bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimensional variation propagation modeling and analysis for single-station assembly based on multiple constraints graph
Authors: Yu Jian-feng , Tang Wen-Bin , Li Yuan , Zhang Jie 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
Modeling and analysis of dimensional variation propagation is a crucial support technology for variation reduction, product/process design evaluation and recognition of variation source. However, owing to the multi-deviation (i.e. part deviations and fixture deviations) and multi-interaction (i.e. part-to-part interaction, part-to-fixture interaction and station-to-station interaction) in assembly processes, it is difficult for designers to describe or understand the variation propagation (or accumulation) mechanism clearly. The purpose of this paper is to propose a variation propagation modeling and analysis (VPMA) method based on multiple constraints aiming at a single station.

Design/methodology/approach
Initially, part-to-part constraints (PPCs) and part-to-fixture constraints (PFCs) are applied for the multi-interaction of assembly, and multiple constraints graph (MCG) model is proposed for expressing PPCs, PFCs, parts, as well as the variation propagation relation among them. Then, locating points (LPs) are adopted for representing the deviations in constraints, and formulas for calculating the deviations of LPs are derived. On that basis, a linearized relation between LPs’ deviations and part’s locating deviations is derived. Finally, a wing box is presented to validate the proposed method, and the results indicate the methodology’s feasibility.

Findings
MCG is an effective tool for dimensional VPMA, which is shown as an example of this paper.

Originality/value
Functions of geometric constraints in dimensional variation propagation are revealed, and MCG is proposed to formulize dimensional variation propagation.
Multilayer capacitors with bismuth copper tantalate dielectric fabricated in LTCC technology
Authors: Szwagierczak Dorota , Kulawik Jan , Synkiewicz Beata , Skwarek Agata 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
The work was aimed at preparation of green tapes based on a new material Bi2/3CuTa4O12, to achieve spontaneously formation of an internal barrier layer capacitor (IBLC), fabrication of multilayer elements using low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology and their characterization.

Design/methodology/approach
The study focused on tape casting, lamination and co-sintering procedures and dielectric properties of Bi2/3CuTa4O12 multilayer capacitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies of the ceramic elements were performed. Impedance spectroscopy was used for characterization of dielectric properties in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to −2 MHz and in the temperature range from −55 to 400°C. DC conductivity was investigated in the temperature range 20 to 740°C.

Findings
SEM observations revealed a good compatibility of the applied commercial Pt paste with the ceramic layers. The EDS microanalysis showed a higher content of oxygen at grain boundaries. The dominant dielectric response, which was recorded in the low frequency range and at temperatures above 0°C, was attributed to grain boundaries. The dielectric response at low temperatures and/or high frequencies was related to grains. The fabricated multilayer capacitors based on Bi2/3CuTa4O12 exhibited a high specific capacitance.

Originality/value
A new material Bi2/3CuTa4O12 was applied for preparation of green ceramic tapes and utilized for fabrication of multilayer ceramic capacitors using the LTCC technology. This material belongs to the group of high permittivity nonferroelectric compounds with a complex perovskite structure of CaCu3Ti4O12, that causes the spontaneously formation of IBLCs.
The utilization of LTCC-PDMS bonding technology for microfluidic system applications – a simple fluorescent sensor
Authors: Malecha Karol 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to present a research on utilization of an irreversible bonding between non-transparent low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) and transparent poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The research presented in this paper is focused on the technology and performance of the miniature microfluidic module for fluorescence measurement.

Design/methodology/approach
The chemical combination of both materials is achieved through surface modification using argon-oxygen dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. According to the performed spectroscopic analyses (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS; attenuated total reflection-Fourier infrared spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR) and contact angle measurements, the LTCC and PDMS surfaces are oxidized during the process. The presented microfluidic module was fabricated using LTCC technology. The possibility for the fabrication of LTCC-PDMS microfluidic fluorescent sensor is studied. The performance of the sensor was examined experimentally.

Findings
As a result of DBD plasma oxidation, the LTCC and PDMS surfaces change in character from hydrophobic to hydrophilic and were permanently bonded. The presented LTCC-PDMS bonding technique was used to fabricate a microfluidic fluorescent sensor. The preliminary measurements of the sensor have proven that it is possible to observe the fluorescence of a liquid sample from a very small volume.

Research limitations/implications
The presented research is a preliminary work which is focused on the fabrication of the LTCC-PDMS fluorescent sensor. The microfluidic device was positively tested only for ethanolic fluorescein solutions. Therefore, fluorescence measurements should be performed for biological specimen (e.g. DNA).

Practical implications
The LTCC-PDMS bonding technology combines the advantages of both materials. One the one hand, transparent PDMS with precise, transparent three-dimensional structures can be fabricated using hot embossing, soft lithography or laser ablation. On the other hand, rigid LTCC substrate consisting of microfluidic structures, electric interconnections, heaters and optoelectronic components can be fabricated. The development of the LTCC-PDMS microfluidic modules provides opportunity for the construction of a lab-on-chip, or micro-total analysis systems-type system, for analytical chemistry and fast medical diagnoses.

Originality/value
This paper shows utilization of the PDMS-LTCC bonding technology for microfluidics. Moreover, the design, fabrication and performance of the PDMS-LTCC fluorescent sensor are presented.
Multilayer thick-film thermoelectric microgenerator based on LTCC technology
Authors: Markowski Piotr M. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to develop the methodology of thick-film/low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) multilayer thermoelectric microgenerator fabrication including the procedure of silver-nickel thermocouples integration with LTCC.

Design/methodology/approach
To miniaturize the structures and to increase the output parameters (generated voltage, electrical power), the microgenerator was designed as multilayer systems. It allows to reduce size of the system and to increase the number of thermocouples integrated inside the structure. It also protects buried thermocouples against exposure to harmful external factors (e.g. moisture, oxidation and mechanical exposures). As a substrate, LTCC was used. For the thermocouples fabrication, thick-film pastes based on silver and nickel were chosen. Ag/Ni thermocouple has nearly three times higher Seebeck coefficient and 30 per cent lower electrical resistance than the combination of Ag/PdAg used in previous works of the author.

Findings
A multi-layer thick-film thermoelectric generator based on LTCC and Ag, Ni pastes was fabricated. Thirty Ag/Ni thermocouples were precisely screen-printed on few layers. Thermocouples’ arms are 15 mm long and about 150 μm wide. Interlayer connections (via-holes filled with conductive paste) provided the electrical contact between the layers. The biggest fabricated harvester consisted of 90 miniature thermocouples buried inside the LTCC.

Originality/value
The paper presents the results of research that provided to optimize the co-firing process of the LTCC/Ni set. In the result, the methodology of co-firing of silver-nickel thermocouples and LTCC ceramic was elaborated. Also, the methodology of fabrication of miniature thermoelectric energy harvesters was optimized.
Let’s talk about firm responsibility: the perception of individual Ghanaian shareholders on corporate social responsibility
Authors: Agyemang Otuo Serebour , Ansong Abraham , Kyeraa Millicent 
Published: August 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the perception of individual Ghanaian shareholders on corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachIn consequence of the largely unexplored nature of the issue of CSR, the authors use a qualitative analysis to offer the painstaking understanding needed about this issue. Individual Ghanaian shareholders who have absolute control over what companies they desire to invest were selected as the participants.FindingsThe findings show that individual shareholders believe there is the need for corporate directors and managers to take into consideration the interests of all corporate stakeholders-workers, customers, shareholders, suppliers, the local community and the environment- in fashioning out their CSR policies. It also shows the relevance individual shareholders attach to each of those CSRs within each corporate stakeholder group. For instance, the individual shareholders think that it is most relevant for firms to put implementable measures in place to reduce or minimise harm to the environment. Also, with respect to workers, firms are the first and foremost to ensure a hale and hearty and secured work environment. Further, with respect to customers, firms have to offer standard or quality products and services to them. More so, in regards to suppliers, corporate directors and managers have to offer them reasonable prices for their products. Finally, on the part of the local community, firms have to effectively assist them.Practical implicationsThe practical approach to problems and affairs of individual Ghanaian shareholders is indicated by how much importance they attach to each corporate responsibility matter, and also they appreciate that a firm cannot thrive or survive for long if it refuses or totally abandons the needs of other corporate stakeholder categories. It will thus be of relevance to firms to take executable steps to deal with the needs of other corporate stakeholder groups brought up by the individual shareholders. As a matter of fact, the vivid descriptions of each of the matters concerning CSR of the individual shareholders present an important policy guideline for corporate directors and corporate managers to establish good-natured relationship between their firms and other corporate stakeholder groups.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the knowledge on CSR by establishing that even though individual shareholders are interested in personal economic benefits, they want their firms to be socially responsible to meet the interests of other corporate stakeholder groups.
Women workers, social sustainability and working time: a study in a cooperative guided by the principles of solidarity economy
Authors: Lemos Lourenço Mariane , Neres Lourenço Carlos Eduardo 
Published: August 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate time management as a source of social sustainability in a Brazilian cooperative based on the principles of the solidarity economy, guided by democracy and self-management. This type of organization which is founded on self-management and management of working hours can permit flexibility in the work schedule, an aspect that the literature shows to be one of the indicators of social sustainability. The focus of this study is the female workforce.Design/methodology/approachThe research was qualitative, using case study methodology. With respect to the temporal perspective, this is a longitudinal project. The result of this contact was a field diary in which observations on the functioning of the cooperative and its activities were recorded. In addition to these observations transcribed in the field diary, interviews were conducted with members. These were guided by a script to raise issues related to work routine and project management.FindingsThe results showed that self-management of working time allows flexibility, which can indeed be seen as a source of social sustainability that can provide working women with possibilities for meeting the various, conflicting demands they face from both work and family. This was seen to be a positive factor because many women in Brazil are heads of their households and are uniquely responsible for work, family and other responsibilities.Originality/valueThe qualitative meaning of working time is what may be linked to social sustainability because it is connected to self-management of working hours.
Precursors of age‐related macular degeneration: associations with vitamin A and interaction with CFHY402H in the Inter99 Eye Study
Authors: Munch Inger Christine , Toft Ulla , Linneberg Allan , Larsen Michael 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate associations of very early age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) with daily intake of vitamin A, beta‐carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and copper and interactions with AMD‐associated polymorphisms in complement factor H (CFHY402H) and ARMS2/LOC387715.MethodsCross‐sectional study of 848 subjects aged 30–60 years from the Inter99 Eye Study. Daily intake of vitamins and minerals was estimated from a 198‐item food frequency questionnaire. Digital fundus photographs were recorded in red‐free illumination and graded for macular drusen >63 μm and numerous (>20) small hard macular drusen as a mean of both eyes.ResultsHigher intake of vitamin A increased the risk of having macular drusen >63 μm with odds ratio = 1.82 (CI95 1.02–3.24, p = 0.042) comparing participants in the highest quartile of vitamin A intake with participants in the lowest quartile, adjusted for recruitment group, age and sex. There was a significant interaction with CFHY402H (p = 0.038). Among 504 participants with CFHY402H, the relative risk of having macular drusen >63 μm was increased in participants in the highest quartile of vitamin A intake (odds ratio = 2.58; CI95 1.16–5.73, p = 0.020) and in the second highest quartile (odds ratio = 3.27; CI95 1.50–7.13, p = 0.0029) compared with the lowest quartile. Further adjusting for total fat intake, energy intake, plasma cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, education and physical activity strengthened the association.ConclusionsIn this cross‐sectional study, a higher intake of vitamin A increased the risk of macular drusen >63 μm in subjects with CFHY402H. The study supports that vitamin A may be a risk factor for early AMD.
Improving conceptual and procedural knowledge: The impact of instructional content within a mathematics lesson
Authors: Rittle‐Johnson Bethany , Fyfe Emily R. , Loehr Abbey M. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundStudents, parents, teachers, and theorists often advocate for direct instruction on both concepts and procedures, but some theorists suggest that including instruction on procedures in combination with concepts may limit learning opportunities and student understanding.AimsThis study evaluated the effect of instruction on a math concept and procedure within the same lesson relative to a comparable amount of instruction on the concept alone. Direct instruction was provided before or after solving problems to evaluate whether the type of instruction interacted with the timing of instruction within a lesson.SampleWe worked with 180 second‐grade children in the United States.MethodsIn a randomized experiment, children received a classroom lesson on mathematical equivalence in one of four conditions that varied in instruction type (conceptual or combined conceptual and procedural) and in instruction order (instruction before or after solving problems).ResultsChildren who received two iterations of conceptual instruction had better retention of conceptual and procedural knowledge than children who received both conceptual and procedural instruction in the same lesson. Order of instruction did not impact outcomes.ConclusionsFindings suggest that within a single lesson, spending more time on conceptual instruction may be more beneficial than time spent teaching a procedure when the goal is to promote more robust understanding of target concepts and procedures.
Nature and incidence of severe limbal stem cell deficiency in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Bobba Samantha , Di Girolamo Nick , Mills Richard , Daniell Mark , Chan Elsie , Harkin Damien G , Cronin Brendan G , Crawford Geoffrey , McGhee Charles , Watson Stephanie 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine the nature and incidence of severe limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) in Australia and New Zealand.DesignA 1‐year pilot surveillance study with a 1‐year follow‐up period was conducted in association with the Australian and New Zealand Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit.ParticipantsThe study included patients reported by practising ophthalmologists on the Surveillance Unit's database.MethodsOphthalmologists were provided with a definition of severe limbal stem cell deficiency, contacted on a monthly basis by the Unit and asked to report newly diagnosed cases.Main Outcome MeasuresSevere LSCD was defined as at least 6 clock hours of whorl‐like epitheliopathy, an opaque epithelium arising from the limbus, late fluorescein staining of the involved epithelium and superficial corneal neovascularization or conjunctivalization.ResultsOn average, 286 report cards were sent by the Surveillance Unit to practising ophthalmologists each month (total 3429 over 12 months) and the Unit received an average of 176 responses per month (total 2111; 62% response rate). During the 1‐year study period from April 2013 to March 2014, 14 positive cases were reported to the Unit. A range of underlying aetiologies were implicated, with contact lens over‐wear and cicatrizing conjunctivitis being the most common (n = 3).ConclusionsThis surveillance study is the first worldwide to document the incidence of limbal stem cell deficiency; however, because of study design limitations, it is likely to have been under‐reported. It provides novel data on the demographics, clinical conditions and management of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency as reported by treating ophthalmologists.
25‐hydroxyvitamin D in malignant pleural disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Panagiotou Marios , Papaioannou Andriana I. , Kostikas Konstantinos , Takou Anna , Paraskeva Maria , Kalkanis Alexandros , Diamantea Filia , Kastanakis Emmanuil , Maropoulos George , Filaditaki Vasiliki , Karagianidis Napoleon 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionGrowing evidence suggests a role of vitamin D in various cancers but the significance of vitamin D in malignant pleural disease remains unexplored. We sought to investigate the concentration and diagnostic role of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in malignant pleural effusions.Materials and MethodsProspective study of consecutive treatment‐naïve patients with a new diagnosis of pleural effusion.ResultsSeventy‐eight patients were studied, 45 of whom had malignant pleural effusions. Concentration of 25(OH)D in pleural fluid was significantly higher than serum in both malignant (15.2 ng/mL (9.7, 25.6) versus 10.2 ng/mL (6.4, 17.7), P < .001) and benign (11.4 ng/mL (8.4, 23.6) versus 7.9 (5.9, 16.1), P < .001) pleural disease. Pleural fluid 25(OH)D was almost significantly higher in exudates compared to transudates (P = .050) but it did not differ significantly between malignant and benign effusions (P = .217) and it was not diagnostic for malignant pleural disease (area under the ROC curve .58, 95% CI .45‐.71).ConclusionsIn subjects with unselected pleural effusions, 25(OH)D in pleural fluid was not diagnostic for malignant pleural disease. The novel finding of convincingly and consistently higher 25(OH)D in pleural fluid than serum suggests a role for vitamin D in pleural disease and merits further research.
Agricultural Investment in Ethiopia: Undermining National Sovereignty or Tool for State Building?
Authors: Lavers Tom 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThe media discourse on recent agricultural investments — frequently referred to as the ‘global land grab’ — has been quick to label these deals as ‘neo‐colonial’, implying that these kinds of investments undermine national sovereignty. For the most part, the emerging academic literature on the ‘land grab’ has not critically examined this assumption. This article draws on the literature on state building and agrarian relations in Africa to construct a framework that can be used to analyse the impact of agricultural investment on state–society relations and state sovereignty. The article then uses this framework to examine the case of Ethiopia, illustrating how the Ethiopian state has directed investors to peripheral lowlands and, in doing so, has enhanced, rather than diminished, state sovereignty. As such, while the erosion of sovereignty is certainly one possible outcome of agricultural investment, it is by no means the only one, and is an assumption that should be subjected to critical analysis.
Barriers to and enablers of insulin self‐titration in adults with Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: McBain H. , Begum S. , Rahman S. , Mulligan K. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimsTo identify the barriers to and enablers of effective insulin self‐titration in people with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsA qualitative semi‐structured interview approach was used. Questions were structured according to the Theoretical Domains Framework, which outlines 14 domains that can act as barriers to and enablers of changing behaviour. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were coded according to the 14 domains, belief statements were created within each domain, and a frequency count of the most reported barriers and enablers was then carried out. Analyses were conducted by two researchers, and discrepancies agreed with a third researcher.ResultsA total of 18 adults with Type 2 diabetes took part in an interview. The majority were of South‐Asian ethnicity (n = 8) and were men (n = 12). Their mean age was 61 years old. The mean duration of diabetes was 16 years and time on insulin 9 years. Inter‐rater reliability for each of the domains varied (29–100%). The most frequently reported domains were Social Influence and Beliefs about Consequences; the least frequently reported were Optimism and Reinforcement. Interviewees reported receiving support to self‐titrate from a range of sources. Self‐titrating was perceived to have a range of both positive and negative consequences, as was not titrating.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that those interviewed experienced a range of barriers and enablers when attempting to self‐titrate. Improved education and training when initiating insulin treatment among adults with Type 2 diabetes, and throughout their journey on insulin therapy could help identify and address these barriers in order to optimize self‐titration.