bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Relationship between Markers of Systemic Inflammatory Response and Head and Neck Tumor Characteristics
Authors: Tham Tristan , Costantino Peter 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundMarkers of systemic inflammation have been hypothesized to reflect the underlying tumor microenvironment, and have recently been shown to be associated with advanced tumor grade, T and N stages.Aims/ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between head and neck cancer (HNC) tumor characteristics and routine pretreatment inflammatory markers: the platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR).Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. The tumor characteristics collected were tumor differentiation, T stage, N stage. The relationship between the inflammatory markers and tumor characteristics was analyzed.ResultsA total of 122 patients were enrolled from 2010-2016. An elevated PLR was found to be significantly associated with advanced T stage (rho=0.191, p=0.00347), and N stage (ANOVA, p=0.005). None of the other inflammatory markers (NLR, LMR) were associated with T stage or N stage. No markers were associated with tumor differentiation.Conclusion and significanceWe found that an PLR is significantly associated with advanced tumor and nodal stage. We were unable to find any tumor associations with the other inflammatory markers (NLR, LMR).
Characterization of Coxsackievirus A20 from a child with acute flaccid paralysis in Nigeria
Authors: Faleye T.O.C. , Adewumi M.O. , Olayinka O.T. , Adeniji J.A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn light of the ongoing cVDPV2 outbreak in Nigeria, we describe the draft genome of a CVA20 strain from a child with AFP. The non-structural region of this genome unambiguously unveiled the source of such regions in recombinant cVDPV2s (JX275140 and KX162716) found in Nigeria in 2008 and 2015, respectively.
Sparse-Coding Variational Auto-Encoders
Authors: Geadah Victor , Barello Gabriel , Greenidge Daniel , Charles Adam S. , Pillow Jonathan W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe sparse coding model posits that the visual system has evolved to efficiently code natural stimuli using a sparse set of features from an overcomplete dictionary. The original sparse coding model suffered from two key limitations, however: (1) computing the neural response to an image patch required minimizing a nonlinear objective function via recurrent dynamics; (2) fitting relied on approximate inference methods that ignored uncertainty. Although subsequent work has developed several methods to overcome these obstacles, we propose a novel solution inspired by the variational auto-encoder (VAE) framework. We introduce the sparse-coding variational auto-encoder (SVAE), which augments the sparse coding model with a probabilistic recognition model parametrized by a deep neural network. This recognition model provides a neurally plausible feedforward implementation for the mapping from image patches to neural activities, and enables a principled method for fitting the sparse coding model to data via maximization of the evidence lower bound (ELBO). The SVAE differs from standard VAEs in three key respects: the latent representation is overcomplete (there are more latent dimensions than image pixels), the prior is sparse or heavy-tailed instead of Gaussian, and the decoder network is a linear projection instead of a deep network. We fit the SVAE to natural image data under different assumed prior distributions, and show that it obtains higher test performance than previous fitting methods. Finally, we examine the response properties of the recognition network and show that it captures important nonlinear properties of neurons in the early visual pathway.
Differences in DNA methylation of white blood cell types at birth and in adulthood reflect postnatal immune maturation and influence accuracy of cell type prediction
Authors: Jones Meaghan J , Dinh Louie , Razzaghian Hamid Reza , Goede Olivia de , MacIsaac Julia L , Morin Alexander M. , Gervin Kristina , Ng Raymond , Duijts Liesbeth , Zelm Menno C van , Moll Henriëtte A , Lyle Robert , Robinson Wendy P , Koestler Devin C , Felix Janine F , Lavoie Pascal M , Mostafavi Sara , Kobor Michael S 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundDNA methylation profiling of peripheral blood leukocytes has many research applications, and characterizing the changes in DNA methylation of specific white blood cell types between newborn and adult could add insight into the maturation of the immune system. As a consequence of developmental changes, DNA methylation profiles derived from adult white blood cells are poor references for prediction of cord blood cell types from DNA methylation data. We thus examined cell-type specific differences in DNA methylation in leukocyte subsets between cord and adult blood, and assessed the impact of these differences on prediction of cell types in cord blood.ResultsThough all cell types showed differences between cord and adult blood, some specific patterns stood out that reflected how the immune system changes after birth. In cord blood, lymphoid cells showed less variability than in adult, potentially demonstrating their naïve status. In fact, cord CD4 and CD8 T cells were so similar that genetic effects on DNA methylation were greater than cell type effects in our analysis, and CD8 T cell frequencies remained difficult to predict, even after optimizing the library used for cord blood composition estimation. Myeloid cells showed fewer changes between cord and adult and also less variability, with monocytes showing the fewest sites of DNA methylation change between cord and adult. Finally, including nucleated red blood cells in the reference library was necessary for accurate cell type predictions in cord blood.ConclusionChanges in DNA methylation with age were highly cell type specific, and those differences paralleled what is known about the maturation of the postnatal immune system.
Prevalence and growth characteristics of Bacillus sporothermodurans in UHT milk
Authors: Tabit Frederick Tawi 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of Bacillus sporothermodurans in UHT milk brands in South Africa and to analyse the level of proteolysis in UHT milk due to the growth of B. sporothermodurans during short-term and long-term storage.

Design/methodology/approach
Different brands and batches of commercially available retail UHT milk packages were bought from different supermarkets, during different seasons and tested for the presence of B. sporothermodurans. Sterile UHT milk was spiked with B. sporothermodurans vegetative cells and incubated at 37°C for up to 172 hours. Total plate counts, pH, spore counts, UHT milk proteolysis and the headspace volatiles dynamics were analysed at different intervals.

Findings
The contamination of retail UHT milk packages by B. sporothermodurans was found to be prevalent. The growth of B. sporothermodurans in spiked UHT milk reached a maximum of 1.9×105 cfu/ml; however, the significant proteolytic activity in UHT milk due to B. sporothermodurans only occurred long after the exponential growth phase had been attained. Furthermore, the growth of B. sporothermodurans in UHT milk did not lead to significant changes in the headspace volatile profiles of spiked UHT milk samples. Proteolytic activity in retail UHT milk packages, contaminated with B. sporothermodurans, was significantly higher when the use-by dates were reached.

Practical implications
Significant proteolysis in UHT milk means the assurance of high-quality UHT milk with extended storage stability for up to 10-12 months is compromised. Proteolysis of casein may lead to rapid sedimentation in UHT milk compared to UHT milk without sedimentation.

Originality/value
This paper is of interest to manufacturers because it raises the awareness that UHT milk containing B. sporothermodurans may not have the same storage stability when compared those without B. sporothermodurans. The presence of B. sporothermodurans in commercial UHT milk packages may lead to international and national trade restrictions for manufacturers.
Can credit rating agencies play a greater role in corporate governance disclosure?
Authors: Cash Daniel 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The European Commission (EC) is currently examining methods to increase the effectiveness of corporate governance disclosures. This paper aims to examine whether the credit rating agencies (CRAs), both on account of their influence within the marketplace and also their methodological approach to rating Governance, may have a greater role to play in the EC achieving those particular objectives.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based upon a normative methodology, upon which the issue is contextualised and a proposal is put forward regarding a methodological alteration that can be instituted by the CRAs.

Findings
The paper finds that the CRAs may have a much greater role to play in meeting the objectives of the EC. Whilst the EC is focusing upon regulatory monitoring, the paper finds that there is a potential for a more efficient model within which the CRAs adapt their methodologies to include corporate governance disclosure into their rating processes.

Originality/value
In presenting the idea that the comply or explain principles put forward by the EC are proving to be somewhat ineffective, the paper contributes to the field by suggesting there are private endeavours which may add a sense of impact to disclosure proceedings, rather than the purely public regime being envisioned.
Pseudo direct drive simulation and analysis
Authors: da Costa Neves Carlos Guilherme , Flores Filho Aly Ferreira , Goettems Mateus Felipe , Borges Pablo Augusto Machado 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to simulate a pseudo direct drive (PDD) by using permanent magnet arrays.

Design/methodology/approach
A 2D finite element model of the PDD was built. The static magnetic torque on air-gaps was obtained by Coulomb’s virtual work method using Ansys Maxwell software. To simulate the relative movement between input rotor and output rotor, two movement bands were applied.

Findings
The PDD’s torque relation was proved. The PDD simulated presents low cogging torque.

Practical implications
The manufacturing steps and materials applied in a construction of a coaxial magnetic gear, PDD’s main component, are presented.

Originality/value
The value of this paper is to present the numerical techniques applied to simulate a PDD and the manufacturing steps and materials applied in a construction of a coaxial magnetic gear.
Unraveling the black box
Authors: Karadas Georgiana , Karatepe Osman M. 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential mediators that operate in the black box between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and employee outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe relationships the authors developed were assessed via data obtained from a time-lagged sample of customer-contact employees and their direct supervisors in the Romanian hotel industry. The study employed bias-corrected bootstrapping analysis to gauge the mediating effects.FindingsThe findings reveal that psychological capital mediates the impact of HPWS on work engagement. As hypothesized, both psychological capital and work engagement mediate the impact of HPWS on quitting intentions, creative performance and extra-role performance. In short, the findings underscore both psychological capital and work engagement as the two mediators that operate in the black box between HPWS and the aforesaid employee outcomes. In addition, the empirical data support the impact of work engagement in the intermediate linkage between psychological capital and these outcomes.Originality/valueThe study enhances current knowledge on HPWS by examining the potential mediators between HPWS and motivational outcomes and job outcomes.
Ranking lean tools for world class reach through grey relational analysis
Authors: Satolo Eduardo Guilherme , Leite Caroline , Calado Robisom Damasceno , Goes Gustavo Antiqueira , Salgado Douglas D’Alessandro 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The lean production system and world class manufacturing (WCM) have been prominent in recent studies due to their conceptual synergy. However, although the number of studies is increasing, the research is immature, especially regarding the interaction between topics. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to rank the tools of the lean production system, indicating how they help organizations achieve WCM, using the theory of grey systems.

Design/methodology/approach
Therefore, the authors conducted an initial survey to collect data to determine how the lean production tools are related to the WCM pillars. These data were analyzed by the grey relational analysis statistical method, which passes through the construction of four stages.

Findings
The results show that of the lean production tools, stream mapping, kaizen, total productive maintenance, Six Sigma, standardized work and 5S stand out for their use and implementation in the organizational environment and facilitate organizations’ transitions to world-class performance through the WCM pillars.

Practical implications
The results achieved guide organizations to use the tools of the lean production system to help them reach world class status.

Originality/value
This paper stands out in the field of operations management, specifically in the research on lean production, by making use of the theory of grey correlation system in an innovative and original way. In addition, it promotes the consolidation of information on two of the main administrative strategies currently employed in the organizational environment.
Modeling of double-layer jacquard fabrics for pattern simulation
Authors: Cong Honglian , Li Xinxin , Zhang Aijun , Zhang Yanting , Zhong Jun 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
Double-jacquard technique is referred as the most advanced technology for forming patterns on both layers of a 3D fabric knitted on a double-needle bar warp-knitting machine. In order to realize the computer-aided design and simulation of jacquard patterns, the purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematic model for representation of jacquard structures and an improved mass-spring model to improve the simulation of structural deformation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
Primarily, it analyzes the jacquard patterning method and displacing principle to design jacquard structures on each layer and linking structures of two layers. Based on that, a loop geometry defined by six key points and segmental lines is built to transfer the jacquard bitmap and lapping movements into a fabric of loops and therefore realizing patterns visualization. Afterwards, an improved mass-spring model is built to simulate structural deformation, in which the fabric is simplified as a mesh of uniformly distributed mass particles. Each loop is treated as a massless particle while underlaps are referred as structural springs connecting loops particles. Elastic forces of these springs on each loop particle is calculated according to the Hook’s law and Newton’s second law, and then based on the explicit Euler’s equations, motion state of each particle is solved including the velocity and the shift.

Findings
Based on the above method, a simulator for double-layer jacquard fabrics is developed via Visual C++ language to visualize the patterned fabrics with pitting effects. With a jacquard shoe fabric as an example, this simulation model is proved to be practical and efficient by comparing the simulation result and real fabric.

Research limitations/implications
Because of limited researches, 3D simulation modeling of this double-layer jacquard fabric will be studied in the further research.

Practical implications
The implement of this simulation method will offer the industries a time-saving and cost-saving approach for new fabrics development.

Originality/value
This approach can be used as a reference for simulating other knitted fabrics with jacquard patterns, such as jacquard garment fabrics and home textile fabrics.
The determinants of using cloud supply chain adoption
Authors: Lin Chinho , Lin Meichun 
Published: August 2018

PurposeIt is necessary to determine the processes affecting cloud computing service applications in supply chain management (SCM) systems in order to facilitate cloud computing service exchanges and transmission of data among supply chain members. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and integrating the commitment trust theory, this paper develops a theoretical model using argument advantage and source credibility constructs to examine the relationships among perceived usefulness, attitude, trust and usage intention.FindingsThe results indicate that both the central route and the peripheral route of the ELM have a positive influence on perceived usefulness. The argument advantage has a strong influence on perceived usefulness as compared to source credibility while source credibility has a strong impact on trust. Furthermore, the perceived usefulness of cloud computing services plays a pivotal role in attitude and intention, whereas trust has a weak effect on usage intention.Originality/valueThe proposed model not only explores the argument that potential user evaluations of both the advantages of cloud computing services and source credibility influence their affective states, which in turn affect their usage intention, but it also examines the mediating factors that influence processes related to cloud SCM acceptance.
The role of technological capabilities in the competitive advantage of companies in the Campinas, SP Tech Hub
Authors: Vitorino Filho Valdir Antonio , Moori Roberto Giro 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of technological capabilities in the competitive advantage of supply chains for the “countryside” hub of São Paulo state.

Design/methodology/approach
An interdisciplinary approach was adopted by combining the strategic orientation of supply chain management as a link between market and operational activities, with technological capabilities as an essential factor for competitive advantage. This exploratory, mixed-method study was conducted in the Campinas technology hub, which has become important for its available skilled workforce, and broad and structured supply chain. The study sample included ten companies and dealt with the techniques of content analysis and non-parametric statistics – the Mann–Whitney U technique.

Findings
The results revealed that strategic supply chain management has an impact on technological capabilities and competitive advantage.

Originality/value
They also showed that technological capabilities have a partial mediating effect on competitive advantage.
The allure of luxury brands’ social media activities: a uses and gratifications perspective
Authors: Athwal Navdeep , Istanbulluoglu Doga , McCormack Sophie Elizabeth 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the social media marketing activities of luxury brands, guided by uses and gratifications theory (UGT). It examines the gratifications sought by millennials, a new core luxury consumer group, and the gratifications obtained when following and connecting with luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach
Online data are gathered from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts of five top luxury brands. In addition, 30 in-depth interviews with millennials, the new generation of luxury consumers, were conducted. Thematic analysis strategy was followed to analyze the data and present the findings.

Findings
Luxury brands remain distant and aloof, which helps them to maintain a sense of exclusivity. User activity, ranging from observations to commenting on and liking luxury brand content, leads to the gratification of two types of need: affective and cognitive. Two affective needs that are satisfied by luxury brands’ social media marketing activities are aesthetic appreciation and entertainment. Cognitive needs are satisfied through the functional use of social media as an information source.

Originality/value
Several studies have investigated social media from the perspective of UGT, but this study is the first to investigate the implications of luxury brands’ social media usage with the lenses of UGT.
Performance management model for teachers based on emotional intelligence and social media competencies
Authors: Kaur Irameet , Shri Charu , Mital K.M. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The technological advances worldwide are posing challenges for the teaching fraternity. However, certain competencies can enable the teachers to enhance their performance by managing self and adopting flexible teaching and learning tools. The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyse and model such competencies with special reference to emotional intelligence and social media competencies (SMCs). A competency framework is developed and a subsequent performance ranking system is derived in this study.

Design/methodology/approach
The statistical approach of multiple regression using partial least square based strucutural equation modelling is used for model development by estimating the impact of various competencies on performance. The technique of analytical network process is applied to derive a performance management system for ranking employees.

Findings
The paper estimates the relative impact of various competencies on superior performance of teachers, thus enabling to develop a competency model. A performance management and ranking system has also been developed.

Practical implications
A working practical model for performance management and ranking of teachers is developed on the basis of different criteria having different weightage. The ranking model can enable to develop suitable strategies for making effective recruitment and appraisal decisions.

Originality/value
The performance management model integrates emotional intelligence competencies, SMCs along with knowledge, skills and attitude, to develop fair and weightage-based performance ranking system.