bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an industry 4.0 transformability index for manufacturing systems
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Asjad Mohammad , James Ajith Tom , Suhaib Mohd 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Evaluation of the extent of transformability of an existing system into an industry 4.0 (I4.0) compatible system is indispensable for both the technical and economic planning for implementing I4.0. This paper aims to propose a procedure to evaluate the transformability of an existing manufacturing system into an I4.0 system.

Design/methodology/approach
Six significant components of a manufacturing system and their five levels of modifications essential for the decision of transformation are identified. Based on expert opinion on facilitation and the impact of the transformation of one component on the transformation of others, a graph theory-based procedure for estimation of transformability index (TI) along with its relative and threshold values is proposed.

Findings
The paper introduced the concept of transformability into manufacturing systems. It proposed a simple procedure for calculating the ideal, relative and threshold value for TI to assess the suitability of the up-gradation of any manufacturing system into the I4.0 system.

Research limitations/implications
Though the proposed procedure is based on six system components and their five levels of facilitation, it is quite versatile and able to integrate new components and different facilitation levels according to system requirements for their impact analysis in the transformation process. It can be extended to other domains like services and health care. Further, it can be used to estimate and establish the transformability criteria of a factory/service unit/industry from its current state to any regime.

Practical implications
The proposed method for deducing the TI, relative transformability index (RTI) and their threshold values would be a handy tool for decision-makers to assess the upgrading suitability of the entire manufacturing system and its component for use in the new regime or scrapping. It would provide mathematical and scientific support to the transformability decisions by assessing the influence of transforming one component to others and the system. This study would pave the way for further explorations in the domain of transformability.

Originality/value
In the light of available literature and best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that has applied the concept of transformability of existing manufacturing systems toward I4.0 compatible systems and proposed a procedure to estimate TI, RTI and their threshold values.
The art of forming a partnership in an entrepreneurial world: the Brazilian case
Authors: Oliveira Junior Antonio Benedito de , De Oliveira Mauro Jose 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This study aims to design and empirically test a model where autonomy affects partnership (PT) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), which in turn improves competitive aggressiveness (CA), market orientation (MO) and PT; to verify the impact of CA on MO and PT; and to determine to what extent MO mediates the EO–PT relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a quantitative approach to test 101 Brazilian firms from different sectors, analyzed by structural equation modeling using the partial least squares–structural equation modeling.

Findings
Results show that autonomy improves EO and PT. EO positively affects CA, MO and PT. CA impacts MO positively, and MO mediates the EO–PT relationship, although it reduces the possibility of PT.

Research limitations/implications
Although 101 firms could be a “small sample,” the authors validated it according to Hair et al. (2009) and Chin et al. (2003). Their first contribution is to extend the works relating to EO and PT by showing the positive effects of autonomy on EO and PT. Second, to show the mediating effect of MO on the EO–PT relationship. Finally, they draw attention to how firms with EO improve CA, MO and PT; and CA boost MO. Thus, to generalize EO research internationally, like in the emergent markets.

Originality/value
Although EO has attracted significant attention to entrepreneurship research, it is not clear how autonomy impacts a firm's EO and PT, considering the mediating effect of MO on the EO–PT relationship; if EO influences CA and MO, and the impact of CA on MO and PT.
Design morphology complexity and conceptual building project cost forecasting
Authors: Kantianis Dimitrios D. 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This research aims to develop conceptual phase building project cost forecasting models by exploring the relationship of existing plan shape complexity indices and general design morphology parameters with total construction cost.

Design/methodology/approach
Plan shape indices proposed to date by the literature for measuring building design complexity are critically reviewed. Building morphology is also dictated by town planning restrictions such as plot coverage ratio or number of storeys. This study analyses historical data collected from 49 residential building projects to develop multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models for forecasting construction cost. Existing plan shape coefficients are calculated to evaluate the geometrical complexity of sampled projects. Ten regression-based cost estimating equations are totally derived from stepwise backward and forward methods, and their predictive accuracy is contrasted: to performance levels reported in past studies and to ANN models developed in this research with multilayer perceptron architecture.

Findings
Analysis of plan shape indices revealed that 85.7% of examined past projects possess a high degree of design complexity, hence resulting in expensive initial decisions. This highlights the need for more effective early design stage decision-making by developing new building economic tools. The most accurate regression model, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 19.2%, predicts the log of total cost from wall to floor index and total building envelope surface. Other explanatory variables resulting in MAPE values in the order of 20%–22% are total volume, volume above ground level, gross floor area below ground level, gross floor area per storey and total number of storeys. The overall MAPE of regression-based equations is 24.3% whilst ANN models are slightly more accurate with MAPE scores of 21.8% and 21.6% for one hidden and two hidden layers, respectively. The most accurate forecasting model in the research is the ANN with two hidden layers and the sigmoid activation function which predicts total building cost from total building volume (19.1%).

Originality/value
This paper introduces MLR-based and ANN-based conceptual construction cost forecasting models which are founded solely on building morphology design parameters and compare favourably with previous studies with an average predictive accuracy less than 25%. This paper is expected to be beneficial to both practitioners and academics in the built environment towards more effective cost planning of building projects. The methodology suggested can further be implemented in other countries provided that accurate and relevant data from historical projects are used.
Women board members’ impact on ESG disclosure with environment and social dimensions: evidence from the European banking sector
Authors: Gurol Burcu , Lagasio Valentina 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between banks’ board structure and sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The empirical quantitative paper covers a sample of 35 European banks that are listed at the EUROSTOXX 600. Regression analysis techniques were used in the analyses.

Findings
Results indicate that board size, women ratio and independent directors ratio on board are positively and significantly related to environmental social governance (ESG), E and S disclosure scores. Also, we find that ESG disclosure is related to bank profitability.

Practical implications
Findings have implications for both policymakers and practitioners (bankers and investors). Large bank boards, which have women and independent members, could perform better in terms of ESG disclosure. The results also show that large banks and banks with high borrowing care more about sustainability. For banks to reach resources, they should perform well in terms of sustainability disclosure to their stakeholders.

Social implications
Banks should observe academic findings on corporate governance (CG) practices, which lead to a better ESG disclosure to structure their CG to improve at the best their disclosure policies: they should prefer larger boards with a high level of women and independence. In addition, we attach importance to the ESG performance of the banking sector due to its fund transfer functions. Banks transfer the deposits they collect to those in need of funds as loans. For this reason, it is important to which sector and which business they give credit. The importance of banks on ESG and their adoption of sustainability dimensions also affect their credit decisions.

Originality/value
This study examines the relationship between banks’ board structure variables and their effect on ESG, E and S scores separately. This study thinks that the G score can be a handicap for ESG-CG relations. Because chosen CG variables (women ratio, independent ratio, board size) affect G scores positively and can reason for positive ESG-CG relation. The environmental and social impact of women ratio, independent ratio and board size can be seen in this study.
Comparison of nodal and edge basis functions for the forward modelling of three‐dimensional frequency‐domain wire source electromagnetic data using a potentials formulation
Authors: Zhang Ming , Farquharson Colin G. , Lin Tingting 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTAn investigation of forward modelling 3‐D wire source electromagnetic data in the frequency domain using nodal and edge finite‐element basis functions is presented. The equations solved are those for the coupled secondary vector–scalar potentials (i.e. magnetic vector potential A and electric scalar potential φ), which give rise to a less ill‐conditioned system of equations to be solved. The effectiveness of these two methods is validated with two 3‐D examples, i.e. multi‐blocks models and topography models, which considered the computation of the A–φ potentials and the electromagnetic fields due to a grounded electric line source by inter‐comparing the numerical solutions computed from each method and by comparing them against the equivalent solutions for the same model computed using other methods. Based on the multiple‐blocks models, we compare the relative contributions of the inductive and galvanic parts to the E‐field for different frequencies. Results show that for the type of source considered in this paper, the galvanic parts dominate for a relatively low frequency (10 Hz), but that for a relatively high frequency (10 kHz), the inductive parts also contribute. The extent to which the Coulomb gauge condition is satisfied when using nodal basis functions for A is also investigated, with results showing that the divergence of the numerically calculated A is almost zero as desired. Based on the topography models, we analyse the electromagnetic response characteristics at different survey planes, with results of this investigation indicating that the electromagnetic responses measured over a plane close to the target will carry more accurate geometry information (such as position, shape and size) of the target, which is expected, and less distortion due to topography compared to those measured at the earth's surface. This suggests that when conducting electromagnetic prospecting in an area with complex topography, it is possible to obtain better anomaly detection affected less by topography if the electromagnetic measurement is carried out underground (such as in a borehole).
Reordering the machinery of participation with young people
Authors: Cowan Hannah , Kühlbrandt Charlotte , Riazuddin Hana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this article, we reflect on our ongoing work that attempts to redistribute the agenda‐setting powers of researchers, research funders and the complex of private and public partnerships in the biomedical sciences. Despite calls for diversification, the current landscape is dominated by a traditional medical habitus that prioritises discovery science. This has moral and political consequences. Simultaneously, we have seen a slow rise in top–down infrastructures of public participation in medical science. While we are critical of the resulting machinery of participation, we believe in its premise that knowledge and expertise are everywhere. In our research project—called Utopia Now!—we have been seeking to involve young people in deciding the future of biomedical research. However, this project is itself premised on a number of our own complicities with the power held by universities and research infrastructures. Here, we explore three preliminary tactics through which we attempt to make these complicities politically productive, taking into account the limitations of working as early career researchers. We find that our mediation between young people and researchers across disciplines is not only integral for re‐politicising medical research, but also changes our understanding of knowledge production as a process of reordering, sorting and sharing.
'Just have some IVF!': A longitudinal ethnographic study of couples' experiences of seeking fertility treatment
Authors: Mounce Ginny , Allan Helen T , Carey Nicola 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe present findings from a longitudinal ethnographic study of infertile couples seeking treatment following initial GP referral to specialist fertility services. Repeated observations and interviews were undertaken with the same 14 heterosexual participants over an 18‐month period. Heterosexual, non‐donor couples comprise the majority of fertility clinic patients; however, research interest in this group has dwindled over time as IVF cycles have increased. In the United Kingdom, IVF is presented as a logical response to involuntary childlessness, and as an entirely predictable, and linear, course of action. The market is well‐developed and often patients' first experience of privatised health care in the NHS. Our couples were challenged by this, and while they felt expected to move on to IVF, some wished to explore other options. While IVF is ubiquitous, the discomfort and challenge around fertility treatments remain; experiences are prolonged and characterised by recursive narratives and expressions of disequilibrium, which are rarely acknowledged and reflected in ongoing clinic‐patient interactions. Our findings develop understanding of the process of ‘mazing’ (Image ‐ The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 1989, 21, 220), the pursuit of parenthood, by showing that the routine and normative status of IVF, at least in the current health care context, is at odds with the lived experiences of individuals.
Effect of oral simethicone on the quality of colonoscopy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cao Rong Rong , Wang Le , Gao Cong , Pan Jia Hui , Yoshida Eric M. , Li Hong Yu , Qi Xing Shun 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveIn this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to investigate the effect of oral simethicone (SIM), an antifoaming agent, on the quality of colonoscopy in terms of bowel preparation quality, adenoma or polyp detection rate (ADR/PDR) and cecal intubation rate (CIR).MethodsAll randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of SIM during bowel preparation for colonoscopy published up to 17 March 2021 were identified from the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Bowel preparation quality, ADR/PDR/CIR, cecal intubation time (CIT), withdrawal time (WT), patients' tolerability, acceptability and volume of foam and bubbles were compared between the SIM and non‐SIM groups.ResultsThirty‐eight RCTs with 10 505 patients were included. Oral SIM significantly increased the rate of total Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) score ≥6 (risk ratio [RR] 1.13, P < 0.0001), acceptability (RR 1.15, P = 0.01) and the rate of no or minimal foam and bubbles (RR 1.28, P < 0.00001) and decreased abdominal distension (RR 0.64, P < 0.0001). However, it had no significant impact on overall ADR, overall PDR, CIR, CIT or WT. The rate of total BBPS score ≥6 remained significantly higher in the SIM group when a single‐dose laxative regimen or a SIM dosage of ≥320 mg was employed; and ADR, PDR and CIR were significantly increased in the SIM group among colonoscopy clinicians who achieved an ADR <31%, PDR <45% and CIR <96%, respectively.ConclusionsOral SIM can improve bowel preparation quality, especially in patients receiving a SIM dosage of ≥320 mg or a single‐dose laxative regimen. SIM may be preferred by junior colonoscopy physicians/trainees with a lower ADR/PDR or CIR.
CircRNA PRH1‐PRR4 stimulates RAB3D to regulate the malignant progression of NSCLC by sponging miR‐877‐5p
Authors: Ma Jun , Li Quanxing , Li Yuling 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious reports have confirmed the importance of circular RNA (circRNA) in the malignant progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of circRNA PRH1‐PRR4 readthrough (circPRH1‐PRR4) in NSCLC progression was unclear. This study was designed to reveal the mechanism behind circPRH1‐PRR4 regulating NSCLC progression.MethodsQuantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were employed to detect the expression of circPRH1‐PRR4, microRNA‐877‐5p (miR‐877‐5p), the member RAS oncogene family (RAB3D), and other indicated protein markers. The positive expression rate of RAB3D was detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Cell proliferation was investigated by cell colony formation and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assays. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify apoptotic cells. Wound‐healing and transwell invasion assays were used to evaluate cell metastasis. The interaction among circPRH1‐PRR4, miR‐877‐5p, and RAB3D was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. In vivo assay was implemented to demonstrate the effect of circPRH1‐PRR4 on tumor formation.ResultsAs compared with controls, NSCLC tissues and cells displayed high expression of circPRH1‐PRR4 and RAB3D, and low expression of miR‐877‐5p. Reduced expression of circPRH1‐PRR4 resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promotion of cell apoptosis in vitro. In support, circPRH1‐PRR4 silencing inhibited tumor formation in vivo. Knockdown of miR‐877‐5p, a target miRNA of circPRH1‐PRR4, relieved circPRH1‐PRR4 absence‐mediated action. Additionally, RAB3D was identified as a target mRNA of miR‐877‐5p. Importantly, circPRH1‐PRR4 regulated RAB3D expression by miR‐877‐5p.ConclusionCircPRH1‐PRR4 knockdown impeded NSCLC cell malignancy by the miR‐877‐5p/RAB3D pathway, providing a possible circRNA‐targeted therapy for NSCLC.
Histone deacetylase 1 in patients with alopecia areata and acne vulgaris: An epigenetic alteration
Authors: Abdelkader Heba Ahmed , Amin Iman , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Samir Maha , Ezzat Marwa 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundHistone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) belongs to class I histone deacetylases, which are zinc‐dependent enzymes that remove the acetyl group from histones and other proteins providing epigenetic regulation of gene expression. It plays an important role in the hair follicle and epidermal homeostasis in addition to its immunomodulatory roles. Alopecia areata (AA) and acne vulgaris are common skin diseases in which epigenetic factors have been proposed. However, studies of epigenetic modifications in both diseases are quite limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed at elucidation of HDAC1 deregulation in AA and acne vulgaris.MethodsA case‐control study was conducted on 76 participants: 25 patients with patchy alopecia areata, 26 patients with acne vulgaris and 25 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of HDAC1 level by ELISA.ResultsA significant difference in the serum level of HDAC1 was found between the studied groups being highest in the AA group (P = 0.0001). It was significantly higher in the AA group than the acne vulgaris group (P = 0.0001).ConclusionHDAC1 appears to be deregulated in patients with AA and acne vulgaris. This may suggest a potential therapeutic opportunity for HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of such diseases.
Population structure and dynamics, breeding activity and phenology of the blue‐sided treefrog (Agalychnis annae)
Authors: Arguedas Viviana , Barquero Marco D. , Mora José Manuel 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Agalychnis annae is a species endemic to Costa Rica and Panama with populations shrinking or disappearing from several locations. We studied the reproduction of a relict population of A. annae in a 1,300 m2 natural pond in Costa Rica during 2007–2008. We marked adults with a visible implant alphanumeric tag injected in the thigh. We measured reproductive effort considering calling males per night and per hour, number of pairs in amplexus, and number of egg masses. We summed 366 individual observations: 57% juveniles, 39% adult males, and 4% adult females. Average snout–vent length was 29 mm (juveniles), 63 mm (males), and 78 mm (females). Sex ratio (males:females) was 4.85:1, while operational sex ratio varied between one and six males per female when both sexes were present at the pond. Maximum estimated census population size varied between 27 and 59 individuals, with a Ne = 43.11. Calling activity occurred mostly from 1800–2000 h, and we counted 65 egg masses. Number of adults and calling males were positively correlated with accumulated rainfall and average temperature. Number of egg masses was positively correlated with the number of adults, accumulated rainfall, and average temperature. The causes of the long‐term population decline must be identified to conserve A. annae and similar species, as well as establishing long‐term monitoring programs. Required conservation actions include translocation individuals from risky areas, creation of artificial ponds to increase ecological connectivity, elimination of introduced species, particularly in small habitat remnants, and establishment of ex situ conservation programs.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.