bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizations of RZ5-TiC magnesium matrix composite wear parameters using Taguchi approach
Authors: Mehra Deepak , Mahapatra Manas Mohan , Harsha Suraj Prakash 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The advancement in modern manufacturing technology generated the need to develop new materials for better wear resistance. The purpose of this paper is to use the Taguchi optimization approach to examine which wear parameter significantly affects weight loss and coefficient of friction for RZ5-TiC composite. It is a simple and efficient method to find performance of wear parameter using minimum experimental runs.

Design/methodology/approach
RZ5-TiC composites were prepared using RZ5 as matrix, reinforced with TiC through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the influence of wear parameters like applied load (AL), sliding distance (SD) and Wt.% of TiC (WTC) on responses like weight loss and coefficient of friction of RZ5/TiCp composites. The pin-on-disc apparatus used to conduct abrasive wear test. The wear process parameters are optimized for minimum wear based on L27 Taguchi orthogonal design. The Taguchi technique using design of experiments (DOE) is used to obtain the data. The ANOVA and an orthogonal array are used to examine the influence of wear parameters on responses. The purpose is to examine parametric significances which affect responses.

Findings
It observed that wear parameters have the significant influence on responses of RZ5/TiCp composites. The interaction of sliding distance/Wt.% of TiC is observed and found significant influence on both responses. The optimum level of the significant wear parameters is achieved based on the maximum S/N ratio for RZ5/TiCp composites. The optimal interaction for weight loss and coefficient of friction is AL1-SD1-WTC3 and AL3-SD1-WTC3, respectively. Finally, the confirmation test is conducted and the results are obtained within the confidence interval.

Originality/value
The current manuscript provides an optimization of wear parameters using Taguchi approach. The extensive experimental data are used for this purpose and effects of wear parameters on responses are analyzed from the presented results. The results obtained are useful in improving the wear resistance of the RZ5-TiC composite.
Tribological characteristics comparison of formulated palm trimethylolpropane ester and polyalphaolefin for cam/tappet interface of direct acting valve train system
Authors: Zahid Rehan , Hj. Hassan Masjuki , Alabdulkarem Abdullah , Varman Mahendra , Kalam Md. Abul , Mufti Riaz Ahmad , Mohd Zulkifli Nurin Wahidah , Gulzar Mubashir , Bhutta Muhammad Usman , Ali Mian Ashfaq , Abdullah Usman , Yunus Robiah H. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
There is a continuous drive in automotive sector to shift from conventional lubricants to environmental friendly ones without adversely affecting critical tribological performance parameters. Because of their favorable tribological properties, chemically modified vegetable oils such as palm trimethylolpropane ester (TMP) are one of the potential candidates for the said role. To prove the suitability of TMP for applications involving boundary-lubrication regime such as cam/tappet interface of direct acting valve train system, a logical step forward is to investigate their compatibility with conventional lubricant additives.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, extreme pressure and tribological characteristics of TMP, formulated with glycerol mono-oleate (GMO), molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), has been investigated using four-ball wear tester and valve train test rig. For comparison, additive-free and formulated versions of polyalphaolefin (PAO) were used as reference. Moreover, various surface characterization techniques were deployed to investigate mechanisms responsible for a particular tribological behavior.

Findings
In additive-free form, TMP demonstrated better extreme pressure characteristics compared to PAO and lubricant additives which are actually optimized for conventional base-oils such as PAO, are also proved to be compatible with TMP to some extent, especially ZDDP. During cylinder head tests, additive-free TMP proved to be more effective compared to PAO in reducing friction of cam/tappet interface, but opposite behavior was seen when formulated lubricants were used. Therefore, there is a need to synthesize specialized friction modifiers, anti-wear and extreme pressure additives for TMP before using it as engine lubricant base-oil.

Originality/value
In this study, additive-free and formulated versions of bio-lubricant are tested for cam/tappet interface of direct acting valve train system of commercial passenger car diesel engine for the very test time. Another important aspect of this research was comparison of important tribological performance parameters (friction torque, wear, rotational speed of tappet) of TMP-based lubricants with conventional lubricant base oil, that is, PAO and its formulated version.
Crossing the boundary between physical and digital: the role of boundary objects
Authors: Corsaro Daniela 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
Digitalization is one of the most important phenomena that characterize the last decade – not only in business-to-consumer markets but also in business-to-business as well. The advent of digital technologies has multiplied the number and type of touchpoints between actors, thus generating new spaces of interaction where cross-boundary movements are frequent and traverse physical and digital contexts. All these elements, in turn, produce a higher need for coordination in business relationships. By using the concept of boundary objects, the purpose of this paper is to understand the main functions of boundary objects to coordinate business relationships across digital and physical contexts.

Design/methodology/approach
The empirical research is based on two case studies where the role of boundary objects is particularly emphasized: Salesforce.com and 3DiTALY. 27 qualitative interviews with key referents have been carried out. To analyze data, the authors applied a constructionist perspective based on Carlile’s (2004) framework of transferring, translating and transforming knowledge across boundaries.

Findings
The study will identify six functions that boundary objects play in coordinating business relationships across physical and digital contexts. It will also show the relevance of a mental network space of shared understanding to enable changes in the relational network space.

Practical implications
This study makes concrete the abstract idea of boundary objects. Therefore, it sheds light on the opportunity of managing strategically boundary objects in order to improve their effectiveness in digital environments.

Originality/value
The study will contribute to IMP research on b-to-b relationships by showing that, in digital contexts, boundary objects are key to coordinate interaction in space and cross-boundary movements. The study will show that once considering a digital context, the traditional functions of boundary objects in terms of transfer, translation, and transformation can be further declined into sub-functions. The study will also provide important managerial implications on how boundary objects can be strategically used by companies to increase the effectiveness of their business relationships.
The development of a collaborative framework for commissioning health and social care
Authors: Nelson Kayleigh M. , McKinnon Aimee I. , Farr Angela , Rance Jaynie Y. , Phillips Ceri J. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of a collaborative commissioning approach to improve quality and experience and reduce cost within integrated health and social care.

Design/methodology/approach
A multi-method approach is used involving qualitative interviews, documentary analysis and non-participant observation.

Findings
The findings suggest that the approach provides a suitable framework for the collaborative commissioning of integrated health and social care services.

Research limitations/implications
Further research is now needed to provide a definitive evaluation of its value outside of Wales.

Practical implications
With the significant scrutiny on health systems, the approach demonstrates effectiveness in securing quality improvements, achievement of recognised care standards and patient outcomes, while providing scope for financial gains and a goal for stakeholders to engage in effective communication.

Originality/value
This research presents an innovative method for collaborative commissioning and reveals activities that appear to contribute to more effective commissioning processes.
Real exchange rate volatility and domestic consumption in Ghana
Authors: Njindan Iyke Bernard , Ho Sin-Yu 
Published: June 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effects of exchange rate volatility on consumption by focusing on a small open sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) country, Ghana, which has experienced exchange rate volatility frequently.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used annual data covering the period 1980-2015, the annualised variance of the real exchange rate as a measure of exchange rate volatility and a technique that is able to separate short-run effects from long-run effects.FindingsThe authors found that exchange rate volatility has negative effects on domestic consumption in the short run, which is passed on as negative long-run effects. This conclusion is unaffected by an alternative measure of exchange rate volatility and the choice of lag restrictions.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors’ finding suggests that policymakers should seek to reduce or prevent exchange rate volatility by pursuing various policies including limiting foreign currency transactions within the country and promoting quality exports.Originality/valueThe extant studies have examined the effects of exchange rate volatility on consumption by considering countries in regions other than SSA. This paper focuses on a small open SSA country which has experienced exchange rate volatility frequently. Unlike most studies, this paper differentiates short-run effects from long-run effects.
Emerging trends in food packaging
Authors: Sharma Rajan , Ghoshal Gargi 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review the recent approaches in food packaging trends to address the preferences of the modern world.

Design/methodology/approach
Recent studies in all the emerging food packaging technologies have been discussed with the examples of commercially available products.

Findings
Advanced food packaging solutions have acquired much appreciation from food industries to address the preferences of the modern world. This paper attempts to describe the current practices in food packaging with examples of commercially available products. Significant emphasis has been given on the technical aspects of the intelligent packaging components, namely, barcodes, radio frequency identification, sensors and indicators. Another distinctive area of packaging focused in this review is the importance of bioplastics due to non-degradable nature of synthetic polymers. Three major categories of biodegradable polymers, namely, polysaccharide-based materials, protein-based materials and lipid-based materials, have been discussed along with an insight about sustainable packaging and edible films and coatings.

Originality/value
Changes in the industrial & retail matters and increasing demand for fresh, safe, nutritious food are the factors owing to the new innovations in the packaging sector. Imminent packaging technologies aim at value addition involving the extension of shelf life, prevention of microbial attack, proper moisture barrier, use of carbon dioxide scavengers/emitters, ethylene scavengers, flavor absorbers, freshness indicators, biosensors and release of bioactive compounds during storage.
Evaluation of processing variables in polymer projection sintering
Authors: Nussbaum Justin , Crane Nathan B. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose
Projection sintering, a system for selectively sintering large areas of polymer powder simultaneously with a high-power projector is introduced. This paper aims to evaluate the suitability of laser sintering (LS) process parameters for projection sintering, as it uses substantially lower intensities, longer exposure times and larger areas than conventional LS.

Design/methodology/approach
The tradeoffs in sintering outcomes are evaluated by creating single layer components with varied exposure times and optical intensities. Some of these components were cross-sectioned and evaluated for degree of densification, while the single-layer thickness and the maximum tensile force was measured for the rest.

Findings
Shorter exposure times and higher intensities can create thicker and therefore stronger parts than when equal energy is applied over longer exposures. This is different from LS in which energy input (Andrew’s Number) is accepted as a reliable process variable. This difference is likely because significant thermal energy is lost from the sintering region during the exposure time – resulting in reduced peak temperatures. These thermal losses can be offset by imparting additional energy through increased exposure time or light intensity.

Practical implications
Most methods for evaluating LS process parameters, such as the energy melt ratio and Andrew’s Number, estimate energy input from basic process parameters. These methods do not account for thermal losses and assume that the powder absorbs all incident light. These methods become increasingly inaccurate for projection sintering with visible light where exposure times are much higher (>1s) and a larger portion of the light is reflected from the power’s surface. Understanding the appropriate sintering criteria is critical for the development of long-exposure sintering.

Originality/value
A new method of selectively sintering large areas is introduced that could sinter a wider variety of materials by enabling longer sintering times and may increase productivity relative to LS. This work shows that new processing parameters are required for projection sintering as traditional LS process parameters are inadequate.
Inducing effects of cellulosic hydrolysate components of lignocellulose on cellulosome synthesis in Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Li Renmin , Feng Yingang , Liu Shiyue , Qi Kuan , Cui Qiu , Liu Ya‐Jun 
Published: June 2018

SummaryCellulosome is a highly efficient supramolecular machine for lignocellulose degradation, and its substrate‐coupled regulation requires soluble transmembrane signals. However, the inducers for cellulosome synthesis and the inducing effect have not been clarified quantitatively. Values of cellulosome production capacity (CPC) and estimated specific activity (eSA) were calculated based on the primary scaffoldin ScaA to define the stimulating effects on the cellulosome synthesis in terms of quantity and quality respectively. The estimated cellulosome production of Clostridium thermocellum on glucose was at a low housekeeping level. Both Avicel and cellobiose increased CPCs of the cells instead of the eSAs of the cellulosome. The CPC of Avicel‐grown cells was over 20‐fold of that of glucose‐grown cells, while both Avicel‐ and glucose‐derived cellulosomes showed similar eSA. The CPC of cellobiose‐grown cells was also over three times higher than glucose‐grown cells, but the eSA of cellobiose‐derived cellulosome was 16% lower than that of the glucose‐derived cellulosome. Our results indicated that cello‐oligosaccharides played the key roles in inducing the synthesis of the cellulosome, but non‐cellulosic polysaccharides showed no inducing effects.
Risk factors for developing diabetes after 3 years among community‐dwelling elderly with impaired fasting glucose
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yang Xiaolong , Han Peipei , Ma Yixuan , Fu Liyuan , Jia Liye , Yu Hairui , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Lu , Hou Lin , Yu Xing , Kohzuki Masahiro , Guo Qi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the risk factors for developing diabetes after 3 years in an elderly Chinese suburban population with impaired fasting glucose (IFG).MethodsThe study population comprised residents of the Hangu area of Tianjin, China, with IFG, aged ≥60 years, who joined the national free physical examination program (n = 328; mean [±SD] age 68.0 ±6.1 years; 48.2% men). Diabetes was defined by self‐report of a physician's diagnosis or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥7.0 mmol/L; IFG was defined as FPG ≥5.6 and < 7.0 mmol/L. Risk factors of incident diabetes at the 3‐year follow‐up were analyzed individually using logistic regression analysis.ResultsBetween baseline and the 3‐year follow‐up, 56 subjects with IFG at baseline had developed diabetes. After multivariate adjustment for demographic and clinical factors, the incidence of diabetes increased with higher FPG (odds ratio [OR] 9.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.84–30.48), but decreased with the grip strength/weight ratio (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.94). Moreover, the combination of higher FPG and lower grip strength/weight was associated with a higher incidence of diabetes than higher FPG only or lower grip strength/weight (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe present study indicates that higher FPG and lower muscle strength are associated with glycemic deterioration among subjects with IFG after 3 years. The results suggest that not only glucose levels, but also physical performance may be useful markers of the risk of diabetes in this population.
Role of dietary amino acid balance in diet restriction‐mediated lifespan extension, renoprotection, and muscle weakness in aged mice
Authors: Yoshida Shohei , Yamahara Kosuke , Kume Shinji , Koya Daisuke , Yasuda‐Yamahara Mako , Takeda Naoko , Osawa Norihisa , Chin‐Kanasaki Masami , Adachi Yusuke , Nagao Kenji , Maegawa Hiroshi , Araki Shin‐ichi 
Published: June 2018

SummaryExtending healthy lifespan is an emerging issue in an aging society. This study was designed to identify a dietary method of extending lifespan, promoting renoprotection, and preventing muscle weakness in aged mice, with a focus on the importance of the balance between dietary essential (EAAs) and nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) on the dietary restriction (DR)‐induced antiaging effect. Groups of aged mice were fed ad libitum, a simple DR, or a DR with recovering NEAAs or EAAs. Simple DR significantly extended lifespan and ameliorated age‐related kidney injury; however, the beneficial effects of DR were canceled by recovering dietary EAA but not NEAA. Simple DR prevented the age‐dependent decrease in slow‐twitch muscle fiber function but reduced absolute fast‐twitch muscle fiber function. DR‐induced fast‐twitch muscle fiber dysfunction was improved by recovering either dietary NEAAs or EAAs. In the ad libitum‐fed and the DR plus EAA groups, the renal content of methionine, an EAA, was significantly higher, accompanied by lower renal production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous antioxidant. Finally, removal of methionine from the dietary EAA supplement diminished the adverse effects of dietary EAA on lifespan and kidney injury in the diet‐restricted aged mice, which were accompanied by a recovery in H2S production capacity and lower oxidative stress. These data imply that a dietary approach could combat kidney aging and prolong lifespan, while preventing muscle weakness, and suggest that renal methionine metabolism and the trans‐sulfuration pathway could be therapeutic targets for preventing kidney aging and subsequently promoting healthy aging.
Skeletal unit construction of rat mandible based on the masticatory muscle anatomy and double microcomputed tomography
Authors: Kim Hak‐Jin , Park Kyeong‐Mee , Tak Hye‐Jin , Choi Ji Wook , Kang Sang‐Hoon , Park Wonse , Bertin Helios , Corre Pierre , Lee Sang‐Hwy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to divide the mandible into skeletal units based on three‐dimensional (3D) muscular anatomy with microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) of Sprague–Dawley rat. Five normal rats were micro‐CT scanned at 12 weeks of age before and after contrast enhancements for the masticatory muscles. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the mandible was performed from the initial micro‐CT images, followed by segmentation of the masticatory muscles using the second enhanced micro‐CT data. Bone and muscle models were superimposed based on the teeth and bony structures to evaluate muscular orientation and attachment. The mandible was divided into skeletal units using the bony structures and muscle attachments. The mandibular foramen and mental foramen were adopted as the reference points based on their anatomical and developmental significance. The skeletal units consisted of the condylar, coronoid, angular, body and symphyseal units. Further evaluation of these units in relation to development, growth, and other biology and medicine will be helpful in elucidating their biological identities.
Earnings Management by Non‐profit Organisations: Evidence from UK Charities
Authors: Nguyen Tam , Soobaroyen Teerooven 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInformed by stakeholder theory and resource dependence theory, this paper investigates whether UK charities are engaged in earnings management practices. Based on a sample of 1414 charities over a five‐year period (2008–2012) the study firstly finds that UK charities use discretionary accruals to drive their financial results towards a zero surplus/deficit; this result also reveals that the distribution of reported earnings around zero is prevalent amongst UK charities. In addition, in contrast to prior findings, the empirical results point to a significant association between leverage and earnings management behaviour by charities. Lastly, this study finds that the practice of earnings management is influenced by non‐profit organisational size.
Character definition and tempus optimum in comparative chondrocranial research
Authors: Werneburg Ingmar , Yaryhin Oleksandr 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHere, we define a research program using primordial skull characters for broad scale phylogenetic comparisons, particularly for amniotes. There are many chondrocranium descriptions in the literature, encompassing many clades of vertebrates. The definition of a comparable “tempus optimum” for fully formed chondrocrania, as developed herein, will enable discrete character definition in the sense of phylogenetic systematics. The “tempus optimum” is a time period in which the nose region shows full chondrification and the basicranium has not yet changed in its anatomy by ossification processes. For studies on heterochrony, changes in the developmental timing through evolution, the available data in the literature are insufficient. Anatomical standardizations, traceable methodological approaches and clear definitions of comparable developmental stages are needed. Moreover, for profound homology assertions of chondrocranial structures, ontogeny needs to be traced from early mesenchymal condensation, through several stages of cartilage development, up to postnatal stages, in which ossifications are already present. A holistic observation, including hard and soft tissue anatomy, is of paramount importance to generate hypotheses of homology with much explanatory power and to derive conclusions on functional morphology. For that, traditional histological methodology is needed. We exemplify the suggested approach in two case studies on the disputed laterosphenoid in turtles and crocodiles and on the homology of pila antotica in a pleurodire turtle, and, using here defined criteria, we formulate hypotheses on their homology.