bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A decision making model for selecting start-up businesses in a government venture capital scheme
Authors: Afful-Dadzie Eric , Afful-Dadzie Anthony
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an intuitionistic fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) multi-criteria decision making method for the selection of start-up businesses in a government venture capital (GVC) scheme. Most GVC funded start-ups fail or underperform compared to those funded by private VCs due to a number of reasons including lack of transparency and unfairness in the selection process. By its design, the proposed method is able to increase transparency and reduce the influence of bias in GVC start-up selection processes. The proposed method also models uncertainty in the selection criteria using fuzzy set theory that mirrors the natural human decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed method first presents a set of criteria relevant to the selection of early stage but high-potential start-ups in a GVC financing scheme. These criteria are then analyzed using the TOPSIS method in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. The intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging Operator is used to aggregate ratings of decision makers. A numerical example of how the proposed method could be used in GVC start-up candidate selection in a highly competitive GVC scheme is provided.

Findings

– The methodology adopted increases fairness and transparency in the selection of start-up businesses for fund support in a government-run VC scheme. The criteria set proposed is ideal for selecting start-up businesses in a government controlled VC scheme. The decision-making framework demonstrates how uncertainty in the selection criteria are efficiently modelled with the TOPSIS method.

Practical implications

– As GVC schemes increase around the world, and concerns about failure and underperformance of GVC funded start-ups increase, the proposed method could help bring formalism and ensure the selection of start-ups with high potential for success.

Originality/value

– The framework designs relevant sets of criteria for a selection problem, demonstrates the use of extended TOPSIS method in intuitionistic fuzzy sets and apply the proposed method in an area that has not been considered before. Additionally, it demonstrates how intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS could be carried out in a real decision-making application setting.
Strategic decision implementation in an emerging market
Authors: Anchor John R. , Aldehayyat Jehad S.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the institutional context impacts on strategic decision implementation in an emerging market. Previous studies of strategic decision making in emerging markets have not examined decision implementation. Given the changes in the world economy during the past decade, and in particular the growing importance of emerging market multinationals, this is an increasingly salient issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires were delivered to general managers in all Jordanian publicly quoted industrial firms. A 53.7 per cent response rate was achieved. The structure of the questionnaire built on earlier studies in developed markets and, in particular, Alexander’s (1985) seminal study.

Findings

– The strategic decision implementation problems which are found in Jordan are similar to those found in developed economies. However, external shocks are a more important influence on strategic decision implementation that has been found to be the case in developed economies. The success of companies in the emerging market of Jordan is associated with the frequency and extent of their experience of strategic decision implementation problems. Formal strategic planning helps Jordanian firms to deal with these problems more effectively.

Research limitations/implications

– It was difficult to explore some of the “why” questions related to the implementation of strategic decisions in the sampled firms since most respondents agreed to complete the questionnaire but not to be interviewed. Single, rather than multiple, respondents participated in the research. A larger sample size would be desirable, although the results are statistically robust.

Practical implications

– The results will help managers to make and implement strategic decisions, both in the context of market entry and market maintenance, in the Middle East and in other emerging markets.

Originality/value

– Context (institutional) factors are found to be less influential in the case of decision implementation than strategic decision making itself. This is the first study of the problems associated with the implementation of strategic decisions in Jordanian firms and one of the first in any emerging market.
International diversification and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ma Hanyang , Zeng Saixing , Shen Geoffrey Qiping , Lin Han , Chen Hongquan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between international diversification strategy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for firms from emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on an empirical study of a sample of Chinese firms listed in Engineering News Record top contractors from 2010 to 2014. A moderated analysis is employed in order to test the hypotheses and examine how the scale and scope of international diversification affect CSR.

Findings

– The empirical results show that degree of internationalization (DOI), as the scale, is positively related to firms’ CSR scores. Furthermore, two scopes, geographic diversification (GD) and project diversification (PD), have different effects on CSR scores. GD negatively moderates the relationship between DOI and CSR scores, while PD has a positive direct impact on CSR scores.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper focusses on firms from emerging economies; therefore, the findings may not hold for firms from developed markets.

Practical implications

– The results of this paper provide strategical advice regarding international business, for firms from emerging economies to meet the managerial challenges regarding CSR in global markets.

Originality/value

– As the relationship between international diversification and financial performance has been thoroughly discussed in previous studies, this paper extends the literature on international diversification’s effects on CSR.
Board diversity and R & D investment
Authors: Midavaine Jeanelle , Dolfsma Wilfred , Aalbers Rick
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of board diversity on the extent to which firms invest in R & D.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on data collected about the composition of the board of directors, the authors determine statistically if the characteristics of directors predicts the extent to which firms invest more in R & D.

Findings

– The authors find, unexpectedly, that tenure diversity lead firms to invest less in R & D, while education diversity and gender diversity makes firms invest more. Gender diversity positively moderates education diversity as well, strengthening the effect found.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of firms the authors include in the paper is restricted due to the overwhelming difficulty in collecting data about the composition of boards of directors, and their backgrounds.

Practical implications

– The paper offers insights into how boards of directors might need to be composed in order to try have firms invest more in R & D.

Social implications

– Innovative firms are more competitive and more sustainable. Knowing what contributes to a firm’s investment in R & D is thus of great social value.

Originality/value

– The authors include a much larger set of diversity measures than any previously published study, and provide counter-intuitive findings that have implications for practice, society, as well as theory about team composition.
Predicting entrepreneurial intentions from work values
Authors: Tipu Syed Awais Ahmad , Ryan James C.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the current debate on value-intention link by investigating the hitherto unexplored relation between the concepts of the multidimensional work ethic profile and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). In addition, this research seeks to offer specific insight into the work values and EIs of United Arab Emirates (UAE) national youth in an effort to contribute to decision making and policy formation for enhancing entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 309 UAE youth completed an Arabic version of the short form multidimensional work ethic profile (MWEP-SF) and a measure of EI.

Findings

– Results confirm the value-intention link and support the view that values can direct work choices in entrepreneurship. The regression model identifies that the work ethics of wasted time, leisure, and self-reliance positively predict EI, while centrality of work is unrelated to EI.

Originality/value

– The relation between work values and EI of youth is underexplored in the context of the UAE. The current extreme underrepresentation of UAE nationals in the private sector of the UAE economy highlights a significant problem for the UAE strategy of workforce nationalization. As the current findings reveal that the UAE youth possess work values which can predict EIs, the policy initiatives in the UAE may encourage Emirati nationals to more actively participate in the new venture creation and development. This will potentially facilitate the government to achieve the balance between public sector employability and self-employment contributions in the private sector.
The art of discovering - experiences of novice researchers
Authors: Åge Lars-Johan , Gustavsson Bengt
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize and analyse novice researchers experiences of the Glaserian grounded theory methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The gorunded theory analytical procedures were applied.

Findings

The paper suggests that the creative freedom inherited in the Glaserian grounded theory approach empowers novice researchers, and many students reported positive emotions related to this freedom. At the same time, this freedom can represent a difficulty. Several students thought the tabula rasa instruction was something of a paradox, and the instructions within the methodology to “be without preconceptions”, “let the theory emerge”, and “find the social process” was difficult for most students to understand. However, some students found that they could counteract this difficulty via a systematic coding process and by working in pairs that enabled them to conduct an analytical dialogue.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the way that novice researchers experience the Glaserian grounded theory methodology.
Union Shade Prints on Wool/linen/viscose Blended Fabrics using Levafix ®Reactive Dyes
Authors: Rashad M.M. , Hamdy S. , Abo-Shosha M.H.
Published: April 2016

The feasibility of obtaining a union (solid) shade with reasonable color strength and no staining on the white ground of 50/25/25 wool/linen/viscose blended fabric printed with Levafix® reactive dyes under different conditions was investigated. Optimum printing conditions were found to use a printing paste containing: sodium alginate (3%), 700g/kg; sodium acetate, 40g/kg; urea, 50g/kg; glycerol, 20g/kg; dye, 20 g/kg; and water, 170g/kg, followed by batching the wet prints for 24 h, before steaming at 105°C/25 minutes Batching in presence of sodium acetate brings about some physical and chemical changes in the three components of the blended fabric and the dye is distributed evenly among them to produce a solid shade with higher color strength if compared with prints in presence of sodium acetate without batching. No staining on white ground of prints was observed. Fastness properties of prints at optimum conditions are generally good to very good regarding wash, good/very good regarding rubbing (wet/dry), good regarding light, and very good regarding acidic and alkaline perspiration.
Textile Design with Electroless Nickel Plating
Authors: Yuen C.W.M. , Jiang S.Q. , Tung W.S. , Kan C.W.
Published: April 2016

Trials have been performed to assess the practicability of the electroless nickel plating method applied to textile fabrics with various fabric constructions including polyester woven fabrics and polyester meshes. The effect of electroless nickel plating on different polyester
fabric constructions had been studied. The results displayed that the nickel could be successfully plated on various fabric structures. In this study, it was found that fabric constructions can influence the appearance of electroless nickel-plated fabrics and generate different metallic effects. Fabric structure is considered to be a very important factor for determining the desired appearances of electroless nickel-plated fabrics. Moreover, electroless nickel plating is able to simulate the metallic effects of hard metal products on non-conductive fabrics with soft handle. Such findings could give inspiration to designers to design fabrics with different brilliant textures.
Models of Textile Magnetic Core
Authors: Zięba Janusz
Published: April 2016

This paper introduces two types of textile magnetic elements: mechanical-magnetic and circuital. Textile magnetic cores consist of elementary monofilament magnetic fibres. Textile magnetic coils which are composed of a textile carcass, winding (electro-conductive yarn or wire) and magnetic fibres are presented. Textile magnetic elements are mainly textile cores which are the basic elements of textile electromagnetic devices such as sensors, actuators and transformers. Textile sensors are used to measure human physiological parameters such as breathing rhythm and pulse.

One of the most interesting applications of magnetic non-wovens is magnetic shielding. I present macroscopic magneto-mechanical and magnetic models circuital which will possibly be the basis for future mathematical description and simulation procedures of magnetic fibres and textile magnetic cores. The analysis results of transversal and longitudinal magnetic fibres are also presented. The mathematical problem of designing textile magnetic cores with the interlacement of the magnetic fibres is described. A block diagram for simulation models created by the Matlab-Simulink program is presented.
Directional Defects in Fabrics
Authors: Tunák Maroš , Linka Aleš
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with a procedure that recognizes common defects occurring in woven fabric. Images of woven fabric are considered as having a directional texture due to their periodical nature. We used a statistical approach based on the analysis of periodicity of texture images in horizontal and vertical directions. These periodicities correspond to the periodicity of second-order grey level statistical features obtained from a grey level co-occurrence matrix. A set of five significant features is extracted from the matrix: energy, correlation, homogeneity, cluster shade and cluster prominence. The presence of a defect over texture causes regular structure changes and consequently, statistical changes. Detection algorithm is based on the sliding window technique; the window is moved over the whole image area. We counted the test statistic for every window and the multivariate control charts are used as a tool for judging the existence of defects. The results show that the statistical approach is suitable for detection of directional defects or changes in regular structure in analysed simulated and real fabrics.
Dyeing Properties of Silk Super Fine Powder
Authors: Cui Weigang , Liu Xin , Shen Xiaolin , Peng Xuqiang , Xu Weilin
Published: April 2016

In this paper, silk powder around 1.5 micrometer average in size was developed and its dyeing property was compared with normal silk fiber. The results show that silk powder has a very high dye uptake property and can be dyed at room temperature; it can also be used to improve the dyeing property of some materials when it acts as a kind of additive agent. The K/S value of silk fiber is higher than that of silk powder. Their K/S value of silk fiber and silk superfine powder are influenced largely by the dye concentration. The WXRD diffraction curves showed that the crystallinity of silk powder is lower than that of silk fiber. FTIR spectra of silk powder showed that the intensity peak of CH2-antisymmetrical stretching vibration largely decreased, and the peak of C=O symmetrical stretching vibration of amid bond moved to the high wave-number. TG patterns of samples showed that water (moisture) could be easily removed from the powder when the temperature was over 70°C, and the initial decomposition temperature of silk powder increased from 262.5°C to 277.5°C. Moreover, the silk powder showed higher residue than that of silk fiber at 600°C.
Smart Textile Materials by Surface Modification with Biopolymeric Systems
Authors: JOCIC Dragan
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the possibilities of obtaining “smart” surface modifying systems (SMSs) based on biopolymer chitosan hydrogels, and to discuss the possible problems of obtaining “smart” textile materials by attaching these surface modifying systems to regular textile materials. Due to the fact that chitosan based, pH-sensitive, temperature-sensitive and temperature/pH dual-sensitive hydrogels are of special interest in designing "smart" textile materials, current developments in the preparation of chitosan based hydrogels are reviewed.

However, since the main challenge of developing “smart” textile materials is confined to the techniques of successful attachment of the hydrogel layer to the textile substrate, strategies for successful attachment of “smart” hydrogels are presented. It is expected that this innovative strategy will enable creating of new enhanced textile materials, which not only contain fibres that maintain the advantageous and conventional properties but also advanced functionalities and/or environmental responsiveness implemented by modifying the very thin surface layer of the material.
Analysis of Supply Chain Strategies Used by The United States Textile and Apparel Industries
Authors: Berdine Matt , Parrish Erin , Cassill Nancy L. , Oxenham William , Jones Michelle R.
Published: April 2016

Due to the highly competitive nature of an increasingly global market, textile and apparel firms are being challenged to leverage and enhance their core competencies in order to maintain and potentially increase market share. A strategy being explored is increasing supply chain efficiencies with the goal of reducing costs and improving customer service levels. This research seeks to explore such supply chain strategies which are currently being used into addition to the product costing and outsourcing decision analysis. Executives within the fiber and yarn, textile, apparel and retail industries are quantitatively and qualitatively interviewed in order to examine these issues.

Results show that firms are using a blended sourcing strategy in order to minimize risk and leverage manufacturing capabilities. Quality, cost and reliability of delivery are all indicated as important in terms of sourcing criteria. The results provide insight into the decision process and a framework for increasing efficiency resulting in increased international competitiveness.
Dyeing Properties of Natural Dyes Extracted from Turmeric and their Comparison with Reactive Dyeing
Authors: Umbreen Saima , Ali Shaukat , Hussain Tanveer , Nawaz Rakhshanda
Published: April 2016

A natural dye is extracted from turmeric and used to dye cotton at different dyeing conditions. Then the fastness properties of the dyeings with different dyeing techniques are compared. The dye is found to have good saturation and rubbing fastness, but poor washing and light fastness properties on cotton, when applied without any mordant. When dyeing is implemented with mordants, washing and light fastness properties show improvement while rubbing fastness exhibits deterioration.

Finally, comparative studies between natural and synthetic reactive dyes reveal that the natural dye has the potential to act as a co-partner with reactive dyes with a few compromises.
Development of Cosmetic Textiles Using Microencapsulation Technology
Authors: Cheng S.Y. , Yuen C.W.M. , Kan C.W. , Cheuk K.K.L.
Published: April 2016

In recent years, textile materials have been found in applications in the cosmetics field. A new sector of cosmetic textiles is introduced and several commercial cosmetic textile products are currently available in the market. On contact with human body and skin, cosmetic textiles are designed to transfer an active substance for cosmetic purposes. The principle is achieved by simply imparting the cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients into the fabric of clothing so that with the natural movement of the body, the skin is slowly freshened and revitalised.

Microencapsulation technology is an effective technique used to control the release properties of active ingredients that prolong the functionality of cosmetic textiles. This paper will address the historical background of microencapsulation technology, its significant advantages and the most commonly used microencapsulation methods. Some typical examples of commercially available microencapsulation based cosmetic textile products will also be examined. Recent applications, as well as potential development in cosmetic textiles production, will be discussed.
Improvement on Hydrophobicity of Synthetic Textiles by Plasma Treatment – A Review
Authors: Kwong C.H. , Ng S.P.
Published: April 2016

Cationic dyes exhibit high exhaustion towards protein fibres, such as wool and silk, due to ionic interactions but they show little substantivity onto cellulosic and hemicellulosic fibres. In order to apply cationic dyes to mill scoured and bleached linen fibers, a new approach employing anionic agents containing a reactive monochloro-S- triazinyl group is synthesized and used to import a negative charge to the fibre surface.

Two cationic dyes show considerable substantivity towards anionic agent modified fabrics. Four different anionic agents are covalently bounded to the linen substrate to provide an electrostatic interaction with cationic dyes. The anionic agent treated fabrics are monitored for nitrogen content, and the reaction efficiency is determined as a K/S value of the dyed samples.

Different factors that affect the pretreatment and dyeing process are investigated, and an overall improvement in the effectiveness of the anionic agent on the dyeability using cationic dyes is achieved. The reaction efficiency for the four anionic agents follows the order: anionic agent III > I > II > IV > untreated fabric. The treated dyed fabrics also exhibit good fastness properties.
Improvement on Hydrophobicity of Synthetic Textiles by Plasma Treatment – A Review
Authors: Lopes Filipa , Neves Jorge , Campos Ana , Hrdina Radim
Published: April 2016

Microencapsulated organic thermochromic pigments may have varied industrial applications, such as in windows and greenhouse roofs. Two black coloured commercial microencapsulated pigments from A and B brands are used in this work. The study is conducted with UVA irradiation, and simulation of atmospheric conditions (weathering tester QUV). After a few degradation cycles, the colour of the substrate becomes a yellowish hue, which suggests that chemical degradation of the components of the microcapsule has occurred. Some tests that include DSC are carried out in order to obtain information on the composition of the microcapsules.

Extraction with organic solvents provides several fractions that are analysed by 1H-NMR and IR. It is concluded that the material of the microcapsules is melamine formaldehyde and two of the core components are probably crystal violet and benzotriazole, which are assumed to act as a UV absorber and promoter of proton transfer. SEM analyses of the pigments before and after degradation show that the microcapsules maintain their shape. A study is also implemented on the effect of adding DABCO to the suspensions of the pigments, which are then irradiated with UV light. A somewhat protecting effect is observed.
Mathematical Modeling of Transport of Inkjet-Printed Suspensions into Textiles
Authors: Calvert Paul , Chitnis Poonam
Published: April 2016

A model is presented for the flow of inkjet-printed fluids into textiles based on capillary flow between fibers and diffusion of solvent into the fibers. Dispersions of PEDOT (Poly 3, 4 ∓ ethylenedioxythiophene), a conducting polymer, can be inkjet-printed onto fabric to form piezoresistive sensors. A problem is to get proper penetration of PEDOT into the fabric so that it does not easily flake off the surface. This penetration depends on a balance between wetting, evaporation and viscous flow of printed PEDOT suspensions between the fibers of the textile substrate.

This study addresses how these liquids flow within a yarn after being printed onto the fabric. Loss of liquid into the fiber limits spreading of the ink as the residual solids level builds up. Ink predominantly follows the path of a yarn but is treated as crossing between yarns at narrow crossing points. This model yields predictions for the distribution of conducting ink when printed onto fabric.
Basic Parameter Study for the Separation of Wool Fibre Components by Ultrasonic Irradiation in Formic Acid
Authors: Fan Jie , Yu Wei-dong
Published: April 2016

The structure of wool fibre is a key point in clarifying its properties and performances. Wool fibre can be separated into cuticle cells, cortical cells and even macrofibrils using formic acid as the medium by ultrasonication. The disintegration process of wool fibre is significantly subjected to many parameters. In order to obtain the maximum ratio of disintegration of wool fibre, the effect of these parameters on the disintegration process is studied. The separated wool fibre components are examined with a scanning electron microscopy and the disintegration rates are calculated from the weight proportion of residual and original wool fibres. The results indicate that wool fibre can be separated into cortical cells and macrofibrils by ultrasonication in formic acid. The broken ratio of wool fibre varies greatly with different conditions of ultrasonic irradiation, such as irradiation time, temperature, output power of a transducer, shape of vessel, position of probe, ratio of wool fibre to formic acid, and state of wool fibre. Additionally, ultrasonic irradiation is an efficient method for the preparation of intact cortical cells with high yield from wool fibre in appropriate conditions.
Study of Fabric Hairiness using Image Processing Technique
Authors: Das A. , Chakroborty P. , Kumar P.
Published: April 2016

An approach to measurement of fabric hairiness based on image processing is developed and demonstrated in the present study. The total system consists of two components: i) a mechanical setup for image grabbing; and ii) analysis software for measurement of hairiness values based on suitable algorithms using MATLAB software. The software is able to detect the best estimated edge of fabrics and subsequently the fabric hairiness values are calculated precisely. A series of polyester-viscose blended fabrics with varying blend ratios are selected for the study. The fabrics were selected in such a way that all other parameters were
the same except blend ratios. The fabrics were subject to different abrasion cycles and their hairiness values were then measured. With an increase in abrasion cycling, the average length of hairs increases and a similar trend is observed for all blended fabrics except the 100% viscose fabric. With an increase in viscose content in polyester-viscose blended fabrics, the hairiness value increases generally.
Study of Whisker and Glass Fibre Reinforced Wool Keratin Films and Their Preparation
Authors: Liu Yang , Yu WeiDong
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the related theories and current situation of regenerated keratin materials, as well as fibre reinforced composite materials, which are used to evaluate the feasibility of glass fibres and whisker reinforced wool keratin films. Although blending biopolymers is the traditional way to improve the mechanical properties of keratin materials, wool keratin, which consists of only a few percentages in composite materials, would not have an outstanding performance biologically. In this article, we examine the processes of developing fibre reinforced keratin materials, including the dissolution of wool fibres, dispersion of reinforcements, and interface study of the reinforcements/matrix. The results suggest that both glass fibres and whiskers distribute uniformly and bond well with keratin
matrix through observations with an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the effects of reinforcement alignment, as well as fibre concentration, can be used to predict the tensile strength (TS) of regenerated keratin materials for further experiments.
Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Continuous Filament Migration in Polypropylene Twisted Yarn Part II: Quantitative Study
Authors: MÂATOUK Imen , MSAHLI Slah , ZIDI Mondher , SAKLI Faouzi
Published: April 2016

A three dimensional (3D) numerical modelling of filament assemblies has been developed in this study. The twist behaviour of the multifilament is simulated using the ABAQUS finite element package by modelling the yarns as 3D continuum elements. The migration of the filaments has been shown in a previous paper. In this study, we will describe a quantitative analysis of filament migration for different levels of twisting tension and torsion. The distribution of the filament orientation angle in accordance to the radial position and the axial position of the yarn are evaluated.
Improving Dyeability of Cotton Fabric for Vat Dyes
Authors: A.B.E. Moustafa , Kh Elnagar , S.M. Saleh
Published: April 2016

Cationization of cotton is an effective tool that solves environmental problems by using vat dyes. In this research, the cationizing efficiency of Cibafix WFF and PrefixK are studied to replace toxic conventional redox agents with ecofriendly alternatives. It is found to be a better method when compared with the conventional and existing method of vat dyeing of cotton. Conditions, such as concentration of cationizing agents, time, temperature and pH, are optimized. Such conditions show better color strength when compared with conventional dyeing methods. The effect of cationization on color strength and fastness is observed, and show higher value in both light and dark shades. The cationized samples show comparable quality and are cheaper in cost when compared with the normal vat dyeing method. Cationization of cotton with Cibafix WFF is found to be a successfully and commercially viable process.
Effect of Mordant Type on Thermal Stability and Fastness Properties of Silk Fabric Dyed with Natural Dye "Sambucus Nigra"
Authors: Osman Eman , Abd El-Zaher Nabawia
Published: April 2016

Natural dye (Sambucus nigra, whose common name is elder) is used to dye silk fabric. The dyed fabric samples have been post mordanted with three different mordants, including alum; ferrous and chrome. A thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) of all the samples are used to investigate the thermal stability of the dyed mordanted silk fabrics. The TGA provides the changes in the sample weight loss as a function of time and temperature. The DSC gives information about the possible changes in the fiber structure. In addition, the DSC is a method commonly used to determine crystallinity in polymers and involves measuring the melting enthalpy. The TGA tested results for silk samples mordanted with ferrous has the highest thermal stability. The endothermic peak at 318°C shifts to a lower or higher temperature than in the case of blank samples according to the type of mordant used. Fastness to light, washing and perspiration of the examined silk fabrics have also been examined and the results are reported.
A lining for the Thermal Comfort of Trekking Boots – Experimental and Numerical Studies
Authors: Neves M. , Arezes P. , Leão C.P. , Teixeira S.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a study on the design and development of functional shoe linings that are thermally comfortable is presented. The comfort of foot wear, in this case, trekking boots, that is perceived by the user greatly depends on the ability of the boot to maintain the foot surface in an equilibrium state in terms of thermo-physiological comfort (Schols et al., 2004). This is related to the capacity of removing the moisture that results from transpiration away from the foot surface. With these premises in mind, a study on the development of new lining constructions using different raw materials has been conducted.

As far as methodology is concerned, this study involves two different stages. The first stage includes an objective evaluation of the thermal comfort of the boots. This stage involves several tasks, including the conception and development of the fabrics to be used in the inner layer of the boots and the development of a thermo-physiological model of the human foot, in order to simulate the temperature and moisture behavior in the developed fabrics. The second stage consists of a subjective evaluation of thermal comfort using prototypes of the developed boots. A subjective evaluation assessment was done through a questionnaire, in which the study subjects are able to indicate where they experience thermal discomfort in the foot, as well as a laboratory physical task used to simulate the “real” use of the boots.
An Approach to Seam Strength Prediction Using Residual Thread Strength
Authors: Midha Vinay Kumar , Mukhopadhyay A , Kaur Ramanpreet
Published: April 2016

Owing to a high amount of stress, seam failure in workwear fabrics makes the fabric unsuitable although the fabric strength is high. It is therefore important to predict the seam strength to ascertain the performance of the garments during use and determine the required thread strength and stitch density to match the required seam strength. In all of the earlier predictive equations, seam strength is predicted from thread strength and stitch density along with some multiplicative factors. During the sewing process, a substantial loss in needle thread strength occurs; therefore, the thread becomes weaker than expected after incorporation into the seam. In this paper, the effects of various machine and process parameters are studied on thread strength loss and seam strength. The seam strength is predicted from the loop strength after considering the loss in thread strength. It is observed that higher seam strengths are observed when stronger threads are used for sewing. Loss in thread strength has a significant influence on the seam strength. Seam strength can be predicted using stitch density and thread loop strength, by considering the loss in thread strength during the sewing process. A closer match between predicted and experimental seam strength is possible.
Improving of Silk Printability by Atmospheric Air Plasma Treatment
Authors: Ghalab S. , Raslan W. M. , El-Khatib E.M. , El-Halwagy A.A.
Published: April 2016

Plasma surface treatment of silk has been carried out in atmospheric air under experimental conditions at different discharge powers and plasma exposure times. The treated fabric samples are printed with reactive dye using a conventional silk screen printing technique. After drying, the samples are steam fixed at 102°C for 15 min, washed and air dried. Before and after printing, both treated and untreated samples are subjected to different investigations. The wetting time is found to depend upon the treatment time and discharge power. The colour strength of the treated samples printed with reactive dye is improved to a large extent compared with the untreated samples. An improvement in the fastness properties of the printed samples to washing, rubbing and perspiration is also noticed.
Feasibility of Glutaraldehyde as a Non-formaldehyde Durable Press Finish for Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Zhang Chuanjie , Cui Li , Zhu Ping , Liu Yun
Published: April 2016

Glutaraldehyde is chosen as a novel non-formaldehyde durable press finish for cotton fabrics in this investigation. The optimum technique conditions and influences of glutaraldehyde concentration and catalysts, pH value, and curing conditions for the properties of the finished fabric have been investigated in detail. The finished fabric achieves the best performance with a pH value in the range of 4 to 4.5 for the glutaraldehyde finishing bath, magnesium chloride as the catalyst, and curing conditions of 160oC for 3 minutes. In addition, in contrast to low formaldehyde resin and non-formaldehyde finishers sold in the market, the wrinkle recovery angle of the fabric finished with glutaraldehyde is better than that finished with FREEREZ NFR (DHDMI), but not as satisfactory as that finished with FREEREZ 880 (low formaldehyde 2D). However, its strength is greater than the fabric finished with FREEREZ 880, but less so than that finished with FREEREZ NFR.
Customised Pressure Garment Development by Using 3D Scanned Body Image
Authors: Salleh Mohamed Najib Bin , Acar Memis , Burns Neil D.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this research is to develop a method for designing customised pressure garments that can be more accurately applied to a burn wound area. The method includes the use of a 3D digital image of the wounded body part obtained by a body scanner and the development of a 3D pressure garment model and a 2D pattern. The scanned data contain detailed information that cannot be feasibly obtained by manual measurements, such as body curvature. The model parameters include the pressure to be exerted, pressure garment fabric properties and radius of curvature of the cross-sections of scanned body parts. By using a 3D pressure garment model, a 2D garment pattern is developed, and then, a pressure garment is constructed by using the pattern. The technique has been experimentally verified and customised pressure garments are made for a number of volunteer subjects. The customised pressure garments made for the subjects exert pressures close to the design pressure, but vary along the circumference of a given cross-section. The customised pressure garments constructed by using the developed method have shown a more accurate fit to uniformly exert the design pressure onto the whole of the wounded area.
Dyeing of Polyester Fabrics with Indigo
Authors: Baig Gulzar Ahmad
Published: April 2016

Polyester fabric was dyed with indigo through the exhaust technique by controlling the ratios of sodium dithionite and sodium hydroxide concentrations in the dyebath solution. At different ratios different forms of the indigo existed and each one had different degrees of substantivity for the polyester. The non-ionic form such as disperse dyes, had substantivity for polyester. Polyester could best be dyed in the acidic to slightly neutral pH range. The reflection spectra showed that the absorption maximum for polyester was at 610 nm. Rubbing and washing fastness were better while light and sublimation fastness were poor.
Cationized Wool for Improving the Dyeability and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: El-khatib E.M. , Ali N.F.
Published: April 2016

Glycidyl triethyl ammonium chloride (GTEAC) was used to chemically modify the primary amine groups (-NH2) in wool fabrics to acquire new properties. The properties of treated wool fabrics were studied such as wettability, whiteness, nitrogen content, dyeability, fastness and antimicrobial properties. Modified cationic wool fabrics enhanced hydrophilicity, dyeing properties and biocidal activity. The treatment led to improvement in dyeability, fastness, wettability, whiteness and antimicrobial activity. Dyeing was performed with natural dye obtained from Tumeric at 85°C. Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Curcumin, a common natural dye used for fabrics and food colorations, was used as an antimicrobial finish due to its bactericidal properties on dyed textiles. A common dyeing process could provide wool fabrics with color as well as antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activity of wool fabrics treated with (GTEAC) and dyed with curcumin was studied. The durability of antimicrobial activity of curcumin dyed wool fabrics to laundering was also examined.
Relationship between children's performance‐based motor skills and child, parent, and teacher perceptions of children's motor abilities using self/informant‐report questionnaires
Authors: Lalor Aislinn , Brown Ted , Murdolo Yuki
Published: April 2016

Background

Occupational therapists often assess the motor skill performance of children referred to them as part of the assessment process.

Aim

This study investigated whether children's, parents' and teachers' perceptions of children's motor skills using valid and reliable self/informant‐report questionnaires were associated with and predictive of children's actual motor performance, as measured by a standardised performance‐based motor skill assessment.

Methods

Fifty‐five typically developing children (8–12 years of age), their parents and classroom teachers were recruited to participate in the study. The children completed the Physical Self‐Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) and the Self‐Perception Profile for Children. The parents completed the Developmental Profile III (DP‐III) and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, whereas the teachers completed the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire and the Teacher's Rating Scale of Child's Actual Behavior. Children's motor performance composite scores were determined using the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT‐2). Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were calculated to identify if significant correlations existed and multiple linear regression was used to identify whether self/informant report data were significant predictors of children's motor skill performance.

Results

The child self‐report scores had the largest number of significant correlations with the BOT‐2 composites. Regression analysis found that the parent report DP‐III Physical subscale was a significant predictor of the BOT‐2 Manual Coordination composite and the child‐report questionnaire PSDQ. Endurance subscale was a significant predictor of the BOT‐2 Strength and Agility composite.

Conclusion

The findings support the use of top‐down assessment methods from a variety of sources when evaluating children's motor abilities.
Paradoxical Hemodynamic Instability After Pericardial Window
Authors: Han Andrew J. , Slomka Teresa , Mehrotra Anurag , Murillo Luis C. , Alsafwah Shadwan F. , Khouzam Rami N.
Published: April 2016

Paradoxical hemodynamic instability (PHI), also called postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), is a rare but fatal complication after drainage of a pericardial effusion (PEf). This condition usually develops within hours postprocedure and appears unrelated to the method of drainage. The exact mechanism of this condition is not well understood. We present a case of an 84‐year‐old patient with no previous cardiac or cancer history who presented with acute shortness of breath (SOB). Computed tomography (CT) ruled out pulmonary embolism and echocardiography confirmed early tamponade. Following emergent subxiphoid pericardiectomy, the patient developed hemodynamic instability and shock and subsequent multiorgan failure. Repeat echocardiography revealed left ventricular (LV) hypercontractility and new right ventricular (RV) dilatation with akinesis. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate in spite of maximal doses of pressors. The patient died after the family's request to discontinue further extraordinary measures.
Experimental studies on mixed‐mode dynamic fracture behaviour of aluminium alloy plates with narrow U‐notch
Authors: Wen X , Lu F , Chen R , Cao L , Lin Y
Published: April 2016

Mixed‐mode dynamic fracture behaviour of cast aluminium alloy ZL205A thin plates with narrow U‐notch was studied by split Hopkinson tensile bar apparatus. Specimens with different loading angles were designed to realize different fracture modes. The same loading condition was maintained during the tests. Recovery specimens show that crack propagates along the notch direction. Force–elongation relations show that with the loading angle increasing, the fracture force increases while the final elongation decreases. Deformation and fracture process was observed by a high‐speed camera. Displacement distribution around the crack was calculated through digital image correlation technique. Based on the photos and displacement results, initiation time of the crack was derived. Besides, two stress components (normal stress and shear stress) applied on the fracture surface were investigated. Results show that crack initiation stresses at different loading angles satisfy the ellipse equation. Pure mode I and II fracture stresses are 425.3 and 236.7 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, specific fracture energy of different specimens was calculated. The energy data vary with loading angle and located on an approximate upward parabolic curve. From the curve, the minimum specific fracture energy of the thin plate specimen is 42.0 kJ/m2 under loading angle of 76.3°.
When eWOM becomes cynical
Authors: Amezcua Bernardo , Quintanilla Claudia
Published: April 2016

Nowadays, it is common practice for corporations to communicate with consumers through social network sites (SNSs), such as YouTube, which allow consumers to share and comment on companies’ sponsored videos communicating their marketing campaigns. The authors conducted a qualitative assessment of posts written on the official YouTube site of Coca Cola, where the brand asks consumers to join in a brigade against obesity. Results extend the current knowledge about consumers’ negative electronic word of mouth (eWOM), identifying three forms of cynical consumer communication styles in response to corporate campaigns on SNSs: skeptical, passive‐aggressive and warrior eWOM. Managerial implications, limitations and some avenues for future research are indicated.
Moisture profiles of wheat noodles containing hydroxypropylated tapioca starch
Authors: Fukuzawa Soma , Ogawa Takenobu , Nakagawa Kyuya , Adachi Shuji
Published: April 2016

Wheat noodles were prepared using flour to which hydroxypropylated tapioca starch was added, and the effect of this addition on the moisture distribution within the noodles during cooking was examined using a digital image processing technique. The addition of the modified starch slightly increased the moisture content and narrowed the flat distribution near the noodle surface. The distribution features reflected the changes in the water absorption behaviour caused by the properties of the modified starch and the reduction in the gluten content. Addition of the modified starch lowered Young's modulus and the energy for 99% strain of the noodles in the texture analysis to, at maximum 35% and 65%, and decreased the breakability of the noodles. These changes in the moisture distribution and textural properties have been ascribed to changes in both the state of the starch granules near the surface and the structure of the gluten network.