bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application and limitation of axiomatic design complexity in quality engineering
Authors: Sharma Naresh K. , Cudney Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– Complexity is an important element in axiomatic design theory. The current method for calculating complexity for a system following normal distribution is unbounded and approximate. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed bounded solution for complexity using design and system ranges on a single function requirement.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper discusses the complexity measure for a system following a uniform distribution. The complexities of two types of systems, a system performing with a uniform distribution and a system performing on target according to a normal distribution are then considered and compared. The research proposes a complexity measure for a system performing within specification limits with a uniform distribution. In addition, a new concept of relative complexity is proposed.

Findings
– A bounded solution for complexity for a normal distribution based on the existing assumptions was given which includes bias in addition to variance. The bounded solution was then compared to the existing approximate solution from the variance as well as bias standpoint. It was found that bias has an inappropriately reverse relationship with the bounded solution of complexity. Therefore, complexity cannot be used to approximate the system improvement when the improvement is based on a reduction in bias.

Originality/value
– The current method for calculating complexity for a system following normal distribution is unbounded and approximate. This paper proposed a complexity measure for a system performing within specification limits with a uniform distribution.
Quality management in the global brewing industry
Authors: Vrellas Charisis G. , Tsiotras George 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to stimulate interest in the use of quality management methods and tools and to provide a basis and direction for further improvement in the global brewing industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology that is followed in the paper is based on the study of quality management tools and best practices in global brewing companies.

Findings
– From all evidence found by this research, the conclusion is that quality management can dramatically improve certain operations and reduce cost or increase profit as well. All of the global brewing companies examined in this paper have their quality policies and each one of them uses what fits best to its business profile.

Research limitations/implications
– This study refers to some of the largest brewing companies in the world. Future research could be addressed toward the analysis of other smaller brewing companies, which are characterized by the concepts of quality management.

Practical implications
– The analysis of quality management in the global brewing industry may cause the interest of other brewing companies and other stakeholders affected by this industry. Quality tools can be very useful for dealing with problems and improving procedures in a brewery. Furthermore, the extension of this work with detailed references to these tools could produce a quality guide for brewing companies.

Originality/value
– The value of this paper lies in the identification and presentation of tools and quality policies which have been successfully developed by global brewing companies and may as well be implemented by others.
Reliability based source maintenance scheduling using nature inspired algorithm
Authors: Abirami M. , Subramanian S. , Ganesan S. , Anandhakumar R. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to solve the realistic problem of source maintenance scheduling (SMS) based on reliability criterion. A novel effective optimization technique is proposed to solve the problem at hand.

Design/methodology/approach
– The problem has been formulated as a combinatorial optimization task, with the goal of maximizing reliability by minimizing the sum of squares of the reserve loads while satisfying unit and system constraints. This paper employs a nature inspired algorithm known as Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) for solving the SMS problem based on reliability.

Findings
– The results reveal that optimal maintenance schedules of generating units has been obtained using TLBO algorithm with minimized values of sum of squares of reserve loads while satisfying system and operational constraints. It is also found that the inclusion of resource constraints (RC) in the model have significant effects on the objective function value which provides a deep insight of the proposed methodology.

Originality/value
– The contribution of this paper is that an efficient nature inspired algorithm has been applied to solve source maintenance scheduling problem in viewpoint of the planning for future system capacity expansion. The incorporation of exclusion and RC in the model makes the analysis about the impact of SMS on the system reliability more reasonable.
Open access awareness, use, and perception: a case study of AAU faculty members
Authors: Kaba Abdoulaye , Said Raed 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a survey undertaken at Al Ain University of Science and Technology (AAU) to investigate and understand faculty awareness, use and perception of Open Access (OA) resources.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using a Web-based survey questionnaire, data were collected from full-time faculty members teaching at AAU, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Findings
– The study found that faculty members possess a good knowledge and a positive perception of OA resources. They frequently use OA resources for teaching, learning and research activities. However, the findings indicate that female faculty members are more likely to use OA resources than male faculty members. Faculty members with a high level of awareness or use are found to have a highly positive perception of OA resources. Presenting research reports at conferences and seminars or publishing research papers is weakly associated with the level of awareness and use of OA resources. The study revealed no association between the faculty member and their use of OA resources.

Research limitations/implications
– It is essential for scientific communities to understand the importance of OA resources and how to use them effectively in teaching, learning and research activities.

Originality/value
– This kind of research is new to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in general and the UAE in particular. The findings of the study may help to improve the awareness and the use of OA resources among scientific communities not only in the Arab countries but also around the world.
Learning to work in asymmetric relationships: insights from the computer software industry
Authors: Pérez Lourdes , Cambra-Fierro Jesús 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to provide guidance for managers so that they may develop advanced supply chain management (SCM) capabilities in the context of asymmetric alliances. These alliances, generally characterised by large dissimilarities between the partners, often facilitate value-creating opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using case studies, the paper analyses similarities and differences in SCM between symmetric and asymmetric alliances within supply networks. It focusses on the key dimensions of complementarity, value distribution, relational management and specialisation.

Findings
– It was found that the question of complementarity, although important, should not be equated to the need for symmetry but to the ability of the firms in the supply network to learn to work together. For small firms who seek co-creation with large partners, this means collaboration, specialisation through relation-specific investments, flexibility and understanding the overall value system in which their business relationships compete is important.

Practical implications
– Small firms seeking to develop advanced SCM capabilities have to accept responsibility for selecting a reduced number of key partners and managing relationships. Firms should proactively use the contractual process to learn about partners' expectations and goals and to identify committed champions. These factors play an important role in developing communications and trust, as small firms do not have easy access to senior managers in large corporations.

Originality/value
– This paper discovered a novel concept – dual value appropriation – where partners do not divide the total value generated as frequently proposed in the literature, but that it is fully appropriated, as it represents a different value proposition for each of them.
Categories of incubator success: a case study of three New York incubator programmes
Authors: Al-Mubaraki Hanadi Mubarak , Muhammad Ali Husain , Busler Michael 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate and identify three categories of incubators in the USA located in New York (NY). The incubator categories are: technology commercialisation; economic development; and entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach– The study uses a qualitative approach based on interviews concerning three incubator programmes selected for their successful outcomes.Findings– The research findings suggest four priorities for incubators: to be dynamic models of self-sustainable, efficient business development; to provide helpful tools for generating jobs; to foster and support enterprise and innovation to create the best environment for the start-up and smart growth of businesses; and to support value-added businesses through various means, such as developing the region’s science parks and R&D centres, improving collaboration between universities, and supporting business investment and growth.Originality/value– The research adds value to academicians and practitioners such as government, funded organisations, institutions and policy makers.
Sustainable soil management practices
Authors: Shrestha Shiva Kumar 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– Temporary and permanent decline in the productive capacity of the land due to natural and human-induced activities such as soil erosion, changing cropping practices and less use of organic matter (OM) has been the greatest challenge faced by mankind in recent years, particularly in the hills and mountains of Nepal. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of sustainable soil management practices to mitigate desertification process in the hills of Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach
– Promotion of sustainable soil management (SSM) practices through a decentralised agriculture extension approach by involving all the stakeholders in a participatory way.

Findings
– SSM practices mainly: OM management, fodder and forage promotion, increased biomass production systems, integrated plant nutrition systems, and bioengineering for soil and water conservation are identified as the most appropriate and relevant technologies in mitigating the desertification process without deteriorating land quality, particularly conserving the top-soils effectively and efficiently in the hills and mountains of the country.

Research limitations/implications
– This research is focus on the overall effect of SSM practices due to time and budget constraints. There is scope for doing research on the different aspects of SSM practices and the extent of their effect on different soil parameters (chemical, biological and physical).

Practical implications
– SSM interventions clearly indicated that there is significant impact in increasing soil fertility, conserving fertile top-soils and mitigating physical, chemical and biologic desertification processes. These are possible through maintaining and improving the soil organic matter, which is the most important indicator for soil health. SSM practices have resulted in an increase of up to 30 per cent in crop yield compared to yields without SSM practices. This might be due to the improvement in SOC which improves soil texture, increases nutrient supply from organic source and conserves water quality, thus, improving soil quality.

Social implications
– This has created awareness among farmers. Hence, farmers are mitigating pH through increased use of organic manures, where there is less availability of agriculture lime and they are far from road access.

Originality/value
– SSM practices significantly contributes to combat soil desertification in the hills of Nepal.
Re/creating entrepreneurs of the self: discourses of worker and employee ‘value’ and current vocational rehabilitation practices
Authors: Fadyl Joanna , McPherson Kathryn , Nicholls David 
Published: January 2015

AbstractVocational rehabilitation for people experiencing work disability is a social practice often situated within health services, but the social and political drivers and effects of this practice are rarely critically analysed in health research or policy. In this study we used a Foucauldian theoretical perspective to analyse the ways in which current vocational rehabilitation practices in New Zealand re/produce notions of worker and employee ‘value’, and how different approaches to vocational rehabilitation deploy current discourses about value. We also consider the subject positions produced through these different approaches and the identities and actions they make possible for people experiencing work disability. The analysis showed that notions about the importance of worker and employee value in a job market are pervasive in vocational rehabilitation, and reflect wider societal discourses. However, the deployment of those discourses in different approaches to vocational rehabilitation practice are diverse, producing different opportunities and constraints for people experiencing disability. We argue that an examination of these various opportunities and constraints at the level of practice approaches is important, as considerable time and resources are allocated to developing solutions to help those who do not thrive in the current systems, yet we rarely critique the premises on which the systems are based.
Mast cell activation is involved in stress‐induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in the esophagus
Authors: Zhong Chan Juan , Wang Kun , Zhang Lu , Yang Chang Qing , Zhang Kuo , Zhou Shu Pei , Duan Li Ping 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the role of mast cell in stress‐induced barrier dysfunction in the esophagus and its possible pathway involved using mast cell‐deficient (Ws/Ws) rats.MethodsWs/Ws rats and normal (+/+) rats were submitted to chronic restraint stress (CRS) 2 h/day for 7 days. Tissues were obtained from distal esophagus. Mast cells were counted under Alcian blue‐safranin O stain. Activation of mast cells was assessed using transmission electron microscope. Esophageal epithelial barrier dysfunction was evaluated by measuring intercellular spaces (ICS) and by quantifying tight junction (TJ) proteins. The localization and expression of mast cell‐derived tryptase and proteinase activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2) were assessed.ResultsA higher number of mast cells and higher proportion of activated mast cells were observed in CRS +/+ rats compared with non‐stress controls. Increased ICS and decreased expression of some TJ proteins were observed in the CRS +/+ rats but not in the CRS Ws/Ws rats. Tryptase and its receptor PAR‐2 were found elevated concomitantly by nearly 100% in CRS +/+ rats, but not in CRS Ws/Ws rats.ConclusionsMast cells play an important role in stress‐induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in esophagus. The mechanism may involve the activation of PAR‐2 by mast cell‐derived tryptase, causing proinflammatory responses and the subsequent disruption of the epithelial TJ proteins and a disturbed cytoskeleton function, resulting in dilated intercellular spaces.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition improves cardiac function in experimental myocardial infarction: Role of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α
Authors: Connelly Kim A. , Advani Andrew , Zhang Yanling , Advani Suzanne L. , Kabir Golam , Abadeh Armin , Desjardins Jean‐Francois , Mitchell Melissa , Thai Kerri , Gilbert Richard E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn addition to degrading glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inactivates several chemokines, including stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), a pro‐angiogenic and cardiomyocyte protective protein. We hypothesized that DPP‐4 inhibition may confer benefit following myocardial infarction (MI) in the diabetic setting as a consequence of enhanced SDF‐1α availability rather than potentiating GLP‐1. To test this we compared the effects of saxagliptin with those of liraglutide and used the SDF‐1α receptor (CXCR4) antagonist plerixafor.MethodsStudies were conducted in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats. Rats were randomized to receive saxagliptin (10 mg/kg per day), liraglutide (0.2 mg/kg, s.c., b.i.d.), plerixafor (1 mg/kg per day, s.c.), saxagliptin plus plerixafor or vehicle (1% phosphate‐buffered saline). Two weeks later, rats underwent experimental MI, with cardiac function examined 4 weeks after MI.ResultsGlycemic control and MI size were similar in all groups. Four weeks after MI, mortality was reduced in saxagliptin‐treated rats compared with vehicle treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, rats receiving saxagliptin had improved cardiac function compared with vehicle‐treated rats (P < 0.05). Antagonism of CXCR4 prevented the improvement in cardiac function in saxagliptin‐treated rats and was associated with increased mortality (P < 0.05).ConclusionSaxagliptin‐mediated DPP‐4 inhibition, but not liraglutide‐mediated GLP‐1R agonism, improved cardiac function after MI independent of glucose lowering. These findings suggest that non‐GLP‐1 actions of DPP‐4 inhibition, such as SDF‐1α potentiation, mediate biological effects.
Role of Mig‐6 in hepatic glucose metabolism
Authors: Yoo Jung‐Yoon , Kim Tae Hoon , Kong Sieun , Lee Ju Hee , Choi Wonseok , Kim Koon Soon , Kim Hyun Jin , Jeong Jae‐Wook , Ku Bon Jeong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundMitogen‐inducible gene 6 (Mig‐6) has an important role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and bile acid synthesis. However, the physiological functions of Mig‐6 in the liver remain poorly understood.MethodsTo investigate Mig‐6 functioning in the liver, we used conditionally ablated Mig‐6 using the Albumin‐Cre mouse model (Albcre/+Mig‐6f/f; Mig‐6d/d). Male mice were killed after a 24‐h fast and refed after 24 h fasting. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured and western blot analyses were performed to determine epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and Insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in liver tissue samples. In addition, human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were transfected with Mig‐6 short interference (si) RNA before western blot analysis.ResultsSerum fasting glucose levels were significantly higher in Mig‐6d/d versus Mig‐6f/f mice. On an insulin tolerance test, insulin sensitivity was decreased in Mig‐6d/d versus Mig‐6f/f mice. Furthermore, hepatic expression of the glucokinase (Gck), glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6pc), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (Pck1) genes was decreased significantly in Mig‐6d/d mice. Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK1/2, AKT, mTOR, JNK, and IRS‐1 was increased in Mig‐6d/d compared with Mig‐6f/f mice.ConclusionLiver‐specific ablation of Mig‐6 caused hyperglycemia by hepatic insulin resistance. Increased EGFR signaling following Mig‐6 ablation activated JNK and eventually induced insulin resistance by increasing phosphorylation of IRS‐1 at serine 307. This is the first report of Mig‐6 involvement in hepatic insulin resistance and a new mechanism that explains hepatic insulin resistance.
Determinants of adherence to diabetes treatment
Authors: Larkin Amy T. , Hoffman Christina , Stevens Adrienne , Douglas Andrew , Bloomgarden Zachary 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding and improving medication adherence is crucial in diabetes management. Adherence to a diabetes regimen can improve glucose control and limit the development of complications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent to which a variety of factors influence diabetes medication adherence.MethodsA medication adherence survey was made available on WebMD, a medical information website for patients and/or consumers. Respondents were residents of the US, ≥18 years old, and diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (self‐reported).ResultsBehavioral adherence (self‐reported doses missed per week) correlated with perceived adherence (patients' self‐report of their overall impression of medication adherence, ranked 0–5; P < 0.001). Adherent patients (very few [0%–10%] issues with adherence) were more likely to report having received information from their physician. Mostly adherent patients (few [11%–26%] issues with adherence) were less likely to obtain information from their physician, but reported more medication self‐titration. Somewhat non‐adherent patients (some [27%–46%] adherence issues) reported more “self‐consciousness factors” and hypoglycemia. Non‐adherent patients (many [47%–88%] adherence issues) were more likely to report worries about medication side effects.ConclusionsReceiving information from a healthcare provider is associated with greater diabetes medication adherence, suggesting the importance of clinicians making time to provide patient education.
Microsnare‐assisted microcatheter navigation for flow diversion of a challenging giant intracerebral aneurysm: A novel technique
Authors: O'Grady Alan , Denton John , Laing Andrew 
Published: January 2015

SummaryGiant cerebral aneurysms are associated with a poor prognosis, with 2‐year survival rates reported as low as 20% (Sundt et al.; Syman et al.). Morbidity is largely associated with haemorrhage, local compressive effects and thrombosis. While endovascular coiling has been acknowledged as a safe treatment in small to medium size aneurysms (Molyneux et al.; Pierot, Spelle & Vitry), the safety of this technique is more questionable in giant aneurysms due to the unknown stability of the coiling mesh and the need for retreatment. Parent vessel remodelling with the use of flow diverters is an evolving technique with promising results (Pierot et al.). However, navigation of microcatheters within the parent artery across giant aneurysms may be challenging due to tortuous anatomy. To improve microcatheter trackability and stability across a giant aneurysm neck, we describe a novel microsnare‐assisted support technique.