bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study of a Peer-Group Lifestyle Intervention Enhanced With mHealth Technology and Social Media for Adults With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Aschbrenner Kelly A. , Naslund John A. , Shevenell Megan , Kinney Elizabeth , Bartels Stephen J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This pilot study examined the preliminary effectiveness of a peer-group lifestyle intervention enhanced with mobile health technology and social media for obese individuals with serious mental illness. Thirty-two participants with a body mass index of 30 or higher received a 24-week intervention designed to facilitate peer support for lifestyle change through experiential learning and use of wearable activity tracking devices, smartphone applications, and Facebook to reinforce physical activity, healthy eating, and group participation between sessions. The primary outcome was weight loss. Secondary measures included fitness and participants' perceptions of peer-group support. Most participants (72%) lost weight, including 28% achieving clinically significant weight loss, and 17% of participants showed clinically significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness. Weight loss was associated with perceived peer-group support. This evaluation demonstrated the preliminary effectiveness of a potentially scalable peer-group lifestyle intervention delivered in community mental health settings for obese individuals with serious mental illness.
Quantum chemical studies on some new bipyrazole derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for steel materials
Authors: Ju Hong , Chen Jiejing , Sun Can , Li Yan 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to perform quantum chemical calculations based on the DFT method on four bipyrazoles used as corrosion inhibitors for the plain carbon (“mild”) steel in acid media to determine the relationship between inhibition efficiency and the molecular structure of inhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach
Several quantum chemical parameters, such as the charge distribution, energy and distribution of highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, the absolute electronegativity (χ) values and the fraction of electrons (△N) transferring from inhibitors to the steel surface, were calculated and correlated with inhibition efficiencies.

Findings
The results showed that the inhibition efficiency of bipyrazole increased with the increasing in EHOMO, and the areas containing N atoms were the most probable sites to donate electrons for adsorbing the inhibitor molecules onto the metal surface.

Originality/value
It is a useful method to investigate the mechanisms of reaction by calculating the structure and electronic parameters, which can be obtained by means of theoretical quantum theory. Thus, the behavior and mechanism of the organic inhibitors can be obtained. Quantum chemical method can also be used to guide the selection and molecular design of inhibitors.
On the contributions and the validation of an agent-based simulation model of innovation diffusion
Authors: Nejad Mohammad G. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper provides an overview of agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) and evaluates the questions that have been raised regarding the “assumptions and mechanisms used” by a well-cited paper that has used this methodology.

Design/methodology/approach
This work provides a review of agent-based simulation modeling and its capabilities to advance and test theory. The commentary then evaluates and addresses the raised questions and reservations.

Findings
Agent-based modeling offers unique capabilities that can be used to explore complex phenomena in business and marketing. Some of the raised reservations may be considered as directions for future research. However, the criticisms are for most part unsupported by existing research and do not undermine the contributions of the paper that is being discussed.

Practical implications
Given its relative novelty, reservations regarding agent-based simulation modeling are quite natural. Discussions like this one would bring together different points of view and lead to a better understanding of how using ABMS can benefit academia and industry.

Originality/value
This commentary is part of an intellectual dialogue that seeks to provide different points of view about agent-based simulation modeling using a specific paper as an example.
Lean Six Sigma, strategic control systems, and organizational performance for automotive suppliers
Authors: Habidin Nurul Fadly , Mohd Yusof Sha’ri , Mohd Fuzi Nursyazwani 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to develop a model that incorporate lean six sigma (LSS) implementation, strategic control system (SCS) and organizational performance (OP) in Malaysian automotive suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey through questionnaire was conducted to determine the level of LSS implementation, SCS and OP measurement. In all, 252 sets of questionnaire were successfully collected that brought to 64.3 per cent response rate. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was adopted to analyze the data gathered from the survey. Exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis and confirmatory factor analysis for testing the construct validity, test for reliability and model measurement were carried out.

Findings
This study has provided a comprehensive measurement instrument to implement the LSS practices, SCS and OP for Malaysian automotive suppliers. As a result, seven LSS constructs, four for SCS and four measures for OP have been identified. This research model is a mediator model in which it investigates whether the presence of SCS mediates the relationship between LSS and OP. The analysis result through the SEM method showed that SCS does not affect the relationship between LSS and OP. However, SCS is improving OP when coupled with LSS.

Research limitations/implications
This study has only focused on the structured relationship between LSS Construct, SCS and OP measures. It is possible for other factors in the LSS practices to be studied in future experiments such as total productive maintenance, culture change, role structure and project management skills.

Originality/value
Future researchers could apply the LSS, SCS and OP measurement as a benchmark for use and can be replicated in other industry or country in the world with minor modifications on the critical factors necessary to suit the goals of the organization, culture and business environment. It could also be used as a business excellence and supplier selection tool for practitioners and researchers.
Evaluating automated goals for home care support
Authors: Clark Julia S , Turner Kenneth J. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate an approach to automating goals for supporting home care, with a view to understanding user experience when defining such goals and hence identifying improvements that could be made to the approach.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was designed to answer the key research question of whether users can understand, formulate and relate to automated goals for home care. In order to do this, a fictional text-based scenario was used about a couple with care needs. This helped to explore the feasibility, acceptability and usability of goals to manage care at home. Face-to-face qualitative interviews were undertaken with ten participants with a background in social care: four social care professionals; one health care professional; one formal carer; one informal carer; and three end users.

Findings
– Overall, participants were positive about being able to control the MATCH (Mobilising Advanced Technologies for Care at Home) system through the use of goals. The results from the participant interviews will be used to help guide potential improvements to the home care system. The main issue that emerged from the study is that it would be valuable to think in terms of outcomes as a higher level than goals. A second consideration is that it would be desirable to adopt terminology that can be understood by all stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
– The study has demonstrated that automated goals for home care have a useful role to play and can be successfully used by end users and carers. Although the range of participants in the study was limited, it has allowed confidence to be built in the approach and has identified useful pointers for future development.

Practical implications
– With the evaluation and validation of the goal-based approach, it has encouraged the developers to make automated goals more widely available in future deployment of the home care system.

Social implications
– The use of automated goals to support home care has been shown to be acceptable to end users and carers. This will allow future home care systems to offer more personal and better customised services to those receiving telecare.

Originality/value
– The study provides a unique evaluation of the use of automated goals to support home care. Previous use of goals in the literature has been for highly technical applications, so their application to home care is novel and speculative. The study has demonstrated that the approach is viable, useful, and usable by end users and carers.
Framework for selecting assistive technology user-participation methods
Authors: Draffan E A , James Abi , Wald Mike , Idris Amal 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– A number of participatory research methodologies can be used to assist with developing assistive technologies. These methods vary in the amount that users lead and contribute to the work. Selecting the correct method can be important to ensure the overall success of the project and the engagement of users. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that can impact on the degree of user participation.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper considers whether criteria, that might influence assistive technology (AT) selection made during an assessment of need, review or purchasing process, could also be used to clarify the appropriate strategies for user involvement when developing assistive technologies. It outlines how this approach has been applied to two research and development projects which aimed to improve AT provision within niche markets.

Findings
– The paper demonstrates that it is possible to apply a decision making process to selecting the best participatory research method, based on factors affecting AT need. It reports on the outcomes of the user participation in the two research and development projects and discusses how this design approach has been applied to a third project.

Originality/value
– By examining a possible framework for identifying appropriate user-participation approaches, this paper will aid those designing research and development AT projects, whilst encouraging user participation within similar projects.
The Sovereign Yield Curve and Fiscal Behaviour in China
Authors: Yan Yifeng , Guo Ju'e 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe present study aims to explore the relationship between the sovereign yield curve and fiscal behaviour in China. The Chinese Government is very powerful, and fiscal policy plays an important role in China's economy. A dynamic Nelson–Siegel model is adopted to estimate the level, slope and curvature factors of the yield curve. Three aspects of fiscal behaviour, including government spending, revenue and budget balance, are considered. Significant relationships between fiscal behaviour and the sovereign yield curve are found and described in the present study. Higher government expenditure raises the level and slope factors of the yield curve, while increasing government revenue reduces the level factor and enhances the slope factor. Furthermore, improved budget balance decreases the level and slope factors of the yield curve. Fiscal behaviour also interacts with the macroeconomy in China. Fiscal policy is insensitive to price surges in contrast to the strong responses of monetary policy to higher inflation. In addition, crowding‐out effects of government spending are demonstrated in this study.
Emulsifying and Foaming Properties of Different Protein Fractions Obtained from a Novel Lupin Variety AluProt‐CGNA® (Lupinus luteus)
Authors: Burgos‐Díaz César , Piornos José A. , Wandersleben Traudy , Ogura Takahiro , Hernández Xaviera , Rubilar Mónica 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe use of vegetable proteins as food ingredient is becoming increasingly important due to their high versatility and environmental acceptability. This work describes a chemical characterization and techno‐functional properties (emulsifying and foaming properties) of 3 protein fractions obtained from a protein‐rich novel lupin variety, AluProt‐CGNA®. This nongenetically modified variety have a great protein content in dehulled seeds (60.6 g protein/100 g, dry matter), which is higher than soybean and other lupin varieties. A simple procedure was utilized to obtain 3 different fractions by using alkali solubilization and isoelectric precipitation. Fractions 1 and 3 were mainly composed of protein and polysaccharides (NNE), whereas fraction 2 was mainly composed by protein (97%, w/w). Fraction 3 presented interesting and potential foaming properties in comparison to the other fractions evaluated in the study. Besides, its solubility, foaming and emulsifying capacity were practically not affected by pH variations. The 3 fractions also presented good emulsion stability, reaching values above a 95%. SDS‐PAGE showed that fractions 1 and 2 contained mainly conglutin α, β, and δ, but in different ratios, whereas fraction 3 contained mainly conglutin γ and albumins. The results of this work will provide better understanding for the utilization of each protein fractions as potential ingredients in food industry.
Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 and its host interaction: a dozen years after the genome
Authors: van den Nieuwboer Maurits , van Hemert Saskia , Claassen Eric , de Vos Willem M. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryLactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 is one of the best studied Lactobacilli, notably as its genome was unravelled over 12 years ago. L. plantarum WCFS1 can be grown to high densities, is amenable to genetic transformation and highly robust with a relatively high survival rate during the gastrointestinal passage. In this review, we present and discuss the main insights provided by the functional genomics research on L. plantarum WCFS1 with specific attention for the molecular mechanisms related to its interaction with the human host and its potential to modify the immune system, and induce other health‐related benefits. Whereas most insight has been gained in mouse and other model studies, only five human studies have been reported with L. plantarum WCFS1. Hence NCIMB 8826 (the parental strain of L. plantarum WCFS1) in human trials as to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge that is summarized here.
Prenatal pesticide exposure and PON1 genotype associated with adolescent body fat distribution evaluated by dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Authors: Tinggaard J. , Wohlfahrt‐Veje C. , Husby S. , Christiansen L. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Jensen T. K. , Grandjean P. , Main K. M. , Andersen H. R. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryMany modern pesticides have endocrine disrupting abilities and early‐life exposure may affect growth and disease risk later in life. Previously, we reported associations between prenatal pesticide exposure and higher childhood body fat content measured by anthropometry. The associations were affected by child PON1 Q192R genotype. We aimed to study whether prenatal pesticide exposure was still associated with body fat content and distribution in the children at puberty and the potential impact of both maternal and child PON1 Q192R genotype. In this prospective cohort study of 247 children born by occupationally exposed or unexposed women (greenhouse workers and controls) two follow‐up examinations (age 10–15 and 11–16 years) including simple anthropometry, skinfold measurements, pubertal staging and blood sampling were performed. Total and regional fat% was determined by dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at age 10–15. Prenatal pesticide exposure was associated with increased total, android, and gynoid fat percentage (DXA) at age 10–15 years after adjustment for sex, socioeconomic status, and puberty (all β = 0.5 standard deviation score (SDS) p < 0.05). Stratified by sex, the associations were significant in girls (total fat: β = 0.7 SDS, android–gynoid ratio: β = 0.1, both p < 0.05), but not in boys. Carrying the R‐allele (child or mother, separately, or both) augmented the differences between exposed and unexposed children (total fat: β = 1.0 SDS, β = 0.8 SDS, p < 0.05, respectively, and β = 1.2 SDS, p < 0.01). No exposure‐related differences were found if either the child or mother had the QQ wild‐type. At age 11–16, exposed children tended to have a higher total fat% estimated by skinfolds than unexposed children (p = 0.06). No significant associations between prenatal exposure and body mass index or waist circumference were found. Prenatal pesticide exposure was associated with higher adolescent body fat content, including android fat deposition, independent of puberty. Girls appeared more susceptible than boys. Furthermore, the association depended on maternal and child PON1 Q192R genotype.
Assessment of anxiety levels of patients awaiting surgery for suspected thyroid cancer: A case‐control study in a Chinese‐Han population
Authors: Yang Yu , Ma Hui , Wang Man , Wang Aiping 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to evaluate levels and prevalence of anxiety in thyroid tumor patients awaiting surgery and diagnosis and to investigate whether significant differences existed in preoperative anxiety levels between patients with postoperative pathological diagnosis of benign thyroid tumors (BTT) or thyroid cancer (TC) in a Chinese‐Han population.MethodsFive hundred and twenty‐nine patients awaiting surgery and diagnosis were chosen as the patient group, and 419 healthy Chinese were chosen as the control group. Anxiety levels were assessed by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.ResultsThe cytological and histopathologic examinations showed BTT in 390 patients and TC in 139 patients. Moderate and high state‐anxiety prevalence were 63.3%, 66.9%, and 38.9%, and moderate and high trait‐anxiety prevalence were 53.6%, 56.1%, and 20.5% for BTT, TC, and healthy groups, respectively. There were significant differences in sample distributions between low and moderate/high anxiety levels among the three groups (state‐anxiety, χ2 = 60.95, P < 0.001; trait‐anxiety, χ2 = 111.73, P < 0.001). The mean state‐anxiety scores were 41.02 ± 8.82, 42.71 ± 8.74, and 37.18 ± 7.46, and the mean trait‐anxiety scores were 41.91 ± 8.40, 42.69 ± 9.40, and 38.28 ± 6.30 for BTT, TC, and healthy groups, respectively. There were significant differences in the state‐anxiety (χ2 = 73.43, P < 0.001) and trait‐anxiety levels (χ2 = 72.21, P < 0.001) among these three groups.DiscussionThis study has demonstrated that patients with BTT or TC have a high level of anxiety. The anxiety level of patients with TC is significantly higher than those with BTT. Our results indicate that anxiety may be a relative risk of thyroid tumor in Han‐Chinese. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
Sparse representation of terrains for procedural modeling
Authors: Guérin Eric , Digne Julie , Galin Eric , Peytavie Adrien 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we present a simple and efficient method to represent terrains as elevation functions built from linear combinations of landform features (atoms). These features can be extracted either from real world data‐sets or procedural primitives, or from any combination of multiple terrain models. Our approach consists in representing the elevation function as a sparse combination of primitives, a concept which we call Sparse Construction Tree, which blends the different landform features stored in a dictionary. The sparse representation allows us to represent complex terrains using combinations of atoms from a small dictionary, yielding a powerful and compact terrain representation and synthesis tool. Moreover, we present a method for automatically learning the dictionary and generating the Sparse Construction Tree model. We demonstrate the efficiency of our method in several applications: inverse procedural modeling of terrains, terrain amplification and synthesis from a coarse sketch.
Dexterous Manipulation of Cloth
Authors: Bai Yunfei , Yu Wenhao , Liu C. Karen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper introduces a new technique to synthesize dexterous manipulation of cloth. Given a simple description of the desired cloth motion, our algorithm computes appropriate joint torques for physically simulated hands, such that, via contact forces, the result of cloth simulation follows the desired motion. Instead of optimizing the hand control forces directly, we formulate an optimization problem that solves for the commanding forces from the hands to the cloth, which have more direct impact on the dynamic state of the hands and that of the cloth. The solution of the optimization provides commanding forces that achieve the desired cloth motion described by the user, while respecting the kinematic constraints of the hands. These commanding forces are then used to guide the joint torques of the hands. To balance between the effectiveness of control and computational costs, we formulate a model‐predictive‐control problem as a quadratic program at each time step. We demonstrate our technique on a set of cloth manipulation tasks in daily activities, including folding laundry, wringing a towel, and putting on a scarf.
Data‐guided Model Predictive Control Based on Smoothed Contact Dynamics
Authors: Han Daseong , Eom Haegwang , Noh Junyong , Shin (formerly Sung Yong Shin) Joseph S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an efficient data‐guided method based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) to synthesize a full‐body motion. Guided by a reference motion, our method repeatedly plans the full‐body motion to produce an optimal control policy for predictive control while sliding the fixed‐span window along the time axis. Based on this policy, the method computes the joint torques of a character at every time step. Together with contact forces and external perturbations if there are any, the joint torques are used to update the state of the character. Without including the contact forces in the control vector, our formulation of the trajectory optimization problem enables automatic adjustment of contact timings and positions for balancing in response to environmental changes and external perturbations. For efficiency, we adopt derivative‐based trajectory optimization on top of state‐of‐the‐art smoothed contact dynamics. Use of derivatives enables our method to run much faster than the existing sampling‐based methods. In order to further accelerate the performance of MPC, we propose efficient numerical differentiation of the system dynamics of a full‐body character based on two schemes: data reuse and data interpolation. The former scheme exploits data dependency to reuse physical quantities of the system dynamics at near‐by time points. The latter scheme allows the use of derivatives at sparse sample points to interpolate those at other time points in the window. We further accelerate evaluation of the system dynamics by exploiting the sparsity of physical quantities such as Jacobian matrix resulting from the tree‐like structure of the articulated body. Through experiments, we show that the proposed method efficiently can synthesize realistic motions such as locomotion, dancing, gymnastic motions, and martial arts at interactive rates using moderate computing resources.