bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of similarity evaluation method between virtual and actual clothing
Authors: Kim Seo Hyo , Kim Sungmin , Park Chang Kyu
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a similarity evaluation method between virtual and actual clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the subjective and objective evaluation results of virtual and actual clothing.

Findings

In this paper, significant factors affecting the evaluation of similarity between actual and virtual clothing have been found.

Research limitations/implications

Evaluation experiment was performed only for a skirt. However, the method can be easily applied for other types of garments.

Practical implications

The evaluation of similarity between actual and virtual garment will be facilitated.

Social implications

The garment design process can be facilitated by simulating garments in virtual space.

Originality/value

There has not been any quantitative evaluation method for the similarity of virtual and actual garment.
Effect of non-uniform skin of “Walter” on the evaporative resistance and thermal insulation of clothing
Authors: Shi Yunlong , Wang Liang , Qian Xiaoming
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the evaporative resistance and thermal insulation of clothing measured by thermal manikin “Walter” using uniform and non-uniform skin.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-uniform skin with different perspiration rates was made by laminating a silicone layer on the inner side of a uniform skin. The thermal manikin was then covered with prepared non-uniform skin as well as uniform one. Four types of clothing ensembles were tested.

Findings

The relative intensity of perspiration rate was realized in different part of “Walter” skin, which was close to the perspiration rate of human being. There was a strong correlation between uniform skin and non-uniform skin. The thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of clothing measured on the non-uniform skin were higher than the ones determined on the uniform skin. However, their moisture permeability index showed the reversed tendency.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of the research is to investigate the differences between uniform skin and non-uniform skin for manikin “Walter.” This is possibly useful in correcting and predicting more accurate thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of clothing measured by “Walter” with a uniform skin in future.

Originality/value

It was more accurate using non-uniform skin in evaluating thermal and wet comfort comparing to uniform skin.
Wireless pressure sensors for pressure garments treated with chitosan
Authors: Varan Nilufer Yildiz
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of chitosan treatments on exerted pressures of nylon 6.6/elastane pressure garments in three different knit structures using wireless pressure sensors for an accurate and a precise scar management for future designs.

Design/methodology/approach

Pressure garments designed in different structures consist of 70/30 and 75/25 nylon 6.6/elastane were treated with chitosan and the exerted pressures were analyzed using wireless pressure sensors including ultra-thin and flexible printed circuit sensors in comparison with untreated control samples. Antimicrobial activities and washing tests were also evaluated.

Findings

It is found that chitosan treatments have a significant effect on final pressures. Exerted pressures increased significantly for all samples after chitosan treatments. Higher pressures were measured for weft knit structured designs while lower pressures were recorded for powernet structured garments. It is found that the elasticity showed a small significant decrease and it has attributed due to a small significant shrinkage during processes. The mean scores of pressures were found in the acceptable medical range which will continue to help hypertrophic scar management for future designs. The exerted pressures of the fabrics remained constant after five washes and showed a small significant decrease after 10 and 50 washes which will provide a long period of compression. Permanent antimicrobial effectiveness has gained at around 90 percent after five washes and 50 percent after 50 washes. A small significant increase was observed for stiffness (CD, MD) after ten washes.

Originality/value

Chitosan treatments impact exerted pressures of pressure garments significantly. It is a reference to evaluate pressure functions of pressure garments using wireless pressure sensors while imparting antimicrobial activity.
Employing needs-based funding formulae – some unavoidable tradeoffs
Authors: Gilead Tal , BenDavid-Hadar Iris
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The method by which the state allocates resources to its schooling system can serve as an important instrument for achieving desired improvements in levels of educational attainment, social equity and other social policy goals. In many school systems, the allocation of school resources is done according to a needs-based funding formula. The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of some significant tradeoffs involved in employing needs-based funding formulae.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on theoretical investigations of normative aspects involved in using needs-based funding formulae.

Findings

There are a number of underexplored complications and difficulties that arise from the use of needs-based funding formulae. Dealing with these involves significant tradeoffs that require taking normative decisions. Understanding these tradeoffs is important for improving the use of needs-based funding formulae.

Originality/value

The paper highlights three under-examined issues that emerge from the current use of needs-based funding formulae. These issues are: to what extent funding formulae should be responsive to social and economic needs? To what extent should funding formulae allow for the use of discretion in resource allocation? To what degree needs-based formulae funding should be linked to outcomes? By discussing these issues and the tradeoffs involved in them, the paper provides a deeper understanding of significant aspects stemming from the use of needs-based funding formulae. This, in turn, can serve as a basis for an improved and better informed process for decision making regarding the use of funding formulae.
There is no “T” in school improvement: the missing team perspective
Authors: Benoliel Pascale , Berkovich Izhak
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The concept of teams tends to be marginalized in the scholarly discussion of school improvement. The purpose of this paper is to argue that teams play a crucial role in promoting an holistic integration of school operation necessary to support school change. Specifically, the paper outlines the dynamic of effective teams at times of school improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the concept of teams, elaborates on their central function as a “coupling mechanism,” and describes the reciprocal relations between teams and school change.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the reciprocal effects of teams and change, suggesting that teams can serve as key change agents in school restructuring processes, specifically when balancing between “coping” and “pushing” forces. Based on the model, effective team leadership and effective school leadership at times of school change are introduced. Practical implications are discussed for school leaders.

Originality/value

The integration of the concept of teams into the school improvement discourse might assist school leaders to develop processes and procedures that will enable both school teams and schools to react more effectively in times of change and restructuring.
Which types of leadership styles do followers prefer? A decision tree approach
Authors: Salehzadeh Reza
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method to find the appropriate leadership styles based on the followers’ preferences using the decision tree technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical population includes the students of the University of Isfahan. In total, 750 questionnaires were distributed; out of which, 680 accurate questionnaires were used for data analysis. This research in five steps proposes a framework to extract the information about the leadership styles that followers like and this method is examined for situational leadership theory’s styles among the university students.

Findings

Based on the results of the decision tree model, 27 rules were discovered. Also, the findings imply that, most undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students prefer directing, coaching, and supporting styles, respectively.

Originality/value

The results of this research help leaders to find a better understanding about the followers’ preferences.
Using experiential learning to teach entrepreneurship: a study with Brazilian undergraduate students
Authors: Krakauer Patricia Viveiros de Castro , Serra Fernando Antonio Ribeiro , de Almeida Martinho Isnard Ribeiro
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide further understanding of entrepreneurship education, seeking to comprehend the use of experience in this context. Based on the theory of experiential learning, the authors sought to develop and test a conceptual model for teaching entrepreneurship at the undergraduate degree level.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the need to develop a model, the authors used design science research as a method to develop and test an artifact. First, bibliographic research was conducted to develop the model, which was then tested through empirical application. This empirical application was conducted at a Brazilian educational institution, with the participation of 110 students. A total of 440 activities were analyzed through content analysis.

Findings

The authors found advantages and disadvantages regarding the use of experience in entrepreneurship learning, such as greater student engagement, sense of empowerment and aspects related to the course and assessments.

Practical implications

In this paper, the authors offer suggestions for undergraduate teachers and to faculty members on how to teach entrepreneurship, with the student as the main actor in the learning process. Furthermore, the authors have access to a study addressing a contemporary theme that is emerging in Brazilian universities.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors contribute with the debate on entrepreneurship education, realizing that the understanding of this issue continues to require closer study due to a lack of empirical consensus in previous works. Its originality lies in the development and testing of a model for undergraduates, drawn from a theory whose main use is in graduate school.
The effect of short-term study abroad experience on American students’ leadership skills and career aspirations
Authors: Geyer Alexis , Putz Jenni , Misra Kaustav
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Building on existing study abroad literature, the purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of both short-term and long-term study abroad programs on students’ leadership skills and their career aspirations.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of college students were invited to complete an electronic survey about their experiences with study abroad programs. This survey included study abroad participants and non-study abroad participants and aimed to assess areas such as academic performance, leadership qualities, international exposure, and study abroad.

Findings

The authors’ results suggest that study abroad programs have a significant effect on leadership skills and career aspirations. Short-term programs, in particular, were found to impact both leadership skills and career aspirations.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study lie within the nature of the survey data used. Surveys are subjective and it was left to the respondent to determine, for example, what defines a leadership position. Nonetheless, the survey data collected implies how students feel about study abroad programs and the results provided implications about the importance of these programs.

Social implications

According to the results, study abroad programs have value to students who participated in these programs. The authors conclude that study abroad is an important supplement to post-secondary education and participation in such programs should be encouraged.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the study abroad literature by focusing on short-term programs, which have not been heavily studied in the field. The authors’ results suggest that study abroad has a significant impact on students, thus has practical implications for college students and educators.
The relationships between brand association, trust, commitment, and satisfaction of higher education institutions
Authors: Chen Yu-Chuan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore structural relationships among the variables of brand association, student trust, commitment, and satisfaction in the higher education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used to collect data from a sample of 500 students who studied at universities in Taiwan in 2016. These data were gathered using a convenience sampling method and analyzed using a structural equation model. A total of 371 questionnaires (74.2 percent) were considered valid. Due to testing and identifying the hypothesis and structure among those variables, structural equation modeling was used to determine the best model among brand association, trust, commitment, and satisfaction.

Findings

For the conceptual framework, the author found that this structural equation model complies with the empirical data. The structural equation model shows that brand association, student trust, and commitment were significantly related to student satisfaction. Brand association has a direct influence on student trust, commitment, and satisfaction in higher education institutions. Student trust and commitment also had a direct influence on student satisfaction, and they are all mediating variables.

Originality/value

The findings of the current study add to the existing literature by contributing to a better perception of university management and providing acceptable strategies to improve the higher education industry.
Predictors of academic performance for finance students
Authors: El Massah Suzanna Sobhy , Fadly Dalia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The study uses data drawn from a senior finance major cohort of 78 female undergraduates at Zayed University (ZU)-UAE to investigate factors, which increase the likelihood of achieving better academic performance in an Islamic finance course based on information about socioeconomic background of female students. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted based on a survey designed to collect one-time individual data. Even though gender is considered as a variable affecting students’ performance as documented in the literature, it shall not be addressed in this study as the sample of our survey is limited to the female gender only. Whereas the population under investigation is a cohort of undergraduate female students enrolled at a finance course: Islamic finance and banking (BUS426) at one of the national universities in the UAE. ZU was established in 1998 by the federal government of the United Arab Emirates to educate UAE national women, in 2008 ZU started to accept male students in a separated campus building. The university is organized academically into six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business Sciences, Communication and Media Sciences, Education, Information Technology, and University College. The primary language of instruction is English, though graduates are expected to be fully fluent in both English and Arabic (Zayed University, 2016). BUS426 is one of the major courses offered to students majoring in finance. The course is taught in English and requires mathematical skills on basic levels, but is mostly dependent on logical and critical thinking skills.

Findings

The study found that among the socioeconomic variables tested that being married, having a highly educated mother and having high pre-entry qualifications were significant variables as they increase the likelihood of an “A grade” performance.

Originality/value

The extent to which socioeconomic factors and lifestyle could contribute to student performance outcomes in an Arab culture setting is not clear due to the scarcity of research on this particular topic; hence the study attempts to fill this gap.
Reconciling internal and external satisfaction through probabilistic graphical models
Authors: Musella Flaminia , Guglielmetti Mugion Roberta , Raharjo Hendry , Di Pietro Laura
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to holistically reconcile internal and external customer satisfaction using probabilistic graphical models. The models are useful not only in the identification of the most sensitive factors for the creation of both internal and external customer satisfaction but also in the generation of improvement scenarios in a probabilistic way.

Design/methodology/approach

Standard Bayesian networks and object-oriented Bayesian networks are used to build probabilistic graphical models for internal and external customers. For each ward, the model is used to evaluate satisfaction drivers by category, and scenarios for the improvement of overall satisfaction variables are developed. A global model that is based on an object-oriented network is modularly built to provide a holistic view of internal and external satisfaction. The linkage is created by building a global index of internal and external satisfaction based on a linear combination. The model parameters are derived from survey data from an Italian hospital.

Findings

The results that were achieved with the Bayesian networks are consistent with the results of previous research, and they were obtained by using a partial least squares path modelling tool. The variable ‘Experience’ is the most relevant internal factor for the improvement of overall patient satisfaction. To improve overall employee satisfaction, the variable ‘Product/service results’ is the most important. Finally, for a given target of overall internal and external satisfaction, external satisfaction is more sensitive to improvement than internal satisfaction.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper lies in the efforts to link internal and external satisfaction based on a probabilistic expert system that can generate improvement scenarios. From an academic viewpoint, this study moves the service profit chain theory (Heskettet al., 1994) forward by delivering operational guidelines for jointly managing the factors that affect internal and external customer satisfaction in service organizations using a holistic approach.
Storytelling: a co-creative process to support value-based leadership
Authors: Snyder Kristen , Hedlund Christer , Ingelsson Pernilla , Bäckström Ingela
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify constraints and possibilities to develop a value-based leadership in manufacturing using storytelling as a co-creative method and process.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-site case study was conducted in which storytelling was used as a data collection tool and co-creative process to explore dimensions in the company’s cultures that could provide a deeper understanding about the constraints and possibilities that exist for developing value-based leadership in manufacturing.

Findings

Storytelling has a positive impact on leadership and communication highlighting important aspects of the organizational culture to support sustainable development and innovation.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates how storytelling can be used by leaders in manufacturing to build cultures of innovation and sustainability. And identifies constrains and possibilities for developing value-based leadership.
Quality through accreditation
Authors: Lagrosen Stefan Olof
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The paper concerns the three main accreditation standards for business schools: EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. The purpose of this paper is to analyse these standards for accreditation from a quality management standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a conceptual review and analysis of the three standards mentioned above from the perspective of quality management. The constant comparative method from the grounded theory approach has been used to generate categories from the two major quality award models, which are then compared with the criteria of the accreditation models.

Findings

The findings show the conceptual quality implications of the three main accreditations. The accreditation models are in line with the tenets of quality management but have a greater focus on production and to a somewhat lesser extent on the people.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that the study is only conceptual. Furthermore, the study is limited to the models of quality management and accreditation that have been analysed. Although these are the most common, there are others that could have been included. The research implication mainly lies in an increased conceptual understanding for the quality implications of business school accreditation.

Practical implications

The results of the study will be useful for managers of business schools undergoing or contemplating entering into an accreditation process.

Originality/value

The number of business schools undergoing accreditation is increasing rapidly. Thus, increased knowledge of the conceptual implications of such processes should be valuable.
Examining the relationships among service features, customer loyalty and switching barriers in the Greek banking sector
Authors: Koutsothanassi Eleni , Bouranta Nancy , Psomas Evangelos
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present and empirically validate a conceptual framework that explores the links between the two service features (physical and interactive) and their impact on customer loyalty. It also introduces and investigates the potential intervening role of a single personality dimension (neuroticism) in the relationship between service features and customer loyalty. In addition, examining whether the customer’s switching barriers affect customer loyalty is also an aim of the present study.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 224 customers in the banking industry in Greece. The respondents were picked using simple random sampling. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to validate the latent factors of the proposed conceptual framework, whereas their relationships were examined through linear regression analyses.

Findings

The empirical data verify that physical and interactive features of service quality have a significant impact on customer loyalty. The study also concludes that customer neuroticism has an intervening effect on the relationship between service features and customer loyalty. In addition, switching barriers such as confidence benefits, special treatment benefits, switching costs and availability and attentiveness of alternatives affect a bank’s customer loyalty.

Practical implications

This perspective could improve managerial understanding of the service-quality/customer-loyalty relationship and lead to more focused decisions. During the period of economic Greek crisis, the customers’ learning and understanding, the immediate response to their needs and expectations, the provision of customer services in accordance with their personality type and the establishment a long and effective relationship with them may have an important impact not only on success but also mainly on bank survival.

Originality/value

Previous studies have shown the positive and significant relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking industry, but this study extends the literature of consumer behavior theory by examining the distinct role that the physical and interactive service features play in the formation of customer loyalty. While it is known the role of personality in customer satisfaction has not been analyzed sufficiently the effect of neuroticism in the evolution of the above relationship. The present study tries to fill the bibliographic gap focusing on the Greek banking sector in the period of economic crisis.
Product development based on design attributes
Authors: Brusch Michael , Baumert Katrin , Kastner Paula
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an approach to include the influence of design attributes (DA) into an early product development step. In general, the development of new products with market success is of high relevance for companies. Because of a relatively high-quality level in general, not the product quality itself but rather new issues as attributes with aesthetical values are becoming more and more important. However, the right consideration of these attributes is still one of the challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The underlying investigation is based on an empirical data set resulting from a survey with motorcycles as research object. Motorcycles are a good example for a good with a certain relevance of DA for the buying decision of customers. The data collection and analysis will focus on a recommended presentation alternative of measuring perceptions and influences through customer evaluations, separating customer segments and identifying differences. Therefore, data analysis methods such as cluster analysis will be applied.

Findings

The findings are new for researchers from a theoretical and from a practical point of view. The results verify the use of pictorial stimulus presentation and emphasize the necessary integration of DA within the product development process.

Originality/value

Within the paper the usefulness of the consideration of design elements in case of gathering customer meanings is highlighted. Therefore, existing approaches of measuring design attribute influences and using pictorial instead of verbal descriptions of stimuli are adopted and enhanced through the use of additional information of the respondents.
Logistics service providers’ engagement in disaster relief initiatives
Authors: Cozzolino Alessandra , Wankowicz Ewa , Massaroni Enrico
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of logistics service providers’ (LSPs) initiatives to disaster relief and how LSPs are engaged with humanitarian sector. In recent years, the importance of logistics services in disaster relief operations and the capacity of LSPs to improve humanitarian supply chain management have become an increasingly interesting topic for both professionals and academics.

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies.

Findings

The current research, after considering the differences and similarities among collaboration, cooperation and coordination and underlining how crucial these mechanisms are in the humanitarian context, explains the contribution of LSPs to relief operations alongside humanitarians.

Research limitations/implications

There has been increased interest in humanitarian logistics on the part of international academic and professional communities. This study constitutes a first exploratory step in the research to build a platform for benchmarking analysis of logistics services that aims to ensure the effective implementation of social responsibility principles.

Practical implications

The managerial implications arising from the research offer a range of current responsible actions from which strategic and operative directions to contribute can be derived.

Originality/value

Humanitarian logistics represents a crucial field in logistics management. This paper addresses the innovative socially responsible initiatives undertaken by the main international LSPs in the area of humanitarian logistics.
Influences of cognitive dimensions on the collaborative entry mode choice of small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Del Giudice Manlio , Arslan Ahmad , Scuotto Veronica , Caputo Francesco
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address internationalisation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by specifically focussing on collaborative entry modes. Despite significant research done on market entry and internationalisation strategies of firms, the use of collaborative entry modes by SMEs during internationalisation has not received a lot of attention. The authors contribute to foreign market entry studies by analysing the influences of cognitive dimensions on collaborative entry mode choice (equity vs non-equity modes) of SMEs in their international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse the influences of cognitive dimensions on the choice between equity-based vs non-equity-based collaborative entry modes. The empirical sample consists of internationalisation strategies of 345 Italian SMEs, where the authors used a questionnaire to collect the data. The authors use structural equation modelling to analyse influences of factors like asymmetric information, informal institutional distance, time trends of country, perception of size and resources of potential host country partners, and perception of host country partners’ power on this important market entry mode.

Findings

The results show that high informal institutional distance leads to preference of non-equity-based collaborative entry mode by Italian SMEs. The authors also find that positive time trends of the host country, positive perception of size and resource of the local partner, as well as the local partners’ power leads to preference of equity-based collaborative entry mode by Italian SMEs.

Originality/value

This study focusses on an ignored aspect of market entry strategies, i.e., equity vs non-equity collaborative entry mode choice of SMEs. The authors use insights from resource-based view and cognitive dimensions literature, to address the influences of five cognitive dimensions on the collaborative entry mode choice of SMEs during their internationalisation.
Generic decision support system to leverage supply chain performance (GLE) for SMEs in Thailand
Authors: Boonsothonsatit Ganda
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper explains the development stages of a generic decision support system to leverage supply chain performance (GLE). The purpose of this paper is to identify and trade off the critical supply chain measures which are interrelated and in contradiction with each other.

Design/methodology/approach

The GLE was developed as an extension of the supply chain performance assessment tool proposed by Banomyong and Supatn (2011). It contained nine measures covering key activities along the supply chain under dimensions of cost, time and reliability. Their interrelations were figured out by causal linkages, whereas their contradictions were traded off as multi-objective optimization. It is solved using fuzzy goal programming along with a weighted max-min operator in order to acquire the Pareto-optimal solution.

Findings

The results from the GLE showed there were two critical supply chain measures including supply chain cost per sales and average order cycle time. They contradictorily influenced by a root-cause, namely product lot size. Its Pareto-optimal value was provided to achieve the minimized values of supply chain cost per sales and average order cycle time which were consistent with their relative weights.

Research limitations/implications

As generic features, the GLE needs further validation in several industries under various supply chain strategies. The further validation may contribute the GLE to include multiple decision variables, multiple types of product and multiple periods of time. In addition, the GLE may consider a dimensional measure of environmental impact along the supply chain activities.

Originality/value

The GLE is a unique decision support system to identify and trade off the critical, interrelated and contradicting supply chain measures. More uniqueness is obtained when the GLE offers an option of inputting a set of relative weights for the interrelated supply chain measures.
Implementation of hybrid Kanban-CONWIP system: a case study
Authors: Leonardo Dênis Gustavo , Sereno Bruno , Silva Daniel Sant Anna da , Sampaio Mauro , Massote Alexandre Augusto , Simões Jairo Celso
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Shop floor control systems are generally major points of discussion in production planning and control literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how lean production control principles can be used in a make-to-order (MTO) job shop, where the volume is typically low and there is high variety. This paper examines the procedures involved in implementing a constant work-in-process (CONWIP)/Kanban hybrid system in the shop floor environment and also provides insights and guidelines on the implementation of a hybrid system in a high-variety/low-volume environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review literature on Kanban, CONWIP, and CONWIP/Kanban hybrid systems to analyze how lean production control principles can be used in a MTO job shop. The second part focuses on the process of implementation. Using a case study of a manufacturer of electromechanical components for valve monitoring and controls, the paper describes how the operation is transformed by for more efficient shop floor control systems. Real experiments are used to compare pre- and post-improvement performance.

Findings

The study shows that the proposed hybrid Kanban-CONWIP system reduced the cycle time and achieved an increase of 38 percent in inventory turnover. The empirical results from this pilot study provide useful managerial insights for a benchmarking analysis of the actions to be taken into consideration by companies that have similar manufacturing systems.

Research limitations/implications

The statistic generalization of the results is impossible due to the use of a single case method of study.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights and guidelines on the implementation of a hybrid system in a high-variety/low-volume environment. The literature on real applications of hybrid CONWIP/Kanban by case study is limited.
Analysis of research trends and constructs in context to lean six sigma frameworks
Authors: Yadav Gunjan , Seth Dinesh , Desai Tushar N.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The literature of lean six sigma (LSS) is flooded with frameworks. But to date, there has been no attempt to expose the inconsistencies in the existing frameworks and associated research trends. The purpose of this paper is to critically review 26 LSS frameworks and highlight inconsistencies. The study also helps in analysing research trends and constructs of LSS frameworks, and facilitates new applications.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses Scopus database and finalises 26 frameworks in the LSS domain considering a timeframe from 2000 to 2017, using a structured literature review approach and involving domain experts. It uses a battery of systematic requirements-based questions to understand trends and covers building blocks/constructs also.

Findings

It reveals inconsistencies at three different stages, namely, the framework stage, usage stage capturing existing research trends and construct stage. It also offers details at building block/construct level. Thus, it offers guidance in reducing inconsistencies and possible modifications in the existing frameworks. It not only exposes existing constructs and sub-constructs but also guides about the new upcoming changes in the business influencing the LSS domain. It also educates about the strengths and weaknesses of each framework.

Research limitations/implications

This study tries to reduce inconsistencies, but does not offer new generalised or sector-specific framework.

Practical implications

This study will assist for modification/corrections in the existing frameworks by reducing inconsistencies and will encourage new frameworks to facilitate applications.

Originality/value

This is a unique study which offers frameworks-based review, portrays research trends and guides about constructs of a framework by exposing inconsistencies at each stage. It helps in reducing inconsistencies and offers guidance regarding modifications in the LSS framework considering upcoming challenges.
Process-aware FMEA framework for failure analysis in maintenance
Authors: Battirola Filho Julio Cesar , Piechnicki Flávio , Loures Eduardo de Freitas Rocha , Santos Eduardo Alves Portela
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a Process-aware FMEA (PAFMEA) development environment in order to face the main Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) deficiencies concerning failure analysis in maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework integrates Delphi methodology to obtain consensus of specialists’ opinions, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to perform multiple criteria-based risk assessment and a business process management system to instantiate the development cycle. A conceptual model is presented and analyzed through a case study.

Findings

PAFMEA reveals a new perception in the evaluation and prioritization of failure modes during maintenance failure analysis, such as risk definition and resource availability, dealing with conflicting characteristics in decision-making approaches.

Practical implications

The PAFMEA environment includes requirements that are grouped with a process instantiation of an AHP structure, providing a high degree of applicability and performance to the development cycles of the FMEA. The new method confronts the classical risk assessment approach and contributes to the literature, adding new perspectives to the FMEA analysis.

Originality/value

PAFMEA brings new and promising perspectives to the FMEA development cycle, which, in short, means adding on a multi-criteria failure analysis method (AHP) through a process-aware platform, with performance impacts in FMEA knowledge sharing, decision making and delivery.
Fuzzy logic approach for investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn96.5-Ag3.0-Cu0.5 lead free solder alloy
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Izhar Izhar , Waqas Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad , Hanif Muhammad Imran , Muhammad Riaz
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a fuzzy logic-based algorithm to predict the intermetallic compound (IMC) size and mechanical properties of soldering material, Sn96.5-Ag3.0-Cu0.5 (SAC305) alloy, at different levels of temperature. The reliability of solder joint in materials selection is critical in terms of temperature, mechanical properties and environmental aspects. Owing to a wide range of soldering materials available, the selection space finds a fuzzy characteristic.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed algorithm takes thermal aging temperature for SAC305 alloy as input and converts it into fuzzy domain. These fuzzified values are then subjected to a fuzzy rule base, where a set of rules determines the IMC size and mechanical properties, such as yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of SAC305 alloy. The algorithm is successfully simulated for various input thermal aging temperatures. To analyze and validate the developed algorithm, an SAC305 lead (Pb)-free solder alloy is developed and thermally aged at 40, 60 and 100°C temperature.

Findings

The experimental results indicate an average IMCs size of 5.967 (in Pixels), 19.850 N/mm2 YS and 22.740 N/mm2 UTS for SAC305 alloy when thermally aged at an elevated temperature of 140°C. In comparison, the simulation results predicted 5.895 (in Pixels) average IMCs size, 19.875 N/mm2 YS and 22.480 N/mm2 UTS for SAC305 alloy at 140°C thermally aged temperature.

Originality/value

From the experimental and simulated results, it is evident that the fuzzy-based developed algorithm can be used effectively to predict the IMCs size and mechanical properties of SAC305 at various aging temperatures, for the first time.
NS1643 enhances ionic currents in a G604S‐WT hERG co‐expression system associated with long QT syndrome 2
Authors: Huo JianHua , Guo Xueyan , Lu Qun , Qiang Hua , Liu Ping , Bai Ling , Huang Christopher LH , Zhang Yanmin , Ma Aiqun
Published: July 2017

Loss of function mutations in the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) cause long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2). Most LQT2 patients are heterozygous mutation carriers in which the mutant hERG exerts potent dominant‐negative effects. 1, 3‐bis‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐phenyl)‐urea (NS1643) is known to enhance IKr in WT‐hERG. We investigated its actions following lipofectamine‐induced expression of both mutant G604S‐ and WT‐hERG in the heterologous HEK293 expression system. Cells transfected with pcDNA3‐G604S‐hERG did not lead to any expression of detectable currents whether before or following NS1643 challenge. Cells transfected with both pcDNA3‐WT‐hERG and pcDNA3‐G604S‐hERG showed reduced hERG currents compared to those transfected with pcDNA3‐G604S‐hERG consistent with the reduced trafficking and formation of modified heteromeric WT‐G604S channels reported on earlier occasions. Nevertheless, NS1643 then continued to produce concentration‐ and voltage‐dependent increases in hERG current amplitude. It did not affect the voltage dependence of activation, recovery from inactivation and deactivation. However, NS1643 (30 μmol/L) slowed steady state inactivation and shifted the steady state half maximal activation voltage (V1/2) of the inactivation curve by +10 mV, and significantly increased the time constants of inactivation. Our present experimental results suggest that NS1643 significantly increases ion current and attenuates its inactivation in cells co‐expressing G604S‐hERG and WT‐hERG. These findings raise the possibility that hERG channel activators offer potential treatment strategies for inherited LQT2.
The impact of reading at rapid rates on inference generation
Authors: Collins W. Matthew , Daniel Frances
Published: July 2017

Aims

Speed reading is advertised as a way to increase reading speed without any loss in comprehension. However, research on speed reading has indicated that comprehension suffers as reading speed increases. We were specifically interested in how processes of inference generation were affected by speed reading.

Methods

We examined how reading speed influenced inference generation in typical readers, trained speed readers and participants trained to skim read passages. Passages either strongly or weakly promoted a bridging or predictive inference. After reading, participants performed a lexical decision task on either a nonword, neutral or inference‐related word.

Results

Typical readers responded to strong and weak inference words faster than neutral words. There were no statistical differences in reaction time between inference‐related and neutral words for speed and skim readers.

Conclusions

These findings provide no substantive evidence that the appropriate inferences are generated when reading at rapid speeds. Thus, speed reading may be detrimental to normal integrative comprehension processes.
Managerial Ability and Credit Ratings
Authors: Cornaggia Kimberly J. , Krishnan Gopal V. , Wang Changjiang
Published: July 2017

We test whether credit rating analysts consider managerial ability as a credit risk factor and find that higher‐ability managers obtain more favorable credit ratings. Controlling for past performance, these results suggest that managerial ability is itself a significant credit rating factor. Cross‐sectional analyses indicate that managerial ability is beneficial specifically in firms facing financial or competitive pressure. We find that high‐ability managers mitigate the adverse impact on ratings of other credit risk factors including negative earnings and low interest coverage. Our results contribute to a growing literature documenting economic benefits to hiring and retaining high‐quality management.
Addiction‐related interactions of pregabalin with morphine in mice and humans: reinforcing and inhibiting effects
Authors: Vashchinkina Elena , Piippo Ossi , Vekovischeva Olga , Krupitsky Evgeny , Ilyuk Ruslan , Neznanov Nikholay , Kazankov Kirill , Zaplatkin Igor , Korpi Esa R.
Published: July 2017

The gabapentinoid pregabalin is a rapid‐acting anxiolytic and analgesic, possibly suitable in supervised opioid detoxification. However, clinicians have been cautious in using it because of its unknown addictive risk and rising number of mortalities after pregabalin self‐medication in opioid abusers. Here, we studied interactions of pregabalin and morphine on reward functions of the dopamine system in mice and the efficacy of pregabalin on withdrawal in opioid addicts. After the treatment of mice with pregabalin and morphine, we used electrophysiology to study neuroplasticity in midbrain slices, self‐administration and conditioned place preference tests to investigate the rewarding potential of pregabalin and naloxone‐precipitated morphine withdrawal to evaluate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Further, we ran a pilot single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial (34 heroin addicts) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome. Pregabalin alone did not induce glutamate receptor neuroplasticity of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, but pre‐treatment with pregabalin suppressed morphine‐induced neuroplasticity, hyperlocomotion and morphine self‐administration. Pregabalin administration after chronic morphine exposure failed to induce any rewarding effects. Instead, pregabalin suppressed withdrawal symptoms in both morphine‐treated mice and opioid addicts and was well tolerated. Intriguingly, pregabalin administration after a low dose of morphine strongly facilitated ventral tegmental area neuroplasticity and led to increased conditioned place preference. Pregabalin appears to have the efficacy to counteract both reinforcing and withdrawal effects of opioids, but it also has a potentiating effect when given to mice with existing opioid levels.
House dust mites as potential carriers for IgE sensitization to bacterial antigens
Authors: Dzoro S. , Mittermann I. , Resch‐Marat Y. , Vrtala S. , Nehr M. , Hirschl A. M. , Wikberg G. , Lundeberg L. , Johansson C. , Scheynius A. , Valenta R.
Published: July 2017

Background

IgE reactivity to antigens from Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria is common in patients suffering from respiratory and skin manifestations of allergy, but the routes and mechanisms of sensitization are not fully understood. The analysis of the genome, transcriptome and microbiome of house dust mites (HDM) has shown that Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) species are abundant bacteria within the HDM microbiome. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether HDM are carriers of bacterial antigens leading to IgE sensitization in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis.

Methods

Plasma samples from patients with AD (n = 179) were analysed for IgE reactivity to a comprehensive panel of microarrayed HDM allergen molecules and to S. aureus and E. coli by IgE immunoblotting. Antibodies specific for S. aureus and E. coli antigens were tested for reactivity to nitrocellulose‐blotted extract from purified HDM bodies, and the IgE‐reactive antigens were detected by IgE immunoblot inhibition experiments. IgE antibodies directed to bacterial antigens in HDM were quantified by IgE ImmunoCAP™ inhibition experiments.

Results

IgE reactivity to bacterial antigens was significantly more frequent in patients with AD sensitized to HDM than in AD patients without HDM sensitization. S. aureus and E. coli antigens were detected in immune‐blotted HDM extract, and the presence of IgE‐reactive antigens in HDM was demonstrated by qualitative and quantitative IgE inhibition experiments.

Conclusion

House dust mites (HDM) may serve as carriers of bacteria responsible for the induction of IgE sensitization to microbial antigens.