bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture, competency and policy: why social media dialogue is limited in Australian local government
Authors: Heaselgrave Fae , Simmons Peter
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of the study was to identify the extent to which social media are perceived by local government communicators as an opportunity to facilitate dialogue with communities, and the barriers that prevent dialogue occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth qualitative interviews were held with 11 communication practitioners and managers from 8 metropolitan and one regional council in South Australia who actively used social media.

Findings

Social media are used and valued more for transmission of information and promotion than engaging in dialogue. Limited understanding of social media by risk averse councillors and management, practitioner competencies in interactive technologies, and lack of guidance for meeting mandatory record-keeping through social media were key factors inhibiting its use for dialogue.

Research limitations/implications

The South Australian sample limits generalisability to other locations. However, the findings generally accord with previous, mostly quantitative, studies, and enrich understanding of beliefs and perceptions that limit dialogic use of Web 2.0 technology.

Practical implications

Work needs to be done to align the law, community expectations, and policy guidance for local government in their use of social media communication and data storage. Achievement of the dialogic potential for social media requires an investment in people and training and updating of communication record policies.

Originality/value

This paper broadens discussions about social media and dialogue in organisational communication by focusing on local government and articulating communicator, organisational culture, policy, and legal considerations.
Building Betty Crocker's brand community: conversations with consumers, 1940-1950
Authors: Swenson Rebecca
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper closely examines an iconic relationship between the Betty Crocker brand figure and a set of consumers to build our understanding of how corporate personas contribute to community, engagement and dialogue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a historical approach to analyse radio scripts featuring Betty Crocker and “Dear Betty Crocker” letters women wrote to the fictional brand icon from 1940 to 1950, at the height of Betty’s popularity, this study identifies themes and rhetorical strategies that explain how General Mills used Betty Crocker to make the institution relatable and products relevant during a period of cultural and social change.

Findings

General Mills built a strong brand community by using Betty Crocker to facilitate dialogue among consumers and slightly re-frame the group’s shared mission as the decade progressed. The analysis of letters reveals women engaged in dialogue with the company to reify brand values, express gratitude and loyalty, and seek more social support and connection.

Originality/value

This research adds to our understanding of a central challenge described by communication professionals: how to leverage corporate personas and brand voice in ways that resonate with audiences, inspire interaction, and build community.
The play’s the thing: development of an interprofessional drama
Authors: Cornes Michelle , Norrie Caroline , Manthorpe Jill
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Purpose
To report and discuss the findings of an evaluation of the drama performance and reception of ‘Let’s Talk’ in the context of interprofessional practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This first stage evaluation addresses the initial development stage of the Let’s Talk drama initiative from the perspectives of health and social care participants. Recent policy and research are drawn upon in the presentation of the background to the drama and service integration imperatives.

Findings

Most research on the subject of interprofessional education comes from professional training programmes. The development of the drama Let’s Talk provides evidence of how such a narrative can engage with local professionals working in different agencies but with the same patient or user groups. The development of such an initiative takes time and testing of it at early stages appears to be valuable in providing it with greater clarity and authenticity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper addresses the developmental stages of an interprofessional drama initiative in one part of England in a locality where there is relative professional stability and reasonable communication across agencies and local support for workforce development.

Practical implications

Practical implications
The evaluation may prompt reflection in practice and policy development on the potential for participation in role play and drama to be useful in changing cultures and in increasing interprofessional understanding.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to understanding of the need for interprofessional and interagency debates to be informed by cultural change and active engagement with busy professionals. It recommends attention to careful development of such initiatives and to debate about what might be meaningful and long-term impacts.
Self-care for people coping with long-term health conditions in the community: the views of patients and GPs
Authors: Trappes-Lomax Tessa
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Long-term health problems put great pressures on health and social care services. Supporting ‘self-care’ has measurable benefits in helping patients cope better, but is difficult to do in practice. This review aims to help improve services by exploring existing evidence about the views of patients and GPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The search terms were identified following detailed discussion with service users. Five databases (PUBMED, CINAHL, TRIP, SCIE and PSYCINFO) were interrogated against pre-set questions and criteria. The data were managed in EndNote v6 and analysed in a series of Word tables.

Findings

37 community-based studies were identified, covering diverse chronic illnesses. Analysis of ‘barriers and enablers’ showed a very complex picture, with health systems often actively inhibiting the responsiveness and flexibility which support self-care. Directly seeking service user and practitioner views could shape more effective services

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed into: the purpose and outcomes of user involvement, the relationship between integrated care and self-care, how patient motivation and resilience can be encouraged in primary care and the effect of current incentive schemes on self-care support

Due to organisational changes, eligible studies were reviewed by one researcher only and these were mainly qualitative studies lacking generalisability. However, the results spanned a range of settings and health conditions. They are also clearly supported by later primary research findings

Practical implications

Several evidence-based, achievable opportunities to improve self-care support in primary care settings are identified

Originality/value

This service-user study, offers detailed analysis of what helps or hinders self-care in everyday life
An approach for green supplier selection in the automobile manufacturing industry
Authors: Yu Qian , Hou Fujun
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study a modified multiplicative analytic hierarchy process (MMAHP) method, which is combined with multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) and applied MMAHP model for solving green supplier selection problem.

Design/methodology/approach

– Supplier selection is typically a MCDM problem including both qualitative and quantitative factors that has to be taken into consideration. To select the best green suppliers with the highest potential for meeting a firm’s needs consistently, the MMAHP is utilized in this study. Then a green supplier selection problem of a well-known automobile manufacturing company in Qingdao is investigated. The authors also make a comparison of the results with that of the traditional AHP, during which the authors observe that the MMAHP is an effective approach for the considered problem and potential rank reversals can be avoided, that is, when a new supplier is added, the ranking of suppliers does not change and maintains its original relative ratio.

Findings

– A numerical example of green supplier selection is utilized to verify the proposed approach. The results show that the MMAHP is an effective approach for the considered problem and potential rank reversals can be avoided.

Practical implications

– The proposed approach can be used to solving green supplier selection problems and can avoid the rank reversal.

Originality/value

– The paper introduces the MMAHP method to help researchers to choose more effective approach for green supplier selection.
Management and governance: organizational culture in relation to enterprise life cycle
Authors: Belak Jernej
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The behaviour of an enterprise (including ethical behaviour) strongly depends on the organization’s culture, values and beliefs. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that organizational culture differs according to enterprise life cycle stage. Also the importance of the knowledge and awareness of these differences to enterprises’ management in order to be able to ensure enterprises’ success is argued.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study research methodology was applied to explore the differences in the type of organizational culture as well as cultural strength depending on the enterprise’s life cycle stage. For the empirical testing, the author have selected Slovenia, one of the most developed European post-socialist transition countries.

Findings

– The research revealed differences in the types and strengths of enterprises’ organizational cultures and showed their dependence on the enterprises’ life cycle stages.

Practical implications

– Knowledge of differences in organizational culture in relation to an enterprise’s life cycle stage can significantly contribute to the behaviour of the enterprise’s key stakeholders by ensuring the long-term and sustainable success of the enterprise.

Originality/value

– The available literature does not provide similar research of differences in organizational culture in relation to an enterprise’s life cycle stages.
Aggregation cognitive maps procedure for group decision analysis
Authors: Cunha Annielli Araújo Rangel , Silva Filho José Leao , Morais Danielle Costa
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Cognitive maps are used in group decision processes to structure problems. The problem structuring methods helps decision makers to improve the comprehension of the problem, identifying alternative actions and conflicts. However, represents the individual perceptions in a representative group decision into a single structure can be a complex task. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The objective of this paper is to improve the process of discussion, obtaining the interests and views of the participants and provide parameters to assist the analyst to guide the process. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze how participants are aligned or diverge from the group. The literature review presents some approaches for cognitive maps analysis, but there is a lack of structured methods to analyze them. This paper proposes a structure procedure for the aggregation of cognitive maps in three parts: workshop to generate individual maps, the aggregation of individual maps and the refinement of the global map.

Findings

– An example illustrates the application of the proposed method and shows the construction of a global map that summarizes the concepts that participants consider important.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a new procedure that allows reducing the bias of the analyst in the aggregation of individual cognitive maps maintaining the relevant information and allows decision makers know and approve the aggregation procedure.
A cross evaluation-based measure of super efficiency in DEA with interval data
Authors: Yu Qian , Hou Fujun
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) model as a non-parametric technique can measure the relative efficiencies of a decision-making units (DMUs) set with exact values of inputs and outputs, but it cannot handle the imprecise data. The purpose of this paper is to establish a super efficiency interval data envelopment analysis (IDEA) model, an IDEA model based on cross-evaluation and a cross evaluation-based measure of super efficiency IDEA model. And the authors apply the proposed approach to data on the 29 public secondary schools in Greece, and further demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, based on the IDEA model, the authors propose an improved version of establishing a super efficiency IDEA model, an IDEA model based on cross-evaluation, and then present a cross evaluation-based measure of super efficiency IDEA model by combining the super efficiency method with cross-evaluation. The proposed model cannot only discriminate the performance of efficient DMUs from inefficient ones, but also can distinguish between the efficient DMUs. By using the proposed approach, the overall performance of all DMUs with interval data can be fully ranked.

Findings

– A numerical example is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed methodology. The result shows that the proposed approach is an effective and practical method to measure the efficiency of the DMUs with imprecise data.

Practical implications

– The proposed model can avoid the fact that the original DEA model can only distinguish the performance of efficient DMUs from inefficient ones, but cannot discriminate between the efficient DMUs.

Originality/value

– This paper introduces the effective method to obtain the complete rank of all DMUs with interval data.
Study on The Modification of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber with Polar Polymers
Authors: Yu Junrong , Hu Zuming , Liu Zhaofeng
Published: April 2016

Due to the non-polar nature of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), surface modification was needed to improve the adhesion of UHMWPE fibers. In this paper, UHMWPE gel fibers were treated with a solution of polar polymer during the extracting process, then the modified UHMWPE fibers were made after multi-step hot drawing. The physical and chemical changes in the fiber structure were examined with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion properties of modified UHMWPE fibers were investigated with tensile testing. The results showed that polar groups were introduced into the surface of UHMWPE fiber during the treatment process; this could improve the interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE fibers without damaging the excellent mechanical properties of fibers. The interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE fiber with epoxy resin increased with increasing draw ratio. It was shown that ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is an effective modifier. After modification, the shear strength of the interface between the modified UHMWPE fiber and epoxy increased by 100%, and the integrated mechanical properties of the modified UHMWPE fibers were also optimum.
Improvement of Shear Strength of Composite Materials Via Chemical Treatment of PBO Fiber
Authors: Xuesong Zhou , Guo Luo , Jian Wang Yi Hu , Chisong Zheng
Published: April 2016

In order to improve the interfacial adhesion between PBO fiber and epoxy resin, the surface modification method of chemical treatment was employed. It was demonstrated that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the micro-composite system increased by 24% compared with the control sample, which was measured by the singer fiber pull-out test. Furthermore, the surface morphology of the fiber was investigated by SEM and the wettability between the sample and water was characterized by the droplet-shape profile.
The Durable Press Finishing of Silk Fabrics by Using 1,2,3,4-Butanetetracarboxylic Acid
Authors: Yang Zhuohong , Hu Jinlian
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the nonformaldehyde agent 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid was used for durable press finishing of silk fabric. To optimize the finishing, the effects of the amount of sodium hypophosphite, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid and citric acid, curing temperature and curing time were examined. It was found that the wet wrinkle recovery angle had an obvious improvement from 179° to 273°, and that the finishing had a very small effect to the breaking strength.
Textile Modification with Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kan C.W. , Yuen C.W.M.
Published: April 2016

This paper provides a picture of using plasma treatment as a means for textile modification. It discusses the different modes for the generation of plasma. As plasma treatment is acting as a surface modification treatment, the paper also addresses the various types of plasmasubstrate interaction and their effects on the substrates. The use of plasma as a finishing application for different textile substrates is another highlight of this study.
Cationization of Linen Fabric: Studying the Process Parameters
Authors: Hebeish A. , Hashem M. , EL-Hosamy M. , Abass S.
Published: April 2016

Mill scoured and bleached linen fabrics were cationized using Quat-188. Cationization was carried out as per the exhaustion or the cold pad-batch technique under a variety of conditions. Factors affecting the cationization reaction of linen fabric were studied. These factors include Quat-188 concentration, NaOH concentration (or pH of the reaction medium in case of exhaustion method), reaction time and temperature as well as material to liquor ratio (in case of exhaustion method). The cationized samples were monitored for nitrogen content, and the reaction efficiency calculated thereof, as well as for K/S of the no-salt dyed samples. Results obtained indicate that the efficiency of cationization of linen fabric with Quat-188 depends on the type of application technique and the conditions used in each technique. Using the exhaustion technique, maximum reaction efficiency between Quat-188 and linen fabric was achieved at Quat-188, 80 g/1 and pH, 13 and 70°C for 60 minutes using material to liquor ratio, 1:20. Lower material to liquor ratio was not practically possible. The results also depict that any deviation from these conditions, for example, higher pH, temperature or material to liquor ratio, leads to an increase in the hydrolysis of Quat-188 molecules and hence, lower reaction efficiency. With the cold pad-batch technique, maximum reaction efficiency was achieved when the linen fabric was padded in a solution containing NaOH, 50 g/1 and Quat-188, 125 g/1, then squeezed to a wet pickup of 100% and batched for 15 hours. Results obtained also signify that both dry and wet wrinkle recovery angles increase as the degree of cationization (expressed as N % of cationized linen fabric) increases. Moreover, the tensile strength of cationized linen fabric is higher than that of uncationized linen and such an increase depends on the degree of cationization.
Anthropometric Measurements and Body Motions of Teenagers with Mental Handicap in Hong Kong
Authors: Yick Kit-lun , Chu Wai-ching , Ng Sun-pui , Hui Lo Man-chun
Published: April 2016

Teenagers with mental handicap have great difficulties in the areas of dress appearance and purchasing appropriate well-fitting garments due to their unusual body configurations, overweight and/or numerous congenital defects. The purpose of this research is to investigate the anthropometric measurements and body motions of mentally handicapped teenagers in Hong Kong so as to provide a conceptual framework for product development of their clothing. The results indicated that about one-third of the mentally handicapped teenagers were obese and this could affect their behavioral development as well as level of social acceptance. The anthropometric measurements of the mentally handicapped group also differed markedly from those of the ordinary group. A large range of anthropometric variations was observed within the mentally handicapped group. The disproportionate body dimensions, combined with large range of anthropometric variations, have created problems of ill-fitting garments and poor dress appearance. In this respect, a specific sizing system covering a broad range of sizes with increased waist girth, thigh girth and back width, but shortened arm length and leg length needs to be derived. As the range of motion (ROM) measurements also indicated significant mobility variations amongst the mentally handicapped group, the body motion analysis results need to be taken into account in order to achieve maximum aesthetics and comfort.
Prediction of Yarn Cross-Sectional Color from Longitudinal Color by Neural Network
Authors: Shams-Nateri A. , Amirshahi S.H. , Latifi M.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a study of color behavior and reflectance factors of fibers in their crosssectional and longitudinal directions. In the practical field, it was demonstrated that the reflectance factors and the lightness (L*) of fibers are different in their cross-sectional and longitudinal directions and the mentioned values are higher for the lateral surface. The measurement of reflectance factors of fibers' cross-sections showed that lightness and reflectance factors increase as fibers’ density increase in the measurement cell. A relationship was established between colors of fibers in two directions using the ratio of K/S values of yarns in cross-sectional and the longitudinal directions at different wavelengths. In the second part of this work a neural network was applied to relate the color of fibers in the mentioned directions. Results showed an excellent prediction with the later technique.
Digital Jacquard Textile Design In A Colorless Mode
Authors: NG Frankie M.C. , ZHOU Jiu
Published: April 2016

Jacquard fabric is regarded as a “high-grade” textile, having intricate, interesting color and texture, and digital image design is the latest technique of computer art in the design field. Merging the design features of jacquard fabrics and digital image, this study was carried out to investigate digital jacquard fabric design in a colorless mode, which is one of the main modes of digital image design; another is that of a colorful mode. In this paper, the design principles and design methods for unconventional digital jacquard fabric design in a colorless mode were analyzed critically based on the application of digital technologies, and in particular, the digital color theory so that with tailor-made structural design, any colorless digital images with certain grays can be designed to form jacquard fabrics directly. The results of this study bring about an innovative design concept in jacquard fabrics and have a significant influence on the future development of jacquard textiles.
No-Salt Dyeing Behaviour of Cationized Linen Fabrics
Authors: Hebeish A. , Hashem M. , EL-Hosamy M. , Abass S.
Published: April 2016

Linen fabrics were cationized using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride in alkaline medium. The cationized linen fabrics were dyed independently, with different dyestuffs, namely reactive, direct and acid dyes in absence of salt (no-salt dyed). Factors affecting the nosalt dyeing process of cationized linen fabrics were investigated. These factors included dye concentration, pH of the dyeing bath, dyeing temperature and time as well as the chemical nature of the dyes used. The dyed samples were monitored for color strength (K/S) after soaping and after DMF extraction as well as fastness properties. It was found that for all dyestuffs used, the magnitude of K/S of the dyed samples depends on the nature of the dyes and the conditions used in each case. It was also seen that for no-salt dyeing of cationized linen fabrics, the maximum K/S was achieved at dye shade 2.5 % (ows) and dye bath’s pH 7-9, at 60°C for 20 minutes. In addition to this, the color strength was much higher in case of cationized and no-salt dyed samples compared with the uncationized and traditionally salt-dyed linen fabrics; meanwhile, the overall fastness properties were comparable. Microscopic examination of the cationized and no-salt dyed linen fabrics showed an excellent dye penetration and no evidence for the ring dye phenomena was observed.
Stimuli Sensitive Behaviour of Modified Polyacrylonitrile Fibres
Authors: Jassal Manjeet , Agrawal Ashwini K. , Ghosh Arnab K. , Ramasubramani K.R.T. , Sahoo Anasuya
Published: April 2016

Polymeric fibres that have a unique capability to change their structure in response to small environmental changes such as pH, electrolyte and electric field are an attractive alternative for artificial muscles. Stimuli sensitive fibres were prepared by the modification of commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres. The modification was carried out in two steps: thermo-oxidation and hydrolysis. During the thermo-oxidation step, the crosslinks imparted through the pendant nitrile groups provided a stable structure. While in the subsequent saponification step, the uncrosslinked nitrile groups were converted to responsive carboxylic acid groups. The effect of stabilization parameters and saponification conditions on the structure, properties and swelling behaviour of these fibres was investigated. The fibres showed muscle like expanding and contracting behaviour stimulated by changes in pH of the environment.
Managing Knowledge in Fashion Businesses: A Survey of Contemporary Tools for Coordination and Collaboration
Authors: Li Eric P.H. , To Chester, K.M. , Wong Y.H. , Chang Jimmy, M.T.
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on coordination and collaboration technologies in contemporary knowledge management. In particular, we focus on the roles of coordination and collaboration technologies in managing knowledge in global textile and apparel companies. We begin by presenting the issues of knowledge and knowledge management in organizations, and determining how the latest coordination and collaboration technologies aid networked organizations in managing, sharing, and transferring their “knowledge.” The paper also examines the functions of the latest technologies in communication and coordination and determines how they help the organizations share, store, and transfer their “knowledge” between and within the organizations. This paper suggests how the latest technologies in communication can be applied to managing knowledge in organizations. Although our study is mainly based on empirical observations of international textile and apparel companies, the contextual elements governing the use of the technologies apply to all businesses that rely on proper communication and coordination to plan and monitor globally dispersed functional teams and enterprises.
Effect of Stitch Structure on Permeability of Mono-Filament Multi-Layer Woven Fabrics
Authors: Yi Liu , Jinlian Hu
Published: April 2016

Permeability is a key aspect in fibre reinforced composite fabrication. Related problems include the formation of dry spots or voids within composites. These are difficult to solve during composite fabrication particularly with multi-layer woven preforms. To solve these problems, it is important to investigate the relationship between permeability and the microstructure of 3D Multilayer Woven Fabrics (MWFS). In this study, two-dimensional flow experiments with radial liquid injection were carried out to determine the permeability principal values. Based on the experimental results, a basic model for predicting the in-plane permeability of 3D Multilayer Woven Fabrics is established to calculate local permeability values of textiles with different stitch structures. Good agreement was found between the model prediction and the permeability measurements.
Evaluation of Two Liquid Cooled Prototype Vests Through Human Subject Testing
Authors: Peksoz Semra , Branson Donna , Cao Huantian , Jacobson Bert , Farr Cheryl , Nam Jinhee
Published: April 2016

First responders are specialty teams who are trained to work in toxic environments to assess and diffuse the threat. They have to wear specially designed Personal Protective Ensembles (PPE) that is impermeable to liquids and gasses. Microclimate inside PPEs gets hot and humid, rapidly rendering it uncomfortable and often hazardous to work longer than 30 minutes at a time. Providing active cooling is one way to extend the time spent in PPEs. Two water-cooled prototype garments were developed at our department. This study focused on the evaluation of the prototype cooling garments using human subjects, performing simulated tasks in an environmental chamber. Both physiological and perceptual responses were considered to understand the garment's effectiveness in providing cooling relief as well as the user acceptance in terms of ease of use, comfort and perceived effectiveness. The subjects' perception of cooling relief generally agreed with the physiological data. The two prototype cooling vests positively affected skin temperatures, sweat rate, microclimate temperature, humidity, perceived temperature and perceived humidity. Both physiological and perception data indicated there were no significant and consistent differences between the two cooling vests. The subjects perceived the prototype cooling garments to provide effective cooling, to be attractive and practical overall.
Effect of Low-temperature Plasma Pre-treatment on the Chemical Silver-plated Polyester Fabrics
Authors: Jiang S.Q. , Yuen C.W.M. , Tao X.M. , Kan C.W. , Choi P.S.R.
Published: April 2016

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) has been increasingly employed for polymer surface modifications. In this paper, plasma gases of oxygen and argon were used for pre-treating polyester fabrics before conducting chemical silver plating, aiming to increase the amount of metal content and improve the performance of the polyester fabrics. After LTP pre-treatment, there was a thin plasma layer generation on the fabric surface which was in good contact with the fibre. Based on the observation of micro-structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was found that there was an increase in the amount of silver particles deposited on the fibre surface after the LTP pre-treatment. The surface observation implies that the LTP pre-treatment could enhance the hydrophilicity of fibre surface and help facilitate the absorption of silver particle layer to reach the necessary level of uniformity and adhesive strength.
Consumers’ Attitudes towards Apparel Texture in E-Business for Quick Response-based Mass Customization
Authors: Shin Sangmoo
Published: April 2016

Consumers’ buying behavior depends on the look-and-see and touch-and-feel of fabrics in apparel. But online shopping with Quick Response-based mass customization might make consumers hesitate to buy apparels because of unable to touch fabrics. Consumer would make better buying decisions if they had the right information on the attributes of apparel products such as fabric (Lee, 1998). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the consumers' texture sensibility in an online environment. 16 textile swatches (two representative swatches per 1 axis) for 8 axes were selected from previous research (Kim, 1996; Choo, 2000). 202 questionnaires were analyzed to describe the tendency of the responses from Likert method. The results of this research were as follows: Taffeta was recognized as most glossy, The most transparent was Habutae. The most nice, practical, and comfortable was Single jersey. The most dense and smooth was Satin. The most comfortable and elegant was Velvet, and refreshing for Oxford, sandy & warm for Chiffon, natural, sandy, and plain for Homespun, warm for Corduroy, flat for Organza, and warm & strong for Melton. As managerial implication, apparel e-business marketers should provide more fabric information as there are perceived differences in texture sensibility between online and offline.
Ecodesign and Textiles
Authors: Niinimäki Kirsi
Published: April 2016

To assess a product’s environmental impact is always a difficult job. How should one measure the environmental impact of a product or the production? Will the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) be one method in measuring a product⁉s superiority with regard to environmental impact? This article reviews the possibilities of using LCA as a possible measurement system in evaluating a product's ecobalance. Is the green trend becoming so strong that it will provide new product possibilities and market possibilities to designers and manufacturers? If green taxes become more common in European Union, it is important to invest in green product innovations and green services. The trend in consuming everyday items is changing and the future of ecodesign, especially in textile production, needs to be researched and newly specified. Designers and producers will soon have to be ready for this change.
Antimicrobial Functionality of Healthcare Textiles: Current needs, Options, and Characterization of N halamine-Based Finishes
Authors: Williams Jeffrey F. , Suess Jeremy C. , Cooper Michelle M. , Santiago Jose I. , Chen T-Y. , Mackenzie Charles D. , Fleiger Carol
Published: April 2016

With the resurgence of infectious diseases, the growing problem of hospital-acquired infections has raised suspicion about the role of textiles as vectors of disease agents. Correspondingly, expectations have arisen about technological solutions to this potential hazard, in the form of functional textiles with built-in antimicrobial power to inactivate disease agents that may contaminate healthcare garments and other textile fiber surfaces and devices. We review those expectations here, with particular emphasis on the current spectrum of pathogens ideally targeted by these antimicrobial properties, the kinds of infectious disease challenges faced in contemporary healthcare workplaces, and the evidence for healthcare textiles having a role in institutional transmission of them. The options available for introducing useful levels of function to textile fibers are discussed, with special reference to new findings on rechargeable N halamine-based textile finishes, and the extent to which they may match the emerging standards for utility and performance of antimicrobial functions. Prospects for adoption of preventive measures based on protective garments and functional surfaces are reviewed, in light of the difficulties in quantifying the impact of antimicrobial textile products in an environment where there are so many contributing causes of the problem.
Durability of Biocidal Nomex Fabrics for Multi-functional Firefighter Uniforms
Authors: Sandstrom Anne , Sun Gang
Published: April 2016

Nomex IIIa fabrics can easily acquire biocidal properties by chlorination in chlorine bleach. Durability of the biocidal fabrics was investigated. Results indicate no significant mechanical property differences between control and treated fabrics that have undergone identical long-term UV and radiant heat exposure, weathering, and laundering cycles. Furthermore, reductions of active chlorine concentration on fabrics attributed to long term environmental challenges can be recovered in most cases via recharge of chlorine during subsequent laundering cycles. The results of this study suggest that direct chlorination of Nomex IIIa can be used to impart biocidal efficacy onto the fabrics without degradation of the polymer.
The Effects of Silk Screened Emblems on Thermal Protective Performance of Wildland Fire Fighter Protective Clothing Systems under Two Moisture Conditions
Authors: Rucker Margaret H. , Crown Elizabeth M. , Haise Carrie L.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of silk screened emblems on thermal protective performance of wildland fire fighter protective clothing systems under two moisture conditions. Three outerwear conditions (current emblem, new emblem, blank) were combined with both underwear conditions (emblem, blank) to produce six clothing systems. The two moisture conditions were both layers conditioned (dry) and top layer conditioned/lower layer saturated with water (wet). Both radiant protective performance (RPP) testing and thermal mannequin testing were used to evaluate the clothing systems. The data showed a decline in thermal protective properties of the clothing systems under conditions of high heat flux and wet inner layer. While both jacket emblems performed better than the blank jacket, one emblem was more protective under radiant exposure conditions while the other was found to be superior in the thermal mannequin tests.
Impact Protection Equipment for Female Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Boorady Lynn M.
Published: April 2016

Current offerings for women's ice hockey equipment are compared to the data collected in a 1993 study conducted on fit and performance of impact protection equipment for female ice hockey players. The growing athletic participation of women in a variety of sports has led to the need for female specific protective clothing, specifically in the sport of ice hockey where women have made large strides worldwide in the last decade. Anatomical differences between men and women, the injury occurrence when playing ice hockey and the current system of sizing hockey equipment were reviewed. The SizeUSA data, which includes the body scans and measurements of over 7,000 American women, is discussed and compared with current sizing information. The size and fit of protective equipment is crucial to providing adequate impact protection to the ice hockey player. Female ice hockey players were surveyed: evaluations were conducted on the current equipment, and research on a system of impact protective clothing is analyzed. A system of protection using garment layers to protect specific areas of the body, allows for ease of movement and sized in a manner consistent with the most current information available is recommended. Further research is needed concerning the performance and acceptance of such equipment.
Transient Low-Temperature Effects on Propidium Iodide Uptake in Lance Array Nanoinjected HeLa Cells
Authors: Sessions John W. , Hanks Brad W. , Lindstrom Dallin L. , Hope Sandra , Jensen Brian D.
Published: April 2016

Understanding environmental factors relative to transfection protocols is key for improving genetic engineering outcomes. In the following work, the effects of temperature on a nonviral transfection procedure previously described as lance array nanoinjection are examined in context of molecular delivery of propidium iodide (PI), a cell membrane impermeable nucleic acid dye, to HeLa 229 cells. For treatment samples, variables include varying the temperature of the injection solution (3C and 23C) and the magnitude of the pulsed voltage used during lance insertion into the cells (+5 V and +7 V). Results indicate that PI is delivered at levels significantly higher for samples injected at 3C as opposed to 23C at four different postinjection intervals (t = 0, 3, 6, 9 mins; p-value ≤ 0.005), reaching a maximum value of 8.3 times the positive control for 3 C/7 V pulsed samples. Suggested in this work is that between 3 and 6 mins postinjection, a large number of induced pores from the injection event close. While residual levels of PI still continue to enter the treatment samples after 6 mins, it occurs at decreased levels, suggesting from a physiological perspective that many lance array nanoinjection (LAN) induced pores have closed, some are still present.
The Wall Effect in the Flow of Commercial Lubricating Greases
Authors: Czarny Ryszard , Paszkowski Maciej , Knop Piotr
Published: April 2016

The results of the studies on the formation of surface and boundary layers in commercial lithium (LT4-S3) and calcium (STP) greases near the walls of six different materials are presented. Two elastomeric materials (nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), silicone rubber (MVQ/VMQ)), two thermoplastic materials (polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene (PE)), and two metal (copper C11000 and steel 304) alloys were used in the tests. The tests were carried out using a rotational rheometer operating in the plate/plate configuration. Structural viscosity–shear rate curves were determined and dynamic oscillatory tests were carried out. The tests have shown that the metal alloys have the highest capacity to adsorb grease thickener particles on their surface. The elastomeric materials have the smallest effect on the change in structural viscosity in the vicinity of the wall, which indicates their low capacity to form a surface layer in the tested commercial greases.
Synergistic Erosion–Corrosion Behavior of X-65 Carbon Steel at Various Impingement Angles
Authors: Pasha A. , Ghasemi H. M. , Neshati J.
Published: April 2016

A slurry impingement rig containing 6 wt.% SiO2 particles was used to investigate synergistic erosion–corrosion behavior of X-65 carbon steel at various impingement angles. Maximum erosion–corrosion and erosion rates occurred at impingement angles of about 25 deg and 40–55 deg, respectively. The synergy value highly depended on the impingement angle. The formation of patches of porous corrosion product followed by the formation of corrosion pits led to a positive synergy under impingement angle of 25 deg. At higher impingement angles, the absence of pits probably due to the formation of a more durable tribocorrosion layer resulted in a negative synergy.
Motion/Force Transmission Analysis of Parallel Mechanisms With Planar Closed-Loop Subchains
Authors: Marlow Kristan , Isaksson Mats , Dai Jian S. , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: April 2016

Singularities are one of the most important issues affecting the performance of parallel mechanisms. A parallel mechanism with less than six degrees of freedom (6DOF) is classed as having lower mobility. In addition to input–output singularities, such mechanisms potentially suffer from singularities among their constraints. Furthermore, the utilization of closed-loop subchains (CLSCs) may introduce additional singularities, which can strongly affect the motion/force transmission ability of the entire mechanism. In this paper, we propose a technique for the analysis of singularities occurring within planar CLSCs, along with a finite, dimensionless, frame invariant index, based on screw theory, for examining the closeness to these singularities. The integration of the proposed index with existing performance measures is discussed in detail and exemplified on a prototype industrial parallel mechanism.
Relation Between Structural Intensity-Based Scalars and Sound Radiation Using the Example of Plate-Rib Models
Authors: Schaal Clarissa , Ebert Johannes , Bös Joachim , Melz Tobias
Published: April 2016

The ability of the structural intensity (STI) to predict changes in the sound radiation of structures due to geometric modifications is investigated using the academic example of plate-rib models. All models consist of the same plate and are modified by attaching a rib, whose position, orientation, and length are varied. Various scalar quantities are derived from the STI and quantitatively compared to the equivalent radiated sound power (ERP) for each model. Based on this comparison the relation between the STI-based scalars and the ERP is studied to determine an STI-based scalar that can serve as the objective function for numerical structural optimizations. The influence of the rib parameters on the most promising STI-based scalar is analyzed by means of a variance-based sensitivity analysis. The STI pattern of those models with very high and very low ERP values are additionally analyzed to describe the characteristics of STI. The results of this study indicate that the STI pattern of models with low ERP has paths and vortices that can be more clearly identified compared to those in models with high ERP. The angular orientation of the rib has by far the highest influence on changes in STI and ERP. The results reveal a correlation between the energy flow into a specific region of a structure, an STI-based scalar, and the ERP. Therefore, the vibrational energy flow can indeed serve as an objective function for numerical structural optimizations aiming at reducing the sound radiation.
Shift-Independent Model Reduction of Large-Scale Second-Order Mechanical Structures
Authors: Mahmoodi Masih , Behdinan Kamran
Published: April 2016

Nonmodal model order reduction (MOR) techniques present accurate and efficient ways to approximate input–output behavior of large-scale mechanical structures. In this regard, Krylov-based model reduction techniques for second-order mechanical structures are typically known to require a priori knowledge of the original system parameters, such as expansion points (or eigenfrequencies). The calculation of the eigenfrequencies of the original finite-element (FE) model can be significantly time-consuming for large-scale structures. Existing iterative rational Krylov algorithm (IRKA) addresses this issue by iteratively updating the expansion points for first-order formulations until convergence criteria are achieved. Motivated by preserving the model properties of second-order systems, this paper extends the IRKA method to second-order formulations, typically encountered in mechanical structures. The proposed second-order IRKA method is implemented on a large-scale system as an example and compared with the standard Krylov and Craig-Bampton reduction techniques. The results show that the second-order IRKA method provides tangibly reduced error for a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) mechanical structure compared to the Craig-Bampton. In addition, unlike the standard Krylov methods, the second-order IRKA does not require the information on expansion points, which eliminates the need to perform a modal analysis on the original structure. This can be especially advantageous for large-scale systems where calculations of the eigenfrequencies of the original structure can be computationally expensive. For such large-scale systems, the proposed MOR technique can lead to significant reductions of the computational time.
Tuning the Dissipation in Friction Dampers Excited by Depolarized Waves Across Patterned Surfaces
Authors: Eriten Melih , Usta Ahmet D. , Liu Lejie
Published: April 2016

Recently, patterned surfaces (elastodynamic meta-surfaces) were shown to cause mechanical wave depolarization resulting in conversion of uniaxial waves to multiaxial vibrations. Frictional oscillators loaded in multiple directions provide more tailorable damping scheme when compared to uniaxially loaded equivalents. This paper utilizes wave depolarization properties of patterned surfaces in tuning frictional damping. In particular, two-dimensional (2D) motion achieved by anisotropic wave reflection and depolarization across patterned surfaces is exerted on a simple friction oscillator; and frictional energy dissipation is studied using the homogenization theory and mechanics of a simple friction oscillator under macro and microslip conditions. The degree of depolarization is shown to control the extent of frictional shakedown (no-dissipation) zones and magnitude of energy dissipation for different incident wave frequencies and amplitudes. Transmission of the depolarized waves from the patterned surface to the friction oscillator enables higher and more uniform frictional damping for broader loading conditions. Uniform damping facilitates predictive linear dynamic models, and tuning the magnitude of damping permits efficient and robust wave attenuation, and energy transfer and localization in dynamic applications. A discussion on modeling assumptions and practical utilization of this potential is also provided. The presented potential of tuning frictional dissipation from very low to high values by simple surface patterns suggests that more sophisticated surface patterns can be designed for spatially varying frequency-dependent wave attenuation.