bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Somatic Mutations and Neoepitope Homology in Melanomas Treated with CTLA-4 Blockade
Authors: Nathanson Tavi , Ahuja Arun , Rubinsteyn Alexander , Aksoy Bulent Arman , Hellmann Matthew D. , Miao Diana , Van Allen Eliezer , Merghoub Taha , Wolchok Jedd , Snyder Alexandra , Hammerbacher Jeff 
Published: November 2016

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors are promising treatments for patients with a variety of malignancies. Toward understanding the determinants of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, it was previously demonstrated that somatic mutation burden is associated with benefit and a hypothesis was posited that neoantigen homology to pathogens may in part explain the link between somatic mutations and response. To further examine this hypothesis, we reanalyzed cancer exome data obtained from a previously published study of 64 melanoma patients treated with CTLA-4 blockade and a new dataset of RNA-Seq data from 24 of those patients. We found that the predictive accuracy does not increase as analysis narrows from somatic mutation burden to predicted MHC Class I neoantigens, expressed neoantigens, or homology to pathogens. Further, the association between somatic mutation burden and response is only found when examining samples obtained prior to treatment. Neoantigen and expressed neoantigen burden are also associated with response, but neither is more predictive than somatic mutation burden. Neither the previously-described tetrapeptide signature nor an updated method to evaluate neoepitope homology to pathogens were more predictive than mutation burden.
Women directors, family ownership and earnings management in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Shamsul Nahar , Ismail Ku Nor Izah Ku 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine whether the representation of women on the boards (WOMBDs) and audit committees is associated with a reduction in the practice of earnings management and whether women are associated with income reducing (conservative) rather than income-increasing (aggressive) earnings management. The authors further argue that family ownership moderates the relationship between the presence of WOMBDs and audit committees and earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses non-finance firms listed on Bursa Malaysia over a period of four years, i.e. from 2008 until 2011.FindingsThe evidence reveals that the presence of WOMBD or audit committee is not associated with a propensity for earnings management. In addition, the evidence also reveals that family ownership does not interact either with WOMBD or with women on the audit committee (WOMAC) to influence the propensity for earnings management. Nevertheless, the additional analyses show that, while women on boards are not associated with income-decreasing accruals, the presence of women on audit committees leads to income-reducing earnings management. The evidence further reveals that family ownership does not interact with either WOMBD or WOMAC to influence income-decreasing earnings management.Originality/valueThis study extends prior research on the role of women directors and women audit committee members on earnings management focussing on family ownership. Further, the study also examines the direction of earnings management as opposed to the most prior studies, which mainly focus on the propensity of earnings management.
Six Sigma improvement project in a concrete block plant
Authors: Noriega Morales Salvador , Valles Ch. Adán , Torres-Argüelles Vianey , Martínez G. Erwin , Hernández G. Andrés 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the application of several Six Sigma tools to explain the improvement changes needed in a company that manufactures concrete blocks. The paper explains the methodology and the tools of the Six Sigma system, their use in the project, the application of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) process for the identification and definition of the problems, the related performance variables and the results obtained.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports the research made to improve the production of concrete blocks, specifically, the application of the DMAIC process, which is part of the Six Sigma methodologies; DMAIC stands forDefinition of the problem,Measurement of the performance,Analysis using specific statistical methods and tools,Improvement the factors that cause the problem andControl the processes to ensure that the problem will not occur again. Each of those steps is explained in detail in the paper, which also presents the application of other improvement techniques.FindingsThe results show the adaptability and relevance of Six Sigma for the improvement of production operations. It is clearly demonstrated that it leads to benefits such as the elimination of machine downtime, reduction of scrap from 18 to 2 per cent and the improvements made in plant layout and production facilities to increase the productivity.Research limitations/implicationsIn improvement projects, the differential between the initial and final conditions varies, depending on the magnitude of the problems or potential opportunities. Although this paper describes only the application of Six Sigma, the methodology has a wide potential application in most manufacturing industries.Practical implicationsWith the Six Sigma and DMAIC tools’ application and the improvement process, the agility obtained is driving a more mechanized perspective of production operations. The customer service level was increased, through fast deliveries of complete orders. This project shows that the application of the Six Sigma methodology is feasible and produces attractive financial and operational results in this segment of the construction industry.Originality/valueThe companies dedicated to the production of concrete blocks commonly reproduce the systems and standards of the industry, which are commonly designed around civil engineering and technical issues. Thus, the application of improvement tools is exceptional in manufacturing environments. Although this paper is just one application of the methodology, it explains in detail the DMAIC use for companies that are committed to the development of new competencies to increase their competitiveness.
Exploring the relationship among human resource flexibility, organizational innovation and adaptability culture
Authors: Do Ben-Roy , Yeh Pi-Wen , Madsen Jean 
Published: November 2016

PurposeHuman resource (HR) flexibility is a firm-level capability that consists of employee skill flexibility, employee behavior flexibility, and HR practice flexibility. HR flexibility allows organizations to adapt and be responsive to changes in their environments. Findings from this paper indicate that if the organization is highly innovative and has flexible HR policies, then that influences organizational culture, risk-taking and experimentation within a firm. This paper has also revealed that process innovation mediates between adaptability culture and product innovation. It also revealed that managers should emphasize processes to improve efficiency for resource exploitation. The lessons learned from process innovation activities indicated that having a strong knowledge base assists a firm in developing innovative technology such as automation for manufacturing, handling and testing or simply smart manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were sent to employees at 23 Taiwanese companies in high-tech industries, where innovation is the key to their survival, and 293 valid surveys were collected. Structural equation modeling, (SEM) using IBM SPSS Amos, was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results fully support the hypotheses that HR flexibility positively influences adaptability culture and contributes to organizational innovation. Furthermore, it was found that adaptability culture has a direct impact on process innovation and an indirect impact on product innovation through process innovation.Originality/valueThe critical role of HR flexibility and adaptability culture on organizational innovation in the high-tech sector were highlighted. The importance of HR flexibility is emphasized to provide managerial hints to top managers.
Board size, ownership concentration and future firm risk
Authors: Haider Junaid , Fang Hong-Xing 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper was first to find out whether the negative relationship between board size and future firm risk persists in China while contemplating all sorts of endogeneity. Second, the authors have investigated the role of large shareholders in influencing the managerial decisions concerning future firm risk via board size. Finally, the authors examined whether the moderating role of large shareholders is any different in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs) in China.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample included all the A-listed firms listed on the Shanghai and the Shenzhen stock exchanges over a sample period from 2008 to 2013. The authors used fixed effects regression and the generalized method of moments (GMM) to test the three hypotheses.

Findings
The authors found that board size is negatively associated with future firm risk when measured as volatility in future stock prices and future cash flows. Second, large shareholders directly influence managerial decisions about future firm risk, irrespective of board size. Third, the moderating role of ownership concentration is insignificant in both SOEs and NSOEs.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which has analyzed the role of large shareholders in the relationship between board size and future firm risk. This study provides valuable insights, particularly in the context of a developing country, into the role played by large shareholders in influencing managerial decisions concerning future firm risk.
Numerical verification of Turowski’s coefficient
Authors: Rodriguez-Ignacio Hugo , Lopez-Fernandez Xose M. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the numerical verification of the linearization coefficient ap proposed by Turowski for the calculation of the electromagnetic field distribution and therefore the stray losses inside magnetically saturated solid steel conductors.

Design/methodology/approach
The numerical verification is performed on a case study consisting of a simple current conductor sheet parallel to a solid steel plate. Numerical computations are compared with analytical calculations with and without inclusion of the semi-empirical Turowski’s coefficient.

Findings
Results confirm a good agreement between numerical values for steel with non-linear permeability and analytical ones applying Turowski’s coefficient. This is particularly powerful in the case of analytical calculation of the magnetic surface impedance (SI) to increase precision when hybrid methods are used. The concept of SI enables the establishment of hybrid approaches for the calculation of stray losses, combining the numerical methods (finite difference method, finite element method (FEM), etc.) together with the analytical formulation, gaining from the advantages of both methods.

Originality/value
Previous numerical analysis was focused on the field dependence on time for several depths inside solid steel. The aim of this paper is to investigate the electromagnetic field distribution inside solid steel on a representative FEM model and verify how the linearization coefficient ap proposed by Turowski works.
Vibration and acoustic noise of industrial inductors associated to converters in the railway domain
Authors: Iamamura Bruno , Rossi Mathieu , Hecquet Michel , Lanfranchi Vincent , Recorbet Sylvain , Tridon Florence 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an original study of industrial inductors with different air-gap materials in order to reduce the vibration and noise of inductors. Acoustic comfort is an increasingly important factor at the design stage of industrial inductors associated to converters. In addition, power converters in the railway domain are more and more compact and powerful.

Design/methodology/approach
Experiments, simulations and test devices were used to determine the main physical phenomena that generate the undesirable audible noise. Electric and vibratory measurements (modal and operational analysis) were compared with the numerical calculations. PWM and sinusoidal supply were taken into account and different prototypes with different materials in the air-gap were built.

Findings
This study analyzes and details the origin of the electromagnetic noise due to the vertical mode, in order to reduce the vibration and noise of inductors. A detailed analysis using finite element simulation and experimental measurements of free-free mode or forced mode under electrical excitation was conducted to interpret the vibrations of the structure. In addition, in order to observe trends and the impact of magnetostriction effect, the authors propose a simplified model.

Practical implications
Electric and vibratory measurements (modal and operational analysis) are compared with the numerical calculations.

Originality/value
This paper gives a response about the origin of the noise with different experimental measurements. Changing the air-gap material is beneficial for the deflection of the inductor. However, it has been presented that, following the shape of the inductor, it is beneficial to reduce or increase the stiffness of the material depending on the column height. For a fixed Young’s modulus air-gap, a ratio Column height/air-gap thickness exists, which makes it possible to cancel the deflection.
Voltage distribution in inorganic insulation windings for high-temperature motors
Authors: Roger Daniel , Iosf Vadim , Babicz Sylvain 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a method for computing voltage spikes endured by the insulation of the first coils of high-temperature (HT°) synchronous machines fed by PWM inverters that deliver fast-fronted voltage pulses.

Design/methodology/approach
The transient state following each steep edge is computed by SPICE using the global high-frequency (HF) equivalent circuit of the motor winding. This equivalent circuit is automatically built using the proposed elementary coil model. Two inorganic HT° technologies are compared: the first one uses a round copper wire insulated by a thin ceramic layer and the second one is made with an anodized aluminum strip.

Findings
The winding made with an anodized aluminum strip, which has a higher turn-to-turn capacitance, yields a better voltage distribution between coils of the machine.

Research limitations/implications
The elementary coil equivalent circuit is computed from impedance measurements performed on an elementary coil. Another starting point could be developed with an FE analysis to determine the parameters of the HF equivalent circuit, which would avoid the need for a prototype coil before the machine design.

Practical implications
For inorganic motors, the insulation layers have poorer electrical characteristics compared with standard organic ones. Therefore, the computation of voltage spikes distribution along the coils of each phase represents a major issue in the design of HT° machines.

Originality/value
The presented approach is a step toward the design of HT° (400-500°C) actuators fed by PWM inverters based on fast SiC electronic switches.
Programmable omega-based complex medium for beam steering applications
Authors: Christodoulou Michail G. , Lalas Antonios X. , Kantartzis Nikolaos V. , Tsiboukis Theodoros D. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
Metamaterials have been utilised in several exciting configurations such as tuneable reflectors, reconfigurable absorbers, and programmable modulators, triggering intense research efforts. Among them, the ability to steer the radiation pattern of a single antenna component by employing a metamaterial-based superstrate is considered crucial for the development of advanced beam forming applications. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an adjustable omega-inspired metamaterial module to facilitate the design of beam steering implementations, involving beam forming capabilities, as well.

Design/methodology/approach
A variable capacitive diode is properly positioned at the novel omega element, hence advancing the controllability of its electromagnetic performance and circumventing the requirement of extra bias networks. When an array of these particles is placed in front of an antenna, several negative refractive index profiles can be realised, allowing the manipulation of the beam direction. Furthermore, a pyramidal horn antenna, loaded with this complex medium superstrate, is thoroughly investigated in terms of programmable beam steering and beam forming attributes. Several numerical data derived via the finite element method unveil the merits of the featured configuration.

Findings
The proposed structure allows programmability of the electromagnetic behaviour, but also circumvents the necessity of complicated bias networks, while minimising interference. The numerical assessment of a standard gain pyramidal horn antenna, associated to the featured metamaterial superstrate, sufficiently proves the controllable beam steering and beam forming attributes. Several parametric studies clarify the principal characteristics of the proposed setup, facilitating the design of high-end systems.

Originality/value
Development of tuneable metamaterial, which utilises variable capacitive diodes to enable controllability. Incorporation of reconfigurable metamaterials into antenna technology. Design of a pyramidal horn antenna, loaded with a complex medium superstrate exhibiting programmable beam steering and beam forming attributes. The proposed device circumvents the necessity of complicated bias networks, while minimising interference.
Ariika – a successful implementation of information and communication technology by Egyptian entrepreneurs
Authors: Azab Nahed , Mekkawy Amira Nabil 
Published: November 2016

Subject area
This case shows an example of the opportunities opened by the internet that drove young entrepreneurs to start their business, in May 2011, as a premium beanbag supplier in Egypt.

Study level/applicability
Undergraduate students studying management.

Case overview
The case examines the use of information and communication technology (ICT) by young Egyptian entrepreneurs, and how technology could open for them a broad horizon for continuous development, creativity and innovation. It presents the experience of a group of four undergraduate students who established a virtual company producing and selling beanbags through their website. The main objective of the case is to highlight the business challenges faced by entrepreneurs and possible opportunities in emerging economies and the effective role of ICT in reacting to these business environment changes. The case also provides a strategic analysis of the various factors that may impact the organization and explains how technology can contribute to improving the company’s standing. Finally, recommendations are provided to serve as basis for any future strategic plans.

Expected learning outcomes
This study highlights the value of ICT in general and the internet in particular in driving young entrepreneurs to start their own business. It also presents the best practices in conducting a successful online business, and approaches undertaken by internet entrepreneurs to address rising challenges. It understands the variety of tools that could be used to market business online. It indicates the role of information technology in supporting business strategies at any organizational stage to improve different processes, to assist in decision-making, and to create new customer-centric services and products.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email
support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Assessing IT disaster recovery plans
Authors: El-Temtamy Osama , Majdalawieh Munir , Pumphrey Lela 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
This purpose of this paper is to assess information technology (IT) disaster recovery plans (DRPs) in publicly listed companies on Abu Dhabi securities exchange (ADX) in the United Arab Emirates. The authors assessed, among other things, DRP preparedness, documentation, employees’ preparedness and awareness and the most significant physical and logical risks that pose the most threads to drive the development of the DRP, etc.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors surveyed publicly listed companies on the ADX using a questionnaire adapted from past research papers as well as from audit programs published by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. The surveys were completed through interviews with middle and senior management familiar with their firm’s IT practices.

Findings
The majority of the respondents reported having a DRP, and a significant number of the respondents reported that their top management were extremely committed to their DRP. Employees were generally aware of their role and the existence of the DRP. The greatest risk/threat to their organization’s IT system was logical risk followed closely by power and network connectivity loss as the second highest physical risk. The most highly ranked consequence of an IT disaster was loss of confidence in the organization.

Research limitations/implications
Because this paper only examined publicly listed companies on ADX, the research results may lack generality. Therefore, further research is needed in this area for determining the extent of the deployment of the DRP in the region.

Practical implications
Results of this paper could be used for IT DRP planning bench-marking purposes.

Originality/value
This paper adds value to research by investigating the current IT DRP practices by public companies listed on ADX.
Risk assessment of high schools in Lebanon for potential terrorist threat
Authors: Naja Mohamad K. , Baytiyeh Hoda 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
Terrorist attacks on schools and colleges have disrupted educational processes and caused fear, deaths and tragedies. Considering the recent increase in terrorist attacks on educational facilities in different parts of the world, vulnerability and risk assessments have assumed crucial importance in the design and evaluation of mitigation plans to reduce the traumatic impacts of such events. This paper aims to assess the vulnerability and risk of Lebanese high school assets to terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach
Through site visits to various high schools in Lebanon, the authors evaluated specific features common in the majority of Lebanese high schools and identified six categories of schools. Using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA 428) guidelines, one high school from each category was surveyed and analysed.

Findings
The results reveal a relatively high vulnerability to and risk of the threat of terrorism and a lack of protective plans and mitigation measures to minimise this risk among the majority of the investigated high school facilities.

Originality/value
This paper should alert school administrators, public leaders and government officials regarding the terrorist threats and their subsequent effects on the structural safety of school buildings in Lebanon. The risk assessment of schools to terrorism has rarely been performed or even discussed in the Lebanese-related literature.