bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability analysis of CNC turning center based on the assessment of trends in maintenance data
Authors: Patil Rajkumar Bhimgonda , Kothavale Basavraj S. , Waghmode Laxman Yadu , Joshi Shridhar G. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The paper presents reliability, maintainability and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis of a computerized numerical control (CNC) turning center which is manufactured and used in India. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical components/subsystems from reliability and LCC perspective. The paper further aims at improving reliability and LCC by implementing reliability-improvement methods.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a methodology for the reliability analysis based on the assessment of trends in maintenance data. The data required for reliability and LCC analysis are collected from the manufacturers and users of CNC turning center over a period of eight years. ReliaSoft’s Weibull++9 software has been used for verifying goodness of fit and estimating parameters of the distribution. The LCC of the system is estimated for five cost elements: acquisition cost, operation cost, failure cost, support cost and net salvage value.

Findings
The analysis shows that the spindle bearing, spindle belt, spindle drawbar, insert, tool holder, drive battery, hydraulic hose, lubricant hose, coolant hose and solenoid valve are the components with low reliability. With certain design changes and implementation of reliability-based maintenance policies, system reliability is improved, especially during warranty period. The reliability of the CNC turning center is improved by nearly 45 percent at the end of warranty period and system mean time between failure is increased from 15,000 to 17,000 hours. The LCC analysis reveals that the maintenance cost, operating cost and support costs dominate the LCC and contribute to the tune of 87 percent of the total LCC.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed methodology provides an excellent tool that can be utilized in industries, where safety, reliability, maintainability and availability of the system play a vital role. The approach may be improved by collecting data from more number of users of the CNC turning centers.

Practical implications
The approach presented in this paper is generic and can be applied to analyze the repairable systems. A real case study is presented to show the applicability of the approach.

Originality/value
The proposed methodology provides a practical approach for the analysis of time-to-failure and time-to-repair data based on the assessment of trends in the maintenance data. The methodology helps in selecting a proper approach of the analysis such as Bayesian method, parametric methods and nonparametric methods.
Structural equation modeling for validating impact of 5S implementation on business excellence of manufacturing organizations
Authors: Randhawa Jugraj Singh , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deploy structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to empirically validate the interrelationships amongst significant variables of 5S implementation and business excellence performance parameters (BEPP) in SEM_5S model.

Design/methodology/approach
The confirmatory factor analysis approach is utilized to generate the effective SEM_5S model by using AMOS 20.0 (analysis of moment structures) software. The data have been collected from different manufacturing organizations that have successfully deployed the 5S program by using well-designed questionnaire for the evaluation of SEM_5S model.

Findings
SEM of 5S various parameters has established that attributes like top management involvement initiatives, employee involvement initiatives, basic 5S initiatives (BFSI) and fifth S initiatives (Shitsuke) should be holistically emphasized during the implementation of 5S program, leading to attainment of high level of melioration in the BEPP. SEM has been deployed to evaluate the original and modification indices of the model, which further establishes the improvement in SEM’s effectiveness. The model establishes the significant impact of 5S implementation on business excellence of manufacturing organizations.

Originality/value
The outcomes of the study will help the organizational managers, HR executives and practitioners from manufacturing organizations to know about the significant factors which should be followed holistically to achieve overall organizational business excellence through strategic 5S initiatives.
An empirical investigation of critical success factors influencing the successful TQM implementation for firms with different strategic orientation
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Sharma R.R.K. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeIt has been found that critical success factors (CSFs) are responsible for successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) system. The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative analysis of the importance of 20 TQM CSFs to the strategic choices of the firms such as innovators, prospectors, and defenders.Design/methodology/approachFrom extant literature review on TQM, 20 CSFs have been carried out. The empirical data for this study was drawn from a survey of 111 firms in India. One-way ANOVA approach has been applied for analysis.FindingsThe findings of the research show that the CSFs hold importance for different firm’s strategy. From these 20 CSFs, some CSFs may be critically important for all three types of firm, while others have their significant roles for innovators, prospectors, and defenders individually which are better prepared for TQM implementation.Practical implicationsThe results of this study present the importance of knowing the appropriate CSFs to a strategy of the firms. The emphasis on CSFs will help organizations in accepting and rejecting TQM practices when they try to implement TQM and it is equally important in a global context. Apparently, it is evident that if there is a mismatch of strategy and CSFs with TQM practices it may interrupt the smooth operations of the company.Originality/valueThis research can be useful for those firms who are in the starting phase of TQM implementation with consideration of CSFs. Moreover, this research also attempts to inspire managers to consider the appropriate CSFs for implementing TQM effectively in their firms.
Uber: aggressive management for growth
Authors: Matherne Brett P. , O’Toole Jay 
Published: September 2017

Synopsis
This case uses Uber Technologies Inc. to engage students in a serious conversation about how a firm both affects its stakeholders and is affected by its stakeholders as well as the role of strategic leadership in the amount of emphasis placed on ethical practices. Uber represents a visible high-growth startup that has received considerable positive and negative attention in the media; however, few people know of the extent of its aggressive management approach. Much of the publicity about Uber is both a direct consequence of and a direct consequence for stakeholder relationships. Students are asked to analyze Uber’s approach and offer suggestions for moving forward.

Research methodology
This case was created using secondary data sources. The issues for Uber that led the authors to write this case were not very flattering to Uber, and therefore, the authors decided to use secondary sources. Since Uber and many of its direct competitors were private companies, the authors collected as much financial data as the authors could from publicly available sources. Also, due to the contentious nature of some of the managerial tactics used within Uber, the use of secondary data sources was warranted.

Relevant courses and levels
This case was crafted with senior undergraduate students in strategic management as the primary audience, but is also relevant for MBA-level strategy courses as well. This case touches upon core content in the vast majority of undergraduate strategic management courses with a special emphasis on two concepts underrepresented in most strategic management textbooks, stakeholder theory and ethical decision making.
Varieties of contemporary democratic breakdown and regression: A comparative analysis
Authors: TOMINI LUCA , WAGEMANN CLAUDIUS 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe goal of this article is to understand which combinations of explanatory conditions account for the qualitative differences within forms of democratic breakdown (i.e., transitionfromdemocracy to a hybrid or authoritarian regime) and democratic regression (i.e., transitionwithindemocracy through a loss of democratic quality). The analysis focuses particularly on the specific features of those processes of change ending up with a transition from democratic rule, compared to those producing a simple loss of democratic quality within the democratic regime. Applying two‐step fuzzy‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the study aims to integrate different types of explanatory factors, offering a fresh and comprehensive perspective on this phenomenon.
The effect of neuromuscular blockade on the efficiency of facemask ventilation in patients difficult to facemask ventilate: a prospective trial
Authors: Soltész S. , Alm P. , Mathes A. , Hellmich M. , Hinkelbein J. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryFacemask ventilation of the lungs can be an important rescue intervention in a ‘cannot intubate’ scenario. We assessed the effect of neuromuscular blockade on expiratory tidal volumes in patients with expected difficulty in mask ventilation. The lungs of patients with at least three predictors of difficulty in mask ventilation were ventilated using a facemask held with two hands, with mechanical ventilation set in a pressure‐controlled mode. Tidal volumes were recorded before and after the establishment of complete neuromuscular block. In 113 patients, median (IQR [range]) tidal volume increased from 350 (260–492 [80–850]) ml initially, by 48% to 517 (373–667 [100–1250]) ml 30 s after rocuronium administration, (p < 0.001). After the onset of the complete neuromuscular block, a median tidal volume of 600 (433–750 [250–1303]) ml was observed, corresponding to an increase of 71% from baseline values (p < 0.001), and 16% from values obtained 30 s after rocuronium administration, respectively; p = 0.003). No decrease in the tidal volume during the measurements was observed. We conclude that the administration of rocuronium at a dose of 0.6 mg.kg−1 was able to improve facemask ventilation in all cases with a potentially clinically relevant increase in tidal volume. The early use of a neuromuscular blocking agent can be considered as a therapeutic option in case of difficulty with mask ventilation.
Improvement of Decellularization Efficiency of Porcine Aorta Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a Penetration Enhancer
Authors: Guler Selcan , Aydin Halil M. , Lü Lan‐Xin , Yang Ying 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDecellularization of tissues and organs enables researchers to obtain extracellular matrix (ECM) with the natural conformation and chemical composition of specific tissues. However, drawbacks exist such as the structural alteration of ECM or loss of some important components in ECM due to overexposure to chemicals during the decellularization process. In this study, porcine aorta was decellularized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a penetration enhancer in the decellularization process to enhance the penetration of SDS, consequently reducing the exposure time of SDS to treated tissues. It is revealed that by addition of DMSO to the decellularization process 64.4% more DNA was removed when compared with just SDS exposure within a 3 h reaction. Cross‐validation by DAPI staining showed that, in the presence of DMSO, the penetration of SDS was improved and almost all cells were removed from the aorta within the 3 h exposure time. Collagen staining revealed that just SDS treatment showed less polarized collagen fibers, while the DMSO addition groups revealed denser and organized collagen fibers. Moreover 77% glycosaminoglycan content was preserved by addition of DMSO in resultant tissues. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of decellularized aortic matrix showed that ECM components remained in the adventitia layer with the addition of DMSO treatment, while the layer was removed with just SDS treatment. Biocompatibility assays proved that after washing the decellularized samples with media supplemented with 3% antibiotic and antimycotic solution for 2 days there was no cytotoxic effect related to the SDS + DMSO decellularization protocol. This study demonstrates that the new decellularization protocol not only improves the removal efficiency of cellular components but also protects the crucial ECM components.
Determination of net energy content of soybean oil fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry
Authors: Li Enkai , LV Zhiqian , Liu Hu , Liu Ling , Li Yakui , Li Zhongchao , Wang Fenglai , Li Defa , Zhang Shuai 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe objectives of this experiment were: (i) to determine the net energy (NE) of soybean oil (SBO) fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry (IC); and (ii) to evaluate the effects of inclusion rate of SBO on heat production, oxidative status and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. Eighteen growing barrows were allotted to three diets based on completely randomized design with six replicate pigs (period) per diet. Diets included a corn‐soybean meal basal diet and two test diets containing 5% or 10% SBO at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 14 days, including 7 days to adapt to feed, metabolism crate and environmental conditions. On day 8, pigs were transferred to the open‐circuit respiration chambers for measurement of daily O2 consumption and CO2 and CH4 production. During this time, pigs were fed one of the three diets at 2.4 MJ metabolizable energy/kg body weight (BW)0.6/day. Total feces and urine were collected and daily total heat production (THP) was measured from days 9 to 13 and fasted on day 14 to evaluate their fasting heat production (FHP). The results show that trends of decreased apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (linear, P = 0.09) and acid detergent fiber (linear, P = 0.07) were observed as the content of dietary lipids increased. The average THP for the three diets were 1326, 1208 and 1193 kJ/kg BW0.6/day, respectively. The FHP of pigs averaged 843 kJ/kg BW0.6/day and was not affected by diet characteristics. A reduction of the respiratory quotients in the fed state as the inclusion level of SBO increased was observed. In conclusion, the NE values of SBO we determined by indirect calorimetry were 33.45 and 34.05 MJ/kg dry matter under two inclusion levels. THP could be largely reduced when SBO is added in the feed, but the THP of SBO included at 5% in a corn‐soybean meal diet is not different from the THP of SBO included at 10%.
Monte Carlo Methods for Nonparametric Regression with Heteroscedastic Measurement Error
Authors: McIntyre Julie , Johnson Brent A. , Rappaport Stephen M. 
Published: September 2017

Summary
Nonparametric regression is a fundamental problem in statistics but challenging when the independent variable is measured with error. Among the first approaches was an extension of deconvoluting kernel density estimators for homescedastic measurement error. The main contribution of this article is to propose a new simulation-based nonparametric regression estimator for the heteroscedastic measurement error case. Similar to some earlier proposals, our estimator is built on principles underlying deconvoluting kernel density estimators. However, the proposed estimation procedure uses Monte Carlo methods for estimating nonlinear functions of a normal mean, which is different than any previous estimator. We show that the estimator has desirable operating characteristics in both large and small samples and apply the method to a study of benzene exposure in Chinese factory workers.
New‐age ideas about age‐old sex: separating meiosis from mating could solve a century‐old conundrum
Authors: Brandeis Michael 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTEver since Darwin first addressed it, sexual reproduction reigns as the ‘queen’ of evolutionary questions. Multiple theories tried to explain how this apparently costly and cumbersome method has become the universal mode of eukaryote reproduction. Most theories stress the adaptive advantages of sex by generating variation, they fail however to explain the ubiquitous persistence of sexual reproduction also where adaptation is not an issue. I argue that the obstacle for comprehending the role of sex stems from the conceptual entanglement of two distinct processes – gamete production by meiosis and gamete fusion by mating (mixis). Meiosis is an ancient, highly rigid and evolutionary conserved process identical and ubiquitous in all eukaryotes. Mating, by contrast, shows tremendous evolutionary variability even in closely related clades and exhibits wonderful ecological adaptability. To appreciate the respective roles of these two processes, which are normally linked and alternating, we require cases where one takes place without the other. Such cases are rather common. The heteromorphic sex chromosomes Y and W, that do not undergo meiotic recombination are an evolutionary test case for demonstrating the role of meiosis. Substantial recent genomic evidence highlights the accelerated rates of change and attrition these chromosomes undergo in comparison to those of recombining autosomes. I thus propose that the most basic role of meiosis is conserving integrity of the genome. A reciprocal case of meiosis without bi‐parental mating, is presented by self‐fertilization, which is fairly common in flowering plants, as well as most types of apomixis. I argue that deconstructing sex into these two distinct processes – meiosis and mating – will greatly facilitate their analysis and promote our understanding of sexual reproduction.
Risk factors for unfavourable postoperative outcome in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing right hemicolectomy or ileocaecal resection. An international audit by ESCP and S‐ECCO
Authors:   2015 European Society of Coloproctology collaborating group
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimPatient‐ and disease‐related factors, as well as operation technique, all have the potential to impact on postoperative outcome in Crohn's disease. The available evidence is based on small series and often displays conflicting results. The aim was to investigate the effect of preoperative and intra‐operative risk factors on 30‐day postoperative outcome in patients undergoing surgery for Crohn's disease.MethodThis was an international prospective snapshot audit including consecutive patients undergoing right hemicolectomy or ileocaecal resection. The study analysed a subset of patients who underwent surgery for Crohn's disease. The primary outcome measure was the overall Clavien–Dindo postoperative complication rate. The key secondary outcomes were anastomotic leak, reoperation, surgical site infection and length of stay in hospital. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to produce odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsIn all, 375 resections in 375 patients were included. The median age was 37 and 57.1% were women. In multivariate analyses, postoperative complications were associated with preoperative parenteral nutrition (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.10–4.97), urgent/expedited surgical intervention (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.13–3.55) and unplanned intra‐operative adverse events (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.20–4.45). The postoperative length of stay in hospital was prolonged in patients who received preoperative parenteral nutrition (OR 31, 95% CI 1.08–1.61) and those who had urgent/expedited operations (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.37).ConclusionPreoperative parenteral nutritional support, urgent/expedited operation and unplanned intra‐operative adverse events were associated with unfavourable postoperative outcome. Enhanced preoperative optimization and improved planning of operation pathways and timings may improve outcomes for patients.
Lower Mekong Fish Passage Conference: Applying innovation to secure fisheries productivity
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J. , Boys Craig A. , Barlow Chris , Roy Mike 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It contains almost 1,100 fish species and supports a regional population of almost 60 million people. Fish provide protein, essential micronutrients and income for many of these people. Further, over 85% of fish are migratory and undertake small‐ and large‐scale movements to access spawning, feeding and nursery habitat. In recent times, irrigation and hydropower development have threatened the long‐term sustainability of fisheries resources in the region, and there is a need to develop robust mitigation measures in order to protect and improve fish passage and fisheries productivity. Recognising this, a conference, with 160 delegates from 14 countries brought together global experts in the fields of riverine development, fish passage and aquatic ecosystem management to demonstrate how applied research has been used over the last decade to enhance policy and decision‐making across the LMB and to discuss future directions.
Alterations in the α2δ ligand, thrombospondin‐1, in a rat model of spontaneous absence epilepsy and in patients with idiopathic/genetic generalized epilepsies
Authors: Santolini Ines , Celli Roberta , Cannella Milena , Imbriglio Tiziana , Guiducci Michela , Parisi Pasquale , Schubert Julian , Iacomino Michele , Zara Federico , Lerche Holger ,   EuroEPINOMICS CoGIE Consortium,   Genetic Commission of Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE), Moyanova Slavianka , Ngomba Richard Teke , van Luijtelaar Gilles , Battaglia Giuseppe , Bruno Valeria , Striano Pasquale , Nicoletti Ferdinando 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectivesThrombospondins, which are known to interact with the α2δ subunit of voltage‐sensitive calcium channels to stimulate the formation of excitatory synapses, have recently been implicated in the process of epileptogenesis. No studies have been so far performed on thrombospondins in models of absence epilepsy. We examined whether expression of the gene encoding for thrombospondin‐1 was altered in the brain of WAG/Rij rats, which model absence epilepsy in humans. In addition, we examined the frequency of genetic variants of THBS1 in a large cohort of children affected by idiopathic/genetic generalized epilepsies (IGE/GGEs).MethodsWe measured the transcripts of thrombospondin‐1 and α2δ subunit, and protein levels of α2δ, Rab3A, and the vesicular glutamate transporter, VGLUT1, in the somatosensory cortex and ventrobasal thalamus of presymptomatic and symptomatic WAG/Rij rats and in two control strains by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblotting. We examined the genetic variants of THBS1 and CACNA2D1 in two independent cohorts of patients affected by IGE/GGE recruited through the Genetic Commission of the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE) and the EuroEPINOMICS‐CoGIE Consortium.ResultsThrombospondin‐1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were largely reduced in the ventrobasal thalamus of both presymptomatic and symptomatic WAG/Rij rats, whereas levels in the somatosensory cortex were unchanged. VGLUT1 protein levels were also reduced in the ventrobasal thalamus of WAG/Rij rats. Genetic variants of THBS1 were significantly more frequent in patients affected by IGE/GGE than in nonepileptic controls, whereas the frequency of CACNA2D1 was unchanged.SignificanceThese findings suggest that thrombospondin‐1 may have a role in the pathogenesis of IGE/GGEs.