bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Six Sigma on project success in construction industry of Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Fahim , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Siddiqui Siddra Qayyum , Khurshid Muhammad Bilal 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of implementation of Six Sigma (SS) in the construction industry of Pakistan along with the current state of affairs and the challenges, and opportunities for a successful implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
The research is purely exploratory in nature. Based on published work, critical success factors are gathered, and a number of questionnaire surveys and interviews are conducted to refine and quantify their impact. A system dynamics framework to assess the SS influence on project success is developed and case study project are simulated.

Findings
The construction industry of Pakistan is still functioning in a traditional way; marred with low level of awareness and ad hoc approaches, the findings point to a huge improvement opportunity. Further, when under planning projects are exposed to SS, the chances of project success improve better than under execution projects.

Research limitations/implications
The limited level of awareness possessed by the respondents constrains the possible outreach of this work in industrially developed contexts. However, this work may become an impetus for further research in managing quality in construction industry.

Practical implications
The findings can be used to improve the quality provision of construction projects.

Originality/value
This work may trigger an important debate over the research and implementation of SS in the construction industry of developing countries that may greatly benefit by improving the quality of their projects and rectify their diminishing reputation for project success.
Double plane‐wave reverse‐time migration
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Sen Mrinal K. , Stoffa Paul L. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTWe develop a new time‐domain reverse‐time migration method called double plane‐wave reverse‐time migration that uses plane‐wave transformed gathers. Original shot gathers with appropriate data acquisition geometry are double slant stacked into the double plane‐wave domain with minimal slant stacking artefacts. The range of plane‐wave components needed for migration can be determined by estimating the maximum time dips present in shot gathers. This reduces the total number of input traces for migration and increases migration efficiency. Unlike the pre‐stack shot‐profile reverse‐time migration where the number of forward propagations is proportional to the number of shots, the number of forward propagations needed for the proposed method remains constant and is relatively small even for large seismic datasets. Therefore, the proposed method can improve the efficiency of the migration and be suitable for migrating large datasets. Double plane‐wave reverse‐time migration can be performed for selected plane‐wave components to obtain subsurface interfaces with different dips, which makes the migration method target oriented. This feature also makes the method a useful tool for migration velocity analysis. For example, we are able to promptly obtain trial images with nearly horizontal interfaces and adjust velocity models according to common image gathers. Seismic signal coming from steeply dipping interfaces can be included into the migration to build images with more detailed structures and higher spatial resolution as better velocity models become available. Illumination compensation imaging conditions for the proposed method are also introduced to obtain images with balanced amplitudes.
Resource availability modulates biodiversity‐invasion relationships by altering competitive interactions
Authors: Yang Tianjie , Wei Zhong , Friman Ville‐Petri , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong , Kowalchuk George A. , Jousset Alexandre 
Published: February 2017

SummaryCommunity diversity affects the survival of newly introduced species via resource competition. Competitive interactions can be modulated by resource availability and we hypothesized that this may alter biodiversity‐invasion relationships. To study this, we assessed the growth of a bacterial invader, Ralstonia solanacearum, when introduced into communities comprised of one to five closely related resident species under different resource concentrations. The invader growth was then examined as a function of resident community richness, species composition and resource availability. We found that the relative density of the invader was reduced by increasing resident community richness and resource availability. Mechanistically, this could be explained by changes in the competitive interactions between the resident species and the invader along the resource availability gradient. At low resource availability, resident species with a high catabolic similarity with the invader efficiently reduced the invader relative density, while at high resource availability, fast‐growing resident species became more important for the invader suppression. These results indicate that the relative importance of different resident community species can change dynamically along to resource availability gradient. Diverse communities could be thus more robust to invasions by providing a set of significant species that can take suppressive roles across different environments.
Comparison Among Manual Facial Approximations Conducted by Two Methodological Approaches of Face Prediction
Authors: Herrera Lara Maria , Strapasson Raíssa Ananda Paim , Zanin Alice Aquino , da Silva Jorge Vicente Lopes , Melani Rodolfo Francisco Haltenhoff 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study verified the difference between two methods of forensic facial approximation (FFA) regarding recognition and resemblance rates. Three‐dimensional models of skulls were obtained from computerized tomography (CT) scans of two subjects (targets). Two manual FFAs were performed for each target, by applying two different guidelines for the facial structures (what we called “American method” (AM) and “Combined method” (CM)). Unfamiliar assessors evaluated the sculptures by recognition and resemblance tests. The AM was that which allowed more correct responses of recognition and higher resemblance's scores for the male target (p < 0.001). Regarding guidelines for modeling characteristics of the face, the ones that are practical and easily performed for sculptures, such as the length of the anterior nasal spine multiplied by 3 for nose prediction, may offer better results in terms of resemblance.
Morphological Features of Regurgitate and Defecatory Stains Deposited by Five Species of Necrophagous Flies are Influenced by Adult Diets and Body Size
Authors: Rivers David B. , McGregor Andrew 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe morphological characteristics of artifacts from five species of necrophagous flies were examined following feeding on several types of diets. Four types of insect stains were produced by each species: regurgitate, defecatory, translocation, and tarsal tracks. Regurgitate was the most frequent type deposited (70.9 ± 2.4%), followed by defecatory (19.8 ± 4.0%), tarsal tracks (8.6 ± 1.2%), and translocation (0.7 ± 0.1%). Artifact shapes, sizes, and color were highly variable and species and diet specific. Calliphora vicina and Sarcophaga bullata consistently deposited the largest artifacts after feeding, whereas Chrysomya rufifacies and Ch. megacephala produced more tarsal tracks than the other species examined. Artifacts with tails were infrequently observed (4.1 ± 0.6% of all stains) but occurred as either defecatory or regurgitate stains. The widely variable morphologies of all types of fly artifacts underscores the view that insect stains cannot be distinguished from human bloodstains based on morphology alone.
X‐ray Diffraction and Rietveld Refinement in Deferrified Clays for Forensic Science
Authors: Prandel Luis V. , Melo Vander de F. , Brinatti André M. , Saab Sérgio da C. , Salvador Fábio A. S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSoil vestiges might provide information about a crime scene. The Rietveld method with X‐ray diffraction data (RM‐XRD) is a nondestructive technique that makes it possible to characterize minerals present in the soils. Soil clays from the metropolitan region of Curitiba (Brazil) were submitted toDCBtreatment and analyzed usingXRDwith CuKαradiation in the step‐scan mode (0.02° 2θ/5 s). TheGSAS+EXPGUIsoftware was used forRMrefinement. TheRM‐XRDresults, together with the principal component analysis (PCA) (52.6% total variance), showed the kaolinite predominance in most analyzed samples and the highest quartz contents in “site 1.” Higher anatase, and gibbsite and muscovite contents influenced discrimination, mainly in “site 3” and “site 1,” respectively. These results were enough to discriminate clays of four sites and two horizons using a reduced amount of sample showing that the technique can be applied to the investigation into soil vestiges.
The physical properties of generic latanoprost ophthalmic solutions are not identical
Authors: Kolko Miriam , Koch Jensen Peter 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeTo compare various characteristics of Xalatan® and five generic latanoprost ophthalmic solutions.MethodsDrop size, volume, pH values, buffer capacity, viscosity, hardness of bottles and costs were determined. Drop sizes were measured in triplicates by micropipettes, and the number of drops counted in three separate bottles of each generic product was determined. pH values were measured in triplicates by a calibrated pH meter. Buffer capacity was exploited by titrating known quantities of strong base into 2.5 ml of each brand and interpolated to neutral pH. Kinematic viscosity was determined by linear regression of timed gravity flow from a vertical syringe through a 21‐G cannula. The hardness of the bottles was evaluated by gradually increasing tension on a hook placed around each bottle until a drop was expelled reading the tension on an attached spring scale.ResultsDrop sizes and the number of drops in the bottles varied significantly between the generic drugs. The control value of pH in the brand version (Xalatan®) was markedly lower compared to the generic latanoprost products. Titration of Xalatan® to neutrality required substantially more NaOH compared to the generic latanoprost products. Finally, the viscosity revealed a significant variability between brands. Remarkable differences were found in bottle shapes, bottle hardness and costs of the latanoprost generics.ConclusionGeneric latanoprost eye drops should not be considered identical to the original brand version as regards to drop size, volumes, pH values, buffer capacity, viscosity, hardness of bottles and costs. It is likely that these issues affect compliance and intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering effect. Therefore, re‐evaluation of the requirements for introducing generic eye drops seems reasonable.
FIJI Water, water everywhere: Global brands and democratic and social injustice
Authors: Jones Catherine , Murray Warwick E. , Overton John 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOver recent decades, the demand for bottled water has grown exponentially at the global scale. In the marketing of such products, discourses of purity and paradise have often been invoked. Marketed as a ‘Taste of Paradise’, FIJI Water has gained enormous international success as an ostensibly clean and green product. Celebrity endorsements – reaching as high as US President Barack Obama – have abounded, driven in part by the belief that the corporation is both environmentally and socially responsible. This paper describes and analyses the rise of FIJI water and critically assesses the sources and impacts of its economic success. It goes on to explore its local social and environmental impacts in the context of a country that has been subject to waves of democratic crises where the fate of the polity has been influenced by FIJI Water's actions. FIJI Water has come to assume the role of development trustee in the villages most affected by the growth in exports. The democratic crises in Fiji has given FIJI Water profound developmental influence, and this has brought both costs and benefits at the local socio‐environmental scale.
Evaluation of the immunogenicity of the dabigatran reversal agent idarucizumab during Phase I studies
Authors: Norris Stephen , Ramael Steven , Ikushima Ippei , Haazen Wouter , Harada Akiko , Moschetti Viktoria , Imazu Susumu , Reilly Paul A. , Lang Benjamin , Stangier Joachim , Glund Stephan 
Published: February 2017

AimsIdarucizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti‐dabigatran antibody fragment, is effective in emergency reversal of dabigatran anticoagulation. Pre‐existing and treatment‐emergent anti‐idarucizumab antibodies (antidrug antibodies; ADA) may affect the safety and efficacy of idarucizumab. This analysis characterized the pre‐existing and treatment‐emergent ADA and assessed their impact on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of idarucizumab.MethodsData were pooled from three Phase I, randomized, double‐blind idarucizumab studies in healthy Caucasian subjects; elderly, renally impaired subjects; and healthy Japanese subjects. In plasma sampled before and after idarucizumab dosing, ADA were detected and titrated using a validated electrochemiluminescence method. ADA epitope specificities were examined using idarucizumab and two structurally related molecules. Idarucizumab PK/PD data were compared for subjects with and without pre‐existing ADA.ResultsPre‐existing ADA were found in 33 out of 283 individuals (11.7%), seven of whom had intermittent ADA. Titres of pre‐existing and treatment‐emergent ADA were low, estimated equivalent to <0.3% of circulating idarucizumab after a 5 g dose. Pre‐existing ADA had no impact on dose‐normalized idarucizumab maximum plasma levels and exposure and, although data were limited, no impact on the reversal of dabigatran‐induced anticoagulation by idarucizumab. Treatment‐emergent ADA were detected in 20 individuals (19 out of 224 treated [8.5%]; 1 out of 59 received placebo [1.7%]) and were transient in ten. The majority had specificity primarily toward the C‐terminus of idarucizumab. There were no adverse events indicative of immunogenic reactions.ConclusionPre‐existing and treatment‐emergent ADA were present at extremely low levels relative to the idarucizumab dosage under evaluation. The PK/PD of idarucizumab appeared to be unaffected by the presence of pre‐existing ADA.
Serum phosphatidylinositol as a biomarker for bipolar disorder liability
Authors: Knowles Emma EM , Meikle Peter J , Huynh Kevin , Göring Harald HH , Olvera Rene L , Mathias Samuel R , Duggirala Ravi , Almasy Laura , Blangero John , Curran Joanne E , Glahn David C 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesIndividuals with bipolar disorder (BPD) exhibit alterations in their phospholipid levels. It is unclear whether these alterations are a secondary consequence of illness state, or if phospholipids and illness risk overlap genetically. If the latter were true, then phospholipids might provide key insights into the pathophysiology of the illness. Therefore, we rank‐ordered phospholipid classes by their genetic overlap with BPD risk in order to establish which class might be most informative in terms of increasing our understanding of illness pathophysiology.MethodsAnalyses were conducted in a sample of 558 individuals, unselected for BPD, from 38 extended pedigrees (average family size=14.79, range=2−82). We calculated a coefficient of relatedness for all family members of nine individuals with BPD in the sample (N=185); this coefficient was set to be zero in unrelated individuals (N=373). Then, under an endophenotype ranking value (ERV) approach, this scalar index was tested against 13 serum‐based phospholipid concentrations in order to rank‐order lipid classes by their respective overlap with BPD risk.ResultsThe phosphatidylinositol class was significantly heritable (h2=0.26, P=6.71 × 10−05). It was the top‐ranked class, and was significantly associated with BPD risk after correction for multiple testing (β=−1.18, P=2.10 × 10−03, ERV=0.49).ConclusionsWe identified a peripheral biomarker, serum‐based phosphatidylinositol, which exhibits a significant association with BPD risk. Therefore, given that phosphatidylinositol and BPD risk share partially common etiology, it seems that this lipid class warrants further investigation, not only in terms of treatment, but also as a promising diagnostic and risk marker.
Developmental changes in the whole number bias
Authors: Braithwaite David W. , Siegler Robert S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMany students’ knowledge of fractions is adversely affected by whole number bias, the tendency to focus on the separate whole number components (numerator and denominator) of a fraction rather than on the fraction's magnitude (ratio of numerator to denominator). Although whole number bias appears early in the fraction learning process and under speeded conditions persists into adulthood, even among mathematicians, little is known about its development. Performance with equivalent fractions indicated that between fourth and eighth grade, whole number bias decreased, and reliance on fraction magnitudes increased. These trends were present on both fraction magnitude comparison and number line estimation. However, analyses of individual children's performance indicated that a substantial minority of fourth graders did not show whole number bias and that a substantial minority of eighth graders did show it. Implications of the findings for development of understanding of fraction equivalence and for theories of numerical development are discussed.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of different basal insulins in a real‐world setting
Authors: Ji Linong , Zhang Puhong , Zhu Dongshan , Lu Juming , Guo Xiaohui , Wu Yangfeng , Li Xian , Ji Jiachao , Jia Weiping , Yang Wenying , Zou Dajin , Zhou Zhiguang , Gao Yan , Garg Satish K. , Pan Changyu , Weng Jianping , Paul Sanjoy K. ,   on behalf of the ORBIT study group
Published: February 2017

AimsTo compare glucose control and safety of different basal insulin therapies (BI, including Insulin NPH, glargine and detemir) in real‐world clinical settings based on a large‐scale registry study.MethodsIn this multi‐center 6‐month prospective observational study, patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 7%) who were uncontrolled by oral anti‐diabetic drugs (OADs) and were willing to initiate BI therapy were enrolled from 209 hospitals within 8 regions of China. Type and dose of BI were at the physician's discretion and the patients’ willingness. Interviews were conducted at 0 months (visit 1), 3 months (visit 2) and 6 months (visit 3). Outcomes included change in HbA1c, hypoglycemia rate and body weight from baseline at 6 months.ResultsA total of 16 341 and 9002 subjects were involved in Intention‐To‐Treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. After PS regression adjustment, ITT analysis showed that reduction in HbA1c in glargine (2.2% ± 2.1%) and detemir groups (2.2% ± 2.1%) was higher than that in the NPH group (2.0% ± 2.2%) (P < .01). The detemir group had the lowest weight gain (−0.1 ± 2.9 kg) compared with the glargine (+0.1 ± 3.0 kg) and NPH (+0.3 ± 3.1 kg) groups (P < .05). The glargine group had the lowest rate of minor hypoglycaemia, while there was no difference in severe hypoglycaemia among the 3 groups. The results observed in PP analyses were consistent with those in ITT analysis.ConclusionIn a real‐world clinical setting in China, treatment with long‐acting insulin analogues was associated with better glycaemic control, as well as less hypoglycaemia and weight gain than treatment with NPH insulin in type 2 diabetes patients. However, the clinical relevance of these observations must be interpreted with caution.
Lip and tooth injuries at public swimming pools in Austria
Authors: Lechner Katharina , Connert Thomas , Kühl Sebastian , Filippi Andreas 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground/AimsThere is an increased risk of orofacial injuries in swimming pool facilities. Nevertheless, only a few studies have addressed this issue. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of lip and tooth injuries at public swimming pools in Austria. A further aim was to examine which gender and age groups were affected, where and why these injuries occurred, and whether pool attendants had sufficient knowledge of dental first‐aid measures.Material and methodsA total of 764 pool attendants in Austria were contacted by telephone and 689 participated in the study (90.2%). The attendants were interviewed retrospectively about accident occurrences in 2014 by a standardized questionnaire. Responses to the provision of first aid and choice of storage medium for avulsed teeth were subsequently evaluated.ResultsThe frequency of lip injuries was 19.0%, and tooth injuries were 11.3%. Male bathers (P < .05) and children under 12 years (P < .001) most frequently suffered injuries. The waterslide was the most common accident site. The most common cause of lip injuries was slipping on wet surfaces (39.0%), and for tooth injuries it was collisions with other persons or objects (each 28.1%). The pool attendants' responses were predominantly good or sufficient on first aid, with the exception of what storage medium to choose. Tooth rescue boxes were available in only 8.6% of all pool facilities.ConclusionOrofacial injuries are a frequently occurring problem in swimming pool facilities. The pool attendants' knowledge on first‐aid care of tooth injuries could still be improved.
Resistance to valproic acid as predictor of treatment resistance in genetic generalized epilepsies
Authors: Gesche Joanna , Khanevski Marina , Solberg Carl , Beier Christoph Patrick 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThis study aimed at defining clinical predictors of drug resistance in adults with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) who were treated with a broad spectrum of antiepileptic drugs. Of a cohort of 137 unselected adult GGE patients with long‐term follow up, clinical and demographic data, putative prognostic factors (e.g., psychiatric comorbidities, electroencephalography [EEG]), treatment response, and data indicative of social status were collected. Fifty‐eight patients had seizures within the past year. Thirty‐three patients met the definition of “drug‐resistant epilepsy” according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) definition. Psychiatric comorbidities, age at first diagnosis, and absences were associated with worse seizure control, whereas focal changes in EEG remained without prognostic impact. Resistance to valproic acid was the most important prognostic factor for refractory seizures. Resistance to valproic acid had a specificity of 100% to identify patients with drug resistance and correlated strongly with bad social outcome and seizure burden. Conversely, 21.2% of all patients with refractory seizures according to the ILAE definition later became seizure free (mainly with valproic acid). Our data suggest that “drug resistant GGE” must not be declared unless patients were adequately treated with valproic acid, and advocate resistance to valproic acid as a new clinical biomarker for drug‐resistant GGE.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.