bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Validation of a Closed Device Enabling the Purification of the Fluid Portion of Liposuction Aspirates
Authors: Cicione Claudia , Di Taranto Giuseppe , Barba Marta , Isgrò Maria A. , D’Alessio Alessio , Cervelli Daniele , Sciarretta Fabio V. , Pelo Sandro , Michetti Fabrizio , Lattanzi Wanda
Published: March 2016

Background:

Adipose tissue harvested through lipoaspiration is widely exploited in plastic and cosmetic surgery, because of its remarkable trophic properties, especially relying on the presence of adipose-derived stem cells. The common procedures for adipose-derived stem cell isolation are mainly based on tissue fractionation and enzymatic digestion, requiring multiple hours of uninterrupted work, unsuitable for direct surgical applications. Recent studies demonstrated the feasibility of isolating adipose stromal cells without the need for enzymatic digestion. These studies reported the processing of the fluid portion of liposuctioned adipose tissue (lipoaspirate fluid), which contains a significant amount of progenitor cells endowed with plastic and trophic features. In this article, the authors introduce a brand new closed device—the MyStem EVO kit—which allows nonenzymatic tissue separation and rapid isolation of lipoaspirate fluid from human liposuctioned adipose tissue.

Methods:

Adipose tissue was liposuctioned from 14 donors, split into aliquots, and alternatively processed using either centrifugation or the MyStem EVO kit, to separate fatty and lipoaspirate fluid portions. The samples were analyzed comparatively by flow cytometry, histology, and differentiation assays. Osteoinductive and angioinductive features were analyzed through in vitro co-culture assays.

Results:

The alternative procedures enabled comparable yields; the kit rapidly isolated lipoaspirate fluid comprising a homogenous cell population with adipose stem cell immunophenotype, bilineage potential, and efficient osteoinductive and angioinductive features.

Conclusion:

MyStem EVO allows the rapid isolation of lipoaspirate fluid with trophic properties within a closed system, and is potentially useful for regenerative medicine applications.
The Economic Impact of Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy in High-Risk Abdominal Incisions: A Cost-Utility Analysis
Authors: Chopra Karan , Gowda Arvind U. , Morrow Chris , Holton Luther , Singh Devinder P.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Complex abdominal wall reconstruction is beset by postoperative complications. A recent meta-analysis comparing the use of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy to standard dressings found a statistically significant reduction in surgical-site infection. The use of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy is gaining acceptance in this population; however, the economic impact of this innovative dressing remains unknown. In this study, a cost-utility analysis was performed assessing closed-incision negative-pressure therapy and standard dressings following closure of abdominal incisions in high-risk patients.

Methods:

Cost-utility methodology involved reviewing literature related to closed-incision negative-pressure therapy in abdominal wall surgery, obtaining utility estimates to calculate quality-adjusted life-year scores for successful surgery and surgery complicated by surgical-site infection, summing costs using Medicare Current Procedural Terminology codes, and creating a decision tree illuminating the most cost-effective dressing strategy. One-way sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the results.

Results:

The aforementioned meta-analysis comparing closed-incision negative-pressure therapy to standard dressings included a subset of five studies assessing abdominal wall surgery in 829 patients (260 closed-incision negative-pressure therapy and 569 standard dressings). Decision tree analysis revealed an estimated savings of $1546.52 and a gain of 0.0024 quality-adjusted life-year with closed-incision negative-pressure therapy compared with standard dressings; therefore, closed-incision negative-pressure therapy is a dominant treatment strategy. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that closed-incision negative-pressure therapy is a cost-effective option when the surgical-site infection rate is greater than 16.39 percent.

Conclusion:

The use of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy is cost-saving following closure of abdominal incisions in high-risk patients.
Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Grubbs Joseph , Trobe Jonathan D. , Fisher-Hubbard Amanda
Published: March 2016

Adult-onset opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) has been associated with multiple cancers, most commonly small-cell lung carcinoma and breast adenocarcinoma. A 53-year-old woman who presented with OMS was found to have primary central nervous system (CNS) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. OMS has been described in only 5 cases with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and this is only the third reported case of OMS in NHL limited to the CNS. Although the paraneoplastic antibody panel was negative, we presume that the OMS was a paraneoplastic manifestation. Antineoplastic and anti-immune therapy had no effect on the neurologic manifestations.
Strabismus Surgery in Patients With Ocular Neuromyotonia: Potential Unmasking of the Condition and Effective Management Tool
Authors: Kim J. Anna , Velez Federico G. , Pineles Stacy L.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Ocular neuromyotonia (ONM) is a rare motility disorder in which paroxysms of tonic extraocular muscle contraction from abnormal ocular motor nerve firing result in episodic diplopia and strabismus. Medical therapy with membrane-stabilizing agents has varied success. A surgical approach to treatment has not yet been described. We report the outcomes of strabismus surgery in patients with ONM.

Methods:

We describe 3 patients with sixth nerve paresis and ONM of the affected lateral rectus muscle who underwent strabismus surgery. All patients had a history of radiation therapy for intracranial tumors. Ophthalmologic and orthoptic examinations were performed with appropriate medical and neuroradiologic evaluation. Preoperative and postoperative data are presented and analyzed.

Results:

Two patients were noted to have ONM after their first strabismus surgery for a sixth nerve palsy. Patients 1 and 2 had 3 surgeries, whereas Patient 3 had 1 operation. Extraocular muscles operated on included the medial rectus and lateral rectus. Preoperative primary gaze baseline esotropia ranged from 35 to 75 prism diopters (Δ). All patients achieved improvement in ocular alignment and motility. Postoperative primary gaze deviations ranged from orthotropia to 20Δ of esotropia. Abduction deficits were unchanged or improved. The follow-up period ranged from 15 months to 2 years.

Conclusions:

Patients with ONM of a paretic rectus muscle can achieve binocular fusion with strabismus surgery. ONM may manifest postoperatively in patients with a sixth nerve palsy and a contractured medial rectus who, preoperatively, were not noted to have ONM.
Wealth, fertility and adaptive behaviour in industrial populations
Authors: Stulp Gert , Barrett Louise
Published: March 2016

The lack of association between wealth and fertility in contemporary industrialized populations has often been used to question the value of an evolutionary perspective on human behaviour. Here, we first present the history of this debate, and the evolutionary explanations for why wealth and fertility (the number of children) are decoupled in modern industrial settings. We suggest that the nature of the relationship between wealth and fertility remains an open question because of the multi-faceted nature of wealth, and because existing cross-sectional studies are ambiguous with respect to how material wealth and fertility are linked. A literature review of longitudinal studies on wealth and fertility shows that the majority of these report positive effects of wealth, although levels of fertility seem to fall below those that would maximize fitness. We emphasize that reproductive decision-making reflects a complex interplay between individual and societal factors that resists simple evolutionary interpretation, and highlight the role of economic insecurity in fertility decisions. We conclude by discussing whether the wealth–fertility relationship can inform us about the adaptiveness of modern fertility behaviour, and argue against simplistic claims regarding maladaptive behaviour in humans.
Liquid Growth of Arrayed Fluorescently Tagged Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains for Live-Cell High-Throughput Microscopy Screens
Authors: Cox Michael J. , Chong Yolanda T. , Boone Charles , Andrews Brenda
Published: April 2016

This protocol describes culturing arrays of fluorescently tagged yeast strains to early log-phase in a 96-well format for imaging on a high-throughput (HTP) microscope. The method assumes the use of the synthetic genetic array (SGA) technique to create the array of marked strains. When this approach is coupled with automated image analysis, the subcellular distribution and abundance of tagged proteins can be systematically and quantitatively examined in different genetic backgrounds and/or under different growth regimes.
Application of integrated TOPSIS in ASC index: partners benchmarking perspective
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Sahu Nitin Kumar , Sahu Atul Kumar
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– In the rapidly changing business environment, companies must align with suppliers to streamline operations, as well as working together to achieve a level of agility beyond individual companies (Linet al., 2006). Today’s more dynamic business environment increases the need for greater agility in supply chains, which increases both the importance and frequency of supplier/partner evaluation and benchmarking decision making. The purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple criterion appraisement index (model/module) for supplier/partner alternative firm benchmarking perspective under similar agile supply chain architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this reporting, evaluation information against subjectivity (uncertain environment) indices has been transformed mathematical dimensionless numbers by fuzzy-based computation module. A new interval-valued fuzzy number set conjunction with modified “technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution” methodology has been explored from benchmarking (ranking order of firm under similar criterion) point of view of supplier firms.

Findings

– In this context, a novel “fuzzy mathematical equation” has been developed in perceptive to compute the priority weights and appropriateness ratings of first-level measures which reduced the acquisition of supplementary priority weights and appropriateness ratings assessment in linguistic terms from group decision makers (DMs) for first-level indices. An empirical case study has been carried to ranking order the candidate partner/supplier alternative via collective index (CI) value. Lower value of “CI” reflected higher degree of performance extent. The authors found out the effectiveness and validity of proposed methodology for constructed appraisement module.

Originality/value

– This research work shall be valuable for that organization which volunteer to obtain the ranking order of partner/supplier alternative (benchmark) under similar agile supply chain architecture in accordance to group DMs’ comprehensive information for select best one supplier for own firm. In this reporting, a novel fuzzy mathematical equation has been developed in order to compute the important weights as well as priority rating of first-level indices/measure which reduced the supplementary important weights and priority rating assessment from group DMs in linguistic terms in order to obtain the measures rating and weights.
Assessing the CPRS Pathways to the Profession competency framework
Authors: Killingsworth Colleen , Flynn Terence
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the leadership skills and competencies defined in the Pathways to the Profession and understand the value senior corporate communications managers place on those skills and competencies and how senior-level corporate communicators demonstration of those skills and competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Institutional review board approval was obtained for a qualitative research design based on focus groups conducted in four Canadian cities with 25 senior corporate communicators, human resources professionals, and general business managers.

Findings

– This research has validated the competencies and credentials for senior-level corporate communications and public relations executives as highlighted in the Pathways to the Profession framework. It has also provided the profession with an understanding of the value senior public relations and organizational managers place on professional association membership and professional and academic credentials. This research is an important contribution to the growing body of knowledge on competency frameworks as professional associations, such as the Canadian Public Relations Society, take leadership positions in providing educational institutions with sets of standards for public relations and corporate communications education in Canada.

Practical implications

– This research will help the public relations and corporate communications profession provide guidance to educational institutions programming for senior-level public relations and communications management education based on quantifiable data on the value executives place on a particular set of skills and competencies.

Originality/value

– This is the first study of its kind that examines the perceived competencies and skills of Canadian senior public relations/communications management leadership. Further this research sought to assess the value of academic and professional credentials necessary for participation in executive leadership roles.
Bridging organizational identity and reputation messages online: a conceptual model
Authors: Huang-Horowitz Nell C. , Freberg Karen
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model that can be used to bridge organizational identity and reputation messages. The proposed model may help organizations more-effectively build and maintain both their desired identity as well as reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The qualitative and exploratory procedure was used to develop a model for simultaneously managing and measuring both identity and reputation messages. The process of conceptualizing an exploratory, qualitative value model begins with identifying relevant concepts and measures. A qualitative review of reputation and identity scholarship was examined for recurring themes and concepts. These themes were then used to formulate the identity and reputation functions and value measures.

Findings

– The proposed conceptual model presents characteristics and attributes that scholars and practitioners may need to consider when managing an organization’s identity and reputation messages online. The paper also presents potential applications of the model.

Practical implications

– The proposed qualitative value model, if further tested and quantified, has three potential applications: integrating identity and reputation messages across multiple platforms; telling stories reflective of both identity and reputation messages; and determining the value of attribution across contingencies.

Originality/value

– Considering the interrelated nature of identity and reputation messages, it is necessary to formulate a model delineating how the two may be bridged with one another. By proposing the conceptual model for how organizations may be able to align their identity messages with reputation messages, this paper hopes to establish a more conscious connection between the identity and reputation scholarship.
Doing the right things or doing things right?
Authors: Falkheimer Jesper , Heide Mats , Simonsson Charlotte , Zerfass Ansgar , Verhoeven Piet
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the prevailing form of rationality that governs the challenges, goals and roles of communication professionals. The authors will also explore alternative forms of rationality and discuss what these would imply.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on survey results from The European Communication Monitor (ECM) and qualitative interviews with communication managers in Sweden. First, the authors present the ECM data and the Swedish interview material, i.e. the authors depict the practitioners’ perceptions of what they understand as important work tasks and roles. The interviews focus on the actual practices of linking communication goals to business goals. Second, the results are challenged from a reflexive perspective, using theories from the paradox turn and questioning the “taken-for-granted thinking” in corporate communications.

Findings

– The ECM data show that the main challenge in practice is “linking business strategy and communication.” The Swedish respondents stand out when it comes to “building and maintaining trust” since this is considered to be almost as important. The qualitative interview study strengthens the results in the ECM. The interviewees seem to do their work according to the traditional management agenda – i.e. they break down overall business goals and translate these to measurable communication goals. The results are reflected upon using paradox theory. Two paradoxes are discussed: between managerialism and professionalism, and strategic generalists and operational specialists.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is based on survey data that have been collected through a convenience sample, and the interview study is a pilot study.

Practical implications

– The paper focuses conflicts between normative practitioner ideals and reality, and helps practitioners to reflect upon mainstream thinking.

Originality/value

– Based on the empirical findings in the ECM, the interviews and the theoretical framework, the authors conclude that if the idea of The Communicative Organization is to be fruitfully realized, it is necessary to depart from a multi-dimensional rationality and question ideas that are taken for granted. The use of paradox theory and concepts such as functional stupidity is rather original in corporate communication research. Additional research could further explore paradoxes in order to spark dialogue, which may undermine one-dimensional thinking and functional stupidity.
Fusion based learning approach for predicting concrete pouring productivity based on construction and supply parameters
Authors: Maghrebi Mojtaba , Shamsoddini Ali , Waller S. Travis
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict the concrete pouring production rate by considering both construction and supply parameters, and by using a more stable learning method.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike similar approaches, this paper considers not only construction site parameters, but also supply chain parameters. Machine learner fusion-regression (MLF-R) is used to predict the production rate of concrete pouring tasks.

Findings

MLF-R is used on a field database including 2,600 deliveries to 507 different locations. The proposed data set and the results are compared with ANN-Gaussian, ANN-Sigmoid and Adaboost.R2 (ANN-Gaussian). The results show better performance of MLF-R obtaining the least root mean square error (RMSE) compared with other methods. Moreover, the RMSEs derived from the predictions by MLF-R in some trials had the least standard deviation, indicating the stability of this approach among similar used approaches.

Practical implications

The size of the database used in this study is much larger than the size of databases used in previous studies. It helps authors draw their conclusions more confidently and introduce more generalised models that can be used in the ready-mixed concrete industry.

Originality/value

Introducing a more stable learning method for predicting the concrete pouring production rate helps not only construction parameters, but also traffic and supply chain parameters.
Fault tolerant control of a quadrotor using C
1 adaptive control
Authors: Xu Dan , Whidborne James Ferris , Cooke Alastair
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The growing use of small unmanned rotorcraft in civilian applications means that safe operation is increasingly important. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fault tolerant properties to faults in the actuators of an C
1 adaptive controller for a quadrotor vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

– C
1 adaptive control provides fast adaptation along with decoupling between adaptation and robustness. This makes the approach a suitable candidate for fault tolerant control of quadrotor and other multirotor vehicles. In the paper, the design of an C
1 adaptive controller is presented. The controller is compared to a fixed-gain LQR controller.

Findings

– The C
1 adaptive controller is shown to have improved performance when subject to actuator faults, and a higher range of actuator fault tolerance.

Research limitations/implications

– The control scheme is tested in simulation of a simple model that ignores aerodynamic and gyroscopic effects. Hence for further work, testing with a more complete model is recommended followed by implementation on an actual platform and flight test. The effect of sensor noise should also be considered along with investigation into the influence of wind disturbances and tolerance to sensor failures. Furthermore, quadrotors cannot tolerate total failure of a rotor without loss of control of one of the degrees of freedom, this aspect requires further investigation.

Practical implications

– Applying the C
1 adaptive controller to a hexrotor or octorotor would increase the reliability of such vehicles without recourse to methods that require fault detection schemes and control reallocation as well as providing tolerance to a total loss of a rotor.

Social implications

– In order for quadrotors and other similar unmanned air vehicles to undertake many proposed roles, a high level of safety is required. Hence the controllers should be fault tolerant.

Originality/value

– Fault tolerance to partial actuator/effector faults is demonstrated using an C
1 adaptive controller.
Knowledge hoarding: antecedent or consequent of negative acts? The mediating role of trust and justice
Authors: Holten Ann-Louise , Robert Hancock Gregory , Persson Roger , Marie Hansen Åse , Høgh Annie
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether and how knowledge hoarding, functions as antecedent and consequent of work related negative acts, as a measure of bullying. The authors investigate the relation as mediated by trust and justice.

Design/methodology/approach

Data stem from a longitudinal study in which questionnaire responses were collected twice from 1,650 employees in 52 workplaces. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the two models. Design-based corrections were made to accommodate the multi-level structure of data.

Findings

The analyses showed that knowledge hoarding was both an antecedent and a consequent of negative acts. First, over time, knowledge hoarding was indirectly related to negative acts mediated by trust and justice. Second, negative acts were both directly and indirectly related to knowledge hoarding over time. The study thus points to the existence of a vicious circle of negative acts, psychological states of trust and justice, and knowledge hoarding behaviours, which presumably will affect both individual and organizational outcomes negatively.

Research limitations/implications

The use of already collected, self-report data, single-item measures, and the two-year time lag could pose potential limitations to the study.

Practical implications

Preventive and repair actions could potentially impact both negative acts and knowledge hoarding by focusing on increasing the social exchange quality at work unit level.

Originality/value

This paper combines two strands of research, that of bullying at work and that of knowledge management, within which research on knowledge hoarding has been an under-researched area.
Managing knowledge in the construction industry through computational generation of semi-fiction narratives
Authors: Yeung Chui Ling , Cheung Chi Fai , Wang Wai Ming , Tsui Eric , Lee Wing Bun
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Narratives are useful to educate novices to learn from the past in a safe environment. For some high-risk industries, narratives for lessons learnt are costly and limited, as they are constructed from the occurrence of accidents. This paper aims to propose a new approach to facilitate narrative generation from existing narrative sources to support training and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational narrative semi-fiction generation (CNSG) approach is proposed, and a case study was conducted in a statutory body in the construction industry in Hong Kong. Apart from measuring the learning outcomes gained by participants through the new narratives, domain experts were invited to evaluate the performance of the CNSG approach.

Findings

The performance of the CNSG approach is found to be effective in facilitating new narrative generation from existing narrative sources and to generate synthetic semi-fiction narratives to support and educate individuals to learn from past lessons. The new narratives generated by the CNSG approach help students learn and remember important things and learning points from the narratives. Domain experts agree that the validated narratives are useful for training and learning purposes.

Originality/value

This study presents a new narrative generation process for a high-risk industry, e.g. the construction industry. The CNSG approach incorporates the technologies of natural language processing and artificial intelligence to computationally identify narrative gaps in existing narrative sources and proposes narrative fragments to generate new semi-fiction narratives. Encouraging results were gained through the case study.
Knowledge sharing and social capital in globally distributed execution
Authors: van Dijk Arjen , Hendriks Paul , Romo-Leroux Ivan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess whether social capital explains level and quality of knowledge sharing in globally distributed execution. More specifically, the study examined how knowledge sharing in combined European–Asian teams of a globally operating engineering and construction company was affected by these teams’ social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Social capital was approached via constructs covering its structural, relational and cognitive dimensions. Data for 325 employees were collected via an online questionnaire and analysed using multiple regression models.

Findings

The analyses confirm that components of social capital offer powerful explanations of both the level and the quality of knowledge sharing. The study also found many differences in how social capital affects the level versus the quality of knowledge sharing and also in how it works in the European versus the Asian situations. No social capital factor appeared to significantly predict both level and quality knowledge sharing in the European and Asian situations alike.

Originality/value

This study is novel in empirically establishing how knowledge sharing in globally distributed execution is affected by teams’ social capital as an integrative construct bringing together individual and group characteristics.
Emergent approach to knowledge management by small companies: multiple case-study research
Authors: Zieba Malgorzata , Bolisani Ettore , Scarso Enrico
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge management (KM) approach followed by small companies. In particular, after introducing the notion of emergent approach, the paper aims to examine if that notion is useful to properly describe the way small businesses approach their KM activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the results of a qualitative survey involving 12 owners and managers of small companies belonging to the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector. The survey uses the case-study method.

Findings

The findings confirm that the approach to KM adopted by small companies can be defined as emergent: in the analysed cases, there were no formal KM plans, despite the fact that the examined companies have all introduced various KM practices. This shows that there can be the need to define KM approaches that better fit smaller companies.

Practical implications

Although an emergent approach may be seen as unplanned, companies should learn how to be aware of their KM practices and, once they are, how to develop them properly. For executives to be able to recognize emergent KM practices, notions and elements of KM need to be introduced in their business background and professional education (e.g. how KM fits into a small organization, what KM processes are, what KM tools and practices exist, etc.).

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of KM in really small entities, still a much under-explored topic.
Towards a network place branding through multiple stakeholders and based on cultural identities
Authors: Muñiz Martínez Norberto
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the creation of a place brand for Colombia’s coffee region, within the framework of the evolution of place branding from traditional, one institution-led marketing approaches towards a more modern concept of network branding involving multiple stakeholders. The production of quality coffee in this region has been complemented with the development of coffee-themed rural tourism, which helps Colombia to enhance the value and positioning of its resources in the context of the economic and cultural exchanges inherent in globalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a theoretical and conceptual analysis of place branding, this paper explores the case of the Coffee Triangle, examining the network of interrelationships involved in the process of business-led coffee branding and place branding by public institutions to achieve a dynamic identity asset shared by various parties. This study entailed fieldwork in Colombia to visit the region and hold meetings with managers in public administration, representative companies in the region and various social groups and entities.

Findings

Following a conceptual analysis which attempts to demonstrate the evolution of place branding towards a more holistic, multi-party and networked approach, the case study confirms the formation of complex interactions between stakeholders and public and private institutions at the local, regional, national and even international level.

Practical/implications

This successful initiative can serve as an example for other food production regions in emerging countries, helping them to improve their positions in global scenarios and enhance the value of their physical products through a heightened awareness and appreciation of the culture associated with these natural environments and landscapes. Synergies between business and place branding are also analysed.

Originality/value

This paper looks at an instance of place branding involving multiple stakeholders and on the basis of cultural and dynamic identity. It comprises an inter-regional case study in Colombia. South America is a sub-continent where some interesting and successful place projects are being implemented that add nuances to global economic and cultural dialogue, which has probably focused mainly on the Western world and the industrial nations of Asia.
Respirometric index as a tool for biogas generation production from poultry manure
Authors: Antognoni Stefano , Ragazzi Marco , Ionescu Gabriela , Passamani Giorgia , Zanoni Simone , Rada Elena C. , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– In the EU, over the past three decades, poultry production has been growing around the 5 percent per year. This increase determined a higher volume of livestock and poultry farming waste, which represents a potential renewable fuel suitable for waste to energy conversion. One way is through biological process such as the dry anaerobic digestion (AD). Tests normally applied for the measurement of the anaerobic biogas potential (ABP) are reliable, but not feasible as a routine analysis. This kind of test is expensive and time consuming (21-100 days). The purpose of this paper is to propose a rapid method for assessing the potential of biogas in anaerobic poultry manure, with the goal of helping the choices of operators of AD.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Dynamic Respiration Index was calculated as “key parameter” in order to estimate the ABP, which provides important information about the biogas generation for the poultry manure. Furthermore, two dynamic respirometric approaches were considered developed in two Italian universities. The main difference between them is the control of temperature.

Findings

– Calculate ABP through IRD is a useful method to determine the value of the potential production of biogas of different biomasses in a short time and assess which one is more productive.

Originality/value

– The methodology presented in this study is fast (one-five days) and alternative method to determinate the ABP, above all for the operators of AD plant.
Assessment and management of water resources in the watershed of the middle Seybouse (Northeast Algeria)
Authors: Brahmia Nabil , Chaab Salah , Zeddouri Aziez
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the assessment of water resources in the Seybouse middle sub-basin. Analyses of water and various current uses are used to draw attention to the necessity of implementing water resources integrated management into a plan aiming at a rational exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Any sustainable management of water resources is closely dependent on the ability to accurately assess the quantity and quality of available water resources that are used as water supply for the population, agricultural production, industrial or energy. The analyzed and processed available data serve as database for integrated water resources management.

Findings

– Analysis shows that the annual water supply is represented by 71 percent of the surface water resources and 29 percent of groundwater. The total volume of water used in the middle Seybouse basin is estimated at 36.22 hm3/yr. The predicted water needs are estimated to 79.19 hm3/yr in 2030. The groundwater of the Guelma alluvial aquifer exhibits a calcium chloride-facies general trend. The evolution of the chemical elements is related mainly to the geological nature of the reservoir lithologies. The heavy metals do not exhibit clear anomalies, but the surface water of the majority of streams is heavily infected with bacterial germs.

Practical implications

– The obtained results show that the Seybouse middle sub-basin needs twice as much water by 2030 for the different uses. This requires a better management of water resources for a sustainable development in this specific region of Eastern Algeria.

Originality/value

– This paper is devoted to the management of water resources in a specific region (the middle Seybouse basin) which constitutes an interesting example of considerations to be taken for a sustainable development.
Characterization of diatomite from Sig region (West Algeria) for industrial application
Authors: Meradi Hazem , Atoui L'Hadi , Bahloul Lynda , Labiod Kotbia , Ismail Fadhel
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Diatomite also known Kieselguhr, is a non-metallic mineral composed of the skeletal remains of microscopic single-celled aquatic algae called diatoms. The purpose of this paper is to test and to evaluate the diatomite of Sig region (West Algeria) to substitute the main mould powder used in continuous casting of steel for thermal insulation and lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

– To assess the behavior of diatomite at different temperatures, a combination of simultaneous scanning calorimetric and thermogravimetric testing was used and to evaluate the structure of diatomite, the scanning microscopy method was applied.

Findings

– The results showed different endothermic and exothermic peaks, mainly at 84.7°C and 783.5°C for endothermic peaks and 894.9°C for exothermic peak. The scanning microscopy method was used and a large porosity was observed. The trial industrial in continuous casting of steel showed a weak loss temperature of steel.

Originality/value

– This product may be used for thermal insulation in continuous casting of steel. Also the characterization showed the hot behavior of this product with the various transformations and could give the possibility to other use.
Application of Laser Engraving for Sustainable Fashion Design
Authors: Yuan G.X. , Jiang S.X. , Newton E. , Au W.M.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the novel surface effects of fashion garments through CO2 laser engraving treatment were investigated. To improve the visual appearance, the wool/polyester blended fabric was treated with ideal parameters including resolution (dpi) and pixel time (μs). The physical properties, which include weight, thickness, air permeability, thermal conductivity and tear strength, were evaluated in accordance with international specifications. This study reveals the potential of feasible fashion designs through laser engraving. The computer-aided design method can open up new possibilities for green fashion design. It is believed that fashion design with rich artistic appearances such as patterns, colors and textures can cater for fashion industries and the process can facilitate quick responses to the market.
A Unique Device for Measurement of Photochromic Textiles
Authors: Viková M. , Christie R.M. , Vik M.
Published: March 2016

In this article, a unique concept for a device that conducts photochromic measurement in the reflectance mode together with the methodology described has been patented in the Czech Republic in the author's name. This unique device allows measurements of colorimetric and spectral characteristics of photochromic textiles as photochromic sensors and also as a fatigue tester for the control of color change stability. The measurement of colorimetric and spectral parameters in comparison together with the intensity of UV irradiation allows the dependence of color change on intensity of irradiation to determined, and a scale for individual visual observation to be developed, as well as the risks of UV irradiation to be evaluated.
Deposition of Functionalized Polyethylenimine-Dye onto Cotton and Wool Fibres
Authors: Hassabo A.G. , Mendrek A. , Popescu C. , Keul H. , Möller M.
Published: March 2016

Functionalized polyethylenimine–dye (FPEI) is prepared by mixing branched polyethyleneimine (PEI), in which its primary amine groups are modified at different ratios with a quaternary ammonium coupler (QI), and reactive dyestuff (RD) (QI/RD = 0/100, 20/80, 40/60, 60/40 and 80/20 mole/mole %). The deposition of FPEI from an aqueous solution onto the surface of cotton and wool fibres is studied. The adsorption of a charged polymer from an aqueous medium by cotton and wool fibres is investigated at different pH values, and the uptake of colour on fibres is measured by Datacolor and UVVIS spectrophotometers.

The study of the kinetics of adsorption shows that pseudo-first-order kinetics provide the best correlation of the experimental data. The equilibrium data indicate that the deposition process onto both cotton and wool follows the Langmuir isotherm. In terms of colour strength (K/S value) the coated fibres compare well with those dyed with a commercial dyestuff, C.I. Basic Red 51, which suggests that the coating is a good alternative to classical dyeing.
Poly (vinylcaprolactam)-based Microgels to Improve Gloss Properties of Different Natural Fibres
Authors: Hassabo A.G. , Schachschal S. , Cheng C. , Pich A. , Popescu C. , Möller M.
Published: March 2016

Three different thermo-sensitive microgels obtained by the copolymerisation of vinylcaprolactam) (VCL) and various monomers (vinylimidazole(VIm), acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) and itaconic acid(IA)) are used to coat different fibre surfaces. Two different pHs and two different temperatures, 25°C and 50°C respectively are chosen for the deposition of the microgels. The scanning electron microscopy of the treated fibre shows good distribution of the particles onto the fibres especially at increasing temperatures. The gloss index for the treated fibres has been measured, and showed that it may be controlled for all of the fibres with the treatment parameters (pH and temperature) and the microgel structure.
Recycling of Waste PET into Useful Alkyd Resin Synthesis by Microwave Irradiation and Applied in Textile Printing
Authors: Haggag K. , Elshemy N.S. , Niazy W.
Published: March 2016

Modified alkyd resins with different amounts of vegetable oil contents (sunflower oil) and different catalysts are synthesized with the incorporation of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a partial substitute for phthalic anhydride. It is found that the properties of the products obtained are directly related to the oil content. The polymerization reactions are followed by the acid value. The modified binder contains 50% oil and 10% PET in the presence of LiOH as the catalyst by using microwave irradiation. The AV value is attained in a short amount of time; it is found that the glass Transition Temperature (Tg) of the modified binder is -1.7 °C. The stiffness and roughness of the printed fabrics by using the modified binder are better than those of the commercial binder for both cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics. Moreover, it is clear that the overall fastness properties of the fabrics printed by using the modified binder in the formulation of printing pastes are higher or comparable to those that use commercial binders.
Interactive Sketch Design Recognition System Using Evolutionary Techniques
Authors: Mok P. Y. , Wang X.X. , Xu J. , Fan J.T. , Kwok Y.L. , Xin John H
Published: March 2016

In this study, a methodology integrating a sketch design recognition approach with an interactive genetic algorithm is proposed to help laypersons get clothes reflecting their preferences. The sketch design recognition approach consists of a composite description model, a sketch recognition method and a database. First, a composite description model based on the knowledge of fashion design is developed to describe the characteristics of a skirt. Second, a sketch recognition method is used to help laypersons get satisfactory clothes. Third, a database in constructed to record general elements of skirts. Moreover, an interactive genetic algorithm (IGA) is used to accelerate the sketch recognition process. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can 'recognize' users' preferred styles efficiently. The subjective evaluation has shown that the system can help general consumers without any fashion design or sketch training to create their own designs.
Increasing Running Shoe Traction can Enhance Performance
Authors: Worobets Jay T. , Panizzolo Fausto , Hung Steve , Wannop John W. , Stefanyshyn Darren J.
Published: March 2016

The outsole of a running shoe must provide enough traction for the athlete to avoid slipping during running. What is unknown is whether there is any point to designing running shoe outsoles with traction above this minimum required traction. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether performance could be enhanced by increasing the outsole traction of a running shoe. A commercially available running shoe (Control) was compared against the same shoe model with the outsole modified with a higher traction rubber (High Traction). The available traction of each shoe was measured with a traction testing system. Twenty male athletes completed a maximal effort timed running course in both shoes on two different surfaces. When wearing the Control running shoe, the athletes were able to complete the course on an asphalt road surface at maximal effort without slipping. When completing the same course wearing the High Traction shoe, the subjects were able to perform the course even faster. Therefore, the results show that the role of running shoe outsole traction is not to merely provide adequate traction to avoid large scale slips, but can also help athletes enhance performance of high-traction tasks such as accelerations and changes in direction.
Investigation into the Colouration of Wool with Indigo
Authors: Chinniah R. , Rosunee S.
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the colouration of wool with indigo. The wool fabric is pre-treated with different shrink-resist formulations followed by application of indigo. The novel dyeing procedure has resulted in commercially acceptable indigo-dyed wool, in terms of improved levelness and reduced yellowness.

While indigo is traditionally applied by the padding technique, in the present work, an exhaust dyeing procedure is investigated. The degree of levellness and the depth of shade are further optimised by varying the pH, temperature and dye concentration. The pH of the dye liquor and the dyeing temperature are found to be critical in achieving level dyeing as well as mitigating fibre damage.

It is found that certain shrink-resist formulations, either applied alone or in combination, give better results in terms of colour yield and fabric handle, while other combinations give poorer results. The dyed samples are found to exhibit excellent wash fastness.
A Comparison of Metatarsal Pads on Pressure Redistribution in High Heeled Shoes
Authors: Luximon Y. , Yu J. , Zhang M.
Published: March 2016

Foot health is very important for women. Previous studies have demonstrated that the wearing of high heeled shoes could create high forefoot pressure and cause many foot problems. Metatarsal pads are often used in plantar pressure relief. Therefore, the effects of several different metatarsal pads for high heeled shoes are investigated in this study. There are three tested materials, including bio-gel, polyurethane and EVA. Forefoot pressure, heel pressure, and comfort level are recorded and analyzed. The results show that the insertions of all types of metatarsal pads reduce forefoot peak pressure and increase heel peak pressure during walking. Polyurethane is the most efficient material, which relieves the forefoot peak pressure by 35.54% compared to circumstances without the padding. In addition, the subjective comfort level is significantly improved when the bio-gel pad is applied. The results from this study could be useful in the designing of metatarsal pads for high heeled shoes.
Sewability of Sheep Nappa Garment Leather
Authors: Kavati Phebe , Bangaru Chandrasekaran , Mandal Asit Baran
Published: March 2016

Quality is an important aspect of the apparel manufacturing process. Although the basic quality of apparels mainly depends on the fabric properties, the type of thread used and selection of seams play an important role in determining the final quality of the apparel. Seam strength testing is basically an examination of the amount of pressure required to tear the seam of a garment. It is an essential parameter that determines the performance of a garment. For the perfect fit and look of a garment, seam strength has to be proper. It is therefore worthwhile to select the correct sewing thread size for good seam quality. The present work reports on an experimental investigation about the effect of different threads on the characteristics of leather. The other parameters, which are investigated, include seam strength, puckering and slippage.