bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-inspired control strategy study for the quadruped robot with a segmented spine
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Zhang Ting , Wei Xiaohui , Long Yongjun , Wang Shigang 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThis study aims to establish a bio-inspired controller for realizing the bounding gait of a quadruped robot system presented in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe bio-inspired controller is divided into three levels to mimic the biological patterns of animals. First, the high-level sub-controller is equivalent to the cerebellum, which could plan and control the motion of animals. Second, the effect of the middle-level sub-controller corresponds to the central nervous system. The central pattern generators in the spine generate the stable and cyclic signals as the fundamental rhythm for periodic motion of the leg and spine joints. Third, the low-level sub-controller is equal to the end effector, which adopts the simple proportional-derivative (PD) control to realize the specific motion trajectory of the legs and spine.FindingsCombined with the stability criterion presented previously and the delayed feedback control method, the bounding gait of the cheetah virtual prototype could be actuated and stabilized by the bio-inspired controller. Moreover, the bio-inspired controller is applied to realize the bounding gait of an SQBot, which is a quadruped robot with a spine joint. Meanwhile, the validity and practicability of the bio-inspired controller for the control of quadruped robot have been verified against different forward velocities.Originality/valueThe bio-inspired controller and bionic quadruped robot system are instructive for the designing and actuating of the real quadruped robot.
The career paths of social marketing doctoral graduates
Authors: Truong V. Dao 
Published: January 2017

PurposeAlthough the social marketing field has developed relatively quickly, little is known about the careers of students who chose social marketing as their main subject of study. Such research is important not only because it reveals employment trends and mobility but also because it informs policy making with respect to curriculum development as well as raises governmental and societal interest in the social marketing field. This paper aims to analyse the career pathways of doctoral graduates who examined social marketing as the subject of their theses. Doctoral graduates represent a special group in a knowledge economy, who are considered the best qualified for the creation and dissemination of knowledge and innovation.Design/methodology/approachA search strategy identified 209 doctoral-level social marketing theses completed between 1971 and 2015. A survey was then delivered to dissertation authors, which received 117 valid responses.FindingsResults indicate that upon graduation, most graduates secured full-time jobs, where about 66 per cent worked in higher education, whereas the others worked in the government, not-for-profit and private sectors. Currently, there is a slight decline in the number of graduates employed in the higher education, government and not-for-profit sectors but an increase in self-employed graduates. A majority of graduates are working in the USA, the UK, Australia and Canada. Overall, levels of international mobility and research collaboration are relatively low.Originality/valueThis is arguably the first study to examine the career paths of social marketing doctoral graduates.
Exploring the wicked problem of athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport
Authors: Westberg Kate , Stavros Constantino , Smith Aaron C.T. , Newton Joshua , Lindsay Sophie , Kelly Sarah , Beus Shenae , Adair Daryl 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to extend the literature on wicked problems in consumer research by exploring athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport and the potential role that social marketing can play in addressing this problem.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper conceptualises the wicked problem of athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport, proposing a multi-theoretical approach to social marketing, incorporating insights from stakeholder theory, systems theory and cocreation to tackle this complex problem.

Findings
Sport provides a rich context for exploring a social marketing approach to a wicked problem, as it operates in a complex ecosystem with multiple stakeholders with differing, and sometimes conflicting, objectives. It is proposed that consumers, particularly those that are highly identified fans, are key stakeholders that have both facilitated the problematic nature of the sport system and been rendered vulnerable as a result. Further, a form of consumer vulnerability also extends to athletes as the evolution of the sport system has led them to engage in harmful consumption behaviours. Social marketing, with its strategic and multi-faceted focus on facilitating social good, is an apt approach to tackle behavioural change at multiple levels within the sport system.

Practical implications
Sport managers, public health practitioners and policymakers are given insight into the key drivers of a growing wicked problem as well as the potential for social marketing to mitigate harm.

Originality/value
This paper is the first to identify and explicate a wicked problem in sport. More generally it extends insight into wicked problems in consumer research by examining a case whereby the consumer is both complicit in, and made vulnerable by, the creation of a wicked problem. This paper is the first to explore the use of social marketing in managing wicked problems in sport.
eLancing motivations
Authors: Abubakar Abubakar Mohammed , Shneikat Belal Hamed Taher 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
eLancing is a networked online platform used for distributive problem-solving, economic production and service delivery. The platform includes websites/marketplaces where individuals interested in being hired, and clients looking for individuals to perform some type of work meet. eLancing boasts millions of users and billions of dollars in transactions, and it involves fundamental changes in the nature of work. The motivations of this research stems from the credo and notion in which the advances in technology are transforming firm and market structures, employee-employer relationship and the increased intimacy with decentralized system. In order to explore new applications for the eLancing model, there must be a better understanding of why individuals participate in eLancing activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 48 semi-structured interviews were conducted online with workers at elance.com.

Findings
Ten primary motivators for participation emerged that include following: work-family balance, flexibility and autonomy; economic incentives; skills development; trust and transparency; geographical location; unemployment, equality and disability; higher returns; reputation; passion and enjoyment in problem-solving; and revenge.

Originality/value
The current study has added rich qualitative data to the scanty eLancing literature and managerial implications are discussed.
Corrosion-induced tin whisker growth in electronic devices: a review
Authors: Illés Balázs , Horváth Barbara , Géczy Attila , Krammer Olivér , Dušek Karel 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present a review of the tin whisker growth phenomena. The study focuses mainly on whisker growth in a corrosive climate when the main inducing factor of the whisker growth is oxidation. The tin whisker phenomenon is still a big challenge in lead-free reflow soldering technology. Modern lead-free alloys and surface finishes with high tin content are considered to be possible sources of whisker development, also the evolution of electronic devices towards further complexity and miniaturization points to an escalation of the reliability risks.

Design/methodology/approach
The present work was based on a worldwide literature review of the substantial previous works in the past decade, as well as on the results and experience of the authors in this field.

Findings
The effect of corrosion on tin whisker growth has been under-represented in reports of mainstream research; however, in the past five years, significant results were obtained in the field which raised the corrosion phenomena from being a side effect category into one of the main inducing factors. This paper summarizes the most important findings of this field.

Practical implications
This literature review provides engineers and researchers with a better understanding of the role of corrosion in tin whisker growth and the current challenges in tin whisker mitigation.

Originality/value
The unique challenges and future research directions about the tin whisker phenomenon were shown to highlight rarely discussed risks and problems in lead-free soldering reliability.
Optimization of solder paste quantity considering the properties of solder joints
Authors: Hirman Martin , Steiner Frantisek 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find an optimum between the quantity of solder paste and the desired properties of the soldered joint. A reduction of solder paste quantity is recognized as an opportunity to save money. On the other hand, the quantity of solder paste significantly influences the final properties of the soldered joint. The purpose is also to design recommendations for manufacturers of electronic assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach
The processing of the paper was initiated by a literature review. The expert analysis was the next step. The result of analysis was a fishbone diagram. Subsequently, the experiment was designed. Seven types and three volume of solder pastes and two aperture shapes of the stencil were used. The measured parameters were mechanical strength, electrical resistance, voids area and intermetallic compound (IMC) thicknesses. The results of the experiment were evaluated and recommendations for practice were defined.

Findings
The carried out research has confirmed the influence of solder paste quantity on the shear strength, electrical resistance, voids area and IMC thickness of solder joint. The article presents the results achieved for solders Sn42Bi58, Sn42Bi57.6Ag0.4, SnAg3.0Cu0.5, SnCu0.7Ag1.0NiGe, SnAg3.5Bi0.5In8.0 and Sn62.5Pb36.5Ag1.0. Reduction of solder paste quantity down to 74 per cent (i.e. one quarter of quantity) decreases mechanical shear strength less than 10 per cent. Recommendations relating to the optimal reduction of solder paste quantity have been designed for each solder paste.

Originality/value
Contribution of the paper is impact assessment of solder paste quantity on the properties of the soldered joint. It was carried out a large number of experiments and measurements which verify this effect. Such a comprehensive overview of the results is not yet available in the literature. Recommendations for manufacturers of electronic assemblies are also the benefit of article.
Degrees of Antioxidant Protection: A 2‐Year Study of the Bioactive Properties of Organic Milk in Poland
Authors: Puppel Kamila , Sakowski Tomasz , Kuczyńska Beata , Grodkowski Grzegorz , Gołębiewski Marcin , Barszczewski Jerzy , Wróbel Barbara , Budziński Arkadiusz , Kapusta Aleksandra , Balcerak Marek 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of organic milk in Poland, investigate the influence of diet on antioxidant capacity and degree of antioxidant protection (DAP), and to examine the effect of season on the bioactive properties of milk from organic farms. From 2014 to 2015, 820 milk samples were collected from 6 organic farms during indoor feeding season (IDS) and pasture feeding season (PS). Pasture feeding season + corn grain (PSCG) cows’ daily ration during pasture feeding season was enriched with 4 kg a day of corn to improve dietary energy balance. Milk obtained during PS was found to have a higher fat content, slight but significantly lower protein content compared with milk from IDS. The study showed that the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in milk fat was strongly linked to the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and, to a lesser extent, on the supply of MUFA. The IDS data (concentration of vitamin E, A, and β‐carotene) showed the lowest values compared with the PS and PSCG groups. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP showed an increasing trend in organic milk. PSCG was associated with highest level of DAP (9% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS) and TAS (37% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS). The results obtained show that supplementation of the basic ration with corn grain improved both TAS and DAP. The higher DAP and TAS value is responsible for product stability, considering the risk factor related to levels of cholesterol‐oxide intake in humans.
Fine mapping of a distal chromosome 4 QTL affecting growth and muscle mass in a chicken advanced intercross line
Authors: Lyu S. , Arends D. , Nassar M. K. , Brockmann G. A. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIn our previous research, QTL analysis in an F2 cross between the inbred New Hampshire (NHI) and White Leghorn (WL77) lines revealed a growth QTL in the distal part of chromosome 4. To physically reduce the chromosomal interval and the number of potential candidate genes, we performed fine mapping using individuals of generations F10, F11 and F12 in an advanced intercross line that had been established from the initial F2 mapping population. Using nine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within the QTL region for an association analysis with several growth traits from hatch to 20 weeks and body composition traits at 20 weeks, we could reduce the confidence interval from 26.9 to 3.4 Mb. Within the fine mapped region, markers rs14490774, rs314961352 and rs318175270 were in full linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 1.0) and showed the strongest effect on growth and muscle mass (LOD ≥ 4.00). This reduced region contains 30 genes, compared to 292 genes in the original region. Chicken 60 K and 600 K SNP chips combined with DNA sequencing of the parental lines were used to call mutations in the reduced region. In the narrowed‐down region, 489 sequence variants were detected between NHI and WL77. The most deleterious variants are a missense variant in ADGRA3 (SIFT = 0.02) and a frameshift deletion in the functional unknown gene ENSGALG00000014401 in NHI chicken. In addition, five synonymous variants were discovered in genes PPARGC1A, ADGRA3, PACRGL, SLIT2 and FAM184B. In our study, the confidence interval and the number of potential genes could be reduced 8‐ and 10‐ fold respectively. Further research will focus on functional effects of mutant genes.
Similar change in platelets and leucocytes 24 h after injury is associated with septic shock a week later
Authors: Jol Saskia , Hietbrink Falco , Leenen Luke P. H. , Koenderman Leo , van Wessem Karlijn J. P. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundSeptic shock is a severe complication in polytrauma patients. Early identification of patients at risk can guide future prevention strategies. Platelets (PLTs) and leucocytes presumably play an important role in the post‐injury inflammatory response. The role of early changes in PLT and leucocyte counts was investigated in search for the aetiology of the development of septic complications.MethodsPolytrauma patients (aged 16–80 years) admitted to the intensive care unit with an expected stay of at least 3 days were included. PLT and leucocyte counts were measured on a daily basis for 14 days.ResultsA total of 41 patients were included, of whom nine (22%) developed septic shock. There was no difference in (New) Injury Severity Score or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores between patients who developed septic shock and patients who did not. Three patients died, one of them in septic shock. Patients who developed septic shock during hospital stay had lower PLTs and a slower recovery to normal PLT counts than patients without septic shock. Patients who developed either a decrease in both PLTs and leucocytes or an increase in PLTs and leucocytes in the first 24 h after trauma were more likely to develop septic shock. This correlation was not found in patients who did not develop septic shock.ConclusionA similar change in PLT and leucocyte counts in the first 24 h after trauma is associated with the development of septic shock after a week. This indicates an early interaction between PLTs and leucocytes, which needs further investigation to gain more insight in the aetiology of post‐injury septic complications.
Fissure‐last video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for ‘non‐upper’ lobes
Authors: Stamenovic Davor , Bostanci Korkut , Messerschmidt Antje , Tillmann Jahn , Kostic Marko , Schneider Thomas 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundSurgical approach into the fissural parenchyma may be an important and modifiable factor for the prevention of air leak after anatomical lung resections. Fissureless fissure‐last technique has been described as useful technique to reduce air leak, yet in video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) data are limited and mostly on the upper lobes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of fissureless fissure‐last VATS ‘non‐upper’ lobectomies and the impact of it on the immediate outcome, especially relating to air leak.MethodsThis study is a monocentric single‐surgeon retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data. During 24 months, 46 patients underwent VATS ‘non‐upper’ lobectomy or lower bilobectomy, with conventional (VATS‐c) technique in 20 and fissureless fissure‐last (VATS‐f) technique in 26 patients. Results were evaluated according to preoperative, perioperative and postoperative parameters.ResultsThere were no differences between VATS‐c and VATS‐f groups in any characteristics or peri‐ and postoperative variables, except the number of staplers, where it was significantly higher in VATS‐c group (MVATS‐c = 5.7; MVATS‐f = 7.7; P = 0.001). Operation time did not differ between the groups, but showed gender‐related difference, being longer in males (MVATS‐c = 188; MVATS‐f = 157; P = 0.04). Prevalence of air leak was 20%; prolonged air leak (PAL) (>5 days) being 11% and PAL (>7 days) 0%. Patients with air leak were older by tendency (MVATS‐c = 74.9; MVATS‐f = 66.5; P = 0.08), had more complications (P = 0.025; relative risk = 2.65) and stayed longer at hospital (MVATS‐c = 10.8; MVATS‐f = 7.7; P = 0.02). Postoperative complications were present in 24% of patients.Conclusion
VATS‐f lobectomy is safe and feasible not only for ‘upper’ but also for ‘non‐upper’ lobes. When applied to properly selected patients, it may reduce air leak and PAL and thus may potentially reduce the rate of complications.
Evaluating the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in an experienced center based on propensity score matching
Authors: Asai Koji , Watanabe Manabu , Kusachi Shinya , Matsukiyo Hiroshi , Saito Tomoaki , Ishii Tomotaka , Kujiraoka Manabu , Katagiri Miwa , Katada Natsuya , Saida Yoshihisa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionThis study evaluates the therapeutic outcomes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis based on the time from symptom onset to surgery.MethodsThis study enrolled 224 patients. Patients' characteristics and operative outcomes were compared between patient groups based on the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy from symptom onset: ≤72 h versus >72 h, and ≤7 days versus ≥8 days. Then, we performed propensity score matching of 13 relevant variables, including patient demographics, examination findings, and therapeutic factors.ResultsThe early surgery groups (≤72 h and ≤7 days) had significantly younger patients with fewer comorbidities and a shorter duration from symptom onset to presentation before performed propensity score matching. These groups also had shorter surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and total length of stay. Other operative outcomes, including blood loss, conversion to open surgery, bile duct injury, and postoperative complications, did not significantly differ among the groups. After propensity score matching, all therapeutic outcomes, including duration of surgery, showed no significant differences in either analysis.ConclusionsIn a center with sufficient experience, performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the earliest possible time after presentation was a safe therapeutic strategy for each patient with acute cholecystitis, regardless of the time from symptom onset.
Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic multivisceral resection for surgical T4b colon cancers: Retrospective analyses
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Hasegawa Suguru , Hirai Kenjiro , Hisamori Shigeo , Hida Koya , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic (Lap) surgery has not been established as a standard procedure for locally advanced colon cancers. Here, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of Lap multivisceral resection (MVR) for tumors that had invaded adjacent organs (T4b).MethodsWe performed retrospective analyses using a single institutional database. Eighty‐four patients who underwent Lap or open MVR for surgical T4b primary colon cancers satisfied the inclusion criteria.ResultsAmong the 84 patients, 48 underwent Lap MVR and 36 underwent open MVR. More patients in the open group were clinical T4b and were receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients in the open group had worse performance status (P = 0.037) and tumors of greater diameter. Lap completion was achieved in 42 cases (87.5%); the conversion rate was highest in cases involving the urinary tract (40.0%). Lap reconstruction of the bladder or ureter was extremely challenging, and therefore, adjacent organ reconstruction influenced Lap completion. Regarding perioperative outcomes, Lap was superior to open surgery in terms of intraoperative blood loss, morbidity, and postoperative hospital stay. Conversion was required in six cases; five were strategic conversions, and conversion was not associated with severe morbidity. The microscopic positive surgical margin rate was not higher in the Lap group than in the open group. Kaplan–Meier analyses of overall and disease‐free survival were comparable between the groups. Cox regression analyses revealed that the operative approach did not have a significant adverse effect on long‐term outcomes.ConclusionThe Lap approach could be considered for surgical T4b cancers, except for urinary tract invasion cases that require complicated reconstruction.
Hampered cumulus expansion of porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes by excessive presence of alpha2‐macroglobulin is likely mediated via inhibition of zinc‐dependent metalloproteases
Authors: Appeltant Ruth , Beek Josine , Maes Dominiek , Bijttebier Jo , Van Steendam Katleen , Nauwynck Hans , Van Soom Ann 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn vitro maturation (IVM) in serum causes hampered expansion of porcine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) due to excessive alpha2‐macroglobulin (A2M). This study investigated two hypotheses that could explain the effect of A2M: (i) binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to A2M, followed by its decreased availability; and (ii) inhibition of zinc‐dependent metalloproteases. Cumulus expansion was evaluated based on the diameter of the COCs, the proportion of COCs participating in a floating cloud and the proportion of COCs with loss of cumulus cells. The first hypothesis of decreased EGF availability was tested by increasing the EGF concentration (20 and 50 ng/mL vs. 10 ng/mL), but was not confirmed because cumulus expansion did not improve. To verify the second hypothesis of inhibited zinc‐dependent metalloproteases, the effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases‐3 (TIMP‐3) on cumulus expansion during IVM with and without A2M was investigated. To immuno‐neutralize A2M, serum was pre‐incubated with A2M antibodies. Impaired cumulus expansion because of TIMP‐3 could only be observed during IVM in 10% of serum with A2M antibodies. No effect of TIMP‐3 was observed in medium without A2M antibodies. These results indicate that A2M and TIMP‐3 share a common target, a zinc‐dependent metalloprotease. Future research is directed toward the identification of the protease involved.