bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing defect rework for a software start-up's schedule variation: a Six-Sigma-based approach
Authors: Mahato Satyajit , Roy Supriyo 
Published: March 2024

PurposeManaging project completion within the stipulated time is significant to all firms' sustainability. Especially for software start-up firms, it is of utmost importance. For any schedule variation, these firms must spend 25 to 40 percent of the development cost reworking quality defects. Significantly, the existing literature does not support defect rework opportunities under quality aspects among Indian IT start-ups. The present study aims to fill this niche by proposing a unique mathematical model of the defect rework aligned with the Six Sigma quality approach.Design/methodology/approachAn optimization model was formulated, comprising the two objectives: rework “time” and rework “cost.” A case study was developed in relevance, and for the model solution, we used MATLAB and an elitist, Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II).FindingsThe output of the proposed approach reduced the “time” by 31 percent at a minimum “cost”. The derived “Pareto Optimal” front can be used to estimate the “cost” for a pre-determined rework “time” and vice versa, thus adding value to the existing literature.Research limitations/implicationsThis work has deployed a decision tree for defect prediction, but it is often criticized for overfitting. This is one of the limitations of this paper. Apart from this, comparing the predicted defect count with other prediction models hasn’t been attempted. NSGA-II has been applied to solve the optimization problem; however, the optimal results obtained have yet to be compared with other algorithms. Further study is envisaged.Practical implicationsThe Pareto front provides an effective visual aid for managers to compare multiple strategies to decide the best possible rework “cost” and “time” for their projects. It is beneficial for cost-sensitive start-ups to estimate the rework “cost” and “time” to negotiate with their customers effectively.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a novel quality management framework under the Six Sigma approach, which integrates optimization of critical metrics. As part of this study, a unique mathematical model of the software defect rework process was developed (combined with the proposed framework) to obtain the optimal solution for the perennial problem of schedule slippage in the rework process of software development.
The risk relationships between alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder and alcohol use disorder mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carr Tessa , Kilian Carolin , Llamosas‐Falcón Laura , Zhu Yachen , Lasserre Aurélie M. , Puka Klajdi , Probst Charlotte 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsIncreasing levels of alcohol use are associated with a risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD), which, in turn, is associated with considerable burden. Our aim was to estimate the risk relationships between alcohol consumption and AUD incidence and mortality.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted, using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science for case–control or cohort studies published between 1 January 2000 and 8 July 2022. These were required to report alcohol consumption, AUD incidence and/or AUD mortality (including 100% alcohol‐attributable deaths). The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022343201). Dose–response and random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to determine the risk relationships between alcohol consumption and AUD incidence and mortality and mortality rates in AUD patients, respectively.ResultsOf the 5904 reports identified, seven and three studies from high‐income countries and Brazil met the inclusion criteria for quantitative and qualitative syntheses, respectively. In addition, two primary US data sources were analyzed. Higher levels of alcohol consumption increased the risk of developing or dying from an AUD exponentially. At an average consumption of four standard drinks (assuming 10 g of pure alcohol/standard drink) per day, the risk of developing an AUD was increased sevenfold [relative risk (RR) = 7.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.13–9.93] and the risk of dying fourfold (RR = 3.94, 95% CI = 3.53–4.40) compared with current non‐drinkers. The mortality rate in AUD patients was 3.13 (95% CI = 1.07–9.13) per 1000 person‐years.ConclusionsThere are exponential positive risk relationships between alcohol use and both alcohol use disorder incidence and mortality. Even at an average consumption of 20 g/day (about one large beer), the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is nearly threefold that of current non‐drinkers and the risk of dying from an AUD is approximately double that of current non‐drinkers.
Shaping states into nations: The effects of ethnic geography on state borders
Authors: Müller‐Crepon Carl , Schvitz Guy , Cederman Lars‐Erik 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBorders define states, yet little systematic evidence explains where they are drawn. Putting current challenges to state borders into perspective and breaking new methodological ground, this paper analyzes how ethnic geography and nationalism have shaped European borders since the 19th century. We argue that nationalism creates pressures to redraw political borders along ethnic lines, ultimately making states more congruent with ethnic groups. We introduce a Probabilistic Spatial Partition Model to test this argument, modeling state territories as partitions of a planar spatial graph. Using new data on Europe's ethnic geography since 1855, we find that ethnic boundaries increase the conditional probability that two locations they separate are, or will become, divided by a state border. Secession is an important mechanism driving this result. Similar dynamics characterize border change in Asia but not in Africa and the Americas. Our results highlight the endogenous formation of nation‐states in Europe and beyond.
Endogenous preferences, credible signaling, and the security dilemma: Bridging the rationalist–constructivist divide
Authors: Yoder Brandon , Haynes Kyle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHow does the potential for socialization affect states' abilities to reassure each other and mitigate the security dilemma? Rationalist scholarship has identified numerous mechanisms by which states can credibly signal benign intentions. Yet it omits the possibility that states' interactions might endogenously shape their identities and domestic structures, and thus alter their basic preferences for or against cooperative outcomes. We present a formal model of the security dilemma that allows the sender's preferences to change endogenously as a function of the receiver's actions. The model yields several key results. First, the possibility of socialization generates incentives for benign actors to risk initiating cooperation, and even sustain cooperation in response to noncooperative signals in the hope of positively socializing the sender. However, conflict can still occur between mutually benign states through novel mechanisms not captured by standard models. These findings carry important implications for recent debates surrounding the US “engagement” strategy toward China.
Textures of Black sound and affect: Life and death in New Orleans
Authors: Sakakeeny Matt 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn a traditional New Orleans jazz funeral, the characteristic shift from mourning to joy is propelled by brass band musicians weaving melodies and rhythms together. This article is about how these thickly layered textures of sound elicit shared sentiments of lament and of joy. More than an accumulation of individual layers, the textures and emotions compose an atmosphere, in both the physical and metaphorical sense, of mutual aid. The relative openness of the sound—the fact that it cannot be reduced to its communicative content—means that it can also be heard as a political act of refusal, rebellion, or something else altogether. An underrecognized keyword in sound studies, texture is placed here in a web of relations with other keywords: affect, assembly, atmosphere, care, fugitivity, joy/lament, life/death, mutual aid, rebellion, refusal, religiosity, voice/instrument. Textures of sound do not explicitly call for an end to anti‐Black violence, and I am hesitant to even characterize the jazz funeral as an act of resistance. But I suggest that the assemblies of Black sounds and bodies “speak” to the possibility of liberation and generate an atmosphere of mutual aid.
Autoimmune cytopenia and Kabuki syndrome in paediatrics: Insights in 11 patients
Authors: Bianchi Chloé , Margot Henri , Fernandes Helder , Pasquet Marlène , Priqueler Laurence , Roy‐Peaud Frédérique , Bauduer Frédéric , Bayart Sophie , Garnier Nathalie , Fain Olivier , Van Gils Julien , Joly Sandrine Baron , Rialland Fanny , Paillard Catherine , Deparis Marianna , Lambilliotte Anne , Leblanc Thierry , Fahd Mony , Leverger Guy , Héritier Sébastien , Geneviève David , Rieux‐Laucat Frédéric , Picard Capucine , Neyraud Caroline , Aladjidi Nathalie 
Published: March 2024

SummaryKabuki syndrome (KS) is now listed in the Human Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) Classification. It is a rare disease caused by KMT2D and KDM6A variants, dominated by intellectual disability and characteristic facial features. Recurrently, pathogenic variants are identified in those genes in patients examined for autoimmune cytopenia (AIC), but interpretation remains challenging. This study aims to describe the genetic diagnosis and the clinical management of patients with paediatric‐onset AIC and KS. Among 11 patients with AIC and KS, all had chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and seven had Evans syndrome. All had other associated immunopathological manifestations, mainly symptomatic hypogammaglobinaemia. They had a median of 8 (5–10) KS‐associated manifestations. Pathogenic variants were detected in KMT2D gene without clustering, during the immunological work‐up of AIC in three cases, and the clinical strategy to validate them is emphasized. Eight patients received second‐line treatments, mainly rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil. With a median follow‐up of 17 (2–31) years, 8/10 alive patients still needed treatment for AIC. First‐line paediatricians should be able to recognize and confirm KS in children with ITP or multiple AIC, to provide early appropriate clinical management and specific long‐term follow‐up. The epigenetic immune dysregulation in KS opens exciting new perspectives.
Faster clinical decisions in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A single flow cytometric 12‐colour tube improves diagnosis and minimal residual disease follow‐up
Authors: Lebecque Benjamin , Besombes Joevin , Dannus Louis‐Thomas , De Antonio Marie , Cacheux Victoria , Grèze Victoria , Montagnon Valentin , Veronese Lauren , Tchirkov Andrei , Tournilhac Olivier , Berger Marc G. , Veyrat‐Masson Richard 
Published: March 2024

SummaryAssessing minimal residual disease (MRD) in B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP‐ALL) is essential for adjusting therapeutic strategies and predicting relapse. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the gold standard for MRD. Alternatively, flow cytometry is a quicker and cost‐effective method that typically uses leukaemia‐associated immunophenotype (LAIP) or different‐from‐normal (DFN) approaches for MRD assessment. This study describes an optimized 12‐colour flow cytometry antibody panel designed for BCP‐ALL diagnosis and MRD monitoring in a single tube. This method robustly differentiated hematogones and BCP‐ALL cells using two specific markers: CD43 and CD81. These and other markers (e.g. CD73, CD66c and CD49f) enhanced the specificity of BCP‐ALL cell detection. This innovative approach, based on a dual DFN/LAIP strategy with a principal component analysis method, can be used for all patients and enables MRD analysis even in the absence of a diagnostic sample. The robustness of our method for MRD monitoring was confirmed by the strong correlation (r = 0.87) with the qPCR results. Moreover, it simplifies and accelerates the preanalytical process through the use of a stain/lysis/wash method within a single tube (<2 h). Our flow cytometry‐based methodology improves the BCP‐ALL diagnosis efficiency and MRD management, offering a complementary method with considerable benefits for clinical laboratories.
Schwere atopische Dermatitis im frühen Kindesalter: Besonderheiten, Herausforderungen und neue Perspektiven in der Versorgung
Authors: Weins Andreas Benedikt , Kerzel Sebastian , Schnopp Christina 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDie atopische Dermatitis ist die häufigste chronische Hauterkrankung im Kindesalter mit einer Prävalenz von 10% bei Kleinkindern unter 2 Jahren, wovon etwa 15% einen hohen Schweregrad aufweisen. „Kinder sind keine kleinen Erwachsenen“, dies trifft für die schwere frühkindliche atopische Dermatitis in besonderem Maße zu. Innerhalb dieser sensiblen Lebensphase zeigen sich alterstypische Facetten der Erkrankung (psychosozial, neurokognitiv, klinisch‐morphologisch), die Unterschiede im Management mit sich bringen.Besondere Bedeutung hat die Identifikation von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern mit früh‐persistierendem, schwerem Verlauf mit Blick auf eine erstmals für diese Altersgruppe zugelassene Systemtherapie: sowohl für die unmittelbare Versorgung der Hauterkrankung als auch unter dem Aspekt einer möglichen Prävention von Begleiterkrankungen. Da der „atopische Phänotyp“ klinische Überlappungen zum Spektrum der Immundefekte aufweist, ist die korrekte Einordnung des Hautbefundes bei therapierefraktärem Ekzem essenziell. In dieser Arbeit beschreiben wir eine alltagstaugliche Strategie, um anhand anamnestischer Warnhinweise, dermatologischer Leitbefunde und Labordiagnostik eine Abgrenzung von ekzematösen Hauterscheinungen bei primären Immundefekten vorzunehmen. Dazu geben wir aktuelle Empfehlungen zum Management des schweren frühkindlichen atopischen Ekzems, auch in Bezug auf die Indikation zur Systemtherapie.
Do SWF investments matter for bond ratings? The role of corporate governance
Authors: Ouni Zeineb , Ghouma Hatem H. , Ben‐Nasr Hamdi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe investigate the impact of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) equity ownership on bonds’ credit ratings of their target firms. Using a sample of 2045 bonds issued by 324 SWF target firms from 16 countries over the period 1996–2020, we find evidence linking SWF investments to lower likelihood of bond rating upgrades. Consistent with value‐reducing political agenda hypothesis, our results suggest that credit rating agencies perceive SWFs as a structure that could affect the quality of corporate governance and harm bondholder interests by leaving them vulnerable to losses. Our results also show that credit rating could be improved: (i) with SWF transparency and experience; (ii) when SWFs take a more passive investment stance; and (iii) within the financial crisis period. Finally, and interestingly, using generalized structural equation modelling, we provide evidence supporting the mediating role of target firm's corporate governance quality in the relationship between SWF investments and bond ratings. Our findings are robust to controls for the endogeneity and heteroscedasticity issues and to alternative sample compositions and regression frameworks.
The impact of shared value proposition on consumer engagement through a sense of brand community
Authors: Lin Jing , Long Chengzhi , Liu Bo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCreating shared value (CSV) literature has heralded enterprises generating economic benefit while simultaneously adding value to society. Existing research predominantly employs the case study method to show that enterprises adopting CSV strategies have achieved commercial success. However, empirical investigations are still rarely undertaken to examine the effect of CSV on consumers. This study argues that a shared value proposition generates consumer engagement (CE) and fosters in customers a sense of brand community. To this end, a moderated mediation model is constructed to delineate the relationship between shared value proposition, sense of brand community, and brand engagement. The empirical results show that a shared value proposition has a positive impact on brand engagement, which is fully mediated by consumers' sense of brand community. The study also discovered that consumers' self‐construal does not moderate the relationship between shared value proposition and sense of brand community. We hope our study and the evidence it provides help to shed more lights on the understanding and impact of CSV and to support the application of CSV strategy in enterprise.
Enhancing the quality and shelf life of semi‐smoked sausages with sesame seed additions
Authors: Serikkyzy Mira , Baybolova Lyazzat , Kulazhanov Talgat , Balev Desislav , Vlahova‐Vangelova Desislavа 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis study investigates strategies to improve the quality and prolong the shelf life of semi‐smoked sausages made from beef by incorporating vegetable products. In this study, sesame seeds and sesame oil were employed as plant‐based products. Organoleptic analysis was comprehensively conducted, assessing sensory characteristics such as taste, aroma, texture and visual appearance of semi‐smoked sausages. Evaluations were performed by experienced experts, ensuring a meticulous and precise investigation of the sensory attributes of the product. The analysis encompasses a comprehensive examination of microbiological parameters over varying storage periods, a detailed study of the overall chemical composition, sensory evaluations and scrutiny of pH variations and oxidative processes during the 0–30 days storage interval. Distinct groups, including a control group (Group 1—sausages without vegetable additives), Group 2 (sausages with sesame seed incorporation) and Group 3 (sausages with sesame oil inclusion), were subjected to the experimental conditions. Evaluating the pH levels revealed a significant gradual increase in Group 3 compared to both the control (P ≤ 0.01) and Group 2 (P ≤ 0.05). Simultaneously, water activity values experienced a notable decrease to 0.944 (P ≤ 0.05) in all groups, providing a uniform trend across the experiment. The introduction of plant‐based ingredients, particularly sesame, and the comprehensive examination of various production technologies, encompassing both standard and accelerated processes, distinguish this study from existing works. Furthermore, the research takes into account a complex array of factors acting as barriers, providing valuable practical insights for potential improvements in the production of semi‐smoked sausages.
Dynamics of potential antihypertensive and antidiabetogenic activities during artisanal fermentation of three varieties of Mexican cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Domínguez‐Pérez Leydy A. , Beltrán‐Barrientos Lilia M. , Torres‐Llanez María J. , González‐Córdova Aarón F. , Hernández‐Mendoza Adrián , García Hugo S. , Vallejo‐Cordoba Belinda 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to follow the dynamics of potential antihypertensive (angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)) and antidiabetogenic (dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV)) inhibitory activities during artisanal fermentation of Mexican cocoa beans. Almendra Blanca, Criollo and Forastero cocoa beans were sampled after 0, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h of fermentation and roasting (140 °C) and subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Subsequently, proteolytic activity (OPA method), peptide abundance (RP–HPLC), ACE and DPP‐IV inhibitory activities and IC50 were determined. The results showed that proteolytic activity, peptide abundance and ACE and DPP‐IV inhibition were higher (P < 0.05) at the final stages of fermentation (96 and 120 h). However, IC50 values in partially fermented (48 to 96 h) cocoa beans were the lowest (P < 0.05) of all. In conclusion, a partially fermented cocoa bean may be desirable for its use as a functional ingredient with potential antihypertensive and antidiabetogenic effects.
Cooking quality of rice is a potential predictor to identify low starch digestibility rice
Authors: Kumar Awadhesh , Biswal Monalisha , Sahoo Upasana , Nayak Lopamudra , Lal Milan Kumar , Sah Rameswar Prasad , Nayak Amaresh Kumar 
Published: March 2024

SummarySurge in diabetes cases and its expensive management cost are major constraints leading to reduced rice consumption. Therefore, screening of low glycaemic index (GI) rice along with better cooking quality is a cost‐effective approach for diabetes management. In 103 diverse rice germplasms analysed for starch digestibility parameters, GI was observed between 52.72 (EC 966576) and 73.46 (IC 200559), whereas resistant starch (RS) and amylose content (AC) were found in the range of 0.31–2.26% and 3.52–22.31%, respectively. On the other hand, water uptake (WU), gel consistency (GC) and alkali spreading value (ASV) were estimated to check possible linkage between these cooking quality parameters and starch digestibility. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.84, r = 0.95) was found between GI and ASV, WU. However, GC showed a significant negative correlation (r = −0.90) with GI. These cooking quality parameters can be used as an alternative approach to identify low‐starch digestibility rice.
Effect of high‐speed homogenisation on the morphological characteristics and survivability ofLactobacillus rhamnosusGG‐coated microbeads
Authors: Ali Umair , Saeed Muhammad , Ahmad Zulfiqar , Waseem Muhammad , Shah Faiz‐ul‐Hassan , Khan Muhammad Asif , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan , Hafeez Hammad , Kiran Warda , Nayik Gulzar Ahmad , Ramniwas Seema , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Alahmadi Tahani Awad 
Published: March 2024

SummaryXanthan gum can be utilised to overcome the structural defects in alginate microbeads and to improve the stability of microbeads under harsh conditions, that is, high acidic pH and homogenisation speeds. Present study was conducted to assess the survival ofLactobacillus rhamnosusGG using alginate (1.5% w/v) and xanthan gum (0.5% w/v) for encapsulation and structural modifications of microbeads. Homogenisation emulsion technique was used for encapsulation at various homogenisation speeds, that is, 3000 rpm (HS1), 6000 rpm (HS2), 9000 rpm (HS3) and 12 000 rpm (HS4). The resultant microbeads were characterised for diameter, beads yield, structural morphology using the scanning electron microscopy, probiotic count, bacterial survival, storage stability and homogenisation efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the beads produced at 12 000 rpm are more uniform, spherical in shape and have large surface area when compared with the other treatment groups. The diameter of microbeads was reduced from 323.1 to 238.2 μm as the homogenisation speed increased from 3000 to 12 000 rpm. The highest bacterial count (i.e., 9.45 log CFU g−1), homogenisation efficiency (91.6%), beads yield (23.0%), survivability (86.5%) and storage stability (9.84 to 7.90 log CFU g−1) were recorded at 12 000 rpm (HS4). Conclusively, the homogenised encapsulated microbeads at 12 000 rpm significantly improved the beads surface and sphericity, and bacterial survivability.