA clinical risk model, the discrimination and reclassification accuracy of the risk model increased significantly (P < .05, P < .001) and the C‐index increased from 0.745 to 0.787.ConclusionThe P‐wave morphology parameters independently predict SCD/SCA in patients with CAD.
Outcome of combined cryo‐ and radiofrequency‐catheter ablation in patients with supraventricular tachycardias
Authors: Miyamoto Koji , Kapa Suraj , Mulpuru Siva K. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Munger Thomas M. , Friedman Paul A. , Packer Douglas L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere are few data regarding the outcome of a combined cryo‐ and radiofrequency (RF)‐catheter ablation of various types of supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) originating from near the normal conduction system.METHODSWe analyzed all patients undergoing combined cryo‐ and RF‐ catheter ablation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN as part of the ablation of SVTs with potential risks of injury to the normal conduction system. This study aimed to assess the outcome of a combined cryo‐ and RF‐catheter ablation of various types of SVTs.RESULTSThe study population consisted of 54 patients (38 ± 17 years, 32 men). A combined cryo‐ and RF‐catheter ablation was attempted for septal accessary pathways (APs) in 26, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) in 14, atrial tachycardia (AT) in 7, and junctional ectopic tachycardia in 7 patients. Forty‐one patients (76%) were successfully ablated with cryoablation, and RF ablation after an unsuccessful cryoablation ablated the SVTs successfully at the same location in 6 patients (11%). Complication occurred in 1 patient (deep vein thrombosis). The cumulative freedom from SVT rate at 30 days after the procedure was 78% and there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate among the SVTs.CONCLUSIONA combined cryo‐ and RF‐catheter ablation is clinically effective in patients undergoing SVT ablation with the potential risk of injury to the normal conduction system.
Safety and efficacy of leadless pacemaker retrieval
Authors: Li Jianwen , Hou Wen‐Bo , Cao Ming‐Kun , Zhou Wen‐Xiu , Wang Yan , Fang Yi , Zhou Chao , Yin Yu‐Xia , Toft Egon S. , Zhang Hai‐Jun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe success rate of leadless cardiac pacemaker (LP) retrieval remains a major concern for this disruptive technology. The present paper performed a systematic review of the safety and feasibility of the retrieval of LPs.MethodsPrimary publications that performed LP retrieval were collected and included five animal experiments and two worldwide retrieval experiences in human. The procedural details, such as indication, days post implantation, extraction success rate, and complications, were described. The present paper analyzed factors affecting the retrieval and management of the nonfunctional devices.ResultsRetrieval animal models was possible at least up to 2.5 years post implantation, and data from humans suggest that removal of a device that was implanted longer (eg, 4 years and 9 months for Nanostim; 4 years for Micra) could be performed within a reasonable safety profile. The fixed mechanism, implant site, and encapsulation of the LP systems may affect the retrieval process.ConclusionsA high success rate in the relatively chronic retrieval of LPs was demonstrated, which promotes the extensive use of these devices in the treatment arrhythmia in the future.
Did the Governance of EU Funds Help Italian Regional Labour Markets during the Great Recession?
Authors: Arbolino Roberta , Di Caro Paolo , Marani Ugo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEuropean and national policy‐makers have highlighted the role of the cohesion policy in smoothing the effects of the crisis during the programme period 2007–13. To support these claims, however, specific evidence is needed. This article studied the relations between the absorption of the EU funds and regional labour markets in Italian regions during the Great Recession. By applying different panel data models to new data on cohesion policy, three main results were achieved. We found that the cohesion policy made a contribution to the resilience of Italian regional labour markets. Yet the short‐term consequences of the cohesion policy on regional economies were conditional on the heterogeneous quality of regional institutions. We also found that the policy changes introduced in Italy during the crisis increased the effectiveness of the cohesion policy. The analysis was controlled for endogeneity issues and alternative specifications.