bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis A immunity and region-of-origin in a Swiss prison
Authors: Getaz Laurent , Casillas Alejandra , Motamed Sandrine , Gaspoz Jean-Michel , Chappuis Francois , Wolff Hans 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The environmental and demographic characteristics of closed institutions, particularly prisons, precipitate morbidity during hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreaks. Given the high prevalence of chronic liver disease and other risk factors in the prison setting, the purpose of this paper is to examine HAV-immunity and its associated factors in this population.

Design/methodology/approach
– The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009: a serology screening for HAV IgG was carried out among 116 inmates in Switzerland’s largest pre-trial prison. Other participant characteristics were collected through a structured face-to-face questionnaire with a physician.

Findings
– In terms of significant demographics, Africa (53.5 percent) and the Balkans/Eastern Europe (36.2 percent) were the main regions of origin; a minority of inmates were from Western Europe (6.9 percent), Latin America (2.6 percent) or Asia (0.9 percent). The authors identified hepatitis A antibody-negative serology (lack of immunity) in five out of 116 prisoners (4.3 percent, 95 percent CI 1.4-9.7). Among participants of European origin alone, five out of 50 inmates were hepatitis A antibody-negative (10 percent, 95 percent CI 3.3-21.8), whereas the 66 inmates from other all continents were hepatitis A antibody-positive (immune) (p=0.026).

Originality/value
– In this prison population composed of mostly African migrants, hepatitis A immunity was high. This reaffirms that region of origin is highly associated with childhood immunity against HAV. HAV vaccination should take into account a patient’s area of origin and his/her risk factors for systemic complications, if ever infected. This targeted strategy would offer herd immunity, and seek out the most vulnerable individuals who are potentially at risk of new exposure in this precarious setting.
Flexible and soft robotic grippers: the key to new markets?
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to provide details of recent commercial and academic developments in flexible and soft grippers and considers their impact on emerging robotic markets.

Design/methodology/approach
Following an introduction, this paper first considers commercially available anthropomorphic robotic hands and soft grippers. It then discusses a selection of recent research activities and concludes with a brief discussion of the potential of these developments.

Findings
Anthropomorphic robotic hands, which seek to mimic the structure and capabilities of the human hand, together with a technologically diverse family of soft grippers have recently have been commercialised. Most are produced by companies which spun-out from academic establishments. A strong body of innovative research continues and involves a wide range of principles and technologies. These gripping technologies are expected to catalyse several new and emerging applications; the most important being in agile manufacturing, particularly when used with collaborative robots (cobots).

Originality/value
This paper provides details of recent developments and research into anthropomorphic hands and soft grippers and an insight into their applications.
Human-robot collaboration dynamic impact testing and calibration instrument for disposable robot safety artifacts
Authors: Dagalakis Nicholas G. , Yoo Jae-Myung , Oeste Thomas 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is a description of DITCI, its drop loads and sensors, the impact tools, the robot dynamic impact safety artifacts, data analysis, and modeling of test results. The dynamic impact testing and calibration instrument (DITCI) is a simple instrument with a significant data collection and analysis capability that is used for the testing and calibration of biosimulant human tissue artifacts. These artifacts may be used to measure the severity of injuries caused in the case of a robot impact with a human.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, we describe the DITCI adjustable impact and flexible foundation mechanism, which allows the selection of a variety of impact force levels and foundation stiffness. The instrument can accommodate arrays of a variety of sensors and impact tools, simulating both real manufacturing tools and the testing requirements of standards setting organizations.

Findings
A computer data acquisition system may collect a variety of impact motion, force and torque data, which are used to develop a variety of mathematical model representations of the artifacts. Finally, we describe the fabrication and testing of human abdomen soft tissue artifacts with embedded markers, used to display the severity of impact injury tissue deformation.

Research limitations/implications
DITCI and the use of biosimulant human tissue artifacts will permit a better understanding of the severity of injury, which will be caused in the case of a robot impact with a human, without the use of expensive cadaver parts. The limitations are set by the ability to build artifacts with material properties similar to those of various parts of the human body.

Practical implications
This technology will be particularly useful for small manufacturing companies that cannot afford the use of expensive instrumentation and technical consultants.

Social implications
Impact tests were performed at maximum impact force and average pressure levels that are below, at and above the levels recommended by a proposed International Organization for Standardization standard. These test results will be used to verify whether the adopted safety standards will protect interactive robots human operators for various robot tools and control modes.

Originality/value
Various research groups have used human subjects to collect data on pain induced by industrial robots. Unfortunately, human safety testing is not an option for human–robot collaboration in industrial applications every time there is a change of a tool or control program, so the use of biosimulant artifacts is expected to be a good alternative.
A generic walking pattern generation method for humanoid robot walking on the slopes
Authors: Guo Fayong , Mei Tao , Ceccarelli Marco , Zhao Ziyi , Li Tao , Zhao Jianghai 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
Walking on inclined ground is an important ability for humanoid robots. In general, conventional strategies for walking on slopes lack technical analysis in, first, the waist posture with respect to actual robot and, second, the landing impact, which weakens the walking stability. The purpose of this paper is to propose a generic method for walking pattern generation considering these issues with the aim of enabling humanoid robot to walk dynamically on a slope.

Design/methodology/approach
First, a virtual ground method (VGM) is proposed to give a continuous and intuitive zero-moment point (ZMP) on slopes. Then, the dynamic motion equations are derived based on 2D and 3D models, respectively, by using VGM. Furthermore, the waist posture with respect to the actual robot is analyzed. Finally, a reformative linear inverted pendulum (LIP) named the asymmetric linear inverted pendulum (ALIP) is proposed to achieve stable and dynamical walking in any direction on a slope with lower landing impact.

Findings
Simulations and experiments are carried out using the DRC-XT humanoid robot platform with the aim of verifying the validity and feasibility of these new methods. ALIP with consideration of waist posture is practical in extending the ability of walking on slopes for humanoid robots.

Originality/value
A generic method called ALIP for humanoid robots walking on slopes is proposed. ALIP is based on LIP and several changes, including model analysis, motion equations and ZMP functions, are discussed.
Assessing the use of ICT systems and their impact on construction project performance in the Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Ikediashi Dubem Isaac , Ogwueleka Amaka Chinweude 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The use of information and communication technology (ICT) for business processes has witnessed exponential growth over the past two decades. This paper aims to explore the level of use of ICT infrastructure in the Nigerian construction industry and analyse the implications for construction management practice.

Design/methodology/approach
Using quantitative questionnaire survey, data from 148 respondents were analysed with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics as well as multiple regression analysis.

Findings
Findings establish project managers, site managers and quantity surveyors as the primary users of ICT with regards to the variety of ICT devices in the Nigerian construction industry, while the foremen are the least users. Besides, word processing/accounting systems, electronic communication systems and project management systems are the three top rated in terms of frequency of use, while quality as well as cost impacts of ICT infrastructure use are established as the most important factors contributing to overall project performance.

Originality/value
The study establishes causal relationships between ICT infrastructure use and project performance within the context of Nigeria’s construction industry.
Multi-objective optimization of composite two-stage vibration isolation system for sensitive equipment
Authors: Huang Wei , Xu Jian , Zhu Dayong , Liu Cheng , Lu Jianwei , Lu Kunlin 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel strategy of optimal parameters configuration and placement for sensitive equipment.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, clamped thin plate is considered as the foundation form, and a novel composite system is proposed based on the two-stage isolation system. By means of the theory of mechanical four-pole connection, the displacement amplitude transmissibility from the thin plate to precision equipment is derived. For the purpose of performing optimal design of the composite system, a novel multi-objective idea is presented. Multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is adopted as an optimization technique, which can achieve a global optimal solution (gbest), and selecting the desired solution from an equivalent Pareto set can be avoided. Maximum and variance of the four transmitted peak displacements are considered as the fitness functions simultaneously; the purpose is aimed at reducing the amplitude of the multi-peak isolation system, meanwhile pursuing a uniform vibration as far as possible. The optimization is mainly organized as a combination of parameter configuration and placement design, and the traversal search of discrete plate is performed in each iteration for the purpose of achieving the global optimum.

Findings
An important transmissibility based on the mechanical four-pole connection is derived, and a composite vibration isolation system is proposed, and a novel optimization problem is also defined here. This study reports a novel optimization strategy combined with artificial intelligence for parameters and placement design of precision equipment, which can promote the traditional view of two-stage vibration isolation.

Originality/value
Two-stage vibration isolation systems are widely applied to the vibration attenuation of precision equipment, but in these traditional designs, vibration participation of foundation is often ignored. In this paper, participation of foundation of equipment is considered, and a coherent new strategy for equipment isolation and foundation vibration is presented. This study shows a new vision of interdisciplinary including civil engineering, mechanical dynamics and computational science.
Exploring the relationship between CSR and innovation
Authors: Ratajczak Piotr , Szutowski Dawid 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThe paper aims at summarizing the state of knowledge on the relationship between a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research relied on a systematic literature review with the use of SALSA (Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis, Analysis) and backwards-snowballing methods. The search encompassed one electronic database – Scopus. Finally, the set of papers analyzed amounted to 24 publications. The relationship between innovation and CSR reported in these papers were synthesized in the form of a mapping review.FindingsThe results indicated the lack of scientific consensus on many aspects of the relationship studied. CSR was assumed to influence innovation performance, and inversely, innovations were presumed to have an impact on the company’s CSR. However, the relation’s determinants were strongly diversified in the set of articles studied.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper omitted articles published in languages other than English. Also, it limited the papers studied to those published between January 2000 and August 2014 in journals listed on the Journal Citation Report. The paper contributes to the research by highlighting the most important research gaps and implications for further research.Practical implicationsThe present paper constitutes an up-to-date summary on the studied relationship, which is important for practitioners in the management process.Originality/valueAccording to the authors’ knowledge, no systematic reviews dedicated to the relationship between a company’s CSR and its innovation performance were made before. Thus, it fulfils an important research gap.
What are the drivers of sustainability reporting? A systematic review
Authors: Dienes Dominik , Sassen Remmer , Fischer Jasmin 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to systematise the research field of sustainability reporting. The authors contribute to closing this research gap and, on the basis of this systematisation, address the research question of what are the drivers of sustainability reporting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper systematically reviews existing studies and analyses drivers of sustainability reporting using a qualitative approach. The authors intend to demonstrate and discuss the wide range of approaches used in literature.FindingsThe review suggests that firm size, media visibility and ownership structure are the most important drivers of the disclosure of sustainability reports, while corporate governance only seems to have an influence on the existence of audit or sustainability committees. In contrast, other determinants such as profitability, capital structure, firm age or board composition as an indicator of corporate governance do not show a clear tendency.Originality/valueThe authors systemise the research field related to sustainability reporting to give an overview of the current research landscape that is not influenced by environmental or social reporting and discuss the identified determinants and the related variables. This results in a comprehensive report of what is known and unknown about the questions addressed in the systematic review.
Impact measurement in social enterprises: Australia and India
Authors: Haski-Leventhal Debbie , Mehra Akriti 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThis study aims to extend existing research on impact measurement (IM) in social enterprises (SEs) by capturing, comparing and contrasting perceptions of IM in SEs in Australia and India.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology was used to study five cases each in India and Australia. The SEs were identified using snowball and theoretical sampling, and grounded theory was applied to analyze the data.FindingsEmerging perceptions of IM in both countries are described according to the development of the SE, its perceived impact and IM methods and challenges. Primary differences between India and Australia lie in perceptions of impact and IM, and related tools and processes. Similarities include understanding the importance of IM and the challenges faced. Signaling theory is used to depict how some SEs use IM to signal quality to their stakeholders and how information asymmetry can be reduced by measuring and reporting on IM.Research limitations/implicationsThere is limited representation from developed and developing countries, and the snowball and theoretical sampling approaches used to identify SEs have limitations, including limited representation of SEs.Practical implicationsThere is presently no standardized method of IM due to common challenges and perceived barriers. It is, therefore, important for SEs to work toward developing their own comprehensive IM methodology that is ingrained in strategy, applied on a regular basis and used to measure collective impact to increase sense of ownership and acceptability for employees and partners.Originality/valueThe paper brings the social entrepreneurs’ perspectives on measuring social impact while comparing these perspectives in one developing and one developed country.
The productivity of agricultural credit in India
Authors: Narayanan Sudha 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study examines the nature of the relationship between formal agricultural credit and agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in India, specifically the role of the former in supporting agricultural growth, using state level panel data covering the period 1995–1996 to 2011–2012. The study uses a mediation analysis framework to map the pathways through which institutional credit relates to agricultural GDP relying on a control function approach to tackle the problem of endogeneity. The findings from the analysis suggest that over this period, all the inputs are highly responsive to an increase in institutional credit to agriculture. A 10% increase in credit flow in nominal terms leads to an increase by 1.7% in fertilizers (N, P, K) consumption in physical quantities, 5.1% increase in the tonnes of pesticides, 10.8% increase in tractor purchases. Overall, it seems quite clear that input use is sensitive to credit flow, whereas GDP of agriculture is not. Credit seems therefore to be an enabling input, but one whose effectiveness is undermined by low technical efficiency and productivity.
Impact of fetal gender on the risk of preterm birth, a national cohort study
Authors: Peelen Myrthe J.C.S. , Kazemier Brenda M. , Ravelli Anita C.J. , De Groot Christianne J.M. , Van Der Post Joris A.M. , Mol Ben W.J. , Hajenius Petra J. , Kok Marjolein 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionFetal gender is associated with preterm birth; however, a proper subdivision by onset of labor and corresponding neonatal outcome by week of gestation is lacking.Material and methodsData from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (1999–2010) were used to calculate relative risk ratios for gender by week of gestation and gender‐related risk on adverse neonatal outcomes using a moving average technique. White European women with an alive fetus at onset of labor were included. Adverse neonatal outcomes were defined as neonatal mortality and a composite of neonatal morbidity. Onset of labor was categorized as spontaneous onset with intact membranes, premature rupture of membranes, and induction or elective cesarean section.ResultsThe study population comprised 1 736 615 singleton deliveries (25+0–42+6 weeks). Male fetuses were at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth with intact membranes compared with a female fetus with a peak between 27 and 31 weeks [relative risk (RR) 1.5; 95% CI 1.4–1.6]. Male fetuses were also at increased risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes between 27 and 37 weeks (RR 1.2; 95% CI 1.16–1.23). No gender effect was seen for medically indicated preterm birth. No significant differences were seen for neonatal mortality. Males were at significantly increased risk of composite neonatal morbidity from 29 weeks onwards (RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.3–1.4).ConclusionsMale fetal gender is a relevant risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth, both for intact membranes and for preterm premature rupture of membranes in white European women. In addition, male infants are at increased risk of neonatal morbidity.
Video‐assisted endoscopic resection of left ventricular papillary fibroelastoma through the aortic valve
Authors: Ishida Keiichi , Satokawa Hirono , Takase Shinya , Kagoshima Akihito , Takano Tomohiro , Yokoyama Hitoshi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPapillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign cardiac tumor. Surgical resection is indicated to prevent embolization. We herein report a case of a 78‐year‐old asymptomatic man who was found to have a mobile left ventricular papillary fibroelastoma anchoring deep in the left ventricle by incidental transthoracic echocardiography. The tumor was resected under visualization by a video‐assisted rigid endoscope with a flexible head inserted through the aortic valve into the left ventricle. Intraoperative frozen section analysis provided a pathological diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. This technique is recommended for the observation and resection of a tumor anchoring deep in the left ventricle and is helpful for avoiding the adverse effects of left ventriculotomy.
Beyond Cognition: Reading Motivation and Reading Comprehension
Authors: Wigfield Allan , Gladstone Jessica R. , Turci Lara 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this article, we review research on children's motivation to read and its relation to their reading comprehension. We begin by discussing work on the development of school motivation in general and reading motivation in particular, reviewing studies showing that many children's motivation to read declines over the school years. Motivation to read tends to differ by gender—with girls motivated more positively to read than boys. It also differs by ethnicity, in more complex ways. Over the last 15 years, researchers have identified instructional practices that boost students' motivation to read and their reading comprehension. Researchers should build on this work by developing and studying programs among children of different ages to identify effective classroom‐based instructional approaches that motivate reading and use a variety of narrative and informational materials.
The pharmacokinetics and dosing of oral 4-methylumbelliferone for inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis in mice
Authors: Kuipers H F , Nagy N , Ruppert S M , Sunkari V G , Marshall P L , Gebe J A , Ishak H D , Keswani S G , Bollyky J , Frymoyer A R , Wight T N , Steinman L , Bollyky P L 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Recently, there has been considerable interest in using 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) to inhibit hyaluronan (HA) synthesis in mouse models of cancer, autoimmunity and a variety of other inflammatory disorders where HA has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. In order to facilitate future studies in this area, we have examined the dosing, treatment route, treatment duration and metabolism of 4-MU in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Mice fed chow containing 5% 4-MU, a dose calculated to deliver 250 mg/mouse/day, initially lose substantial weight but typically resume normal weight gain after 1 week. It also takes up to a week to see a reduction in serum HA in these animals, indicating that at least a 1-week loading period on the drug is required for most protocols. At steady state, more than 90% of the drug is present in plasma as the glucuronidated metabolite 4-methylumbelliferyl glucuronide (4-MUG), with the sulphated metabolite, 4-methylumbelliferyl sulphate (4-MUS) comprising most of the remainder. Chow containing 5% but not 0·65% 4-MU was effective at preventing disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis, as well as in the DORmO mouse model of autoimmune diabetes. While oral 4-MU was effective at preventing EAE, daily intraperitoneal injections of 4-MU were not. Factors potentially affecting 4-MU uptake and plasma concentrations in mice include its taste, short half-life and low bioavailability. These studies provide a practical resource for implementing oral 4-MU treatment protocols in mice.