bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foundations of Info-Metrics
Authors: Golan Amos 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This book provides a framework for info-metrics—the science of modeling, inference, and reasoning under conditions of noisy and insufficient information. Info-metrics is an inherently interdisciplinary framework that emerged from the intersection of information theory, statistical inference, and decision-making under uncertainty. It allows us to process the available information with minimal reliance on assumptions that cannot be validated. This book focuses on unifying all information processing and model building within a single constrained optimization framework. It provides a complete framework for modeling and inference, rather than a problem-specific model. The framework evolves from the simple premise that our available information is often insufficient to provide a unique answer for decisions we wish to make. Each decision, or solution, is derived from the available input information along with a choice of inferential procedure. The book contains many multidisciplinary applications that demonstrate the simplicity and generality of the framework in real-world settings: These include initial diagnosis at an emergency room, optimal dose decisions, election forecasting, network and information aggregation, weather pattern analyses, portfolio allocation, inference of strategic behavior, incorporation of prior information, option pricing, and modeling an interacting social system. This book presents simple derivations of the key results that are necessary to understand and apply the fundamental concepts to a variety of problems. Derivations are often supported by graphical illustrations. The book is designed to be accessible for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners across the disciplines, requiring only basic quantitative skills and a little persistence.
Adding Azithromycin to Cephalosporin for Cesarean Delivery Infection Prophylaxis
Authors: Skeith Ashley E. , Niu Brenda , Valent Amy M. , Tuuli Methodius G. , Caughey Aaron B. 
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the cost-effectiveness of adding azithromycin to standard cephalosporin regimens of cesarean delivery prophylaxis by considering the maternal outcomes in the current and potential subsequent pregnancies.

METHODS:
A cost-effectiveness model was created using TreeAge to compare the outcomes of using azithromycin–cephalosporin with cephalosporin alone in a theoretical cohort of 700,000 women, the approximate number of nonelective cesarean deliveries annually in the United States that occur during labor or after membrane rupture. Outcomes examined included endometritis, wound infection, sepsis, venous thromboembolism, and maternal death in the current pregnancy and uterine rupture, cesarean hysterectomy, and maternal death in subsequent pregnancies, including cost and quality-adjusted life-years for both pregnancies. Probabilities, utilities, and costs were derived from the literature, and a cost-effectiveness threshold was set at $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Sensitivity analyses were used to determine the robustness of our results.

RESULTS:
Compared with cephalosporin alone for prophylaxis, our model showed 16,100 fewer cases of endometritis, 17 fewer cases of sepsis, eight fewer cases of venous thromboembolism, and one fewer maternal death with azithromycin–cephalosporin. Additionally, this strategy prevented 36 uterine ruptures and four cesarean hysterectomies in the subsequent pregnancy. Overall, the addition of azithromycin led to both lower costs and higher quality-adjusted life-years when compared with standard cephalosporin prophylaxis. In sensitivity analysis, we found that as long as the cost of azithromycin remained below $930 (baseline cost $27), it was cost-effective.

CONCLUSION:
For women who undergo cesarean delivery in labor or after membrane rupture, compared with cephalosporin alone, the addition of azithromycin to cesarean delivery infection prophylaxis is less costly and leads to better maternal outcomes in the index delivery and subsequent deliveries. These findings support the use of prophylactic azithromycin at the time of cesarean delivery.
Stopping the rise of HIV among adolescents globally
Authors: Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane , Davis Emily , Rezai Roxana 
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review
Adolescents, in particular those that are most disenfranchised, are increasingly at risk of acquiring HIV and, when acquiring HIV, have worse outcomes than adults. This article reviews the recent approaches to combination prevention aiming to optimize the HIV prevention and HIV treatment continua.

Recent findings
There are dramatic sociodemographic differences in the HIV epidemics in low and middle-income countries (young women in sub-Saharan Africa) compared with high-income countries (predominantly gay, bisexual, transgendered youth, especially black and Latino youth). Researchers and clinicians are designing developmentally tailored interventions that anticipate youths’ engagement with mobile technologies and build on the common features of evidence-based interventions that predate the use of antiretroviral therapies (ARV) for prevention and treatment.

Summary
Evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment programs that are cost-effective need to be broadly diffused globally. Substantial investments must be made in understanding how to implement programs, which have clinically meaningful impact and continuously monitor intervention quality over time.
Two-Stage Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: A Comparison Between Prepectoral and Partial Subpectoral Techniques
Authors: Nahabedian Maurice Y. , Cocilovo Costanza 
Published: November 2017

Background:
Prosthetic breast reconstruction with prepectoral placement may confer clinical advantages compared with subpectoral placement. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare clinical outcomes following 2-stage reconstruction following prepectoral and partial subpectoral placement of tissue expanders and implants.

Methods:
A retrospective review of 39 (prepectoral) and 50 (partial subpectoral) patients was completed. Acellular dermal matrix was used in all patients. Mean age was 50.4 and 49.2 years, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) > 30 was noted in 15.4% of prepectoral and 18% of partial subpectoral patients. Radiation therapy was delivered to 38.5% of prepectoral patients and to 22% of partial subpectoral patients. Mean follow-up was 8.7 and 13 months for the prepectoral cohort and partial subpectoral cohorts.

Results:
The percentage of patients having at least 1 adverse event was 20.5% in the prepectoral and 22% in the partial subpectoral cohorts. The incidence of surgical-site infection and seroma was 8.1% and 4.8%, respectively, for the prepectoral cohort and 4.8% and 2.4%, respectively, for the partial subpectoral cohorts. Device explantation was 6.5% for the prepectoral and 7.2% for the partial subpectoral patients. Explantation did not occur in patients who had radiation or who had a BMI > 30. Four patients (6 breasts—7.2%) required conversion from partial subpectoral to prepectoral because of animation deformity.

Conclusions:
Prepectoral reconstruction is a viable alternative to partial subpectoral reconstruction. Proper patient selection is an important variable. Prepectoral reconstruction can be safely performed in patients with a BMI < 40 and in patients having postmastectomy radiation therapy.
223Ra Therapy in Patients With Advanced Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer With Bone Metastases
Authors: van der Doelen Maarten J. , Kuppen Malou C.P. , Jonker Marianne A. , Mehra Niven , Janssen Marcel J.R. , van Oort Inge M. , Gerritsen Winald R. 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
To identify pre-therapeutic variables associated with overall survival (OS) in patients treated with 223Ra.

Methods
Data from 45 CRPC patients treated with 223Ra were retrospectively analyzed. All patients who received at least one 223Ra injection were included in the study. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratio’s (HR) and to test for association.

Results
Twenty-one patients (47%) received six 223Ra injections and 24 patients (53%) received one to five 223Ra injections. Median OS since start of 223Ra was 13.0 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.2–17.8). Patients who completed 223Ra therapy had a median OS of 19.7 months (95% CI 14.9–24.6), while patients who received one to five 223Ra injections had a median OS of 5.9 months (95% CI 3.8–8.1; P < 0.001).
Univariable analysis showed poor baseline ECOG performance status (PS), baseline opioid use, lowered baseline hemoglobin, and elevated prostate-specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels were significantly associated with OS. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that poor baseline ECOG PS (HR 10.6) and high LD levels (HR 7.7) were pre-therapeutic variables that predicted poor OS.

Conclusions
In a multivariable Cox regression model, good baseline ECOG PS and low LD levels were significantly associated with longer OS in patients treated with 223Ra. These variables may be used for stratification of CRPC patients for 223Ra therapy. Prospective studies to evaluate these variables are warranted, to develop a nomogram to select patients properly. In this retrospective study, predictors of overall survival in 45 metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with 223Ra therapy were evaluated. Baseline ECOG performance status and lactate dehydrogenase levels turned out to be significant in a multivariable prediction model for overall survival.
Research on qualities of spun-silk fabrics by FLCS
Authors: Rongmei Zhou , Xiaoxuan Qin 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
As one natural fiber, spun silk is one of the top-grade textile materials and has attracted more and more attentions on textile processing. The purpose of this paper is to introduce one kind of pneumatic compact spinning, four-line compact spinning (FLCS), into the silk spinning, and study and comparatively analyze corresponding yarn and fabric qualities.

Design/methodology/approach
First, two kinds of spun silk and viscose blend yarns, 120 Nm (8.3 tex) and 205 Nm (4.9 tex), were spun on the common ring spinning frame FK501 and spinning frame modified by FLCS, respectively. Then, after the plying and singeing procedures, the ply yarns 120 and 205 Nm/2 were produced. The evenness, breaking strength, and hairiness of the spun bobbin yarns and ply yarns were tested and comparatively analyzed. Then, properties of corresponding woven fabric, including the weight, thickness, permeability, stiffness, softness, smoothness, draping, wrinkle recovery, hand-touching (RHV), were measured and comparatively analyzed.

Findings
For the spun yarns, it is shown that by using the compact spinning method, the comprehensive quality of spun-silk blend bobbin and ply yarns are improved. For the fabrics, it is shown that compared with the fabric made of ring yarn, the weight and thickness of fabric made of compact yarn decreased, and the air permeability of fabric increased, but the difference is tiny. Meanwhile, the stiffness, smoothness of fabric made of compact yarn increased slightly, but the softness decreased slightly, leading to a little worse fabric hand-touching.

Originality/value
In the paper, one kind of pneumatic compact spinning, FLCS, was introduced into the silk spinning, and corresponding yarn and fabric qualities were studied and comparatively analyzed.
Does gender disparity in financial literacy still persist after retirement? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Adam Anokye M. , Boadu Mavis Opoku , Frimpong Siaw 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the gender disparity in financial literacy among retirees in the Cape Coast metropolis in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
The finding of this paper is based on 334 respondents (183 males and 151 females) to financial literacy questionnaires covering the respondents’ general knowledge on budgeting, use of automated teller machine, time value of money, account types, cheque handling and insurance. Data were analysed with Pearson χ2 and independent sample t-test.

Findings
Nominal scores showed that male domination in financial literacy in seven out of the ten questions used to assess financial literacy while female retirees lead in three. These observed nominal differences were, however, found not to be significant through χ2 test of independence except the question on the calculation of interest rate on loans in favour of males. The cumulative effect, through computation of financial literacy index was deemed to be significantly different between males and females, favouring males, using independent sampled t-test.

Practical implications
The implication is that older men continue to have their financial literacy hegemony perpetually and are stronger in computational ability. It suggests that policy responses to address gender disparity in financial literacy should work more on computational ability of females.

Originality/value
There is no known study of financial literacy related to gender disparity in Ghana.
Measuring social performance: reconciling the tension between commercial and social logics
Authors: Siti-Nabiha A.K. , Azhar Zubir , Isa Salmi Mohd , Siti-Nazariah A.Z. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of microfinance programs in three Malaysian development finance institutions (DFIs). Its main concerns revolve around how these DFIs measure and manage their social performance and how they reconcile their competing social and commercial objectives which are driven by particular logics.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzes the ways in which the DFIs selected for this study measure and manage their social performance. The data were acquired from two sessions of focus group interviews, a series of semi-structured interviews, and extensive reviews of documentaries. The institutional logics perspective is used to explore the interplay between social and commercial logics in shaping the view and use of social performance measures in the three studied DFIs.FindingsAlthough these DFIs have consistently offered formal microfinance programs to designated target groups, their ultimate focus has been on measuring financial as opposed to social performance. Hence, performance appraisal is mainly aligned with the breadth of outreach, rather than its depth. Nevertheless, there appear to be conflicts between the need to accommodate both breadth and depth, due to the competing demands of the two objectives. The rivalry between these two competing demands, which represents the interplay between social and commercial logics, is resolved through reconciliation, that is, by making one objective compatible with the other.Originality/valueThis paper examines the ways in which the DFIs in the study measure and manage their social performance, a topic that is, currently, not widely explored. This study contributes to advancing the knowledge on the link between institutional logics and organizational practices, particularly in understanding the extent to which the Malaysian DFIs assign importance to social performance when designing and offering microfinance programs.
The comparative exploration of mobile money services in inclusive development
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Asongu Ndemaze 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to respond to some challenges in the transition to sustainable development goals by examining the correlations between mobile and inclusive development (quality of growth, poverty and inequality) in 93 developing countries for the year 2011.

Design/methodology/approach
Mobile money service entails: “mobile used to pay bills” and “mobile used to receive/send money.” Interactive ordinary least squares are employed.

Findings
The following findings are established. First, increasing use of the mobile phones to pay bills is positively linked to “quality of growth” in lower-middle-income countries and negatively correlated with inequality in Latin American countries. Second, growing use of mobile phones to send/receive money is negatively associated with poverty in Asia and Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe.

Originality/value
Macroeconomic data on mobile money service are scarce. No study to the best of our knowledge has used this macroeconomic mobile money service data before.
Innovation programs at the workplace for workers with an intellectual disability
Authors: Meacham Hannah , Cavanagh Jillian , Shaw Amie , Bartram Timothy 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine human resource management (HRM) innovation programs in the early stages of employment for workers with an intellectual disability (WWID).Design/methodology/approachThe first case study was carried out at a large national courier company where a film innovation programme was used to enhance the socialisation process of WWID. The second case study was at a five-star hotel situated in a large city where a buddy system innovation programme was used in the induction and training process of WWID.FindingsThe overarching “life theme” created through these innovation programs was one of enhanced and creative opportunities for social inclusion. The participants displayed more confidence and independence in their ability and exhibited aspirations to advance and succeed in their roles.Practical implicationsThe study argues that HR professionals need to be more proactive in finding innovative ways to engage WWID in the early stages of employment.Originality/valueThe qualitative study is underpinned by socialisation and career construction theory which provides the framework to discuss the ways in which socialisation and socially inclusive HRM practices enable participants and other WWID achieve success on their career paths. The key message of our research is that early vocational socialisation innovation programs can make a positive difference to the work experiences of WWID.
HRM and workplace innovations: formulating research questions
Authors: Bamber Greg J. , Bartram Timothy , Stanton Pauline 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the roles of human resource management (HRM) specialists in the contemplation and implementation of innovation in employing organisations and workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors review some of the literature and practice in this field as well as 11 other articles that are included in this special issue.

Findings
The authors propose six research questions. First, are HRM specialists analysing relevant trends and their implications for the future of work and the workforce? Second, are HRM specialists enabling employing organisations to identify and enable innovative ideas? Third, to what extent are HRM specialists leading partnership arrangements with organised labour? Fourth, what is the role of HRM specialists in creating inclusive work environments? Fifth, how should HRM specialists change to foster enterprise performance, intrapreneurship, agility, creativity and innovation? Sixth, to what extent is there an HRM function for line managers in coordination with HRM specialists in engendering innovation around “change agent” roles?

Originality/value
The authors argue that HRM specialists should embrace and enable innovation. The authors challenge HRM specialists to consider how they can contribute to facilitating innovation. The paper proposes further research on HRM and range of associated stakeholders who, together, have responsibility for innovating in the design and delivery of HRM to enrich our knowledge of HRM and workplace innovations.
Disturbance-observer based control of voltage-source-converter under unbalanced voltage conditions
Authors: Rasool Akhtar , Ozsoy Esref Emre , Ahmad Fiaz , Sabanoviç Asif , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a novel grid current control strategy for grid-connected voltage source converters (VSCs) under unbalanced grid voltage conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
A grid voltage dynamic model is represented in symmetrical positive and negative sequence reference frames. A proportional controller structure with a first-order low-pass filter disturbance observer (DOB) is designed for power control in unbalanced voltage conditions. This controller is capable of meeting the positive sequence power requirements, and it also eliminates negative sequence power components which cause double-frequency oscillations on power. The symmetrical components are calculated by using the second-order generalized integrator-based observer, which accurately estimates the symmetrical components.

Findings
Proportional current controllers are sufficient in this study in a wide range of operating conditions, as DOB accurately estimates and feed-forwards nonlinear terms which may be deteriorated by physical and operating conditions. This is the first reported scheme which estimates the VSC disturbances in terms of symmetrical component decomposition and the DOB concept.

Originality/value
The proposed method does not require any grid parameter to be known, as it estimates nonlinear terms with a first-order low-pass filter DOB. The proposed control system is implemented on a dSPACE ds1103 digital controller by using a three-phase, three-wire VSC.
Deformation analysis of asymmetric break-down rolling of hollow steel
Authors: Yan Tao , Qin Na , Zhao Shuo , Ma Liang , Yu Enlin 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to focus on numerical simulation investigations of deformation analysis of asymmetric break-down rolling of a hollow steel, which seriously affects the service life of the final product.

Design/methodology/approach
The 3D rigid-plastic thermo-mechanical coupled finite element method (FEM) for a large strain was used to analyze metal deformation in the deformation zone for asymmetric rolling with different roller diameters.

Findings
The distribution of stress, strain and dimension accuracy for different diameters was obtained. The results show that the additional shear strain which is different from the normal compression deformation is generated in an asymmetric rolling process. The higher the ratio between upper and lower diameters, the greater the additional shear deformation.

Originality/value
Asymmetric rolling is an important factor affecting the dimensional accuracy of the hollow steel. This study can provide a theoretical basis for developing a reasonable rolling process of the hollow steel.