bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy control charts for process quality improvement and product assessment in tip shear carpet industry
Authors: Taylan Osman , Darrab Ibrahim A. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of artificial intelligence methods in quality control and improvement. The paper introduces a systematic approach for the design of fuzzy control charts of tip shear carpets.Design/methodology/approachThere are certain steps for designing fuzzy control charts. All input, state and output variables of the carpet plant and partition of the universe of discourse were first determined. The interval spanned by each variable and the number of fuzzy subsets each assigned with a linguistic label were identified. Then, the adaptive capability of neural network was used to determine the membership functions for each fuzzy subset. The fuzzy relationship functions between the inputs and outputs were assigned to form the fuzzy rule base (controller) in order to normalize the variables and certain intervals. Fuzzification of input parameters and max‐min composition of rules for inferring crisp outputs was the next step. The aggregation of fuzzified outputs and defuzzification of the outputs were the last step of this study, which helped to produce crisp outputs for latex weight.FindingsFuzzy linguistic terms were employed for overall quality assessment and rating of the end product. The outcomes of neuro‐fuzzy system were good supplements to other statistical process control tools.Research limitations/implicationsLack of qualified domain experts, knowledge acquisition of process parameters and time limitation for training of neuro‐fuzzy model were primary limitations.Practical implicationsThe approach is more flexible and meaningful to identify the quality distribution of a product. The qualitative aspect of human reasoning for decision making was employed in this approach.Originality/valueThe paper is original and the first such work for local industry.
Symbols and place identity
Authors: Mueller Andreas , Schade Michael 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion about how to develop a common identity of local stakeholders of places (e.g. politicians, local companies, residents). Such a common identity is regarded as an essential aspect to market a place consistently to external target groups (e.g. tourists, companies, qualified workers, students).Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a conceptual approach by transferring semiotic (symbolism) and sociological concepts (symbolic interactionism) to the concept of place branding. Moreover, a practical example of how to identify potential place symbols of cities is presented within the case study of the German town of Bremen.FindingsSymbols are identified to be of special importance for the development of group identity of local stakeholders of places. Moreover, symbols are presented as essential aspects of a feeling of belonging to a place (place commitment).Research limitations/implicationsAs semiotic theory has not yet been transferred to the context of place branding this paper is opening up a new subject and needs to be understood as a first approach to constitute a theoretical framework. An empirical analyses needs to be carried out in order to proof the theories in the place branding context.Practical implicationsThe paper explains that symbols can be established by the arrangement of public discourses like, e.g. competitions for place logos, place mascots or place songs. Moreover, it is pointed out, how already established place symbols which are not yet part of branding strategies can be identified in order to strengthen place identity.Social ImplicationsFollowing the semiotic concept of symbolism the paper explains a high participation of residents as a necessity to establish and negotiate the meaning of symbols in order to strengthen place identity.Originality/valueBecause of being the first paper putting the semiotic theory of symbolism in the focus of the interdisciplinary discussion of branding the originality of the paper can be regarded as high.
Water impact tests and simulations of a steel structure
Authors: Borrelli Rosario , Mercurio Umberto , Alguadich Simona 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve knowledge of the water impact phenomenon from both the experimental and numerical points of view.Design/methodology/approachA drop test campaign on water was carried out on semi‐cylindrical steel structures. Therefore, an experimental database for validation purpose was generated. Subsequently, a finite element model was developed in LS‐DYNA in order to reproduce the tests. The behaviour of water was modeled by using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) methods. Numerical simulations were compared to experimental data and the influence of some numerical parameters on the simulations was investigated.FindingsThe FE model was found to be able to reproduce the tests, at least in terms of acceleration peak and distribution of plastic deformation. Acceptable prediction was also found for the pressure peak in soft areas.Research limitations/implicationsIn case of low velocity impact, the water model was found to be too rigid and the acceleration peaks were over‐predicted by the simulations. Further investigations are needed to adjust the water model in order to obtain better results also in the case of low velocity impact.Originality/valueThe experimental database could be very useful to the crashworthiness community to validate their numerical models. Moreover, the present paper provides guidelines to modelling the water impact correctly.
Analytical investigation of effect of stress ratio on threshold stress intensity factor range improved by overload
Authors: Houjou Keiji , Takahashi Koji , Ando Kotoji 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the effects of stress ratio (R) on the threshold stress intensity factor range (ΔKth) by applied overload and to conduct an analytical investigation of the effect of the stress ratio.Design/methodology/approachTensile overload was applied to a compact tension specimen, and fatigue tests were performed at R=0.1 or 0.5.FindingsThe value of ΔKth increased as the tensile overload was increased, and the nominal threshold values were given by the equation ΔNKth,R = C+ DKov, where C represents ΔKth, and D is a proportional constant. Experimental results showed that the value of D showed good agreement with theoretical value.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a new model that arrests crack growth or makes cracks harmless by utilizing the overload effect.
Defining dosing pattern characteristics of successful tapers following methadone maintenance treatment: results from a population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nosyk Bohdan , Sun Huiying , Evans Elizabeth , Marsh David C. , Anglin M. Douglas , Hser Yih‐Ing , Anis Aslam H. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTAims  To identify dose‐tapering strategies associated with sustained success following methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).Design  Population‐based retrospective cohort study.Setting  Linked administrative medication dispensation data from British Columbia, Canada.Participants  From 25 545 completed MMT episodes, 14 602 of which initiated a taper, 4183 individuals (accounting for 4917 MMT episodes) from 1996 to 2006 met study inclusion criteria.Measurements  The primary outcome was sustained successful taper, defined as a daily dose ≤5 mg per day in the final week of the treatment episode and no treatment re‐entry, opioid‐related hospitalization or mortality within 18 months following episode completion.Findings  The overall rate of sustained success was 13% among episodes meeting inclusion criteria (646 of 4917), 4.4% (646 of 14 602) among all episodes initiating a taper and 2.5% (646 of 25 545) among all completed episodes in the data set. The results of our multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that longer tapers had substantially higher odds of success [12–52 weeks versus <12 weeks: odds ratio (OR): 3.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.76–4.65; >52 weeks versus <12 weeks: OR: 6.68; 95% CI: 5.13–8.70], regardless of how early in the treatment episode the taper was initiated, and a more gradual, stepped tapering schedule, with dose decreases scheduled in only 25–50% of the weeks of the taper, provided the highest odds of sustained success (versus <25%: OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.22–2.14).Conclusions  The majority of patients attempting to taper from methadone maintenance treatment will not succeed. Success is enhanced by gradual dose reductions interspersed with periods of stabilization. These results can inform the development of a more refined guideline for future clinical practice.
The role of natural killer (NK) and NK T cells in the loss of tolerance in murine primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Shimoda S , Tsuneyama K , Kikuchi K , Harada K , Nakanuma Y , Nakamura M , Ishibashi H , Hisamoto S , Niiro H , Leung P S C , Ansari A A , Gershwin M E , Akashi K 
Published: March 2012

SummaryOne of the major obstacles in dissecting the mechanism of pathology in human primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has been the absence of animal models. Our laboratory has focused on a model in which mice, following immunization with a xenobiotic chemical mimic of the immunodominant autoepitope of the E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2), develop autoimmune cholangitis. In particular, following immunization with 2-octynoic acid (a synthetic chemical mimic of lipoic acid-lysine located within the inner domain of PDC-E2) coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA), several strains of mice develop typical anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies and portal inflammation. The role of innate immune effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and that NK T cells, was studied in this model based on the hypothesis that early events during immunization play an important role in the breakdown of tolerance. We report herein that, following in-vivo depletion of NK and NK T cells, there is a marked suppression of anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies and cytokine production from autoreactive T cells. However, there was no change in the clinical pathology of portal inflammation compared to controls. These data support the hypothesis that there are probably multiple steps in the natural history of PBC, including a role of NK and NK T cells in initiating the breakdown of tolerance. However, the data suggest that adaptive autoimmune effector mechanisms are required for the progression of clinical disease.
Impact of the FTO gene variation on fat oxidation and its potential influence on body weight in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kowalska Irina , Adamska Agnieszka , T. Malecki Maciej , Karczewska‐Kupczewska Monika , Nikolajuk Agnieszka , Szopa Magdalena , Gorska Maria , Straczkowski Marek 
Published: March 2012

SummaryContextPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder where insulin resistance might be involved in the development of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. It has recently been shown that the FTO gene modifies weight, fat mass and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS, where its role might be larger than in other phenotypes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate the effect of a variation of the FTO gene on carbohydrate and lipid oxidation in PCOS women.PatientsThe study group consisted of 65 women with PCOS and 28 healthy, normally menstruating women.MeasurementsClinical examination, anthropometric measurements, euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp and measurements of serum sex hormones were performed. Carbohydrate and lipid oxidation were evaluated with indirect calorimetry in the baseline state and during last 30 min of the clamp. The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.ResultsThere were no differences in carbohydrate and lipid oxidation between PCOS and control women. In the PCOS group, TT homozygotes had higher baseline fat oxidation in comparison with carriers of the A allele (P = 0·018), which was not found in the control group. We did not observe the effect of the FTO gene variation on insulin‐stimulated lipid oxidation and neither on the baseline nor on the insulin‐stimulated carbohydrate oxidation.ConclusionOur data show that this FTO gene variation might influence the baseline lipid oxidation in PCOS patients. This might potentially be one of the mechanisms explaining the impact of the FTO gene on body weight in PCOS.
Polymorphism of the complement 5 gene and cardiovascular outcome in patients with atherosclerosis
Authors: Hoke Matthias , Speidl Walter , Schillinger Martin , Minar Erich , Zehetmayer Sonja , Schönherr Michael , Wagner Oswald , Mannhalter Christine 
Published: March 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (9): 921–926AbstractBackground  Humoral mediators of inflammation, in particular the complement system, have been described to play an important role in atherogenesis. Previously, we found a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the complement 5 gene (C5 rs17611, A>G) independently associated with stroke. Up to now, the impact of C5 rs17611 on the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcome in patients with asymptomatic atherosclerosis was unclear.Materials and Methods  We investigated C5 rs17611 in a cohort of 1065 consecutive patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. All patients were prospectively followed for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and the development of a first major cardiovascular event (MACE), respectively.Results  Three hundred and thirty‐seven patients (31·6%) experienced a MACE during a median follow‐up of 3·0 years. The homozygous GG genotype of the C5 rs17611 was significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome (adjusted HR: 1·36 [95% CI, 1·07–1·73]; P = 0·01). After stratification for sex, C5 rs17611 CC was found to be an independent risk factor for MACE in men (HR 1·50 [95% CI, 1·12–1·83]). No association of C5 rs17611 with progression of carotid stenosis, observed in 93 (8·7%) patients, was detectable. Performance of ELISA indicated a significant association of the C5 rs17611 variant with C5a plasma levels.Conclusion  The C5 rs17611 GG genotype is associated with increased C5a plasma levels and represents a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcome in male patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
A clinicopathological study of malignant odontogenic tumours
Authors: Chaisuparat Risa , Sawangarun Wanlada , Scheper Mark A 
Published: March 2012

Chaisuparat R, Sawangarun W & Scheper M A  (2012) Histopathology 61, 107–112A clinicopathological study of malignant odontogenic tumoursAims:  Malignant odontogenic tumours (MOTs) are rare neoplasms occurring primarily within the jaw. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, demographics and clinicopathological features of the MOTs from two institutions.Methods and results:  The records of the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and the Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA were searched from 1991 to 2010; we identified 17 cases of previously diagnosed MOTs. All cases were reviewed independently of the previous diagnosis by two blinded oral pathologists and reclassified based on the 2005 World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumours. In this study we describe in detail these 17 cases which presented with an average age of 50.29 years and a male to female ratio of 2.4:1. These cases included five ameloblastic carcinomas, four atypical ameloblastomas, three primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinomas, three intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinomas and two clear cell odontogenic carcinomas. All cases were treated by surgical resection and one patient with ameloblastic carcinoma received postoperative radiotherapy.Conclusions:  Malignant odontogenic tumours are considered rare central odontogenic lesions. Awareness of their existence, rapid diagnosis and successful treatment using surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy is critical to patient survival.
Understanding the complexity of γδ T‐cell subsets in mouse and human
Authors: Pang Dick J. , Neves Joana F. , Sumaria Nital , Pennington Daniel J. 
Published: March 2012

Summaryγδ T cells are increasingly recognized as having important functional roles in a range of disease scenarios such as infection, allergy, autoimmunity and cancer. With this has come realization that γδ cells are not a homogeneous population of cells with a single physiological role. Instead, ever increasing complexity in both phenotype and function is being ascribed to γδ cell subsets from various tissues and locations, and in both mouse and human. Here, we review this complexity by describing how diverse γδ cell subsets are generated in the murine thymus, and how these events relate to subsequent γδ subset function in the periphery. We then review the two major γδ cell populations in human, highlighting the several similarities of Vδ1+ cells to certain murine γδ subsets, and describing the remarkable functional plasticity of human Vδ2+ cells. A better understanding of this spectrum of γδ cell phenotypes should facilitate more targeted approaches to utilise their tremendous functional potential in the clinic.
Physical, functional and pasting properties of different maize (Zea mays) cultivars as modified by an increase in γ‐irradiation doses
Authors: Falade Kolawole O. , Kolawole Titilayo A. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryPhysical, functional and pasting properties of six maize (Zea mays) cultivars as modified by an increase in γ‐irradiation doses were investigated. From the L*, a* and b* measured, deltachroma, colour intensity and hue angle were calculated. Functional and physicochemical properties of maize flours were determined using standard methods and Rapid Visco Analyser, respectively. Often, the effect of γ‐irradiation on L*, a* and b* values within each cultivar was almost never significant but pronounced between the yellow and white cultivars. Generally, deltachroma, colour intensity and hue angle decreased with increased γ‐irradiation dose. Mean seed bulk density and 100 kernel weight varied from 0.73–0.77 g cm−3 and 23.13–35.42 g, respectively. Loose and packed bulk densities, and water (WAC) and oil absorption capacities of the maize flours were not significantly affected by γ‐irradiation. WAC of nonirradiated and γ‐irradiated maize flours ranged from 1.54–1.62 and 1.09–1.70 g g−1, respectively. Peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosities decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased γ‐irradiation dose.
In vitro antioxidant activity of papain‐treated grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) protein hydrolysate and the preventive effect on fish mince system
Authors: Li Xue , Luo Yongkang , You Juan , Shen Huixing , Du Jin 
Published: March 2012

SummaryAntioxidant activities of papain‐treated grass carp protein hydrolysate (HP) were investigated using in vitro methods and in grass carp mince system. Lipid oxidation, colour changes and cooking loss in grass carp mince added with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% HP during refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 8 days was studied. HP could chelate 50% of Fe2+ and scavenge 50% of hydroxyl radicals at the concentration of 0.81 and 8.12 mg mL−1, respectively. And HP could effectively decrease peroxide values and inhibit the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in fish mince throughout storage (P < 0.05), at the application level range from 0.5% to 4.0%. In HP‐treated samples the formation of conjugate dienes (CDs) was retarded 5–30% at day 6 of storage compared to control. In addition, HP could significantly decrease cooking loss of fish mince samples, at the application level range from 1.0% to 4.0%.
Ideal and relative sweetness of high intensity sweeteners in mango nectar
Authors: Cadena Rafael Silva , Bolini Helena Maria André 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to analyse the ideal and relative sweetness of mango nectar with high intensity sweeteners. The ideal sweetness of the samples sweetened with sucrose at 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%, was analysed using an acceptance test with a just‐about‐right (JAR) scale and 100 consumers of mango nectar. The magnitude estimation method was then used to determine the relative sweetness of the high intensity sweeteners. Six samples were prepared and one sweetener added to each: sucrose, sucralose, 100:50:1 acesulfame‐K/sucralose/neotame blend, 1:1 thaumatin/sucralose blend and stevia with 97% of rebaudioside. The ideal sweetness analysis revealed that 6.84% was the ideal concentration of sucrose. The relative sweetness analysis showed that neotame presented the highest sweetening power, being 6026 times sweeter than sucrose with respect to the mango nectar containing 7% of sucrose, followed by sucralose (627), thaumatin/sucralose blend 1:1 (549), acesulfame‐K/sucralose/neotame blend 100:50:1 (259) and stevia (134).
Comparison of the effects of a commercial and an autochthonous Pediococcus acidilactici and Staphylococcus vitulus starter culture on the sensory and safety properties of a traditional Iberian dry‐fermented sausage “salchichón”
Authors: Casquete Rocío , Benito María J. , Martín Alberto , Ruiz‐Moyano Santiago , Pérez‐Nevado Francisco , Córdoba María G. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe effect of the addition of an autochthonous starter culture and commercial starter culture on the physico‐chemical and sensory characteristics of the dry‐fermented sausage ‘salchichon’ was investigated. Sausages were prepared with a mixture of Pediococcus acidilactici MC184 and Staphylococcus vitulus RS34 as the autochthonous starter culture (P184S34), ripened for 86 days, and compared with a commercial starter batch (CS1). Strains of acid lactic bacteria and Staphylococcus were identified in the samples along the ripening process which demonstrated that the inoculation of sausages assures their implantation during the ripening process. However, P184S34 starter culture showed a higher inhibitory effect on enterobacteria and coliform flora than the CS1 batches, guaranteeing a better quality hygienic sausages. Dry‐fermented sausages ripened with P184S34 showed higher amounts of NPN and volatile compounds derived from amino acid catabolism than the CS1 batches. Especially important was the result found in biogenic amines, since the P184S34 reduced their accumulation compared to the commercial starter batch. The inoculation of a decarboxylase‐negative autochthonous starter culture P184S34 reduced the biogenic amine accumulation guaranteeing safety and homogeneity of the products without producing a negative effect on the sensory characteristics of the traditional fermented sausages.