bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bounds for increasing multi-state linear k-within-(r,s)-of-(m,n):F lattice system
Authors: Radwan Taha 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
A multi-state linear k-within-(r, s)-of-(m, n): F lattice system consists of m×n components arranged in m rows and n columns. The possible states of the system and its components are: 0, 1, 2, …, H. According to k values, the system can be categorized into three special cases: decreasing, increasing and constant. The system reliability of decreasing and constant cases exists. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the system reliability in increasing case with i.i.d components, where there is no any algorithm for evaluating the system reliability in this case.

Design/methodology/approach
The Boole-Bonferroni bounds were applied for evaluating the reliability of many systems. In this paper, the author reformulated the second-order Boole-Bonferroni bounds to be suitable for the evaluation of the multi-state system reliability. And the author applied these bounds for deriving the lower bound and upper bound of increasing multi-state linear k-within-(r, s)-of-(m, n): F lattice system.

Findings
An illustrated example of the proposed bounds and many numerical examples are given. The author tested these examples and concluded the cases that make the new bounds are sharper.

Practical implications
In this paper, the author considered an important and complex system, the multi-state linear k-within-(r, s)-of-(m, n): F lattice system; it is a model for many applications, for example, telecommunication, radar detection, oil pipeline, mobile communications, inspection procedures and series of microwave towers systems.

Originality/value
This paper suggests a method for the computation of the bounds of increasing multi-state linear k-within-(r,s)-of-(m,n): F lattice system. Furthermore, the author concluded that the cases that make these bounds are sharper.
The effect of strategic knowledge management on the universities’ performance: an empirical approach
Authors: Fernández-López Sara , Rodeiro-Pazos David , Calvo Nuria , Rodríguez-Gulías María Jesús 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the availability and use of IT solutions for strategic knowledge management (SKM) and the universities’ performance, measured in terms of scientific production.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and the knowledge-based theory, the authors develop a conceptual framework for exploring the effect of SKM based on IT on the organisation’s performance that they empirically test by applying panel data methodology to a sample of 70 Spanish universities over the period 2011-2014.

Findings
The authors confirm that the SKM based on IT influences the university’s performance. This effect is positive in the case of the IT solutions referred to the infrastructure of data grouping and more evident when the university’s performance is measured by indicators more directly related to scientific quality. Contrary to expected, the percentage of training and research staff that uses institutional tools of collaborative work is negatively related with the universities’ capacity of publication.

Practical implications
The authors followed the system dynamics approach to identify a causal diagram and a flow sequence that lets them group universities in three different profiles in the knowledge management (KM) flow diagram.

Originality/value
First, the authors develop a conceptual framework for exploring the effect of SKM based on IT on the organisation’s performance that could be applicable to analyse the case of other knowledge-driven organisations. Second, in contrast with the large number of studies dealing with SKM and performance focused on firms, the authors analyse universities. Third, the authors’ empirical approach used the panel data methodology with a large sample of universities over the period 2011-2014.
Fabrication of interview data
Authors: Blasius Jörg 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Evidence from past surveys suggests that some interviewees simplify their responses even in very well-organized and highly respected surveys. This paper aims to demonstrate that some interviewers, too, simplify their task by at least partly fabricating their data, and that, in some survey research institutes, employees simplify their task by fabricating entire interviews via copy and paste.

Design/methodology/approach
Using data from the principal questionnaires in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) data, the author applies statistical methods to search for fraudulent methods used by interviewers and employees at survey research organizations.

Findings
The author provides empirical evidence for potential fraud performed by interviewers and employees of survey research organizations in several countries that participated in PISA 2012 and PIAAC.

Practical implications
The proposed methods can be used as early as the initial phase of fieldwork to flag potentially problematic interviewer behavior such as copying responses.

Originality/value
The proposed methodology may help to improve data quality in survey research by detecting fabricated data.
New data strategies: nonprobability sampling, mobile, big data
Authors: Link Michael 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Researchers now have more ways than ever before to capture information about groups of interest. In many areas, these are augmenting traditional survey approaches – in others, new methods are potential replacements. This paper aims to explore three key trends: use of nonprobability samples, mobile data collection and administrative and “big data.”

Design/methodology/approach
Insights and lessons learned about these emerging trends are drawn from recent published articles and relevant scientific conference papers.

Findings
Each new trend has its own timeline in terms of methodological maturity. While mobile technologies for data capture are being rapidly adopted, particularly the use of internet-based surveys conducted on mobile devices, nonprobability sampling methods remain rare in most government research. Resource and quality pressures combined with the intensive research focus on new sampling methods, are, however, making nonprobability sampling a more attractive option. Finally, exploration of “big data” is becoming more common, although there are still many challenges to overcome – methodological, quality and access – before such data are used routinely.

Originality/value
This paper provides a timely review of recent developments in the field of data collection strategies, drawing on numerous current studies and practical applications in the field.
Interviewer variance and its effects on estimates
Authors: Loosveldt Geert , Wuyts Celine , Beullens Koen 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
In survey methodology, it is well-known that interviewers can have an impact on the registered answers. This paper aims to focus on one type of interviewer effect that arises from the differences between interviewers in the systematic effects of each interviewer on the answers. In the first case, the authors evaluate interviewer effects on the measurement of alcohol consumption in European countries. The second case is about the interviewer effects on the respondents’ tendency to (non)differentiate their responses and the consequences of this response style for the correlation between variables.

Design/methodology/approach
The interviewer effects are evaluated by means of interviewer variance analysis. Because respondents are nested within interviewers, we can specify a two- or three-level random intercept model to calculate the proportion of variance explained by the interviewers. Data from the seventh round of the European Social Survey are used.

Findings
The results in the first case show that the substantive conclusions about the effect of gender and education on the alcohol measures continue to hold when interviewer effects are taken into account. The results of the second case make clear that interviewer effects on attitudinal questions are considerable. There is also a significant effect of the interviewers on the degree that respondents differentiate their responses. The results also illustrate that correlations between attitudinal variables are influenced. This also implies that the results of statistical procedures using a correlation or covariance matrix can be strongly influenced by the tendency to (non)differentiate and the interviewers’ impact on this tendency.

Originality/value
The results clearly demonstrate that there are considerable differences between countries concerning the impact of the interviewers on substantive variables. Cross-national differences are striking and the importance and necessity to evaluate interviewer effects in a cross-national survey becomes clear.
Applying the total survey error framework to PIAAC
Authors: Lyberg Lars , Cibelli Hibben Kristen , Pennell Beth-Ellen 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Surveys in multinational, multiregional and multicultural contexts (or “3MC” surveys) are becoming increasingly important to global and regional decision-making and theory building. To serve this purpose, the surveys need to be well managed, with an awareness of key sources of survey error and how to minimize them, mechanisms in place to control the implementation process and an ability to intervene in that process when necessary in a spirit of continuous improvement (Pennell et al., 2017). One key approach for managing and assessing the quality of 3MC surveys is the total survey error (TSE) framework and associated survey process quality. This paper aims to examine the application of the TSE framework and survey process quality to the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

Design/methodology/approach
The authors begin with a background on TSE and discuss recent adaptations of TSE and survey process quality for 3MC surveys. They then presents a TSE framework tailored with examples of potential contributions to error for PIAAC and ways to address those through effective quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) approaches.

Findings
Overall, the authors find that the design and implementation of the first cycle of PIAAC largely reflect the current best practice for 3MC surveys. However, the authors identify several potential contributions to error that may threaten comparability in PIAAC and ways these could be addressed in the upcoming cycle.

Originality/value
With a view toward continuous improvement, the final section draws on the survey process quality approach adapted from Hansen et al.’s study (2016) to summarize the recommendations in terms of additional QA elements (inputs and activities) and associated QC elements (measures and reports) for PIAAC’s consideration in the next cycle.
Detecting and treating errors in tests and surveys
Authors: von Davier Matthias 
Published: March 2018

PurposeSurveys that include skill measures may suffer from additional sources of error compared to those containing questionnaires alone. Examples are distractions such as noise or interruptions of testing sessions, as well as fatigue or lack of motivation to succeed. This paper aims to provide a review of statistical tools based on latent variable modeling approaches extended by explanatory variables that allow detection of survey errors in skill surveys.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews psychometric methods for detecting sources of error in cognitive assessments and questionnaires. Aside from traditional item responses, new sources of data in computer-based assessment are available – timing data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and data from questionnaires – to help detect survey errors.FindingsSome unexpected results are reported. Respondents who tend to use response sets have lower expected values on PIAAC literacy scales, even after controlling for scores on the skill-use scale that was used to derive the response tendency.Originality/valueThe use of new sources of data, such as timing and log-file or process data information, provides new avenues to detect response errors. It demonstrates that large data collections need to better utilize available information and that integration of assessment, modeling and substantive theory needs to be taken more seriously.
Selective laser melting of maraging steel: mechanical properties development and its application in mold
Authors: Bai Yuchao , Yang Yongqiang , Xiao Zefeng , Wang Di 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to verify whether selective laser melting (SLM) could be used for manufacturing mold with conformal cooling channels and determine whether the mechanical properties development of SLM manufacturing maraging steel mold would be beneficial to improve the quality of mold.

Design/methodology/approach
A series of block specimens and cylindrical tensile specimens are manufactured by SLM, and then are heat treated by solution treatment (ST) and solution treatment + aging treatment (ST + AT), respectively. The development of microstructure, microhardness and tensile strength of specimens is investigated. Then, a mold with conformal cooling channels is designed and manufactured by SLM and machined after ST with microhardness decreasing.

Findings
The morphology of microstructure varies widely under different heat treatment. The microhardness and tensile strength decrease after ST with cellular structure broken, which is conducive to mechanical finishing for mold to improve surface accuracy. After that, the hardness and strength of the mold increase significantly by AT with the precipitation of Ni3Mo, Fe2Mo and Ni3Ti particles. The maraging steel mold with conformal cooling channels can be manufactured by SLM successfully. And the surface accuracy of mold could be improved easily by machining.

Originality/value
Compared with the traditional mold with simple cooling channels, the mold with conformal cooling channels can be manufactured by SLM directly. The hardness of maraging steel mold manufactured by SLM can be reduced through ST, which is conducive to mechanical finishing for overcoming the defect of low precision of SLM directly manufacturing mold. This provides a new way for manufacturing mold of high quality.
Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacities and Phenolic Compounds of Oat and Buckwheat Vinegars During Production Processes
Authors: Yu Xiao , Yang Mei , Dong Jilin , Shen Ruiling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the dynamic changes in the antioxidant activities and phenolic acid profiles of oat and buckwheat vinegars during different production stages. The results showed that both oat and buckwheat vinegar products comparably attenuated D‐galactose‐induced oxidative damage in mice serum and liver, indicating no obvious dose dependence within the tested concentrations. However, oat vinegar product revealed more favorable in vitro antioxidant activities than those in buckwheat vinegar product as evaluated by 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging abilities. Moreover, the alcoholic fermentation, acetic acid fermentation and fumigating induced successive increase in DPPH radical scavenging abilities and phenolic acid contents of the fermentation substrates of oat and buckwheat vinegars. Importantly, the different fermentation processes of oat and buckwheat vinegars were accompanied by the dynamic migration and transformation of specific phenolic acids across bound, esterified and free fractions. Thus, the antioxidant activities of oat and buckwheat vinegars could be improved through targeted modulation of the generation of specific phenolic acid fractions during production processes.Practical ApplicationWe had evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities and phenolic acid contents of oat and buckwheat vinegars, and further explored the dynamic changes of bound, esterified and free phenolic acid fractions during successive fermentation processes of oat and buckwheat vinegars. This study provided the theoretical guidance for obtaining minor grain vinegar with the optimal antioxidant activities through targeted modulation of fermentation processes.
Comparing three types of dietary samples for prey DNA decay in an insect generalist predator
Authors: Kamenova Stefaniya , Mayer Rebecca , Rubbmark Oskar R. , Coissac Eric , Plantegenest Manuel , Traugott Michael 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe rapidly growing field of molecular diet analysis is becoming increasingly popular among ecologists, especially when investigating methodologically challenging groups, such as invertebrate generalist predators. Prey DNA detection success is known to be affected by multiple factors; however, the type of dietary sample has rarely been considered. Here, we address this knowledge gap by comparing prey DNA detection success from three types of dietary samples. In a controlled feeding experiment, using the carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius as a model predator, we collected regurgitates, faeces and whole consumers (including their gut contents) at different time points postfeeding. All dietary samples were analysed using multiplex PCR, targeting three different length DNA fragments (128, 332 and 612 bp). Our results show that both the type of dietary sample and the size of the DNA fragment contribute to a significant part of the variation found in the detectability of prey DNA. Specifically, we observed that in both regurgitates and whole consumers, prey DNA was detectable significantly longer for all fragment sizes than for faeces. Based on these observations, we conclude that prey DNA detected from regurgitates and whole consumers DNA extracts are comparable, whereas prey DNA detected from faeces, though still sufficiently reliable for ecological studies, will not be directly comparable to the former. Therefore, regurgitates and faeces constitute a useful, nonlethal source for dietary information that could be applied to field studies in situations when invertebrate predators should not be killed.
Combining network theory and reaction–advection–diffusion modelling for predicting animal distribution in dynamic environments
Authors: Prima Marie‐Caroline , Duchesne Thierry , Fortin André , Rivest Louis‐Paul , Fortin Daniel 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Movement is a key process driving animal distributions within heterogeneous landscapes. Graph (network) theory is increasingly used to understand and predict landscape functional connectivity, as network properties can provide crucial information regarding the resilience of a system to landscape disturbances, e.g. removal of habitat patches. The temporal dimension of movement patterns, however, is not generally included in network analysis, which can lead to a discrepancy between observed space use and landscape connectivity. Reaction–advection–diffusion models, when coupled with network analysis, could provide a powerful mechanistic framework based upon spatio‐temporal dimensions of animal movement, but this approach remains poorly developed for ecological studies.

We developed a mechanistic space use model that considers both residency time in resource patches and movement amongst those patches within a spatial network. The framework involves two main steps: first, the network topology that best reflects functional connectivity for the study system is identified; second, a spatio‐temporal flow dynamic is implemented within the network using reaction–advection–diffusion modelling. To illustrate the approach, we used observations of radiocollared plains bison Bison bison bison that were travelling in a meadow network within a forest matrix.

In the model application, we found that the graph best reflecting the functional connectivity of bison was a complex graph of ultra‐small world scale‐free network type. The reaction–advection–diffusion model involved the effect of meadow area and inter‐meadow distance on bison travels. Simulations showed that a simple graph or distance‐based graphs provided less accurate predictions of bison distribution, while also predicting different management actions to effectively impact bison space use.

Our study demonstrates how reaction–advection–diffusion modelling, coupled with network theory, can provide a robust mechanistic framework for predicting animal distribution in dynamic environments. The modelling approach can be applied to a large range of systems that are subjected to rapid environmental changes due to habitat management or natural resource extraction, for example. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that management and conservation planning can strongly depend upon network structure, and that a faulty assessment of network topology can result in poor planning, with potential unexpected impacts on animal distributions.
Genomic signatures reveal selection of characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations
Authors: Sun H. , Wang Z. , Zhang Z. , Xiao Q. , Mawed S. , Xu Z. , Zhang X. , Yang H. , Zhu M. , Xue M. , Liu X. , Zhang W. , Zhen Y. , Wang Q. , Pan Y. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe Chinese Meishan pig breed is well known for its high prolificacy. Moreover, this breed can be divided into three types based on their body size: big Meishan, middle Meishan (MMS) and small Meishan (SMS) pigs. Few studies have reported on the genetic signatures of Meishan pigs, particularly on a genome‐wide scale. Exploring for genetic signatures could be quite valuable for revealing the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation. Thus, we performed research in two parts based on the genome reducing and sequencing data of 143 Meishan pigs (74 MMS pigs, 69 SMS pigs). First, we detected the selection signatures among all Meishan pigs studied using the relative extended haplotype homozygosity test. Second, we detected the selection signatures between MMS and SMS pigs using the cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity and FST methods. A total of 111 398 SNPs were identified from the sequenced genomes. In the population analysis, the most significant genes were associated with the mental development (RGMA), reproduction (HDAC4, FOXL2) and lipid metabolism (ACACB). From the cross‐population analysis, we detected genes related to body weight (SPDEF, PACSIN1) in both methods. We suggest that rs341373351, located within the PACSIN1 gene, might be the causal variant. This study may have achieved consistency between selection signatures and characteristics within and between Meishan pig populations. These findings can provide insight into investigating the molecular background of high prolificacy and body size in pig.
Afatinib for an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation: A case report of progressive stage IV metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with 54 months’ survival
Authors: Chan Raymond Tsz‐Tong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNon–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) harboring the uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations are generally thought to be unresponsive to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Presented here is a case of stage IV NSCLC harboring an uncommon EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation that was maintained at minimal progressive disease for 54 months, with 36 months on the second‐generation TKI afatinib. Contrary to the existing literature, the patient in this case demonstrated a long, durable response to the EGFR‐TKI, which was exhibited by a long survival endpoint. This suggests that stability in clinical symptoms might be sufficient to warrant continuation of therapy.