bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality 4.0: the need for Tanzania's service organisation transit to Quality 4.0
Authors: Nzumile Jailos Mrisho 
Published: August 2024

PurposeQuality has always been a competitive advantage for every organisation that strives for customer satisfaction when offering services or products. Technological advancements during the industrial revolutions have enabled organisations to grub improvement and transition opportunities into a new paradigm in operating business processes. In light of the fourth industrial revolution (FIR), in which Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) leveraged its technologies, this study establishes the need for service organisations to transition to Q4.0. It unveils the awareness level within the organisation, the existing challenges and the benefits of transitioning to Q4.0.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study was acquired through a survey methodology; it involved qualitative and quantitative methodologies and a mix of primary and secondary sources. The challenges and benefits regarding Q4.0 adoption were obtained from the relevant literature and used as a base of assessment in the selected service organisations. Minitab version 20 and SPSS 21.0 software packages analysed the gathered data.FindingsThe study found a high level of awareness regarding Q4.0 among the selected service organisations. Despite the high level of awareness, it was revealed that neither of the Q4.0-related technologies have been implemented nor in the process within the selected service industries. This is due to numerous challenges, including inadequate high-speed internet, a high cost of investment, inadequate skilled personnel and inadequate scepticalness to the implementation outcomes. Despite these challenges, leveraged technologies, potential benefits and Q4.0 awareness all demonstrate the need for Q4.0.Research limitations/implicationsThe study introduces the advent of the FIR and the disruptive nature of the associated technologies. It also unveils the potential of the contemporary technologies of the FIR that could elevate quality service provision to increase their competitiveness. Moreover, it also assists service organisations in planning and properly allocating their resources to ensure all the challenges are addressed in the Q4.0 adoption process. The study is limited in that it merely considers service organisations in Tanzania without categorising what type of service organisations were considered, i.e. banking, telecommunications, health, etc. thus generalising the findings.Originality/valueMuch has been discussed in the literature regarding Q4.0 in manufacturing organisations, focusing less on service organisations. This study uniquely assessed the need to transition to Q4.0 for service organisations, which has yet to be covered in the literature.
Direct incentives may increase employment of people with criminal records
Authors: Bushway Shawn D. , Pickett Justin T. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractResearch summaryAlthough society benefits when people with criminal records are employed, employers are reluctant to hire them. Can we diminish this reluctance with direct incentives that reduce the cost of employing record‐holders or that compensate for the associated risk? If so, will the beneficial effects of incentives emerge under traditional hiring, where job applicants disclose criminal history information at the application stage, and under Ban‐the‐Box, where they do not? To answer these questions, we conducted two preregistered experiments with a national sample of hiring decision‐makers (n = 1,000). The first was a conjoint analysis where participants chose between applicants who randomly varied on eight attributes, including criminal record (n = 13,998 choices). It corresponded to traditional hiring, where applicants’ criminal records are available at the outset. The second experiment involved a series of picture‐based factorial vignettes depicting tentatively hired employees later discovered to have records (n = 3,989 decisions). It approximated Ban‐the‐Box. In both experiments, a $2,400 tax credit and $25,000 insurance against losses from employee dishonesty reduced participants’ reluctance to hire record‐holders. Rehabilitation certificates also had beneficial effects under Ban‐the‐Box.Policy implicationsAcross two experiments, we found that a $2,400 tax credit and $25,000 insurance both reduced participants’ reluctance to hire record‐holders; they did so under traditional hiring and Ban‐the‐Box, and they did so regardless of whether applicants had misdemeanor or felony convictions. The clear policy implication is that employers should receive both incentives. Two federal programs, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Federal Bonding Program, currently offer similar incentives, but neither program is used widely. Our findings indicate that steps should be taken to increase their use and to expand them. Because rehabilitation certificates were also helpful for getting record‐holders hired, steps should be taken to increase their use as well.
From alcohol and other drug treatment mediator to mechanism to implementation: A systematic review and the cases of self‐efficacy, social support, and craving
Authors: Maisto Stephen A. , Moskal Dezarie , Firkey Madison K. , Bergman Brandon G. , Borsari Brian , Hallgren Kevin A. , Houck Jon M. , Hurlocker Margo , Kiluk Brian D. , Kuerbis Alexis , Reid Allecia E. , Magill Molly 
Published: August 2024

AbstractResearch designed to establish alcohol and other drug (AOD) mechanisms of behavioral change (MOBC) has centered on what variables mediate the relation between AOD treatment and outcomes. The purpose of this paper was to review this research evidence to identify empirically supported mediators of alcohol and other drug use and related outcomes and then to evaluate their potential as being AOD treatment MOBC. The first phase was a systematic review of reviews (2008–2023) to identify the variables with the strongest empirical support as mediators of AOD treatment effects. Eligible reviews focused on AOD treatment modalities, included empirically tested mediators, and targeted adult samples. The second phase was a systematic review of empirical studies (1990–2023) testing the hypothesis that variables identified in phase one were AOD treatment mediators/mechanisms and then evaluating each eligible stage two study according to the Kazdin and Nock (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44, 1116) criteria. Eligible articles included empirical studies with adult samples attending AOD treatment and empirically tested one of the three treatment mechanisms as a mediator of an AOD‐related outcome. Databases were searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. This systematic review was not preregistered. The first review of 11 eligible review articles identified self‐efficacy, social support, and craving as having the strongest empirical support. The second review captured 48 individual studies. An evaluation of each of these studies by the Kazdin and Nock criteria suggested that they likely are MOBC and therefore are ready for implementation. The implementation of self‐efficacy, social support, and craving into clinical practice and training is warranted. Six directions for future research to solidify and generalize empirical support for the case that self‐efficacy, social support, and craving are MOBC are presented, as are five implications for clinical practice and training.
Oxidation behavior of SiC‐AlN ceramics exposed to dry oxygen and water oxygen environments at 1100–1300°C
Authors: Sun Xiaofan , Chen Xiaowu , Tan Min , Kan Yanmei , Jin Xihai , Wang Zhen , Liu Ning , Hu Jianbao , Yang Jinshan , Dong Shaoming 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe corrosion of SiCf/SiC composites in gas environment threatens their long‐term service in aeroengines as hot‐end structure components. Addition of corrosion‐resistant phases into SiC matrix is a potential strategy to improve the service performance of SiCf/SiC materials. Here, AlN added SiC ceramics were prepared by reactive melt infiltration, and the effect of AlN phase on the oxidation resistance of the ceramics was emphasized. The oxidation tests were performed in dry oxygen and water oxygen atmospheres at 1100°C–1300°C, respectively. The oxidation mechanism was discussed based on the microstructure evolution of the oxide layer. The results show that the oxide layer is composed of aluminum silicate glass and Al2O3 flakes dispersedly distributed in the glass phase. As the temperature rises, the oxide layer gradually grows and thickens. Finally, a smooth and dense protective layer could be formed on the surface of ceramics to resist oxidation. This study can provide a profound insight to construct SiCf/SiC composites with excellent oxidation resistance.
Effect of the SiC powder microscopic morphology on properties of Si/SiC ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Li Qisong , Ma Yifei , Li Ao , Gao Yanfeng , Jia Shaopei , Zhang Qian , Cheng Xiaozhe , Wang Zhixin , Mu Yunchao , Huang Quan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo solve the problem that Si was volatile and dense Si/SiC ceramics were difficult to achieve by spark plasma sintering (SPS) under a low sintering temperature and pressure, three kinds of SiC powders were used for particle grading and then ball‐milled with different time to further change and regulate their particle size and morphology, and finally nearly dense Si/SiC ceramics were prepared by SPS. The effect of milling time on particle size, morphology, tap density, phase, and microstructure of the SiC powders, as well as on bulk density, microhardness, thermal conductivity, phase, and microstructure of the Si/SiC ceramic, was researched. When the mixed SiC powders were ball‐milled for 12 min, the bulk density, microhardness, and thermal conductivity of Si/SiC ceramic were 2.96 g/cm3, 22.95 GPa, and 152.84 W/(m K), respectively. Ball milling changed the particle gradation and micro‐powder morphology and then affected the powder particle stacking state. Forming continuous pore channels was conducive for the volatile liquid Si to flowing and filling pores in a short time, resulting in denser Si/SiC ceramics at a lower sintering temperature and pressure. This study was useful for the preparation of ceramics containing volatile liquid phase by SPS.
Effect of bottom deformation on median crack repropagation after wheel scribing in glass
Authors: Murakami Kumiko , Matsusaka Souta , Itoh Sho , Hidai Hirofumi , Kitaichi Mitsuru 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWheel scribing on glass generates a vertical crack with a periodic stripe pattern beneath the wheel (hereafter referred to as the first crack). After the passage of the scribing wheel, sometimes seconds later, the first crack is repropagated with a smooth surface (the second crack). The second crack propagates to 90% or more of the glass thickness under suitable scribing conditions, facilitating the breaking process. The mechanism of secondary crack propagation has not been sufficiently explained in previous studies. Therefore, this study used analytical and experimental methods to examine stress distribution and crack propagation behavior during wheel scribing. Finite element analysis suggests that the increase in the stress intensity factor contributing to the propagation of the second crack was due to not only the crack opening force but also the bottom deformation of the glass specimen. An analytical model accounting for the bottom deformation can simulate the characteristic behavior, such as rapid deepening when the scribing load exceeds a specific threshold value, of the second crack. This study indicates that the elastoplastic deformation caused by wheel contact induces the deformation of the entire specimen, and the state of the bottom constraints is important for controlling the second crack.
Structure, chemical durability, and melting properties of aluminosilicate glass
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. , Mohamed Moushira A. , Liu Xiaofeng , Beibei Xu , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBorosilicate glasses possess excellent melting properties and high stability against chemical attack by aqueous solutions, enabling this glass family to be used in various fields. In this article, we design a novel glass network in order to achieve a chemically robust glass with a low melting temperature. Therefore, the substitution effect of Na2O by MgO, Al2O3, Li2O, and K2O on the chemical durability and melting properties of sodium aluminosilicate glass (i.e., 80SiO2‒5Al2O3‒15Na2O [mol%]) was examined using a standard hydrolytic resistance test and viscosity measurement. Interestingly, we found that the partial replacement of Na2O by Al2O3, Li2O, and K2O (i.e., 80SiO2‒5Al2O3‒15Na2O → 80SiO2‒6.5Al2O3‒9Li2O‒2.25Na2O‒2.25K2O) makes the glass network with chemical durability and melting properties comparable to those of the commercial borosilicate network, resulting in a low HCl consumption of 0.04 mL/g and working temperature of 1238°C (i.e., temperature at viscosity 104 dPa s). The structural characterizations indicate that the high chemical stability of this glass composition originates from the abundance of SiO4 tetrahedrons with three and four bridging oxygen in the glass network as well as the increase in cationic field strength of mixed alkali ions. These excellent melting properties and superior chemical durability of glass imply the possibility of using the mixed alkali metal oxides aluminosilicate glass together with the commercial borosilicate glass in the markets for numerous practical applications.
Impaired instructive and protective barrier functions of the endothelial cell glycocalyx pericellular matrix is impacted in COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Smith Margaret M. , Melrose James 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to review the roles of endothelial cells in normal tissue function and to show how COVID‐19 disease impacts on endothelial cell properties that lead to much of its associated symptomatology. This places the endothelial cell as a prominent cell type to target therapeutically in the treatment of this disorder. Advances in glycosaminoglycan analytical techniques and functional glycomics have improved glycosaminoglycan mimetics development, providing agents that can more appropriately target various aspects of the behaviour of the endothelial cell in‐situ and have also provided polymers with potential to prevent viral infection. Thus, promising approaches are being developed to combat COVID‐19 disease and the plethora of symptoms this disease produces. Glycosaminoglycan mimetics that improve endothelial glycocalyx boundary functions have promising properties in the prevention of viral infection, improve endothelial cell function and have disease‐modifying potential. Endothelial cell integrity, forming tight junctions in cerebral cell populations in the blood–brain barrier, prevents the exposure of the central nervous system to circulating toxins and harmful chemicals, which may contribute to the troublesome brain fogging phenomena reported in cognitive processing in long COVID disease.
Clinical performance of existing diagnostic criteria for pneumonia in older emergency patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hunold Katherine M. , Mion Lorraine C. , Gure Tanya R. , Schwaderer Andrew L. , Exline Matthew , Hebert Courtney , Lampert Brent C. , Southerland Lauren T. , Stephens Julie A. , Boyer Edward W. , Hill Michael , Chu Ching‐Min B. , Reider Carson , Caterino Jeffrey M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia accounts for over half a million older adult emergency department (ED) visits annually, but ED pneumonia diagnosis is inaccurate. Geriatric‐specific pneumonia diagnostic criteria exist for other settings; no prospective data exist to determine if application in the older adult ED population is feasible. The objective was to prospectively evaluate the utility of four current diagnostic criteria (Loeb; Modified McGeer; Infectious Disease Society of America/American Thoracic Society; American College of Emergency Physicians) in older adult ED patients.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational cohort study of older adult ED patients ≥65 years of age in two U.S. EDs with suspected pneumonia defined as having chest radiography ordered and treating physician suspicion. The standard we used for defining the presence, absence, or inability to determine a diagnosis of pneumonia diagnosis was expert physician chart adjudication. We report the summary statistics for demographic characteristics and symptoms/exam findings and sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals of the existing diagnostic criteria. Pre‐specified cutoff values of a positive LR >10 and a negative LR <0.3 were considered clinically significant.ResultsOf 135 patients enrolled, 27 had pneumonia by adjudicator review. Typical patient‐reported pneumonia symptoms, such as fever (18.5%) and new/worse cough (51.9%), were not consistently present in pneumonia. The IDSA/ATS and ACEP criteria had positive LR >10 and negative LR <0.3; however, all confidence intervals included pre‐specified cutoffs.ConclusionsOlder adults presented to the ED with low frequency of typical pneumonia symptoms. Although existing diagnostic definitions had promising test characteristics, they may not perform well enough for clinical application without refinement.
Analysis of US Marketed Artemisinin Supplements for Use in Dogs
Authors: Berman Alyssa R. , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Sorah Emily L. , Papich Mark G. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTOral artemisinin has antiparasitic activity and may help improve treatment success rates in dogs infected with Babesia gibsoni. However, these artemisinin products are unapproved and unregulated botanical supplements. They have not been evaluated for safety and efficacy or for strength, purity, or quality compared with a reference standard. Before considering these products for a clinical study, we evaluated the strength of four suppliers of artemisinin capsules using an high‐performance liquid chromatography method validated in our laboratory. We found that the four artemisinin‐labeled products that were tested had high within product and between product variability in capsule strength compared with the stated capsule strength on the product label. No products met the acceptance criteria of the United States Pharmacopeia and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) as well as the criteria adapted by the authors. One product had no detectable artemisinin, and the other three products were much higher than the stated label strength. The results of this study reinforce the importance of testing unapproved and unregulated supplements before recommending a supplement for clinical use in dogs.
Ethical preparedness of data monitoring committees (DMCs) to oversee international clinical trials: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Hinga Alex , Ibrahim Akram , Vintimilla Diego , Jones Mickayla , Eckstein Lisa , Rid Annette , Shah Seema K , Kamuya Dorcas 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionA data monitoring committee (DMC) is an independent group of experts who assess the ongoing scientific and ethical integrity of a study through periodic analyses of study data. The objective of this study was to explore the extent to which the structure, membership and deliberations of DMCs enable them to address ethical issues.MethodsWe conducted qualitative individual interviews (n=22) with DMC members from countries across Africa, the Americas, South Asia and the UK. We selected interview respondents through purposive sampling, managed data using NVivo (Release V.1.7) and analysed data thematically.ResultsAll respondents were highly experienced professionals; many (18/22) had received training in medicine and/or statistics. One respondent had academic qualifications in ethics, and four indicated that they served on DMCs as ethicists. While respondents generally felt DMCs should be required for studies that were high-risk or enrolled vulnerable populations, some were concerned about the overuse of DMCs. There were divergent views on the necessity of geographical and disciplinary representation in DMC membership, including about whether ethicists were helpful. Many respondents described a DMC member recruitment process that they felt was somewhat exclusive. While one respondent received DMC-specific training, most described learning on the job. Respondents generally agreed that study protocols and DMC charters were key guiding documents for addressing ethical issues and described DMC deliberations that often, but not always, involved consensus-building.ConclusionThis study is one of the first to consider the ethical implications of DMC structure, membership and deliberations. The potential overuse of DMCs, DMC member recruitment processes that seem somewhat insular, limited training for DMC members, and divergent approaches to deliberation may limit the capacity of DMCs for addressing ethical issues. Further research on DMC structure and processes could help enhance the ethical preparedness of DMCs.
Dose-dependent effects of oral cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on serum anandamide and related N-acylethanolamines in healthy volunteers
Authors: Couttas Timothy A , Boost Carola , Pahlisch Franziska , Sykorova Eliska B , Mueller Juliane K , Jieu Beverly , Leweke Judith E , Dammann Inga , Hoffmann Anna E , Loeffler Martin , Grimm Oliver , Enning Frank , Flor Herta , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Koethe Dagmar , Rohleder Cathrin , Leweke F Markus 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe mental health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) are promising but can be inconsistent, in part due to challenges in defining an individual’s effective dosage. In schizophrenia, alterations in anandamide (AEA) concentrations, an endocannabinoid (eCB) agonist of the eCB system, reflect positively on treatment with CBD. Here, we expanded this assessment to include eCBs alongside AEA congeners, comparing phytocannabinoids and dosage in a clinical setting.MethodsLiquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantified changes in serum levels of AEA, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), alongside AEA-related compounds oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which were attained from two independent, parallel-designed, clinical trials investigating single, oral CBD (600 or 800 mg), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, 10 or 20 mg) and combination administration (CBD|800 mg+Δ9-THC|20 mg) in healthy volunteers (HVs, n=75). Concentrations were measured at baseline (t=0), 65 and 160 min post administration.ResultsCBD-led increases in AEA (1.6-fold), OEA and PEA (1.4-fold) were observed following a single 800 mg (pcorr<0.05) but not 600 mg dosage. Declining AEA was observed with Δ9-THC at 10 mg (−1.3-fold) and 20 mg (−1.4-fold) but restored to baseline levels by 160 min. CBD+Δ9-THC yielded the highest increases in AEA (2.1-fold), OEA (1.9-fold) and PEA (1.8-fold) without reaching a maximal response.ConclusionCBD-administered effects towards AEA, OEA and PEA are consistent with phase II trials reporting clinical improvement for acute schizophrenia (CBD≥800 mg). Including Δ9-THC appears to enhance the CBD-induced response towards AEA and its congeners. Our results warrant further investigations into the potential of these lipid-derived mediators as metabolic measures for CBD dose prescription and co-cannabinoid administration.