bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parallel autonomous guided vehicle assembly line for a semi-continuous manufacturing system
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a parallel automated assembly line system to produce multiple products in a semi-continuous system.

Design/methodology/approach
The control system developed in this research consists of a manufacturing system for two-level hierarchical dynamic decisions of autonomous/automated/automatic-guided vehicles (AGVs) dispatching/next station selection and machining schedules and a station control scheme for operational control of machines and components. In this proposed problem, the assignment of multiple AGVs to different assembly lines and the semi-continuous stations is a critical objective. AGVs and station scheduling decisions are made at the assembly line level. On the other hand, component and machining resource scheduling are made at the station level.

Findings
The proposed scheduler first decomposes the dynamic scheduling problems into a static AGV and machine assignment during each short-term rolling window. It optimizes weighted completion time of tasks for each short-term window by formulating the task and resource assignment problem as a minimum cost flow problem during each short-term scheduling window. A comprehensive decision making process and heuristics are developed for efficient implementation. A simulation study is worked out for validation.

Originality/value
Several assembly lines are configured to produce multiple products in which the technologies of machines are shared among the assembly lines when required. The sequence of stations is pre-specified in each assembly line and the components of a product are kept in machine magazine. The transportation between the stations in an assembly line (intra assembly line) and among stations in different assembly lines (inter assembly line) are performed using AGVs.
Guaranteed cost design for model-based cyber-physical assembly: a convex optimization approach
Authors: Liu Bin 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a guaranteed cost control design procedure for model-based cyber–physical assembly (CPA) systems. To reflect the cyber–physical environment, the network-induced delays and disturbances are introduced in the mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the linear matrix inequality approach, the guaranteed cost controller is designed such that the guaranteed cost can be satisfied and the corresponding convex optimization algorithm is provided. Moreover, H-infinity theory is used to deal with the disturbance with the given H-infinity attenuation level.

Findings
By constructing appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, delay-dependent sufficient conditions are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities and the controller design procedure is given.

Originality/value
A simplified CPA model is given based on which the designed controller can allow us to control the closed-loop CPA systems with the guaranteed cost.
Enhancing Black Belts via academic mastery
Authors: Savage Barbara M , Sreevathsan Sampath Kumar 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
– In May 2010, a new collaborative initiative was launched between the Portsmouth Business School and Hewlett Packard, wherein trained Black Belts (BB) were enabled to pursue an MSc in strategic quality management. Five years on from its commencement, the purpose of this paper is to explore the development and impact of this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach
– Inductive, exploratory, multi-viewpoint participant-observer case study that triangulates the academic, student and employer reactions to the programme.

Findings
– The paper evaluates how the academic dimension provided by the MSc has impacted on candidates’ work as BB.

Practical implications
– Employee engagement and enthusiasm has been increased, as has the depth and breadth of the knowledge base among the participating BB, who are then applying these new skills in their improvement projects to make them more sustainable as well as financially valuable. They have been able to transfer knowledge to team members.

Originality/value
– This approach provides a model for accelerated development of groups of quality professionals within larger organisations. There is evidence that the community spirit that grows within and across cohorts has a multiplying effect that enhances the impact for the sponsoring organisation beyond the simple sum of the performance and skills improvement on a student by student basis.
The influence of a mounting manner of power MOS transistors on characteristics of the Totem-Pole circuit with RLC load
Authors: Górecki Pawel , Górecki Krzysztof 
Published: August 2016

PurposeThe paper aims to consider the problem of the influence of mounting power metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors operating in the Totem–Pole circuit on energy losses in this circuit.Design/methodology/approachUsing the computer simulation in SPICE software, the influence of such factors as on-state resistance of the channel of the MOS transistor, the self-heating phenomena in this transistor and resistance of wires connecting transistors with the other part of the circuit on characteristics of the considered circuit operating with resistor, inductor and capacitor (RLC) load is analyzed. The selected results of calculations are compared with the results of measurements.FindingsOn the basis of the obtained results of calculations, some recommendations concerning the manner of mounting the considered transistors, assuring a high value of watt-hour efficiency of the process of energy transfer to the load are formulated.Research limitations/implicationsThe investigations were performed in the wide range of the frequency of the signal stimulating the considered circuit, but the results of calculations were presented for 2 selected values of this frequency only.Practical implicationsThe considered analysis was performed for the circuit dedicated to power supplied of an elecrolyser.Originality/valuePresented results of calculations prove that in some situations, the value of watt-hour efficiency of the considered circuit is determined by the length and the cross-section area of the applied wires bringing the signal to the connectors of the transistors and to load. On the other hand, self-heating phenomena in the power MOS transistors can lead to doubling power losses in these devices.
Reduction of dielectric constant of LTCC substrates by introduction of controlled porosity
Authors: Synkiewicz Beata 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to present a method for the reduction of dielectric constant of low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) substrates with the use of controlled internal porosity.

Design/methodology/approach
A glass-ceramic green tape with addition of graphite as a pore former was developed. The green tapes were laminated and then sintered into multilayer structures with porous interior and thin external dense layers. Microstructure of green and fired structures was studied using optical and scanning microscopy. The behavior of the samples during heating was examined in a heating microscope. Impedance spectroscopy was applied for investigation of dielectric properties of the fabricated substrates.

Findings
Microstructure and dielectric properties of the fabricated LTCC structures were compared with the characteristics for non-porous samples with the similar composition. Introduction of 50 Wt.% admixture of graphite in the internal layers of the LTCC substrate was found to result in decrease in dielectric constant value down to about 3. Application of non-porous outer layers improved mechanical strength of the structure and smoothness of its surface, allowing screen printing of conductive pastes on both sides of the substrate.

Practical implications
The rapid growth of the wireless communication industry has created a great demand for the development of new and improved materials and devices operating properly at high frequencies. The fabricated materials can be useful for substrates of microwave devices.

Originality/value
The paper presents an innovative method of dielectric constant decrease of substrate materials. Getting insight into the phenomena responsible for formation of pores is crucial for designing materials for microwave electronics.
CSR maturity and motivation in the water sector
Authors: Lauesen Linne Marie 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the literature of CSR motivation and presents research results from a case study of the water sector (water companies from Denmark, the UK, the USA and South Africa) and its motivation for and maturity in its CSR work.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used in this paper is first a literature review followed by research done with ethnographic methods such as participant observations, interviews and document analysis.

Findings
Based on a literature review and research in water companies’ motivation and maturity based on Crowther (2006) and Crowther and Reis’ (2011) CSR maturity typology, the paper suggests an extension of this into a CSR Maturity Framework by adding profit-making, legitimacy and business ethics as clusters of motives for businesses to engage in CSR work. The concrete findings of the water sector suggest it as semi-mature according to the proposed CSR Maturity Framework, because it has only reached the level of CSR reporting, but neither suggests definitions of sustainability nor shows any particularly good transparency and accountability yet.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to water companies in four regions – Denmark, the UK, the USA and South Africa – which means that such companies in other regions may differ from the findings in this paper. However, these companies are especially chosen according to their similarities, which means that it is not the point of the paper to cover all water companies in the world, but to retrieve findings from a specifically chosen type of water companies that share a specifically institutional setup.

Originality/value
The originality and value of the paper is based on the findings of the research in motivation and maturity in the cases of water companies, which have been used to elaborate on an existing CSR framework – the CSR maturity typology suggested by Crowther (2006) and Crowther and Reis (2011) into a CSR Maturity Framework incorporating businesses’ motives of profit-making, legitimacy and business ethics. The CSR Maturity Framework will be applicable for analyzing the CSR maturity for any business sector, and it adds value for businesses in its clarifying and suggesting themes that business sectors need to elaborate.
Is citizen science an open science in the case of biodiversity observations?
Authors: Groom Quentin , Weatherdon Lauren , Geijzendorffer Ilse R. 
Published: August 2016

Summary

There is a high demand for biodiversity observation data to inform conservation and environmental policy, and citizen scientists generate the vast majority of terrestrial biodiversity observations. As this work is voluntary, many people assume that these data are openly available for use in conservation and scientific research.

Here, the openness of biodiversity observation data that are contributed to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility is examined by the data provider. Contrary to what many people assume, data sets from volunteers are among the most restrictive in how they can be used.

Policy implications. The assumption that voluntary data collection leads to data sharing does not recognize the wishes and motivations of those who collect data, nor does it respect the crucial contributions of these data to long‐term monitoring of biodiversity trends. To improve data openness, citizen scientists should be recognized in ways that correspond with their motivations. Furthermore, organizations that manage these data should make their data sharing policies open and explicit.
Experience of inundation or drought alters the responses of plants to subsequent water conditions
Authors: Wang Shu , Callaway Ragan M. , Zhou Dao‐Wei , Weiner Jacob 
Published: August 2016

Summary

The availability of water is often highly variable over the life of a plant in nature, and most plants experience episodic extremes in water scarcity and abundance. The importance of plant plasticity in coping with such experiences is widely recognized, but little is known about how plastic responses to current conditions are affected by prior environmental experiences.

Our objectives were to investigate the effects of early inundation or drought on the subsequent responses of plant species to the same, opposite or more favourable conditions.

To address these questions, we subjected four invasive and four native herbaceous perennial species from different habitats (xeric, mesic, hydric) to two rounds of hydrological treatments (drought, moderate water, inundation) and analysed the effects of the early treatments on survival and performance (total biomass and relative growth) of individuals in the later treatments.

In general, (i) early drought reduced the performance of more species than did early inundation, and decreased the final total mass of all species; (ii) early inundation and early drought did not lead to lower survival immediately or later, but improved the relative growth of survivors across all late conditions; (iii) late drought resulted in the highest mortality and lowest performance after any early treatment.

With respect to habitat of origin: (i) early inundation was more beneficial for species from wet habitats than for other species; (ii) species from xeric habitats had the strongest drought tolerance after early drought; (iii) mesic species were more likely to suffer reduced later growth after either inundation or drought experience. Invasive species benefitted more from early inundation than did native species, but native species grew better after experiencing early drought.

Results indicate that early exposure to inundation or drought conditions alters how plants respond to later conditions and suggest that exposure to extreme events can induce physiological or morphological changes that improve tolerance for either extreme conditions later. This increased tolerance can be at the cost of poorer performance under more benign conditions.

Synthesis. Early inundation or drought experience may be harmful immediately, but can be beneficial for the later growth of plants. The ability of species to utilize early hydrological experiences was associated with the water range of their habitats and whether the species is invasive or native. The ability to modulate future plastic responses may be as important as short‐term plasticity in adapting to temporal environmental heterogeneity. Such ‘metaplasticity’ can optimize current performance, while avoiding the potential costs of maintaining a high degree of plasticity throughout life.
Engineered Nanoparticles as Potential Food Contaminants and Their Toxicity to Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Mao Xiaomo , Nguyen Trang H.D. , Lin Mengshi , Mustapha Azlin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEngineered nanoparticles (ENPs), such as metallic or metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs), have gained much attention in recent years. Increasing use of ENPs in various areas may lead to the release of ENPs into the environment and cause the contamination of agricultural and food products by ENPs. In this study, we selected two important ENPs (zinc oxide [ZnO] and silver [Ag] NPs) as potential food contaminants and investigated their toxicity via an in vitro model using Caco‐2 cells. The physical properties of ENPs and their effects on Caco‐2 cells were characterized by electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (EDS) techniques. Results demonstrate that a significant inhibition of cell viability was observed after a 24‐h of exposure of Caco‐2 cells to 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐mM ZnO NPs or 0.5‐, 1.5‐, and 3‐mM Ag NPs. The noticeable changes of cells include the alteration in cell shape, abnormal nuclear structure, membrane blebbing, and cytoplasmic deterioration. The toxicity of ZnO NPs, but not that of Ag NPs after exposure to simulated gastric fluid, significantly decreased. Scanning transmission electron microscopy shows that ZnO and Ag NPs penetrated the membrane of Caco‐2 cells. EDS results also confirm the presence of NPs in the cytoplasm of the cells. This study demonstrates that ZnO and Ag NPs have cytotoxic effects and can inhibit the growth of Caco‐2 cells.
Gender, Sexuality, and Gender Nonconformity: Understanding Variation in Functioning
Authors: Martin‐Storey Alexa 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDisparities in health and mental health between sexual‐minority and heterosexual individuals emerge in early adolescence, in large part because sexual‐minority individuals are stigmatized. In this article, I review and synthesize the role of gender nonconformity in shaping how adolescents experience the stigma associated with sexual‐minority status. Then, I review research with adolescents and emerging adults that shows that gender nonconformity is associated with variation in harassment and mental health outcomes both within sexual‐minority groups and between sexual‐minority and heterosexual groups. Next, I discuss gender nonconformity as a construct that influences the association between sexual‐minority status and peer relations, and between peer relations and individual psychosocial outcomes. Finally, I discuss the importance of addressing stigma related to gender nonconformity.
Clinical and subjective evaluation of implants in patients with hypodontia: a two‐year observation study
Authors: Allen P. Finbarr , Lee Samuel , Brady Paul 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundHypodontia compromises appearance and function and is challenging to manage clinically.ObjectivesTo assess the impact of implant retained crowns on quality of life of patients and to determine clinical performance of implant retained crowns in these patients.MethodsIn a 24‐month prospective observation study, patients with non‐syndromic mild hypodontia manifested with missing teeth in the anterior maxilla were included. Pre‐treatment screening included a clinical and radiographic examination and completion of an OHIP‐20. Narrow neck SLActive TiZr implants (Roxolid®, Straumann AG, Switzerland) were provided and restored with single unit crowns. Implant stability was recorded at time of placement and abutment connection. Standardized radiographs were recorded at time of surgery, abutment connection and 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up visits, and distance between implant shoulder and first bone contact was measured. Oral health‐related quality of life was calculated using OHIP‐20 scores at 12‐ and 24‐month visits compared with pre‐treatment scores. Pink (PES) and white (WES) aesthetic scores were used to objectively assess aesthetic outcome of treatment.ResultsTwenty implants were placed in 12 patients (seven females, five males; mean [SD] age 19.33 [2.37] years). There was a significant improvement in oral health‐related quality of life following treatment (P = 0.026), and the effect size of this change was 1.17 indicating a large clinically meaningful change. Mean PES and WES scores were high, indicated a satisfactory aesthetic outcome at 24 months. Crestal bone‐level changes were considered small.ConclusionFavourable clinical outcomes were observed. Implant retained crowns had a large and clinically meaningful impact on quality of life of patients with hypodontia.
Effectiveness of amphibians as biodiversity surrogates in pond conservation
Authors: Ilg Christiane , Oertli Beat 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAmphibian decline has led to worldwide conservation efforts, including the identification and designation of sites for their protection. These sites could also play an important role in the conservation of other freshwater taxa. In 89 ponds in Switzerland, we assessed the effectiveness of amphibians as a surrogate for 4 taxonomic groups that occur in the same freshwater ecosystems as amphibians: dragonflies, aquatic beetles, aquatic gastropods, and aquatic plants. The ponds were all of high value for amphibian conservation. Cross‐taxon correlations were tested for species richness and conservation value, and Mantel tests were used to investigate community congruence. Species richness, conservation value, and community composition of amphibians were weakly congruent with these measures for the other taxonomic groups. Paired comparisons for the 5 groups considered showed that for each metric, amphibians had the lowest degree of congruence. Our results imply that site designation for amphibian conservation will not necessarily provide protection for freshwater biodiversity as a whole. To provide adequate protection for freshwater species, we recommend other taxonomic groups be considered in addition to amphibians in the prioritization and site designation process.
Impact of renal transplantation on glucose tolerance in Japanese recipients with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Nakamura A. , Iwami D. , Miyoshi H. , Morita K. , Taguri M. , Terauchi Y. , Shinohara N. , Atsumi T. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimsTo investigate changes in glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in Japanese recipients before and 1 year after renal transplantation.MethodsWe conducted a study of Japanese recipients without diabetes who underwent renal transplantation at Hokkaido University Hospital. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed before and 1 year after renal transplantation in these recipients. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the Matsuda index and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Insulin secretion was evaluated based on the insulin secretion sensitivity index‐2 (ISSI‐2).ResultsOf the 62 renal transplant recipients, 31 were diagnosed as having impaired glucose tolerance before transplantation. Among these 31 recipients, after 1 year, four had developed new‐onset diabetes after transplantation, and nine had impaired glucose tolerance. Unexpectedly, 18 changed from impaired to normal glucose tolerance. When these recipients with impaired glucose tolerance were classified into a non‐amelioration group and an amelioration group, the ISSI‐2 was significantly reduced, with no significant changes in the Matsuda index or HOMA‐IR, in the non‐amelioration group 1 year after renal transplantation. By contrast, ISSI‐2 and Matsuda index values were significantly increased, with no significant changes in HOMA‐IR values in the amelioration group.ConclusionsMore than half of Japanese renal transplant recipients with impaired glucose tolerance had normal glucose tolerance 1 year after renal transplantation. These results suggest that an increase in insulin secretion and whole insulin sensitivity was associated with improvement in glucose tolerance in these recipients.
Increased motor activity of the beetle Laemostenus punctatus caused by a static magnetic field of 110 mT
Authors: Pavlović Danica , Petković Branka , Ćurčić Srećko , Todorović Dajana , Vesović Nikola , Pantelić Dejan , Perić‐Mataruga Vesna 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a static magnetic field on six behavioral parameters (travel distance, average speed while in motion, travel distance of the head, body rotations, time in movement, and immobility time) of the ground beetle Laemostenus (Pristonychus) punctatus (Dejean) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Adults of this troglophilic and guanophilic beetle were randomly divided into two groups, the first exposed to a static magnetic field of 110 mT for 5 h, and the second a control group. Beetle behavior after these 5 h was monitored in an open‐field test for 12 min and analyzed using ANY‐maze software. Exposure to a static magnetic field of 110 mT increased motor activity (travel distance and average speed while in motion) in the first 4 min. After that there were no significant differences. We conclude that the applied static magnetic field affects motor activity of adult specimens of L. (P.) punctatus, and we discuss the mechanism, possibly through acting on the control centers responsible for orientation and movement.