bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-Center Experience and Short-term Outcome with the JenaValve: A Second-Generation Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Device
Authors: Reuthebuch Oliver , Inderbitzin Devdas Thomas , Ruter Florian , Jeger Raban , Kaiser Christoph , Buser Peter , Fassl Jens , Eckstein Friedrich S. 
Published: September 2014

Objective We present the post-CE(Conformité Européenne)-mark single-center implantation experience and short-term outcome with the second-generation transapical JenaValve transcatheter aortic valve implantation system. Methods Patients [N = 27; 9 women; mean (SD) age, 80.3 (5.5) years] were operated on between November 2011 and August 2012. Via a transapical approach, the valve was positioned, in some cases, repositioned, and finally implanted. All data were collected during the hospital stay. Results The implantation success rate was 100%; the mean (SD) operation time was 124.7 (43.2) minutes; and the size of the implanted prosthesis was 23 mm (n = 6), 25 mm (n = 14), and 27 mm (n = 7). The in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were as follows: intraoperative resuscitation with subsequent aortic rupture (n = 1), postoperative hemorrhage needing revision (n = 1), myocardial infarction (n = 1), atrioventricular block needing a definitive pacemaker (n = 1), new-onset renal failure needing hemodialysis (n = 1), and stroke (n = 1). The 30-day mortality was 11.1% (n = 3). The mean (SD) intensive care unit/total stay was 2.2 (1.7)/11.7 (7.9) days. Postoperative echocardiography [day 6.7 (4.8)] revealed residual para-valvular leakage of trace to grade 1 in 12 patients (44.5%) and no leakage in 15 patients, with a mean (SD) transvalvular pressure gradient of 11.6 (5.6) mm Hg with significant reduction by 36.0 (17.7) mm Hg ( P = 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Conclusions This second-generation repositionable transcatheter aortic valve implantation device could safely and successfully be implanted with a fast learning curve, significant reduction in pressure gradients, overall clinical improvement at discharge, as well as an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate in this highest-risk patient cohort.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Alternative Splicing in Zea mays: Landscape and Genetic Regulation
Authors: Thatcher Shawn R. , Zhou Wengang , Leonard April , Wang Bing-Bing , Beatty Mary , Zastrow-Hayes Gina , Zhao Xiangyu , Baumgarten Andy , Li Bailin 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Alternative splicing enhances transcriptome diversity in all eukaryotes and plays a role in plant tissue identity and stress adaptation. To catalog new maize (Zea mays) transcripts and identify genomic loci that regulate alternative splicing, we analyzed over 90 RNA-seq libraries from maize inbred lines B73 and Mo17, as well as Syn10 doubled haploid lines (progenies from B73 × Mo17). Transcript discovery was augmented with publicly available data from 14 maize tissues, expanding the maize transcriptome by more than 30,000 and increasing the percentage of intron-containing genes that undergo alternative splicing to 40%. These newly identified transcripts greatly increase the diversity of the maize proteome, sometimes coding for entirely different proteins compared with their most similar annotated isoform. In addition to increasing proteome diversity, many genes encoding novel transcripts gained an additional layer of regulation by microRNAs, often in a tissue-specific manner. We also demonstrate that the majority of genotype-specific alternative splicing can be genetically mapped, with cis-acting quantitative trait loci (QTLs) predominating. A large number of trans-acting QTLs were also apparent, with nearly half located in regions not shown to contain genes associated with splicing. Taken together, these results highlight the currently underappreciated role that alternative splicing plays in tissue identity and genotypic variation in maize.
Extending lean manufacturing in supply chains: a successful case in Brazil
Authors: Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana , Carlos Omodei Junior José , José Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a success story involving the extending of lean manufacturing practices between a focal firm and its supplier, both located in Brazil, thereby configuring a case of excellence.

Design/methodology/approach
– An in-depth case study was conducted involving two companies: Company A, focal, leader in its segment, located in Brazil; and Company B, Company A's supplier, also located in Brazil.

Findings
– Results indicate there are several mechanisms for extending lean manufacturing practices in the supply chain, such as workshops, training, and integrated teams. These mechanisms are shown and guidelines are also introduced for companies seeking to successfully extend lean manufacturing practices.

Originality/value
– An original use of define, measure, analyze, improve, control for structuring the extending of lean manufacturing practices to suppliers and, consequently, the importance of the lean six-sigma relationship in this context. Furthermore, the guidelines introduced serve as a benchmark for other companies interested in the topic.
Performance modeling of mobile phone providers: a DEA-ANN combined approach
Authors: Kwon He-Boong 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in conjunction with data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the performance measurement of major mobile phone providers, and for subsequent predictions related to best performance benchmarking and decision making.Design/methodology/approach– DEA and ANN are combined, providing an integrated modeling approach via a two-stage process. DEA is used for front end measurement, while ANN provides learning and prediction capabilities. DEA analysis of industry characteristics is based on the measurement of each decision-making unit's (DMU) performance. Back propagation neural networks (BPNN) can then predict each DMU's efficiency score, based on the results of the DEA models. Additional BPNN models provide best performance predictions.Findings– The DEA module successfully evaluates the competitive status of firms in the mobile phone industry in terms of efficiency. Efficiency trends over the observation period reveal the dynamic nature of competition in this industry. The predictive power of the BPNN module has been demonstrated as well. The proposed system is an effective benchmarking and decision support tool, via its capability to simulate performance scenarios, thereby facilitating insightful, prudent decision making.Originality/value– This paper proposes the use of two different but complementary methods, DEA and ANN, in a combined performance modeling approach, and examines mobile phone providers. This methodology can improve users’ performance benchmarking and decision-making processes. Additionally, adaptive prediction capability is provided through approximating efficient frontiers, in addition to performance measurement.
Implementing the international benchmarking labour productivity theoretical model
Authors: Ghoddousi and Parviz , T. Alizadeh Behzad , Reza Hosseini M. , Chileshe Nicholas 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– Building upon the results of a critical review of previous studies, the purpose of this paper is to present a framework to enhance the reliability of the theoretical model for international benchmarking of labour productivity (TMIBLP) method for construction project activities. The next part of the paper presents the results of implementing the proposed framework for construction activities in the Iranian construction industry.Design/methodology/approach– This paper draws upon a critical review of the literature to highlight the drawbacks of the previous studies concerning implementing TMIBLP within the construction industry. Identifying these shortcomings, the authors propose a framework for construction projects, which presents the procedure for deploying TMIBLP for construction activities in a reliable manner. The final section of the paper demonstrates the empirical implementation of the proposed framework within the Iranian construction industry.Findings– The primary contributions of the paper include: identifying the drawbacks of previous studies within the construction context, the framework that would lead construction managers towards more reliable implementation of benchmarking for construction projects, and determining the baseline of erecting steel structures in a developing country.Practical implications– A practical implementation of the TMIBLP method was presented to address the lack of research in Iran and to show the feasibility of using the framework developed. The authors investigated the daily labour productivity for the activity of structural steel erection for six projects in Tehran in order to determine the values of the baseline productivity for each project. Accordingly, the disruption index, performance ratio and project management index as the project benchmarks were calculated for all six projects.Originality/value– Underlining the necessity of implementing methods such as TMIBLP, this study outlines the outcomes of the first study on the benchmarking of construction activities deploying the proposed framework and using the data on erecting steel structures from six construction projects in Iran. The discussions provide guidelines for construction project managers regarding benchmarking labour productivity. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research opportunities.
Supply chain performance measurement for third party logistics
Authors: Jothimani Dhanya , Sarmah S.P. 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of the paper is to explore the applicability of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the service-oriented sector – namely a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider.

Design/methodology/approach
– The performance attributes of SCOR model (reliability, responsiveness, flexibility, cost measures and asset management efficiency) are used as the basis for defining the KPIs. A questionnaire was sent to relevant decision makers.

Findings
– This paper illustrates the use of the integrated approach of SCOR, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for measuring the supply chain performance (SCP) in the light of a real life case study company.

Research limitations/implications
– This method forms the basis for performance measurement using the SCOR model to evaluate strategy. In this work, the performance of the company has been compared with its own previous performance. The work can be extended to external benchmarking and also to other sectors.

Practical implications
– The paper attempts to overcome the conflict between the top-down strategy and bottom-up implementation process. The paper links the strategic objective with operations which would aid managers at different levels of an organization with decision making. The KPIs, when implemented in a business intelligence (BI) tool, would result in real time performance measurement.

Originality/value
– The paper focusses on 3PLs. It provides a base for measuring the SCP using SCOR model. The paper also identified KPIs for three domains of 3PL, namely freight forwarding, customs and warehousing.
The challenges of lean manufacturing implementation in SMEs
Authors: Dorota Rymaszewska Anna 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify the lean manufacturing implementation challenges in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study is based on experiences of the Finnish furniture and boating sectors. The paper outlines the overall characteristics of the studied organizations and contrasts them with one of the most famous example of lean implementation – the Toyota Company. By comparing the different manufacturing environments as well as organizational characteristics, the potential challenges of lean adoption are outlined.

Design/methodology/approach
– The findings presented in this paper were achieved through the case study method. The research utilizes the deductive approach.

Findings
– The results present an assessment of the companies’ current situations. The results uncover their readiness for lean implementation and identify the challenges that might hinder lean implementation. Early identification of weaknesses will make companies more aware of their own capabilities. Moreover, it has potential for making them better prepared for lean implementation and more consistent in their process.

Practical implications
– The importance of addressing certain aspect of lean implementation in the specific context of SMEs characteristics might contribute to the successful implementation of lean.

Originality/value
– The author presents an original look at supporting companies in the process of adopting lean manufacturing.
Time affluence, material affluence and work experiences of professional women in Russia
Authors: J. Burke Ronald , Astakhova Marina , Singh Parbudyal 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of time affluence (TA) and material affluence (MA) in work and extra-work experiences of a sample of professional women working in Russia.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected form 168 women using anonymously completed questionnaires. Measures included personal demographic and work situation characteristics, work outcomes, indicators of work investment and extra-work outcomes.Findings– TA and MA were significantly and positively correlated (r=0.22), with women indicating similar levels of TA and MA. Women reporting higher levels of MA generally indicated more favorable work outcomes (higher job satisfaction, lower intent to quit). Women reporting lower levels of TA generally indicated higher levels of work investment. However, neither TA nor MA predicted family satisfaction.Research limitations/implications– This study highlights the importance to take steps to increase TA and MA of Russian women to positively influence their work and extra-work experiences.Originality/value– These findings replicate and extend earlier USA, Egyptian and Turkish results to Russia. Unlike previous studies, the authors simultaneously included TA and MA constructs, thus providing important comparisons of their relationships with different outcomes. The authors also respond to the call to study TA and MA in different cultural contexts.
An evaluation of a toothbrushing programme in schools
Authors: Woodall James , Woodward Jenny , Witty Karl , McCulloch Shona 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of a toothbrushing intervention delivered in primary schools in Yorkshire and the Humber, a Northern district of England. The toothbrushing intervention was designed with the intention of improving the oral health of young children. The paper reports the effectiveness of the intervention and explores process issues related to its co-ordination and delivery.

Design/methodology/approach
– The evaluation had three data gathering approaches. These were: in-depth case studies of three selected schools participating in the toothbrushing programme; interviews with oral health promoters responsible for the programme in the district; and a small scale questionnaire-based survey which was sent to the 18 schools participating in the intervention.

Findings
– The intervention was accepted by children and they enjoyed participating in the toothbrushing scheme. Children had often become more knowledgeable about toothbrushing and the consequences of not regularly cleaning their teeth. The scheme was contingent on key staff in the school and the programme was more successful where school's embraced, rather than rejected the notion of improving children's health alongside educational attainment. Whether the intervention made differences to brushing in the home requires further investigation, but there is a possibility that children can act as positive “change agents” with siblings and other family members.

Practical implications
– This paper suggests that schools can be an effective setting for implementing toothbrushing interventions.

Originality/value
– Toothbrushing in schools programmes are a relatively new initiative that have not been fully explored, especially using qualitative approaches or focusing on the views of children. This paper makes a particular contribution to understanding the process and delivery of toothbrushing interventions delivered in primary schools. The implications for programmes outside of the UK context are discussed.
Application of self-reciprocity in estimating ultrasonic power with a novel measurement method
Authors: Yang Ping , Xing Guangzhen 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– This article aims to propose a new measurement method for ultrasonic power based on self-reciprocity theorem which turns the estimation of ultrasonic power to the measurement of first echo current and open-circuit voltage of the driving source.

Design/methodology/approach
– The formula for ultrasonic power is derived which has corrected the position of pressure reflection coefficient on the interface of water and steel. The diffraction correction for focusing transducers is evaluated using numerical computation of the Rayleigh integral. One way to estimate the reflection coefficient of focusing beams on heterogeneous interface is also depicted.

Findings
– Comparison experiment with radiation force balance method demonstrates that ultrasonic power measurement using self-reciprocity is sound in theory and feasible in practice.

Originality/value
– It has a better capability of anti-environmental interference and, thus, can be extended to low-level and high-frequency power measurements.
Multi-pass path planning for thick plate by DSAW based on vision sensor
Authors: Yang Chengdong , Ye Zhen , Chen Yuxi , Zhong Jiyong , Chen Shanben 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to solve the problem that the changing of groove size and assembly gap would affect the precision of the multi-pass path planning and the welding quality and realize the automatic welding of a thick plate.

Design/methodology/approach
– First, a double-sided double arc welding (DSAW) system with a self-designed passive vision sensor was established, then the image of the groove was captured and the characteristic parameters of groove were extracted by image processing. According to the welding parameters and the extracted geometry size, multi-pass path planning was executed by the DSAW system.

Findings
– A DSAW system with a self-designed passive vision sensor was established which can realize the welding thick plate by double-sided double arc by two robots. The clear welding image of the groove was acquired, and an available image processing algorithm was proposed to accurately extract the characteristic parameters of the groove. According to the welding parameters and the extracted geometry size, multi-pass path planning can be executed by the DSAW system automatically.

Originality/value
– Gas metal arc welding is used for root welding and filler passes in DSAW. Multi-pass path planning for thick plate by Double-sided Double Arc Welding (DSAW) based on vision sensor was proposed.
Electrostatic charge interaction: a case study on tapered PMMA fiber for calcium nitrate detection
Authors: Batumalay M. , Lokman A. , Rahman H.A. , Harun S.W. , Ahmad H. 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to propose and demonstrate a simple fiber optic sensor using a tapered plastic multimode fiber as a probe for measurement of calcium nitrate concentrations in de-ionized water.

Design/methodology/approach
– The working mechanism is based on the observed increment in the transmission of the sensor that is immersed in calcium nitrate solution of higher concentration. The tapering of the plastic fiber is carried out by etching method using acetone, sand paper and de-ionized water.

Findings
– Tapered fiber with diameter 0.45 mm gives the highest sensitivity of 0.028 mV/% due to better interaction between the evanescent field and the calcium nitrate solution with a good slope linearity of more than 98 per cent for a 1.07 per cent limit of detection in a straight probe arrangement. The use of calcium and nitrate ions within the sensing medium demonstrates the strong dependency of the sensor output trend on the electrolytic nature of the chemical solutions.

Originality/value
– Demonstration of tapered plastic multimode fiber sensor probe for measurement electrolytic chemical solutions.
Maximizing lifetime sequences of wireless sensor networks powered by renewable energy
Authors: Abu-Baker Amjad , Huang Hong , Misra Satyajayant 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate conditional and unconditional lifetime sequence of wireless sensor networks (WSN) that have many important practical applications. A significant limitation for WSN is its short lifetime due to the limited capacity of the battery. Renewable energy can significantly extend the lifetime of WSN. In this paper, we investigate the whole sequence of lifetimes of every sensor in WSN, as different application scenarios have different requirement on how many sensors can die until the WSN is no longer functional.

Design/methodology/approach
– Linear programming formulation was used to investigate both the conditional and unconditional lifetime sequence of WSN. The lifetime sequences of WSN without and with differ levels of solar power were studied.

Findings
– This investigation of lifetime sequences discovered three interesting phenomena: the sensors that die first are on the peripheral of the network, rather close to the base station; multiple sensors tend to die simultaneously; and the lifetimes of sensors that die later can be extended by renewable energy much more significantly than those that die early, which is very good news to applications that can tolerate the death of a fraction of sensors.

Originality/value
– In this paper, the first optimization formulation for maximizing both unconditional and conditional lifetime sequences of WSNs with renewable energy sources was provided. Only the conditional lifetime sequence has been investigated in a previous work, but this method runs n-times faster than the previous work, with n being the number of nodes in the WSN.