bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintenance‐related losses at the Swedish Rail
Authors: Holmgren Mattias 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify maintenance related losses, and their causes, in order to describe different deviations in the maintenance process that contributes to incidents and accidents at the Swedish Railway.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper incident and accident reports from 666 derailments and collisions at the Swedish Railway during 1988‐2000, stored in a national database, are studied with respect to possible maintenance related causes.FindingsThe railway is a complex technical system used for both freight and passenger transportation. Maintenance is one way to achieve safety and dependability of the railway. However, at the same time badly performed maintenance may also cause accidents. The study shows that maintenance related causes represent 30 percent of all rail and track related incidents and accidents represented in the database. About 80 percent of the maintenance related accidents happen during the execution phase. The most common cause of maintenance related accidents is imperfect communication and information between the maintenance personnel and the operators. Rule violations, especially lack of permission to perform maintenance work on the track, are the second most frequent causes.Originality/valueIdentifies maintenance related losses, and their causes, on Swedish railways but is of value to all concerned with transport maintenance and safety.
Scheduling with different maintenance policies in a textile company
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jinn , Liao Ching‐Jong 
Published: April 2005

PurposeMachine maintenance is essential in many industries. How to schedule maintenance becomes especially important when achieving high shop performance is desired. This paper aims to consider the maintenance scheduling problem in a company where different maintenance situations exist.Design/methodology/approachThe company, which is famous in South East Asia, specializes in the manufacturing of textiles such as polypropylene and chemical chip. In this paper an algorithm is presented, for five specific situations, for the company to minimize the number of tardy jobs.FindingsOwing to machine overload in 24‐hour production, machine breakdowns usually occur in the shop. There is an urgent need for the company to derive a procedure that will incorporate the maintenance into the schedule to reduce the machine breakdown. Computational results have showed that the proposed algorithm outperforms the current method with an average improvement of 32.5 percent, although the actual average improvement is somewhat lower partly because some jobs are unexpectedly cancelled or changed.Practical implicationsThis proposed algorithm is appropriate not only for the studied company, but for those companies where maintenance has to be operated one or several times a month and the maintenance time is so significant that it cannot be ignored.Originality/valueProvides an algorithm to aid in the maintenance scheduling problem.
Mathematical modeling of wear rate of non‐repairable parts and their replacement strategies
Authors: Santarisi Nader S. , Almomany Raid M. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe cement industry provides high wear environment for many casting units which results in high production costs and consumes both the time and efforts of different available skills to investigate and replace the worn parts. Aims to consider a predictive system for the wear of such units that will reduce the related unpredicted incidents.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, cement mill shell liners are non‐repairable castings and subjected to accelerated deterioration process as the operational hours and hence the production increases. Both decision variables and their interaction were used to construct models that best describe the wear process of the shell lines for two compartments' ball mill. Data from past records were used and analyzed using the statistical package SPSS version 10.0.FindingsThe best regression model for each compartment was found to be exponential function but with different shape parameters. Some data were used to validate the model using statistical calculations of errors. The proposed models were used to develop the best operational time for liners' replacement strategy.Practical implicationsThe findings of the optimal replacement time resulted in higher mill productivity, lower specific power consumption, reduced spare parts cost and reduced production loss for unjustified mill stoppages.Originality/valueDevelops a mathematical model for cement mill shell liners' life to determine the optimal replacement strategy.
Rapid manufacturing of rhenium components using EB‐PVD
Authors: Prabhu Vittal V. , Fuke Indraneel V. , Cho Sohyung , Singh Jogender 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights for understanding the relationship between rapid manufacturing process for rhenium components in jet nozzle fabrication using electron beam‐physical vapor deposition (EB‐PVD). Specifically, to develop a methodology to characterize and improve this new process through motion planning for maintaining uniformity in the deposition thickness.Design/methodology/approachThis research first identifies several important objectives for the process, and then develops an optimized heuristic method based on a look‐ahead approach to generate motion plans for uniform thickness objective. In this heuristic, the surface of the workpiece is modeled using finite element method and the accumulated thickness of each layer on each element is computed based on its location in the vapor plume using a ray casting algorithm.FindingsComputational experiments show that the proposed algorithm can potentially provide significant improvements in the uniformity of the layers and cost savings in manufacturing compared to prevailing practice, especially for low‐volume production such as aerospace applications.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research, net‐shaped jet nozzle has been fabricated using a graphite mandrel. Therefore, the mandrel‐based approach can be limited to producing hollow components.Practical implicationsThe proposed method is very generic and thus can be applied for multi‐material manufacturing process identifying the sweet spot of the intersecting vapor plumes.Originality/valueThis research can help the EB‐PVD process for rapid manufacturing which has been considered as financially expensive to be accepted in real practice by providing a relationship of the process‐to‐product transformation through the developed motion planning methods.
Microstructural evolution in direct laser sintering of Cu‐based metal powder
Authors: Zhu H.H. , Fuh J.Y.H. , Lu L. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo identify the effects of laser scan speed and scan spacing on surface morphology, microstructure and structure evolution in direct laser sintering of Cu‐based metal powder.Design/methodology/approachScanning electron microscope, differential thermal analyser (DTA) and X‐ray diffractometer were used to examine the microstructure of the sintered parts.FindingsIt was found that the decrease of the scan speed and scan spacing could lead to densification due to solute‐reprecipitation mechanism. The formation of oxide Cu2O is sensitive to the scan spacing due to the lack of Cu3P protection under the re‐heating condition if using small scan spacing. Furthermore, the result shows that there exist two mechanisms in determining the phosphor distribution. During the laser sintering, concentration diffusion acts as the main mechanism at a fast scan speed and a large scan spacing while solute‐reprecipitation acts as the main mechanism at a low scan speed and small scan spacing.Originality/valueThis paper discloses the influence of process parameters on microstructure evolution and the mechanism of densification in direct laser sintering Cu‐based metal powder. It offers practical help to the researchers who are interested in direct laser sintering metal powder.
From supply‐chain management to value network advocacy: implications for e‐supply chains
Authors: Sherer Susan A. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo introduce a broader concept for supply‐chain management (SCM), the notion of value network advocacy.Design/methodology/approachThe historical roots and the traditional terms used to describe SCM are explored to show how their meanings have led to specific types of information systems to support SCM. The limitations of these systems are demonstrated with case studies. Then the concept of value network advocacy is introduced to address these limitations, and implications of this term are explored.FindingsThe term SCM has its historical roots in the control of fulfillment activities that support the linear physical flow of goods from suppliers to manufacturers to distributors to retailers. Consequently many information systems (IS) applications that support the supply chain have a similar focus. These systems often separate supply from demand management and focus on linear information flows. Often they are implemented without reengineering business processes. A broader concept, value network advocacy, better describes the needs of business today. It is suggested that adoption of this concept in organizations will be limited not by technology, but by lack of trust mechanisms and metrics.Practical implicationsThe adoption of the broader concept of value network advocacy will enable companies to focus more on developing adaptive networks that support customer needs.Originality/valueThe paper introduces the concept of value network advocacy which can guide e‐supply chain development to support a more integrated customer‐focused notion of flexible networks that provide value.
An experience in knowledge mapping
Authors: van den Berg Carla , Popescu Ioana 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo improve access to implicit knowledge by tunnel construction engineers.Design/methodology/approachThe strategy was to strengthen the informal networks by improving codification and diffusion of this knowledge. Project members tried to do that by searching for ways that make sharing, expressing and retrieving knowledge easier. Therefore they looked at networks, documents, organizations etc. The results are realized in a working prototype. The prototype makes use of the concept of a knowledge map integrated with a database with grey literature.FindingsIn general the evaluation of the Tunnel Center prototype has been positive in terms of the project's research questions.Research limitations/implicationsThe most important lesson learned is that information needs of the different user groups seem to differ more than was realized in the beginning. The project team is very keen to work on this problem in a possible next phase of the project.Practical implicationsThe knowledge developed in the project can be used by professionals who share the same subject. Communities of practice, organizations etc. which want to share their knowledge could also be interested.Originality/valueThe concept of the knowledge map is quite new. The combination of it with a database with grey literature is unique. It has value for all who work in this area.
The accessibility of general NHS services for children with disabilities
Authors: Wharton Sarah , Hames Annette , Milner Helen 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThrough conversations with members of a parent‐run support organization, mixed concerns were identified about the accessibility of general National Health Service (NHS) services for children with disabilities. A questionnaire, aimed at uncovering the main issues related to general health services for children with disabilities was designed with representatives from the parent‐run support organization. The questionnaire was administered as part of a semi‐structured interview with 25 parents of children with disabilities (mainly learning disabilities). Eight themes were reported ‘preparation’, ‘flexibility’, ‘parking’, ‘physical space’, ‘waiting areas and consultation rooms’, ‘health professionals’ understanding and knowledge of disabilities, particularly around communication’, ‘on the wards’ and ‘overseeing care’. Themes are presented with parents’ useful comments and suggestions. As the themes are wide ranging it is suggested that the research be repeated, focusing in on particular areas of general NHS services.
Exploring the comparative responsiveness of a core set of outcome measures in a school‐based conductive education programme
Authors: Wright F. V. , Boschen K. , Jutai J. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Conductive education (CE) is a holistic educational system that uses an active cognitive approach to teach individuals with motor disorders to become more functional participants in daily activities. While CE's popularity continues to grow in North America and Europe, its effectiveness has not been established. The lack of definition of responsive outcome measures for evaluation of CE programmes has limited the interpretability of conclusions from earlier studies evaluating effectiveness.Objective  To determine which measures from a core set were most responsive to physical, functional and psychosocial changes associated with a school‐based CE programme.Methods  This was a one‐group before and after data collection design using an 8‐month follow‐up period. We enrolled a referral sample of nine children with cerebral palsy in Kindergarten or Grade 1 (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 3, 4 or 5). The study took place within a school‐based CE programme at a Canadian children's rehabilitation centre. Children participated in a CE full‐day class for an entire school year. Physical, functional, psychosocial and participation measures included: Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, Individualized Educational Plan, and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Four children from the study's second year were also evaluated on the Impact on Family Scale (IFS), GAS and School Function Assessment.Results  The Gross Motor Function Measure, QUEST, PEDI (Caregiver Assistance) and IFS were most responsive to change. GAS was useful in documenting and quantifying goals. Problems were encountered in evaluating self‐esteem and school participation.Conclusions  Several strong measures of outcome were identified. Further work is needed to find valid and sensitive psychosocial and school participation measures for these young children.
Is social support sometimes a mixed blessing?
Authors: Pal D. K. , Das T. , Chaudhury G. , Sengupta S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Child behavioural problems in epilepsy originate from a poorly understood interplay between intrinsic, family and social factors.Methods  We re‐analysed data from a randomized controlled trial of antiepileptic treatment in rural India, using regression analysis to find risk factors for behavioural problems.Results  Parental satisfaction with social support was positively and independently correlated with child behavioural problems (P = 0.03).Conclusion  Our findings suggest parents’ interactions within their informal social support network, contrary to expectation, may increase risk for behavioural problems in their children. We suggest a possible explanation for this correlation as well as follow‐up studies to investigate the social support‐as‐risk factor hypothesis.
Cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: April 2005

.

Stulemeijer M,
de Jong LWAM,
Fiselier TJW,
Hoogveld SWB,
Bleijenberg G
. (
2005
)

,
330
,
14
–
17
.
Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents aged 10 to 17 years with chronic fatigue syndrome.Design  Randomized controlled trial.Setting  Department of child psychology.Participants  A total of 71 consecutively referred patients with chronic fatigue syndrome; 36 were randomly assigned to immediate cognitive behaviour therapy and 35 to the waiting list for therapy.Intervention  Ten sessions of therapy over 5 months. Treatment protocols depended on the type of activity pattern (relatively active or passive). All participants were assessed again after 5 months.Main outcome measures  Fatigue severity (checklist individual strength), functional impairment (SF‐36 physical functioning), and school attendance.Results  A total of 62 patients had complete data at 5 months (29 in the immediate therapy group and 33 on the waiting list). Patients in the therapy group reported significantly greater decrease in fatigue severity (difference in decrease on checklist individual strength was 14.5, 95% confidence interval 7.4 to 21.6) and functional impairment (difference in increase on SF‐36 physical functioning was 17.3, 6.2 to 28.4) and their attendance at school increased significantly (difference in increase in percentage school attendance was 18.2, 0.8 to 35.5). They also reported a significant reduction in several accompanying symptoms. Self reported improvement was largest in the therapy group.Conclusion  Cognitive behaviour therapy is an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents.
Maternal reactivity to fetal alloantigens is related to newborn immune responses and subsequent allergic disease
Authors: Prescott S. L. , Taylor A. , Roper J. , Wahdan A. , Noakes P. , Thornton C. , Dunstan J. , Upham J. W. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryBackground
Maternal allergy confers stronger allergy risk (than paternal allergy) suggesting that maternal patterns of immune response can directly influence immune development in offspring. Women prone to allergic immune responses to allergens may also have altered immune responses to other antigens including fetal antigens.Objective
This exploratory study examines relationships between maternal immune responses to fetal antigens and the subsequent risk of allergy.Methods
Mononuclear cells (MNC) were collected from 36 mother–infant pairs to compare maternal (and fetal) cellular immune responses to alloantigens (fetal, maternal or unrelated donor [URD]), and allergens in allergic (18 pairs) and non‐allergic (18 pairs) mothers. Thirty children had documented allergic outcomes at 6 years of age.Results
In this population, allergic outcomes in the offspring were associated more strongly with materno‐fetal immune interactions than with a maternal family history of allergy. Specifically, allergic disease at 6 years of age was associated with significantly higher maternal responses to fetal alloantigens (lymphoproliferation, P=0.008; IL‐13, P=0.02 and IFN‐γ, P=0.015), whereas associations with maternal allergy did not reach significance (P=0.07). Fetal IFN‐γ alloantigen responses were significantly correlated with the degree of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch (maternal HLA class II antibodies) (τ=0.3, P=0.03). The capacity of the fetus to produce IL‐13 (τ=0.4, P=0.001) and IL‐10 (τ=0.3, P=0.029) was directly related to the level of these cytokines produced by the mother in response to fetal antigens. Allergic mothers showed a non‐significant trend for stronger lymphoproliferation to fetal alloantigens. The number of previous pregnancies (gravidity) was associated with stronger maternal responses to fetal alloantigens, as shown by lymphoproliferation (Kendall τ=0.3, P=0.04) and IFN‐γ (τ=0.3, P=0.04) synthesis, but did not affect fetal responses to the various stimuli.Conclusions
Maternal responses to fetal antigens were related to fetal immune responses and subsequent allergy. This novel observation suggests that events at the materno‐fetal interface have an important influence on early immune development and should be investigated further.
Tokelau: a unique low allergen environment at sea level
Authors: Lane J. , Siebers R. , Pene G. , Howden‐Chapman P. , Crane J. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryBackground
Previous studies have shown that children in Tokelau have a lower prevalence of asthma and atopy compared to Tokelauan children resident in New Zealand. We hypothesized that the low asthma and atopy prevalence in Tokelau may be associated with low indoor allergen levels.Methods
Dust was collected from bedding and floors of 76 homes and four public buildings in Tokelau and from the homes of 30 Tokelauan families in Wellington, New Zealand. Dust samples were analysed for Der p 1, Der f 1, Can f 1, Fel d 1, Bla g 2 and Blo t 5 by ELISA, and for endotoxin by a kinetic amoebocyte lysate assay.Results
Der p 1 levels were over 1000‐fold lower in Tokelau compared to New Zealand, geometric mean levels were 0.04 and 47.0 μg/g in beds and 0.04 and 44.7 μg/g on floors, respectively. Can f 1 and Fel d 1 levels were also significantly lower in Tokelau. Bed endotoxin levels were significantly higher in Tokelau, geometric mean: 26 736 EU (endotoxin units)/g, compared to 5181 EU/g in New Zealand. Floor endotoxin levels were similar between the two countries.Conclusion
The very low indoor allergen levels in homes in Tokelau compared to much higher levels in New Zealand homes provides a logical explanation for the lower prevalence of asthma and atopy in Tokelau, compared to New Zealand.
Gene profiling reveals decreased expression of uteroglobin and other anti‐inflammatory genes in nasal fluid cells from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Benson M. , Jansson L. , Adner M. , Luts A. , Uddman R. , Cardell L. O. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryBackground
Intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) results from interactions between a large number of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators. Little is known about anti‐inflammatory mediators in IAR. DNA microarrays allow simultaneous analysis of the whole transcriptome in a sample.Objective
To identify anti‐inflammatory transcripts in nasal fluid cells from patients with IAR during season and from healthy controls.Methods
Nasal lavage fluids were obtained from 15 patients with symptomatic birch/and or grass pollen‐induced IAR and 28 healthy controls. RNA was extracted from the nasal fluid cells and pooled into one patient‐ and one control pool. These were analysed with DNA microarrays containing more than 44 927 genes and variants.Results
Seventeen thousand three hundred and fifty three genes were expressed in the controls and 17 928 in the patients. One thousand five hundred and seventy nine of the genes had higher expression in patients than in controls, and 1570 had lower expression in patients. Out of 189 up‐regulated inflammatory genes, 187 were pro‐inflammatory and two were anti‐inflammatory. These genes regulated key steps of inflammation, ranging from influx of leukocytes to immunoglobulin production. By comparison, out of 49 down‐regulated inflammatory genes, 36 were pro‐inflammatory and 13 were anti‐inflammatory. The anti‐inflammatory gene that decreased most in expression in the patients was uteroglobin (also known as Clara Cell protein 16, CC16). The nasal fluid concentrations of uteroglobin protein were significantly lower in patients than in controls, 5.43±1.53 and 12.93±2.53 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.05).Conclusion
IAR is associated with decreased expression of uteroglobin and other anti‐inflammatory genes.