bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An mRNA Blueprint for C4 Photosynthesis Derived from Comparative Transcriptomics of Closely Related C3 and C4 Species
Authors: Bräutigam Andrea , Kajala Kaisa , Wullenweber Julia , Sommer Manuel , Gagneul David , Weber Katrin L. , Carr Kevin M. , Gowik Udo , Maß Janina , Lercher Martin J. , Westhoff Peter , Hibberd Julian M. , Weber Andreas P.M.
Published: June 2010

C4 photosynthesis involves alterations to the biochemistry, cell biology, and development of leaves. Together, these modifications increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, and despite the apparent complexity of the pathway, it has evolved at least 45 times independently within the angiosperms. To provide insight into the extent to which gene expression is altered between C3 and C4 leaves, and to identify candidates associated with the C4 pathway, we used massively parallel mRNA sequencing of closely related C3 (Cleome spinosa) and C4 (Cleome gynandra) species. Gene annotation was facilitated by the phylogenetic proximity of Cleome and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Up to 603 transcripts differ in abundance between these C3 and C4 leaves. These include 17 transcription factors, putative transport proteins, as well as genes that in Arabidopsis are implicated in chloroplast movement and expansion, plasmodesmatal connectivity, and cell wall modification. These are all characteristics known to alter in a C4 leaf but that previously had remained undefined at the molecular level. We also document large shifts in overall transcription profiles for selected functional classes. Our approach defines the extent to which transcript abundance in these C3 and C4 leaves differs, provides a blueprint for the NAD-malic enzyme C4 pathway operating in a dicotyledon, and furthermore identifies potential regulators. We anticipate that comparative transcriptomics of closely related species will provide deep insight into the evolution of other complex traits.
EOBII, a Gene Encoding a Flower-Specific Regulator of Phenylpropanoid Volatiles' Biosynthesis in Petunia
Authors: Spitzer-Rimon Ben , Marhevka Elena , Barkai Oren , Marton Ira , Edelbaum Orit , Masci Tania , Prathapani Naveen-Kumar , Shklarman Elena , Ovadis Marianna , Vainstein Alexander
Published: June 2010

Floral scent, which is determined by a complex mixture of low molecular weight volatile molecules, plays a major role in the plant's life cycle. Phenylpropanoid volatiles are the main determinants of floral scent in petunia (Petunia hybrida). A screen using virus-induced gene silencing for regulators of scent production in petunia flowers yielded a novel R2R3-MYB–like regulatory factor of phenylpropanoid volatile biosynthesis, EMISSION OF BENZENOIDS II (EOBII). This factor was localized to the nucleus and its expression was found to be flower specific and temporally and spatially associated with scent production/emission. Suppression of EOBII expression led to significant reduction in the levels of volatiles accumulating in and emitted by flowers, such as benzaldehyde, phenylethyl alcohol, benzylbenzoate, and isoeugenol. Up/downregulation of EOBII affected transcript levels of several biosynthetic floral scent-related genes encoding enzymes from the phenylpropanoid pathway that are directly involved in the production of these volatiles and enzymes from the shikimate pathway that determine substrate availability. Due to its coordinated wide-ranging effect on the production of floral volatiles, and its lack of effect on anthocyanin production, a central regulatory role is proposed for EOBII in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid volatiles.
The Deubiquitinating Enzyme AMSH3 Is Required for Intracellular Trafficking and Vacuole Biogenesis inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Isono Erika , Katsiarimpa Anthi , Müller Isabel Karin , Anzenberger Franziska , Stierhof York-Dieter , Geldner Niko , Chory Joanne , Schwechheimer Claus
Published: June 2010

Ubiquitination, deubiquitination, and the formation of specific ubiquitin chain topologies have been implicated in various cellular processes. Little is known, however, about the role of ubiquitin in the development of cellular organelles. Here, we identify and characterize the deubiquitinating enzyme AMSH3 from Arabidopsis thaliana. AMSH3 hydrolyzes K48- and K63-linked ubiquitin chains in vitro and accumulates both ubiquitin chain types in vivo. amsh3 mutants fail to form a central lytic vacuole, accumulate autophagosomes, and mis-sort vacuolar protein cargo to the intercellular space. Furthermore, AMSH3 is required for efficient endocytosis of the styryl dye FM4-64 and the auxin efflux facilitator PIN2. We thus present evidence for a role of deubiquitination in intracellular trafficking and vacuole biogenesis.
Application of oil‐in‐water emulsion in hot rolling process of brass sheet
Authors: Hu Xianguo , Wang Yourong , Jing Hefeng
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion used for alpha phase brass, which can increase the antiwear and anti‐galling abilities of the rollers, and improve the surface quality of the rolled brass sheet. The aim is to evaluate the tribological performance of new kind of O/W emulsion for the hot rolling of alpha brass, which provides the fundamental information for the selecting of new chemical group, and to understand the lubrication mechanism of the used rolling emulsion and to correlate the laboratory findings with those of industrial rolling of alpha phase brass.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the hydrophile‐lipophile balance theory and the evaluation results of friction, wear and lubrication using a four‐ball tribometer, a novel O/W emulsion was developed for the hot rolling process of CuZn32(ASTM C26200) and CuZn30(ASTM C26000) alloys by controlling the composition of the emulsion, such as emulsifying, antiwear, extreme pressure, antirust and so on. By scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and roughness profile the tribological mechanism were studied.

Findings

The production result proved that it was easy to control the accuracy and size of the brass sheet because of the emulsion‐jet to the roller surface directly and in succession. Polyol with hydroxyl group is found to provide better lubrication and lower coefficient of friction. The actual hot rolling results proved that it was easy to control the accuracy and size of the brass sheet with the emulsion jet. The morphologies and roughness profile of the copper sheet surface were observed and measured by SEM and topographic meter under different lubricant conditions. The in situ results supported the selection of compositions of O/W emulsion. The suitable temperature of feed emulsion is over 20°C.

Research limitations/implications

The tribological mechanism of friction modified emulsion is not still clear. The thermal mechanical properties of rollers under this kind of emulsion are also worth studying in the future.

Practical implications

Understanding the tribological behaviour of O/W emulsion, will be useful for emulsion chemists, tribologists and rolling mill users.

Originality/value

The current study shows new compositions of O/W emulsion used for hot rolling of alpha phase brass.
Thin film elastohydrodynamic lubrication of circular contacts at pure squeeze motion
Authors: Chu Li‐Ming
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the pure squeeze thin film elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TFEHL) motion of circular contacts with adsorption layers attached to each surface under constant load condition. The proposed model can reasonably calculate the pressure distributions, film thicknesses, normal squeeze velocities, and effective viscosities during the pure squeeze process under thin film lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

The transient modified Reynolds equation is derived in polar coordinates using viscous adsorption theory. The finite difference method and the Gauss‐Seidel iteration method are used to solve the transient modified Reynolds equation, the elasticity deformation equation, load balance equation, and lubricant rheology equations simultaneously.

Findings

The simulation results reveal that the thickness of the adsorption layer and the viscosity ratio significantly influence the lubrication characteristics of the contact conjunction in the thin film regime. In additional, the turning points in the film thickness which distinguish thin film lubrication from elastohydrodynamic lubrication curve is found. In thin film region, the effective viscosity predicted by present model is better than that predicted by traditional elastohydrodynamic theory.

Originality/value

The paper develops a numerical method for general applications with adsorption layers attached to each surface to investigate the pure squeeze action in a TFEHL spherical conjunction under constant load condition.
International human resource management: diversity, issues and challenges
Authors: Scroggins Wesley A. , Benson Philip G.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the special issue which considers the impact that the global world has had on the profession of HRM.

Design/methodology/approach

In June 2009, the International Human Resource Management Conference was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Various IHRM papers were presented, and of these, many were subjected to a second round of reviews for this special issue. This special issue is made up of the best papers.

Findings

The article highlights that as IHRM has emerged as an academic discipline, a variety of debates and issues have come to dominate the literature. For practitioners, a long‐standing issue has been the delineation of specific practices to be used in the management of people within international organizations. Over time, practices have emerged, and texts today can readily be found that represent such practices for those working in MNCs as HR managers.

Originality/value

A number of concerns about HRM are raised in this issue, most of which are addressed by the papers chosen.
Modelling and predicting the performance of cross border managers
Authors: Cogin Julie , Fish Alan
Published: June 2010

Purpose

Cross border managers are an important feature of the global economy. Despite this, research evidence suggests that the primary selection criteria for cross border managers are technical expertise and domestic business knowledge. This has resulted in insufficient numbers of high calibre candidates to meet the demands of today's global business context. This paper aims to argue that an understanding of an individual's value orientations is important for selecting cross border managers and predicting subsequent performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the testing of a multidimensional value orientated taxonomy on a sample of 658 managers employed by three multinational organisations. The model was tested via SEM. OLS multiple regression was carried out to identify whether the dimensions of the taxonomy predict the performance of managers in cross border roles.

Findings

Results yielded sound factor structure of the taxonomy with a single factor solution identified on each of the two individual value dimensions. SEM confirmed significant relationships and a sound goodness‐of‐fit of the model. OLS regression results indicated that the model accurately predicted the performance of managers during cross border assignments.

Research limitations/implications

Surveys were administered at one point in time and do not account for any change in value orientations.

Practical implications

The model and results provide guidance to HRM professionals for selecting candidates for cross border business roles.

Originality/value

The study addresses a limitation of earlier work by testing the efficacy of the multi‐dimensional taxonomy with a larger and more diverse sample. The paper evaluates the strength of the taxonomy in predicting performance.
Flex‐time as a moderator of the job stress‐work motivation relationship
Authors: Barney Chet E. , Elias Steven M.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

It has been known for some time that job stress has a wide‐ranging, negative impact on employees. It has also been known that providing employees with autonomy and/or control over their work environment reduces the deleterious consequences of job stress. The purpose of this study is to examine whether control in the form of flex‐time (i.e. allowing employees to create their own work schedules) moderates the impact of stress on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among Russian, Canadian, and Israeli Arab employees (n=933).

Design/methodology/approach

Archival data that was obtained from employees (n=933) residing in three different nations was analysed via hierarchical moderated multiple regression.

Findings

In relation to extrinsic motivation, a significant interaction was observed between job stress, flex‐time, and country of residence. Although flex‐time and country of residence were significant predictors of intrinsic motivation, no significant interactions were observed.

Originality/value

This is one of few papers to examine flex‐time from an international perspective. In terms of value, human resource managers are made aware that the impacts of flex‐time on employees' motivation depends, in part, on the nation in which they are employed.
The development and implementation of shared leadership in multi‐generational family firms
Authors: Cater John James , Justis Robert T.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the development and implementation of shared leadership in multi‐generational family firms. Shared leadership or family top management teams involve multiple family members in the top management and ownership of family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach was employed, using in‐depth interviews of the top managers of four family businesses. Each case was analyzed separately, and emergent themes found in each case; and then generalizations were made across the four cases in the cross‐case analysis.

Findings

Eight factors or conditions were examined that affect shared leadership in multi‐generational family firms according to the respondents – long‐term orientation, close communication and shared understanding, resistance to change, succession planning, failure to release control, reporting relationship confusion, increased decision time, and higher decision quality. The result of this study is the production of eight propositions to build theory concerning shared leadership, which is an under‐researched area for family business studies.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is rich in qualitative detail, but with all such case study research, its limitations regarding sample size are recognized.

Practical implications

This paper views shared leadership as a growing phenomenon that incumbent family business leaders should consider as a viable alternative to primogeniture or the choice of a single successor.

Originality/value

The study described in this paper is groundbreaking in that it examines shared leadership or the development and implementation of top management teams in family firms in depth and detail. The paper contributes a balanced view of the implementation of shared leadership in family firms, exploring both the positive and negative aspects.
Critical factors for implementing green supply chain management practice
Authors: Hu Allen H. , Hsu Chia‐Wei
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore critical factors for implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) practice in the Taiwanese electrical and electronics industries relative to European Union directives.

Design/methodology/approach

A tentative list of critical factors of GSCM was developed based on a thorough and detailed analysis of the pertinent literature. The survey questionnaire contained 25 items, developed based on the literature and interviews with three industry experts, specifically quality and product assurance representatives. A total of 300 questionnaires were mailed out, and 87 were returned, of which 84 were valid, representing a response rate of 28 percent. Using the data collected, the identified critical factors were performed via factor analysis to establish reliability and validity.

Findings

The results show that 20 critical factors were extracted into four dimensions, which denominated supplier management, product recycling, organization involvement and life cycle management.

Research limitations/implications

This study obtained 84 valid responses from the Taiwanese electrical and electronics industries, the limitation of the study is the insufficient sampling. Future researches need to be performed using a larger sample and studying more countries.

Practical implications

The Taiwanese electrical and electronics industry plays a decisive role in the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Consequently, the validated instrument enables decision makers at ICT manufacturers to evaluate the perceptions of GSCM in their organizations. In addition, the critical factors of implementing GSCM practices validated in this work can help enterprises identify those areas of GSCM where acceptance and improvements will be made, and in prioritizing GSCM efforts.

Originality/value

This study presents an empirical investigation of GSCM practices, and fills a gap in the literature on the identification and establishment of critical factors for GSCM implementation in electrical and electronics industries.
Understanding individual action: when employees contravene management directives to foster knowledge sharing
Authors: Obembe Demola
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of managerial decisions where such decisions run contrary to norms, values and espoused beliefs of individual employees, and threaten existing relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a qualitative study of a single case organization in the construction industry. Data were drawn from a wider data set of 27 in‐depth interviews. Empirical findings are presented as a narrative and interpreted using Bourdieu's habitus as an analytic tool.

Findings

This paper finds that perceptions and past considerations of individual actors may determine predispositions to engage in knowledge sharing practices, in direct contravention of managerial directives.

Research limitations/implications

Being a single case study, although substantive conclusions are drawn from the research they are however not subject to extensive generalization. Future research can assess the dynamics of employee reactions to conflicting directives within different contexts, to facilitate further generalizations.

Practical implications

The results suggest that tensions will arise where organizational directives run contrary to individual beliefs and predispositions, and as such the onus is on organizations, wishing to avoid such tensions and foster employee commitment, to devise effective means of ensuring fit between management strategies and perceptions of organizational obligations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge sharing literature by exploring micro‐level dynamics in knowledge sharing practices. It also highlights the inherent value of sustained relationships in enabling knowledge sharing among organizational employees.
A scenario approach for assessing new business concepts
Authors: Piirainen Kalle , Kortelainen Samuli , Elfvengren Kalle , Tuominen Markku
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine challenges in the front end of innovation (FEI) and to propose a scenario‐based approach to alleviate some of these problems, particularly as regards uncertainty in opportunity recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper answers the main research question through a literature review and a case study. The paper employs the design‐oriented approach to propose an artifact which solves the underlined problem, and validate the artifact through the case study.

Findings

According to the literature review, scenarios should offer a viable method for opportunity recognition. The case study supports the theoretical proposition, and suggests that scenarios can be used to alleviate the effect of uncertainty in the FEI.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical results are limited to the level of proof‐of‐concept. The scenario process as such was rated positively, which corresponds to the theory and previous similar experiments, but the benefits of the scenario approach have yet to be verified. Practical implications are a novel method for finding and assessing new business concepts.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the formed process artifact to alleviate the challenges in the FEI. The scenario approach can be used to probe the near future for business development purposes.
Full engagement: the integration of employee engagement and psychological well‐being
Authors: Robertson Ivan T. , Cooper Cary L.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

By introducing the concept of “full engagement,” this article aims to propose that employee engagement is more likely to be sustainable when employee well‐being is also high.

Design/methodology/approach

Research evidence covering the separate concepts is reviewed and evidence of the benefits that both engagement and well‐being confer on organizations is presented.

Findings

Most current perspectives on employee engagement include little of direct relevance to well‐being and reflect a narrow, commitment‐based view of engagement. This view focuses too heavily on benefits to organizations. A broader conception of engagement (referred to as “full engagement”), which includes employee well‐being, is a better basis for building sustainable benefits for individuals and organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Research exploring the links between employee engagement and well‐being is needed to validate and develop the propositions put forward in this article.

Practical implications

A model for improving full engagement in organizations is presented and brief; case study illustrations are also given.

Originality/value

The integration of well‐being and commitment‐based engagement into the single construct of full engagement provides a novel perspective.
An evolutionary complex systems decision‐support tool for the management of operations
Authors: Baldwin James S. , Allen Peter M. , Ridgway Keith
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this is to add both to the development of complex systems thinking in the subject area of operations and production management and to the limited number of applications of computational models and simulations from the science of complex systems. The latter potentially offer helpful decision‐support tools for operations and production managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A mechanical engineering firm was used as a case study where a combined qualitative and quantitative methodological approach was employed to extract the required data from four senior managers. Company performance measures as well as firm technologies, practices and policies, and their relation and interaction with one another, were elicited. The data were subjected to an evolutionary complex systems (ECS) model resulting in a series of simulations.

Findings

The findings highlighted the effects of the diversity in management decision making on the firm's evolutionary trajectory. The CEO appeared to have the most balanced view of the firm, closely followed by the marketing and research and development managers. The manufacturing manager's responses led to the most extreme evolutionary trajectory where the integrity of the entire firm came into question particularly when considering how employees were utilised.

Research limitations/implications

By drawing directly from the opinions and views of managers, rather than from logical “if‐then” rules and averaged mathematical representations of agents that characterise agent‐based and other self‐organisational models, this work builds on previous applications by capturing a micro‐level description of diversity that has been problematical both in theory and application.

Practical implications

This approach can be used as a decision‐support tool for operations and other managers providing a forum with which to explore: the strengths, weaknesses and consequences of different decision‐making capacities within the firm; the introduction of new manufacturing technologies, practices and policies; and the different evolutionary trajectories that a firm can take.

Originality/value

With the inclusion of “micro‐diversity”, ECS modelling moves beyond the self‐organisational models that populate the literature but has not as yet produced a great many practical simulation results. This work is a step in that direction.
R&D framework for an intelligent fabric sample management system
Authors: Moon Ka‐Leung , Ngai Eric W.T.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the problems encountered by clothing merchandisers in managing fabric sample resources, and analyses their expectations of and requirements for a desirable management solution. It then aims to consider the architectural design of an intelligent fabric sample management system prototype, and the development of a construction and implementation plan for a fashion enterprise to install the system.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐stage methodological approach is adopted. The first stage is a preliminary study using in‐depth interviews with potential system users; the second involves the architectural design of a five‐component system prototype; and the third develops a multi‐phase construction and implementation plan using a case study.

Findings

Four categories of problems in the management of fabric sample resources are identified, the system architecture is designed, and a construction and implementation plan is proposed. Managerial and theoretical implications are also discussed.

Practical implications

The design process of the research and development (R&D) framework enables fashion enterprises to obtain a deeper understanding of their operations in managing fabric samples and to make wiser decisions in resource allocation. By taking the specific needs of system users into consideration, system solution developers are able to design tailor‐made software packages that are intelligent, user‐friendly and user‐oriented.

Originality/value

Through a logical and systematic process of designing the R&D framework, the paper identifies some “technological rules” which links up the practice of solving an industrial problem with the formulation of substantive theories. This adds to the application of design science research.
Values based supply chain management and emergent organizational structures
Authors: Pullman Madeleine E. , Dillard Jesse
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an emergent supply chain management system that supports a sustainable values based organization (VBO) using a structuration theory‐based framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a sustainable beef cooperative employing a structuration theory framework provides insights into sustainable supply chain management models.

Findings

The supply chain design and management afford the key to the VBO's success. In order to attain the necessary price premium, the unique product attributes acquired through the natural beef production process must be sustained along the entire supply chain and communicated to the end customer. Structuration theory is useful in understanding supply chain management in VBOs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has implications for studying VBOs, particularly those prioritizing sustainability values. The descriptive model presented is useful in settings where organizational structure and the supply chain are needed to support sustainable products and processes and whose success is facilitated by establishing strategic partners, especially those that make possible economies of scale. The study is limited to one, privately owned firm, operating in a specialty industry sector.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for those entities with an identified values set that endows the product with unique characteristics that must be conveyed to their end consumer in order to command a price premium and/or differentiate the product from a commodity. The case study provides an example of how a unique product as well as a facilitating organizational structure and supply chain emerge out of the application of a set of core values.

Originality/value

Little previous research focuses on implications of supply chain management in VBOs. In addition, the paper contributes to both the supply chain management and sustainability literature by relating supply chain management to a more comprehensive sustainability agenda including social, environmental, and long‐term economic sustainability and by a theoretically based structuring.
Remarks on symmetry conditions in computational homogenisation problems
Authors: Saavedra Flores E.I. , de Souza Neto E.A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use symmetry conditions for the reduction of computing times in problems involving finite element‐based multi‐scale constitutive models of nonlinear heterogeneous media.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of representative volume element (RVE) symmetry often found in practice are considered: staggered‐translational and point symmetry. These are analyzed under three types RVE of kinematical constraints: periodic boundary fluctuations (typical of periodic media), linear boundary displacements (which gives an upper bound for the macroscopic stiffness) and the minimum kinematical constraint (corresponding to uniform boundary tractions and providing a lower bound for the macroscopic stiffness).

Findings

Numerical examples show that substantial savings in computing times are achieved by taking advantage of such symmetries. These are particularly pronounced in fully coupled two‐scale analyses, where the macroscopic equilibrium problem is solved simultaneously with a large number of microscopic equilibrium problems at Gauss‐point level. Speed‐up factors in excess of seven have been found in such cases, when both symmetry conditions considered are present at the same time.

Originality/value

This paper extends the original considerations of Ohno et al. to account for other RVE kinematical constraints, namely, the linear boundary displacement and the minimum kinematical constraint (or uniform boundary traction model). Provides a more precise assessment of the impact of the use of such symmetries on computing times by means of numerical examples. In addition, for completeness, the direct enforcement of such constraints within a Newton‐based finite element solution procedure for the RVE equilibrium problem is detailed in the paper.
The value of audit qualifications in China
Authors: Czernkowski Robert , Green Wendy , Wang Yi
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether audit opinions matter in China after the introduction of several key regulatory changes, specifically aimed at strengthening the confidence of investors in the audit function.

Design/methodology/approach

The question is addressed by examining the market response to modified audit opinions of companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Findings

In contrast to earlier research, this paper does not find evidence that modified audit opinions have significant information value to Chinese investors, despite the regulatory changes. However, when partitioning the sample by year, there is weak evidence of a stock price response to modified audit opinions in 2003. Examination of the impact of different types of audit opinions shows no consistent results.

Research limitations/implications

The results reported in this paper must be considered in light of the limitations inherent in empirical analyses. That is, the relationships identified in this paper are indicative of potential earnings management or audit opinion shopping, however, the paper cannot provide the actual reasons for these empirical results.

Practical implications

The results suggest the Chinese market is beginning to value audit opinions in the same fashion way as more developed markets.

Originality/value

The paper refines market reaction models used in earlier studies through the introduction of additional explanatory variables, together with an improved methodology.
Do client dependence and amount of audit fees affect lending decisions?
Authors: Schneider Arnold
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine whether lending decisions are affected by knowledge about the auditor's revenue dependence on a client and whether the amount spent by a company on audit fees (AF) affects lending decisions concerning the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used is a behavioral experiment where risk assessments and lending decisions are made by bank loan officers for four hypothetical lending scenarios.

Findings

The paper finds that loan officers' decisions are not affected by knowledge about the size of a client's AF or by the auditor's revenue dependence on a client.

Research limitations/implications

Lending officers typically obtain more information about a prospective borrower than is provided in the research questionnaire. As well, economic incentives such as being fired for making poor lending decisions are absent in the paper. Also, the AF variable is subject to two divergent interpretations.

Practical implications

Lenders need not be provided with information about the size of an applicant's AF or the auditor's revenues received from the applicant in relation to its total revenues.

Originality/value

While each of these two issues (revenue dependence and AF size) has been addressed in prior research studies, no study has examined both of these aspects of audit quality together.
Recognition and re‐visualization of woven fabric structures
Authors: Potiyaraj Pranut , Subhakalin Chutipak , Sawangharsub Benchaphon , Udomkichdecha Werasak
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a computerized program that can recognize woven fabric structures and simultaneously use the obtained data to 3D re‐visualize the corresponding woven fabric structures.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2D bitmap image of woven fabric was initially acquired using an ordinary desktop flatbed scanner. Through several image‐processing and analysis techniques as well as recognition algorithms, the weave pattern was then identified and stored in a digital format. The weave pattern data were then used to construct warp and weft yarn paths based on Peirce's geometrical model.

Findings

By combining relevant weave parameters, including yarn sizes, warp and weft densities, yarn colours as well as cross‐sectional shapes, a 3D image of yarns assembled together as a woven fabric structure is produced and shown on a screen through the virtual reality modelling language browser.

Originality/value

Woven fabric structures can now be recognised and simultaneously use the obtained data to 3D re‐visualize the corresponding woven fabric structures.
Fit analysis using live and 3D scan models
Authors: Bye Elizabeth , McKinney Ellen
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a “good fit” for garments for customer satisfaction, comfort, and functionality as well as a manufacturer's success and reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews and evaluates garments on a live fit model and makes recommendations for the acceptance or modification of the garment for production. As more manufacturing, product development, and designing responsibilities continue to take place globally, alternatives to the traditional fit analysis are under consideration.

Findings

Fit analysis using live and three‐dimensional scan models as an alternative to the traditional fit analysis are under consideration.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates garments on a live fit model and makes recommendations for the acceptance or modification of the garment for production.
Automatic basic garment pattern generation using three‐dimensional measurements
Authors: Hyo Kim Choong , Hwan Sul In , Kyu Park Chang , Kim Sungmin
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the generation of basic garment pattern using three‐dimensional body measurement data.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre‐defined garment model is deformed using free‐form deformation method and the model is flattened to generate flat patterns.

Findings

The paper finds that individual basic garment patterns are automatically generated and verified to be well fit on human subjects.

Research limitations/implications

The current approach is to focus on the generation of basic bodice patterns; however, other patterns can also be generated by this method by preparing more garment models.

Practical implications

This method can reduce the time required to design basic patterns as well as enhance their fitness.

Originality/value

The automatic generation of individually fitted garment pattern is one of the most important steps in future garment production process.
Style previewing in 3D using name‐based sewing rules
Authors: Hwan Sul In
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine patterns from different garment sets and preview garment styles in 3D apparel design by giving sewing names to patterns and sewing edges.

Design/methodology/approach

A new rule for 3D garment sewing is made. Unlike conventional vertex number‐based method, patterns and their edges are given specific names. If two edges have a same edge name, they make a sewing line. Thus, patterns from different garments can be combined and draped with this method. Numbers of boundary mesh nodes were controlled using B‐Spline to combine sewing edges of different lengths.

Findings

It is found that by only assigning names to patterns and sewing edges, garment style can be previewed by substituting patterns.

Originality/value

Styles and details of garments can be previewed in 3D by mixing patterns of different garment sets like in 2D technical flat sketching. Even patterns with different edge lengths can be combined by controlling the pattern meshes using B‐Spline.
Study of heat transfer through layers of textiles using finite element method
Authors: Sun Yuchai , Chen Xiaogang , Cheng Zhonghao , Feng Xunwei
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study on heat transfer through a textile assembly consisting of fabric and air layers based on a theoretical model capable of dealing with conductive, convective and radioactive heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantificational results were given out by the aid of finite element (FE) analysis software MSC MARC Mentat.

Findings

Significant findings through this paper include the change in heat flux against time and the transit temperature distribution at the cross‐section of the fabric assembly. The size of the air gaps has a significant influence on the heat transfer. The balance heat flux drops by 40 per cent when the air gap increases from 2 to 10 mm. The influence of the air gap tends to become smaller as the air gap is further increased. The number of fabric layers in the textile assembly has a noted influence, more so when the ambient temperature is lower. Comparisons between the theoretical and tested results show a good agreement.

Originality/value

This paper has established a new method for clothing comfort study by making use of a general purpose FE method software package.
Comparative analysis of hand properties and compositions of trace elements in linen fabrics produced in different regions
Authors: Inoue Takako , Ishihara Kengo , Yasumoto Kyoden , Niwa Masako
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine ladies' linen fabrics produced in different regions – Japan, Italy, and Poland – to ascertain differences in mechanical, thermal, and air permeability properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates mechanical properties, air permeability, and thermal conductivity. The silhouettes of Polish, Italian, and Japanese linen fabrics are different. The thermal conductivities of the Polish linen fabrics are high. The levels of 72 elements were analyzed and remarkable differences were observed in the levels of 16 elements, including Li, Al, Si, Ti, Cr, Ni, Rb, and Y, Ag, among Polish, Italian linen fabrics, and linen fabrics made in Japan. Another ten elements were detected at some level in either the samples of Polish linen fabrics or linen fabrics made in Japan.

Findings

There are differences among the Polish, Italian, and linen fabrics made in Japan, but the differences are not remarkable.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a wide world regional study of linen characterisation.

Practical implications

Another ten elements are detected at some level in either the samples of Polish linen fabrics or linen fabrics made in Japan. There are differences among the Polish, Italian, and linen fabrics made in Japan, but the differences are not remarkable.

Originality/value

The paper presents useful Measurement instrumentation, analysis and characterisation of linen fabrics from different regions of the world.
Analysis of tactile perceptions of textile materials using artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Karthikeyan B. , Sztandera Les M.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The first of a two‐part series, this paper aims to discuss the design and development of an artificial intelligence‐based hybrid model to understand human perception of the tactile properties of textile materials and create an objective system to express those tactile perceptions in terms of measurable mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

A forward engineering system using the Model Free Algorithm approach of the Artificial Intelligence Technique to predict the tactile comfort score is presented.

Findings

Human perception of tactile sensation is based on the weighted stimulus perceived by the human neural system.

Originality/value

Contribution to intelligent textile and garment manufacture.
Analysis of tactile perceptions of textile materials using artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Karthikeyan B. , Sztandera Les M.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The second of a two‐part series, this paper aims to explain the design and development of a hybrid system for reverse engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

A prediction engine to map the perception of tactile sensations using a neural network engine was developed. Since seventeen mechanical properties form the input ‐ and tactile compfort score is used as the output ‐ a direct reversal of the data set becomes impossible, hence, a hybrid approach was employed. The neural net is coupled with a genetic algorithm engine for the reversal process. The trained neural network acts as the objective function to evaluate the property set while the solution set is generated by Genetic Algorithm (GA) engine. Limitation of the GA and a means to overcome it is discussed. Application software based on the current research is also presented.

Findings

Human perception of tactile sensations is non‐linear in terms of the mechanical properties of textile materials.

Originality/value

The paper deals with reverse engineering and discusses application software based on the current research.
The application of codesign in new bra product innovations
Authors: Liao Chi‐Shun , Lee Cheng‐Wen
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how brassiere manufacturers develop new designs for bra products, suitable for individual consumers, through consumer codesign.

Design/methodology/approach

New product design that relies on conjoint analysis algorithms can depict multidimensional attribute profiles, such that consumers' choice behavior reflects their preferences and overall judgment of the profiles. This statistical technique provides a means to codesign and customize bra products and thereby enhance the overall bra design process.

Findings

Bra products codesign suggests goals such as attractive appearance, shoulder strap style, vivid/mild color, elegance/sexy lace, comfort/practicality, fabric, lining, comfort/attractive appearance, neckline design, comfort/excellent function cut, sewn cups, and generous quantities. The most preferred combination of attributes for all respondents is a cotton/cotton blend fabric, seamless bra that offers a detachable shoulder strap, lavender color, a two‐strap style, lace details, and a low‐cut plunge neckline. The paper illustrates consumers' bra awareness attributes, codesign approach, and individual optimum individualized bra designs.

Practical implications

The results provide a useful source of information for product managers, who should consider the use of codesign to design the best products for individual consumers and decrease the risk of design failure, as well as promote consumer loyalty and satisfaction toward the product.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique method to understand the new product codesign structure and make bra product design decisions that integrate optimum individualized design.
Relationship between growth and R&D intensity in low‐tech and high‐tech Portuguese service SMEs
Authors: Maçãs Nunes Paulo , Serrasqueiro Zélia , Mendes Luis , Neves Sequeira Tiago
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if the relationship between growth and research and development (R&D) intensity is of a different nature in the context of low‐ and high‐tech Portuguese service small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The System Analysis of Iberian Balance Sheets database is used. Based on the European Union's recommendation, L124/36 (2003/261/CE), the authors select 764 low‐tech and 139 high‐tech Portuguese service SMEs for the period 1999‐2006. As method of analysis, panel data are used.

Findings

A negative relationship between growth and R&D intensity for low‐tech Portuguese service SMEs is identified, whatever the level of R&D intensity. For high‐tech Portuguese service SMEs, a quadratic U‐shaped relationship between growth and R&D intensity is identified. Moreover, the authors find that relationships between growth and determinants are of a special nature in the context of high‐tech Portuguese service SMEs with high levels of R&D intensity.

Practical implications

It is recommended that as far as possible the managers/owners of low‐tech Portuguese service SMEs, and especially high‐tech ones with non‐high levels of R&D intensity, hire qualified human resources and make more continuous investment in R&D. The authors advise managers/owners of high‐tech Portuguese service SMEs with high levels of R&D intensity to establish stable relationships with creditors. Policy‐makers should increase financial support directed, above all, to innovative Portuguese service SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper is pioneering in presenting different relationships between growth and R&D intensity in the context of low‐ and high‐tech service SMEs.