bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators in multi-period decision making
Authors: Peng Ding-Hong , Wang Hua 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present some dynamic hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators to tackle with the multi-period decision-making problems where all decision information is provided by decision makers in hesitant fuzzy information from different periods.

Design/methodology/approach
– First, the notions and operational laws of the hesitant fuzzy variable are defined. Then, some dynamic hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators involve the dynamic hesitant fuzzy weighted averaging (DHFWA) operator, the dynamic hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric (DHFWG) operator, and their generalized versions are presented. Some desirable properties of these proposed operators are established. Furthermore, two linguistic quantifier-based methods are introduced to determine the weights of periods. Next, the paper extends the results to the interval-valued hesitant fuzzy situation. Furthermore, the authors develop an approach to solve the multi-period multiple criteria decision making (MPMCDM) problems. Finally, an illustrative example is given.

Findings
– The presented hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators are very suitable for aggregating the hesitant fuzzy information collected at different periods. The developed approach can solve the MPMCDM problems where all decision information takes the form of hesitant fuzzy information collected at different periods.

Practical implications
– The presented hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators and decision-making approach can widely apply to dynamic decision analysis, multi-stage decision analysis in real life.

Originality/value
– The paper presents the useful way to aggregate the hesitant fuzzy information collected at different periods in MPMCDM situations.
A “fivefold bottom line” approach of implementing and reporting corporate efforts in sustainable business practices
Authors: A.O. Dos Santos Maria , Svensson Göran , Padin Carmen 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe a “fivefold bottom line” approach in implementing and reporting corporate efforts of sustainable business practices.

Design/methodology/approach
– This viewpoint from industry is based on the content analysis of the South African retail chain Woolworths. The data are gathered and derived from the company's comprehensive annual and sustainability reports from 2008 to 2011 and the company's press releases for this period focusing on their efforts of implementing and reporting sustainable business practices.

Findings
– A lesson learned from the presented “fivefold bottom line” approach to implement and report their corporate efforts of sustainable business practices is that it is adapted to fit and make sense in a specific market and society. The triple bottom line approach is usually derived from, or commonly based upon, a western perspective on the market and society in literature.

Research limitations/implications
– The authors argues that insights from industry of implementing and reporting sustainable business practices based upon different corporate “bottom line” approaches are required in literature.

Practical implications
– The authors propose that the “triple bottom line” approach may need to be commonly adapted to the country and cultural context in focus, which is not normally done, but templates are used.

Originality/value
– Triple bottom line reporting tends to follow common approaches how it is done. There is rarely seen adapted or modified “bottom line” approaches to specific market and societal characteristics in literature.
Dynamic effect of Tobin's Q on price-to-earnings ratio
Authors: Sum Vichet 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic effect of Tobin's q ratio on price-to-earnings (PE) ratio.

Design/methodology/approach
– The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamic effect of Tobin's q on PE ratio. To achieve this objective, a vector autoregressive analysis (Equation (1)) is employed to analyze the quarterly data from 1951Q4 to 2012Q4 to determine the generalized impulse response functions and perform the variance decomposition of Tobin's q ratio on PE ratio. The Granger causality Wald test is performed to determine if Tobin's q ratio causes PE ratio and vice versa.

Findings
– Based on the analysis of the quarterly market-level data from 1951Q4 to 2012Q4, the results show that PE ratio significantly drops immediately following the shock to the change in Tobin's q ratio. The results from the Granger-causality test indicate that Tobin's q ratio change causes PE ratio to drop. There is not a reverse causation from PE ratio to Tobin's q ratio change. The variance decomposition results reveal that Tobin's q ratio change forecasts about 67.53 to 67.78 percent of PE ratio at the two-quarter to eight-quarter horizons.

Originality/value
– Up to this point, there is not a single study in the literature investigating the relationship between Tobin's q and PE ratios. Consequently, the current study is set up to investigate the dynamic effect of Tobin's q ratio on PE ratio. A major contribution of this study is to provide empirical evidence of the dynamic effect of Tobin's q ratio on PE ratio.
Future and technical considerations of gold wirebonding in semiconductor packaging – a technical review
Authors: Leong Gan Chong , Classe Francis , Lee Chan Bak , Hashim Uda 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review on technical findings and discuss the feasibility and future of gold (Au) wirebonding in microelectronics packaging. It also aims to study and compare the cost, quality and wear-out reliability performance of Au wirebonding with respect to other wire alloys such as copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) wirebonding. This paper discusses the influence of wire type on the long-term reliability tests.

Design/methodology/approach
– Literature reviews are conducted based on cost and wire selections of Au, Cu or Ag wirebonding. Detailed wear-out failure findings and wire selection with cost considerations are presented in this review paper. The future and the status of Au wirebonding in microelectronics packaging are discussed in this paper.

Findings
– This paper briefly reviews selected aspects of the Au ball and other alternative bonding options, focusing on reliability performance, and discusses the future of Au wirebonding in the near future in semiconductor packaging.

Practical implications
– The paper reveals the technical considerations when choosing the wire types for future microelectronics packaging.

Originality/value
– The in-depth technical review and strategies of the selection of wire types (Au, Cu or the latest Ag alloy) in microelectronics packaging are discussed in this paper based on previous literature studies.
Evolution of photovoltaic solar modules dark properties after exposition to electrical reverse stress current inducing thermal effect
Authors: Sidawi Jihad , Zaraket Carine , Habchi Roland , Bassil Nathalie , Salame Chafic , Aillerie Michel , Charles Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dark properties as a function of reverse current induced defects. Dark characteristics of solar modules are very essential in the understanding the functioning of these devices.

Design/methodology/approach
– Reverse currents were applied on the photovoltaic (PV) modules to create defects. At several time intervals, dark characteristics along with surface temperature were measured.

Findings
– Current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics furnished valuable data and threshold values for reverse currents. Maximum module surface temperatures were directly related to each of the induced reverse currents and to the amount of leakage current. Microstructural damages, in the form of hot spots and overheating, are linked to reverse current effects. Experimental evidence showed that different levels of reverse currents are a major degrading factor of the performance of solar cells and modules.

Originality/value
– These results give a reliable method to predict most of the essential characteristics of a silicon solar cell or a module. Similar test could help predict the amount of degradation or even the failure of PV modules.
Autopietic decisions approach: a governance research network case study
Authors: Lobato Calleros Odette , Chanlat Alain , Bédard Renée , Ramírez Guillermo 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the autopoietic decisions approach (<Greek: autos=self, poiein=to produce) means self-(re)production and to know the constitution of the governance in the organization of a research network.

Design/methodology/approach
– The approach selected was Luhmann's Social System Theory, an autopoietic decisions system. A historical case study was reconstructed in which information was recollected by in-depth interviews and a survey. The network results, the extensive communications submitted by the members of two network congresses (2006 and 2010) were analyzed by networks analysis techniques.

Findings
– The approach and model developed were useful to identify the decision premises, which have been the constitutional structure of the research network.

Practical implications
– Development of a governance approach useful to a research network organization which retro-feeds the quality movement guidelines.

Originality/value
– The quality movement proposes a systematic regulatory approach, via the ISO9000 standard family. This approach has not sufficed for institutions of higher education. One of the reasons is that it favors the “management of things” from a processes standpoint, which conforms to the General Systems Theory. However, the core of higher education is not “things” but rather the “people” participating in it – particularly professors, students, and the university community – who are participating in the creation, teaching, association, and diffusion of knowledge. The unsolved problem refers to governance.
Subcutaneous pharmacokinetics of the cardiac hormone vessel dilator
Authors: Zhou Qingyu , Whelan Glenn , Zhou Shu‐Feng , Lane Meghan L , Vesely David L 
Published: May 2014

SummaryVessel dilator, a hormone synthesized in the heart, eliminates 71% of human small‐cell lung cancers and 67% of human breast cancers growing in mice when given subcutaneously (s.c.) via osmotic pumps. The pharmacokinetics of s.c. administered vessel dilator have not been evaluated previously. In the present study, the pharmacokinetics of vessel dilator following s.c. bolus (ScB) or 3 h s.c. infusion (ScI) were compared with those following i.v. bolus (IvB) administration in male Fischer 344 rats. The half‐life (t½) of vessel dilator after ScI, IvB and ScB was 54, 43 and 30 min, respectively. The tmax for vessel dilator after IvB, ScB and ScI administration was 1.5, 23 and 156 min, respectively, whereas the corresponding Cmax values were 3749, 887 and 471 ng/L (normalized against the dose used for ScB and IvB). The area under the curve (AUC0–∞) for vessel dilator was 1166, 880 and 1652 ng h/mL (normalized) following IvB, ScB and ScI administration, respectively. The volume of distribution for vessel dilator was 2.38, 0.92 and 1.08 L following IvB, ScB and SCI administration, respectively; corresponding clearance values were 1.69, 1.50 and 0.78 L/h, respectively. Plasma concentrations of vessel dilator after each of the three methods of administration mirrored their predicted concentration–time profiles. We conclude that vessel dilator administered via ScI has a significantly greater AUC and t½ and slowed clearance compared with IvB or ScB administration (P < 0.001), suggesting that s.c. infusion is the preferred method of administration, based on pharmacokinetics, to treat cancers.
Surgery‐induced changes in rat IL‐1β and acetylcholine metabolism: role of physostigmine
Authors: Plaschke Konstanze , Müller Ann‐Katrin , Kopitz Jürgen 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPharmacological enhancement of cholinergic activity following administration of physostigmine is known to induce protective effects generally. However, it is unclear whether the effect of physostigmine on inflammation and acetylcholine (ACh) metabolism is related to different types of surgical intervention or anaesthesia alone. To investigate this, rats were subjected to partial liver resection (PLR) or sham surgery, with a control group receiving anaesthesia alone. Half of each treatment group received a single intra‐operative dose of physostigmine (0.04 mg/kg); the others received placebo. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and plasma and brain concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β and ACh were determined. Both PLR and sham operation induced a time‐dependent increase in plasma concentrations of IL‐1β compared with rats receiving anaesthesia alone (3.9‐ and 4.8‐fold increases, respectively). In the brain, IL‐1β concentrations had increased approximately twofold after surgery compared with the control group. Blood AChE was transiently decreased after surgery. Brain AChE activity increased 1.3‐fold (P = 0.014) only after PLR; consequently, cerebral ACh concentrations were significantly reduced. Physostigmine administration significantly reduced IL‐1β and AChE levels. Cerebral ACh concentrations were markedly increased from 544 ± 122 ng/mg protein following placebo administration to 654 ± 93 ng/mg protein after physostigmine administrations (P < 0.001). We conclude that a single dose of physostigmine intra‐operatively has a sustained anti‐inflammatory effect (up to 120 min after injection) that is especially pronounced under the conditions of PLR surgery. In addition to its protective peripheral action, physostigmine exerts a neuroprotective action by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter ACh.
Additive effect of polymorphisms in the β2‐adrenoceptor and NADPH oxidase p22 phox genes contributes to the loss of estimated glomerular filtration rate in Chinese
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Yan , Ma JingTao , Feng Zhen , Niu Kai , Liu Bing 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBecause increased oxidative stress may mediate the detrimental actions of enhanced sympathetic nervous activity on renal function and vice versa, we investigated the effect of the polymorphic Arg16Gly in the β2‐adrenoceptor (ADRB2) gene, Trp64Arg in the β3‐adrenoceptor (ADRB3) gene and C242T in the NADPH oxidase p22phox (CYBA) gene on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a Chinese population. Initially recruited from different outpatient services of HeBei General Hospital in northern China, 668 individuals were finally included in the study, with complete demographic information. Laboratory tests were performed and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was derived from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation for the Chinese population. Plasma noradrenaline levels and genotype were determined by HPLC and the TaqMan method, respectively. Only across the Arg16Gly polymorphism did eGFR show significant difference: it was lower in individuals with the Gly16Gly variation, who also had the highest plasma noradrenaline levels. This polymorphism remained a significant determinant of eGFR after multivariate analysis. Of importance, the multifactor dimensionality reduction method further detected a significant synergism between the Arg16Gly and C242T polymorphisms in reducing eGFR. These observations clarify the effects of the studied polymorphisms on eGFR and exemplify gene–gene interactions influencing renal function.
Non‐speech oro‐motor exercises in post‐stroke dysarthria intervention: a randomized feasibility trial
Authors: Mackenzie C. , Muir M. , Allen C. , Jensen A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere has been little robust evaluation of the outcome of speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention for post‐stroke dysarthria. Non‐speech oro‐motor exercises (NSOMExs) are a common component of dysarthria intervention. A feasibility study was designed and executed, with participants randomized into two groups, in one of which NSOMExs were a component of the intervention programme.AimsTo examine (1) operational feasibility of the programme; (2) participants’ views of the programme; and (3) speech intelligibility, communication effectiveness and tongue and lip movement at four points (A1 and A2 before, and A3 and A4 after intervention).Methods & ProceduresThirty‐nine participants were randomized into Group A (n = 20) and Group B (n = 19). Groups were equivalent at enrolment in demographic variables and A1 measures. Intervention was behavioural, delivered in eight home‐based SLT sessions, and included practise of individually appropriate words, sentences and conversation, and for Group B also NSOMExs. Between‐session practice was recorded in a diary. Data on speech intelligibility, effectiveness of communication in conversation, self‐rated situational communication effectiveness, and tongue and lip movement were collected at 8‐week intervals, twice before and twice after intervention. Anonymous evaluation (AE) questionnaires were completed.Outcome & ResultsThe recruited number was 20% below the target of 50. Thirty‐six participants completed the intervention and 32 were followed through to A4. The programme was delivered to protocol and fidelity was verified. Thirty‐four AEs were returned. These showed high satisfaction with the programme and its outcome. According to diary records from 32 participants, 59% carried out at least the recommended practice amount. Outcome measure performance across the four assessment points did not indicate any group effect. For the whole sample both externally rated and self‐rated communication effectiveness measures showed statistically significant gains across the intervention period (A2/A3), which were maintained for 2 months after intervention (A2/A4). Non‐intervention period changes (A1/A2 and A3/A4) were not present. There were no intervention‐related gains in tongue and lip movement or speech intelligibility, but the latter is likely to be attributable to a ceiling effect on scores.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe results indicate positive outcomes associated with a short period of behavioural SLT intervention in the post‐stroke dysarthria population. The inclusion of NSOMExs, delivered in accordance with standard clinical practice, did not appear to influence outcomes. The results must be viewed in relation to the nature of feasibility study and provide a foundation for suitably powered trials.
Development and application of primers for the class Dehalococcoidia (phylum Chloroflexi) enables deep insights into diversity and stratification of subgroups in the marine subsurface
Authors: Wasmund Kenneth , Algora Camelia , Müller Josefine , Krüger Martin , Lloyd Karen G. , Reinhardt Richard , Adrian Lorenz 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBacteria of the class Dehalococcoidia (DEH) (phylum Chloroflexi) are widely distributed in the marine subsurface and are especially prevalent in deep marine sediments. Nevertheless, little is known about the specific distributions of DEH subgroups at different sites and depths. This study therefore specifically examined the distributions of DEH through depths of various marine sediment cores by quantitative PCR and pyrosequencing using newly designed DEH 16S rRNA gene targeting primers. Quantification of DEH showed populations may establish in shallow sediments (i.e. upper centimetres), although as low relative proportions of total Bacteria, yet often became more prevalent in deeper sediments. Pyrosequencing revealed pronounced diversity co‐exists within single biogeochemical zones, and that clear and sometimes abrupt shifts in relative proportions of DEH subgroups occur with depth. These shifts indicate varying metabolic properties exist among DEH subgroups. The distributional changes in DEH subgroups with depth may be related to a combination of biogeochemical factors including the availability of electron acceptors such as sulfate, the composition of organic matter and depositional regimes. Collectively, the results suggest DEH exhibit wider metabolic and genomic diversity than previously recognized, and this contributes to their widespread occurrence in the marine subsurface.
Secretome analysis of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and the involvement of the TolC‐homologue HgdD in protein secretion
Authors: Hahn Alexander , Stevanovic Mara , Brouwer Eva , Bublak Daniela , Tripp Joanna , Schorge Tobias , Karas Michael , Schleiff Enrico 
Published: May 2014

SummarySecretion of proteins is a central strategy of bacteria to influence and respond to their environment. Until now, there has been very few discoveries regarding the cyanobacterial secrotome or the secretion machineries involved. For a mutant of the outer membrane channel TolC‐homologue HgdD of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, a filamentous and heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium, an altered secretome profile was reported. To define the role of HgdD in protein secretion, we have developed a method to isolate extracellular proteins of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 wild type and an hgdD loss‐of‐function mutant. We identified 51 proteins of which the majority is predicted to have an extracellular secretion signal, while few seem to be localized in the periplasmic space. Eight proteins were exclusively identified in the secretome of wild‐type cells, which coincides with the distribution of type I secretion signal. We selected three candidates and generated hemagglutinin‐tagged fusion proteins which could be exclusively detected in the extracellular protein fraction. However, these proteins are not secreted in the hgdD‐mutant background, where they are rapidly degraded. This confirms a direct function of HgdD in protein secretion and points to the existence of a quality control mechanism at least for proteins secreted in an HgdD‐dependent pathway.
Stillbirth in twins, exploring the optimal gestational age for delivery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wood S , Tang S , Ross S , Sauve R 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the optimal gestational age at delivery for twins.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingDatabase containing demographic, delivery, and pregnancy outcome data for over 600 000 births from 81 hospitals in Alberta, Canada.PopulationAll twin births in Alberta, Canada, during 1992–2007, as recorded in the databases of the Alberta Perinatal Health Project (www.aphp.ca).MethodsThe case files were reviewed for cause of death and any information regarding the gestational age at diagnosis of stillbirth. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the impact of potentially confounding factors. The ‘fetus at risk’ approach was used to evaluate the prospective risk of stillbirth. Competing risks of stillbirth and neonatal death were evaluated with a perinatal risk ratio.ResultsOf a total of 17 724 twin births there were 236 antepartum stillbirths, 26 intrapartum stillbirths, and 244 neonatal deaths. The rate of stillbirth peaked at 7.0/1000 fetuses at risk at 38 weeks of gestation. On multivariate analysis, small for gestational age (odds ratio, OR 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.35–3.59), birthweight discrepancy >20% (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.42–5.03), and an interaction between these two variables (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.31–6.59), were significant. The perinatal risk ratio suggested that the risks of delivery and expectant management were balanced at 36 weeks of gestation (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.1–5.4), but the confidence interval included one, the null value, until 38 weeks of gestation (RR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02–0.40). The majority of stillbirths at term (14/25) occurred in monochorionic diamniotic twins. The estimated risk of stillbirth in this group was 2.3/1000 fetuses at risk at 37 weeks of gestation, and 17.4/1000 fetuses at risk at 38 weeks of gestation.ConclusionsThe balance of risk between neonatal death/intrapartum stillbirth and antepartum stillbirth begins to favour delivery at 36 weeks of gestation, particularly in monochorionic diamniotic twins.