bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Densities and biomass of larval sea lamprey populations (Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus, 1758) in north-western Spain and data comparisons with other European regions
Authors: Silva Sergio , Vieira-Lanero Rufino , Barca Sandra , Cobo Fernando
Published: March 2016

Although the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus, 1758, is a threatened species in Europe, available data on the condition and dynamics of its populations are very limited. Thus, electrofishing surveys were conducted annually between 2007 and 2011, so as to study the status and trends of larval populations of P. marinus in north-western Spain. In addition, data from other European regions were compiled. The density and biomass (mean±standard error) of ammocoetes in selected areas of larval habitat in north-western Spain were 11.0±1.44 individuals m–2 and 15.1±2.64g m–2, and showed signs of a population increase during the study period. However, conservation status of P. marinus was not considered favourable because of several factors, such as the widespread presence of obstacles (restriction of migration and habitat availability), along with some cases of organic pollution. Results and available data suggest that the largest populations of P. marinus as well as the main fisheries are located throughout the south-western areas of Europe (north-central Portugal, north–north-west of Spain and west–south-west of France). Signs of population increases were also registered in other European regions; however, more data are needed to confirm whether this trend has any relevance to a possible overall recovery.
Characterization ofRhizoctonia solaniAssociated with Black Scurf in Cyprus
Authors: Kanetis Loukas , Tsimouris Dimitris , Christoforou Michalakis
Published: March 2016

During 2011, 96 sclerotial isolates of Rhizoctonia solani were collected from potato tubers from all main potato-cultivating regions of Cyprus. All isolates were found to be multinucleate. Characterization of anastomosis groups (AG) based on hyphal anastomosis reactions showed that 91 isolates belonged to AG3 and 5 to AG4. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (ITS1 and ITS2) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of 68 isolates confirmed the prevalence of AG3. In addition, phylogenetic analysis found that AG3 isolates were of the potato type, distinctly separated from the AG3 tobacco type, while AG4 isolates were separated into two different subgroups (HGI and HGII). Temperature studies showed that isolates belonging to both AG4 subgroups had significantly higher optimum growth temperatures compared with AG3. In vitro sensitivities to the fungicide pencycuron, in terms of concentrations where 50% growth inhibition was observed, ranged from 0.012 to 0.222 μg/ml. Pathogenicity and aggressiveness of the isolates was determined on ‘Annabelle’ potato sprouts and seedlings of a number of selected hosts, based on crop rotations followed in Cyprus. The majority of the isolates were pathogenic to potato sprouts, with disease severity (DS) values ranging from 0 to 88%. Mean DS values were statistically different among AG and subgroups, with AG4-HGI (69.25%) and AG4-HGII (3.12%) being the most and least aggressive, respectively. However, AG4-HGII isolates were the most aggressive in all rotational hosts tested, while AG3 isolates were the least aggressive. More specifically, the highest DS levels by AG4-HGI were recorded to barley, by AG4-HGII to lettuce and melon, and by AG3 isolates to vetch. This is the first comprehensive study to elucidate the AG composition, pathogenicity and other biological aspects of R. solani isolates associated with potato black scurf in Cyprus.
A Comparison of Alternating Polarity and Forward Masking Artifact-Reduction Methods to Resolve the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential
Authors: Baudhuin Jacquelyn L. , Hughes Michelle L. , Goehring Jenny L.
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Cochlear implant manufacturers utilize different artifact-reduction methods to measure electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) in the clinical software. Two commercially available artifact-reduction techniques include forward masking (FwdMsk) and alternating polarity (AltPol). AltPol assumes that responses to the opposing polarities are equal, which is likely problematic. On the other hand, FwdMsk can yield inaccurate waveforms if the masker does not effectively render all neurons into a refractory state. The goal of this study was to compare ECAP thresholds, amplitudes, and slopes of the amplitude growth functions (AGFs) using FwdMsk and AltPol to determine whether the two methods yield similar results.

Design:

ECAP AGFs were obtained from three electrode regions (basal, middle, and apical) across 24 ears in 20 Cochlear Ltd. recipients using both FwdMsk and AltPol methods. AltPol waveforms could not be resolved for recipients of devices with the older-generation chip (CI24R(CS); N = 6).

Results:

Results comparing FwdMsk and AltPol in the CI24RE- and CI512-generation devices showed significant differences in threshold, AGF slope, and amplitude between methods. FwdMsk resulted in lower visual-detection thresholds (p < 0.001), shallower slopes (p = 0.004), and larger amplitudes (p = 0.03) compared with AltPol.

Conclusions:

Results from this study are consistent with recent findings showing differences in ECAP amplitude and latency between polarities for human CI recipients. When averaged, these differences likely result in a reduced ECAP response with AltPol. The next step will be to separate the effects of artifact-reduction method and stimulus polarity to determine the relative effects of each.
Superficial spreading melanoma: an analysis of 97 702 cases using the SEER database
Authors: Singh Parmvir , Kim Hee Jin , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: March 2016

Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) is the most common type of melanoma. Large, population-based studies analyzing the incidence and survival of SSM are limited. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate demographic factors influencing the incidence and survival of SSM using a national population-based database. The United States National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was used to calculate incidence and disease-specific survival trends for SSM between 1973 and 2012. Patient data were stratified according to age, sex, race, ulceration, thickness, and stage. Of 97 702 patients, 52.66% were men, 94.93% were white, and 38.92% had a primary lesion on the trunk. The overall incidence is 5.987/100 000 and is increasing with an annual percentage change (APC) of 1.42%. Incidence increases with age, peaking at 70–79 years. Men (6.68/100 00, APC: 1.78) had a significantly higher incidence than women (5.565/100 000, APC: 1.10). A total of 79.16% of SSM are less than or equal to 1 mm and 92.32% are nonulcerated. The overall 5-year survival is 95.30% and is increasing steadily. Women (hazard ratio: 0.54), ‘other’ races (hazard ratio: 0.30), those with local disease, those with thin tumors, and those without ulceration had higher survival than their counterparts (P<0.0001). The incidence of this predominantly thin melanoma subtype is on the rise, creating enhanced concern. Primary and secondary prevention techniques should consider the mortality associated with thin melanoma.
Unilateral Spontaneous Descemet Membrane Rupture in a Case With Megalophthalmos
Authors: Güler Emre , Totan Yüksel , Hepşen İbrahim F. , Tenlik Aylin
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To report a case of unilateral spontaneous descemet membrane rupture associated with megalophthalmos.

Methods:

A case report of a 23-year-old woman with blurred vision of the right eye for 6 months due to spontaneous descemet membrane rupture associated with megalophthalmos is described. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated corneal edema and suggestion of a descemet membrane rupture in the right eye.

Results:

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography verified the presence of a ruptured descemet membrane separated from the nasal posterior cornea along with corneal edema and intraepithelial cystic lesions. With A-scan ultrasonography, axial lengths were 32 and 28 mm in OD and OS, respectively. Indirect gonioscopy demonstrated a wide iridocorneal angle and a ciliary body band, bilaterally. Corneal pachymetry measurements were performed with Pentacam HR Scheimpflug topography which measured the central corneal thickness 360 μ in OD and 300 μ in OS.

Conclusions:

Megalophthalmos and spontaneous descemet membrane rupture are rare conditions. To the best literature knowledge, this is the first report of descemet membrane rupture in megalophthalmos.
Increased Epithelial Gap Density in the Noninflamed Duodenum of Children With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Zaidi Deenaz , Bording‐Jorgensen Michael , Huynh Hien Q. , Carroll Matthew W. , Turcotte Jean‐Francois , Sergi Consolato , Liu Julia , Wine Eytan
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) present commonly in childhood, with unknown etiology, but an important role for the epithelial lining is suggested. Epithelial cell extrusion, measured by counting gaps between epithelial cells, is higher in adult patients with Crohn disease (CD) than in controls. Our objectives were to compare epithelial gaps in the duodenum of IBD and non‐IBD pediatric patients, to study the correlation between epithelial gaps, inflammation, and disease activity, and identify potential mechanisms.

Methods:

Epithelial gap density of the duodenum was evaluated using probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy in 26 pediatric patients with IBD (16 CD, 10 ulcerative colitis [UC]) and 17 non‐IBD controls during endoscopy. Epithelial gaps were correlated with serum inflammatory markers, disease activity indices, and intraepithelial lymphocytes. A panel of 10 inflammatory cytokines and expression of TNFAIP3 (A20; inhibits NF–κβ‐induced inflammation) were analyzed in duodenal and ileal biopsies.

Results:

Confocal imaging showed significantly higher epithelial gap density in patients with IBD, including UC. Interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐8 were higher in duodenal but not ileal biopsies of patients with UC. No significant correlation was present between C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, disease activity indices, and epithelial gaps in patients with UC. In patients with CD, C‐reactive protein positively correlated with epithelial gaps. A20 expression in the duodenum was unchanged among non‐IBD and IBD cases.

Conclusions:

Duodenal epithelial gaps are increased in pediatric patients with IBD (including UC) but are unrelated to inflammation. This suggests that altered epithelial barrier is an important systemic feature of pediatric IBD and is not only secondary to inflammation.
The life-history basis of behavioural innovations
Authors: Sol Daniel , Sayol Ferran , Ducatez Simon , Lefebvre Louis
Published: March 2016

The evolutionary origin of innovativeness remains puzzling because innovating means responding to novel or unusual problems and hence is unlikely to be selected by itself. A plausible alternative is considering innovativeness as a co-opted product of traits that have evolved for other functions yet together predispose individuals to solve problems by adopting novel behaviours. However, this raises the question of why these adaptations should evolve together in an animal. Here, we develop the argument that the adaptations enabling animals to innovate evolve together because they are jointly part of a life-history strategy for coping with environmental changes. In support of this claim, we present comparative evidence showing that in birds, (i) innovative propensity is linked to life histories that prioritize future over current reproduction, (ii) the link is in part explained by differences in brain size, and (iii) innovative propensity and life-history traits may evolve together in generalist species that frequently expose themselves to novel or unusual conditions. Combined with previous evidence, these findings suggest that innovativeness is not a specialized adaptation but more likely part of a broader general adaptive system to cope with changes in the environment.
Feeding innovations in a nested phylogeny of Neotropical passerines
Authors: Lefebvre Louis , Ducatez Simon , Audet Jean-Nicolas
Published: March 2016

Several studies on cognition, molecular phylogenetics and taxonomic diversity independently suggest that Darwin's finches are part of a larger clade of speciose, flexible birds, the familyThraupidae, a member of the New World nine-primaried oscine superfamilyEmberizoidea. Here, we first present a new, previously unpublished, dataset of feeding innovations covering the Neotropical region and compare the stem clades of Darwin's finches to other neotropical clades at the levels of the subfamily, family and superfamily/order. Both in terms of raw frequency as well as rates corrected for research effort and phylogeny, the familyThraupidaeand superfamilyEmberizoideashow high levels of innovation, supporting the idea that adaptive radiations are favoured when the ancestral stem species were flexible. Second, we discuss examples of innovation and problem-solving in two opportunistic and tame Emberizoid species, the Barbados bullfinchLoxigilla barbadensisand the Carib grackleQuiscalus lugubris fortirostrisin Barbados. We review studies on these two species and argue that a comparison ofL. barbadensiswith its closest, but very shy and conservative local relative, the black-faced grassquitTiaris bicolor, might provide key insights into the evolutionary divergence of cognition.
The effects of environment and ownership on children's innovation of tools and tool material selection
Authors: Sheridan Kimberly M. , Konopasky Abigail W. , Kirkwood Sophie , Defeyter Margaret A.
Published: March 2016

Research indicates that in experimental settings, young children of 3–7 years old are unlikely to devise a simple tool to solve a problem. This series of exploratory studies done in museums in the US and UK explores how environment and ownership of materials may improve children's ability and inclination for (i) tool material selection and (ii) innovation. The first study takes place in a children's museum, an environment where children can use tools and materials freely. We replicated a tool innovation task in this environment and found that while 3–4 year olds showed the predicted low levels of innovation rates, 4–7 year olds showed higher rates of innovation than the younger children and than reported in prior studies. The second study explores the effect of whether the experimental materials are owned by the experimenter or the child on tool selection and innovation. Results showed that 5–6 year olds and 6–7 year olds were more likely to select tool material they owned compared to tool material owned by the experimenter, although ownership had no effect on tool innovation. We argue that learning environments supporting tool exploration and invention and conveying ownership over materials may encourage successful tool innovation at earlier ages.
Adaptable individuals and innovative lineages
Authors: Sterelny Kim
Published: March 2016

This paper suggests (i) that while work on animal innovation has made good progress in understanding some of the proximate mechanisms and selective regimes through which innovation emerges, it has somewhat neglected the role of the social environment of innovation; a neglect manifest in the fact that innovation counts are almost always counts of resource-acquisition innovations; the invention of social tools is rarely considered. The same is true of many experimental projects, as these typically impose food acquisition tasks on their experimental subjects. (ii) That neglect is important, because innovations often pose collective action problems; the hominin species were technically innovative because they were also socially adaptable. (iii) In part for this reason, there remains a disconnect between research on hominin innovation and research on animal innovation. (iv) Finally, the paper suggests that there is something of a disconnect between the theoretical work on innovation in hominin evolution (based on theories of cultural evolution) and the experimental tradition on human innovation. That disconnect is largely due to the theoretical work retreating from strong claims about the proximate mechanisms of human cultural accumulation.
Innovativeness as an emergent property: a new alignment of comparative and experimental research on animal innovation
Authors: Griffin Andrea S.
Published: March 2016

Innovation and creativity are key defining features of human societies. As we face the global challenges of the twenty-first century, they are also facets upon which we must become increasingly reliant. But what makesHomo sapiensso innovative and where does our high innovation propensity come from? Comparative research on innovativeness in non-human animals allows us to peer back through evolutionary time and investigate the ecological factors that drove the evolution of innovativeness, whereas experimental research identifies and manipulates underpinning creative processes. In commenting on the present theme issue, I highlight the controversies that have typified this research field and show how a paradigmatic shift in our thinking about innovativeness will contribute to resolving these tensions. In the past decade, innovativeness has been considered by many as a trait, a direct product of cognition, and a direct target of selection. The evidence I review here suggests that innovativeness will be hereon viewed as one component, or even an emergent property of a larger array of traits, which have evolved to deal with environmental variation. I illustrate how research should capitalize on taxonomic diversity to unravel the full range of psychological processes that underpin innovativeness in non-human animals.
Sporulation, bacterial cell envelopes, and the origin of life
Authors: Tocheva Elitza I , Ortega Davi R , Jensen Grant J
Published: March 2016

Four recent papers from our group exploiting the power of electron cryotomography to produce 3-D reconstructions of intact cells in a near-native state have led to the proposal that an ancient sporulation-like event gave rise to the second membrane in diderm bacteria. Here we review the images of sporulating monoderm and diderm cells which show how sporulation leads to diderm cells. We also review the images of Gram-negative and Gram-positive cell walls that show they are more closely related than previously thought, and explain how this provides critical support for the hypothesis. Mapping the distribution of cell envelope architectures onto the most recent phylogenetic tree of life then leads to the conclusion that the diderm cell plan, and therefore the sporulation-like event that gave rise to it, must be very ancient. One explanation for the biogeologic record is that during the cataclysmic transitions of early Earth, cellular evolution may have gone through a bottleneck where only spores survived (LUCA was a spore).
Perspective/Review: Regulating telomere length from the inside out: The replication fork model
Authors: Greider Carol W.
Published: March 2016

Telomere length is regulated around an equilibrium set point. Telomeres shorten during replication and are lengthened by telomerase. Disruption of the length equilibrium leads to disease, thus it is important to understand the mechanisms that regulate length at the molecular level. The prevailing protein counting model for regulating telomerase access to elongate the telomere does not explain accumulating evidence of a role of DNA replication in telomere length regulation. Here I present an alternative model: the replication fork model that can explain how passage of a replication fork and regulation of origin firing affect telomere length.
Ripoptosome Analysis by Caspase-8 Coimmunoprecipitation
Authors: Feoktistova Maria , Geserick Peter , Leverkus Martin
Published: March 2016

The biochemical signaling of cell death pathways is executed at a number of different intracellular and/or membrane-bound high-molecular mass complexes. It is crucial to be able to detect the formation, differences in assembly, and differential composition of such complexes to understand their contribution to the execution phase of apoptotic or necroptotic cell death. We describe here the use of caspase-8 coimmunoprecipitation in the spontaneously transformed keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, to study the formation and composition of the Ripoptosome, a complex that is based on the serine–threonine kinase receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIPK1). However, the method can be adapted for use with other antibodies and cell lines. This protocol determines whether cells form the Ripoptosome complex, which is important for both apoptosis and necroptosis execution. Caspase-8 is an indispensible Ripoptosome component; therefore, caspase-8 antibodies are used to pull down the respective complex. However, the method cannot discriminate whether this complex triggers apoptosis (through the RIPK1 → FADD → caspase-8 activation pathway), necroptosis (through the RIPK1 → RIPK3 → MLKL activation pathway) or nondeath signaling. The actual signaling output (death or nondeath signaling) depends on the stoichiometry of the respective molecules as well as on the activity of FLIP, caspase-8, or other factors.
Expanding Lorentz and spectrum corrections to large volumes of reciprocal space for single-crystal time-of-flight neutron diffraction
Authors: Michels-Clark Tara M. , Savici Andrei T. , Lynch Vickie E. , Wang Xiaoping , Hoffmann Christina M.
Published: March 2016

Evidence is mounting that potentially exploitable properties of technologically and chemically interesting crystalline materials are often attributable to local structure effects, which can be observed as modulated diffuse scattering (mDS) next to Bragg diffraction (BD). BD forms a regular sparse grid of intense discrete points in reciprocal space. Traditionally, the intensity of each Bragg peak is extracted by integration of each individual reflection first, followed by application of the required corrections. In contrast, mDS is weak and covers expansive volumes of reciprocal space close to, or between, Bragg reflections. For a representative measurement of the diffuse scattering, multiple sample orientations are generally required, where many points in reciprocal space are measured multiple times and the resulting data are combined. The common post-integration data reduction method is not optimal with regard to counting statistics. A general and inclusive data processing method is needed. In this contribution, a comprehensive data analysis approach is introduced to correct and merge the full volume of scattering data in a single step, while correctly accounting for the statistical weight of the individual measurements. Development of this new approach required the exploration of a data treatment and correction protocol that includes the entire collected reciprocal space volume, using neutron time-of-flight or wavelength-resolved data collected at TOPAZ at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
China in Africa: a critical literature review
Authors: Ado Abdoulkadre , Su Zhan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critically assesses the major contributions to the academic literature on China’s increased focus on Africa, from 2001 to 2011. It discusses the key trends concerning China’s presence in Africa and draws conclusions on the significance of the studies by emphasizing and contrasting the prevailing positions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a qualitative approach using an integrative and comprehensive literature review, the authors performed a content analysis of high-impact, peer-reviewed papers.

Findings

– The paper questions and repositions some of the existing controversies. The results from existing studies remain questionable, requiring further clarification and more theoretical backing. It, moreover, highlights the notion that behind the explicit neutrality views of China’s presence in Africa, implicit assumptions may exist. These are often the differences in narratives conveyed by Western and Southern stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

– Most of the conclusions drawn from this paper need to be re-explored and supported by additional research. This could be done by widening the scope of the analysis. Studies need to provide more empirical support for their assertions through quantitative data and evidence-based qualitative analyses

–

all within a framework that considers more cultural, social and historical dimensions. The paper also suggests that an institutionally based view appears most relevant in better explaining China in Africa.

Originality/value

– This paper reviews a decade of research on China in Africa and presents a snapshot of the current state of knowledge. It also raises concerns to be analyzed by future research and proposes new avenues for better understanding China’s presence in Africa.
Characterization of structure and air permeability of aromatherapic terry textile
Authors: Petrulyte Salvinija , Vankeviciute Deimante , Petrulis Donatas
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the physical properties of smart aromatherapic ramie/cotton terry fabrics containing microcapsules (MC) with essential Eucalyptus oil.

Design/methodology/approach

– Terry fabrics are manufactured by changing the weft density. The air permeability is determined for grey and microencapsulated textile. The factorial designs are made. For informative experiment the linear type of regression is analysed. Development of physical properties of microencapsulated terry fabrics is discussed.

Findings

– The air permeability of aromatherapic terry fabrics is determined. All statistical analysis is performed. Appropriate conclusions about the influence of fabric’s structure and microencapsulating process on terry fabric quality are made.

Originality/value

– To date there are no investigations concerning terry textiles with fragrance MC. This study developed analysis and empiric mathematical equations suitable for evaluating and designing terry fabrics with the air permeability required. Assessment of the influence of fabric’s weft density and binder concentration for the air permeability of terry textile is proposed.
Construction of level of details in garment image skeleton
Authors: Wang Bei , Li Jituo , Zeng Jiping , Chen Guang , Lu Guodong
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Skeleton plays an important role in representing the essential feature of garment in image. General skeleton extraction methods often yield many short skeletal branches. Though short branches reflect the geometric details of the garment, they are obstacles in extracting the essential features. The purpose of this paper is to provide an approach to hierarchically remove them to reveal the level of details (LOD) of the skeleton, thus both the essential skeleton and the geometric skeletal branches can be definitely extracted and separated.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the initial garment image skeleton is extracted and smoothed. Then, the hierarchically removing mechanism is established on scoring the importance of each skeletal branch by an altered PageRank method and computing the symmetry among skeletal branches.

Findings

– Experimental examples show that this method can extract and separate garment essential skeleton as well as geometric skeletal branches hierarchically. Garments in same class have a similar essential skeleton with detailed differences, so this approach can be potentially applied in garment recognition and style specification.

Originality/value

– Traditionally, there is almost no work attempts to build LOD in skeleton of planar shapes. This paper provide an automatic device for building LOD skeleton for garment image. In another word, hierarchic skeletons with details in different prominence level are gradually established. And pairs of symmetric skeletal parts are found by taking advantage of symmetry characteristic of garment. This method is efficient in garment image skeleton extraction.
Spectroscopy quantitative analysis cotton content of blend fabrics
Authors: Sun Xudong , Zhou Mingxing , Sun Yize
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop near infrared (NIR) techniques coupled with multivariate calibration methods to rapid measure cotton content in blend fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 124 and 41 samples were used to calibrate models and assess the performance of the models, respectively. Multivariate calibration methods of partial least square (PLS), extreme learning machine (ELM) and least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) were employed to develop the models. Through comparing the performance of PLS, ELM and LS-SVM models with new samples, the optimal model of cotton content was obtained with LS-SVM model. The correlation coefficient of prediction (r

p
) and root mean square errors of prediction were 0.98 and 4.50 percent, respectively.

Findings

– The results suggest that NIR technique combining with LS-SVM method has significant potential to quantitatively analyze cotton content in blend fabrics.

Originality/value

– It may have commercial and regulatory potential to avoid time consuming work, costly and laborious chemical analysis for cotton content in blend fabrics.
Innovative application of LSS in aircraft maintenance environment
Authors: Karunakaran Sreedhar
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to eliminate the wastes and inefficient procedures in the maintenance organization of aircraft so as to reduce its downtime and increase mission availability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Customized lean Six Sigma (LSS) was applied at the task level and servicing cycle level to reduce the task content, cycle length and resources in servicing. The loading of the servicing facility was simulated through a simulation program developed from a statistical analysis of historical data for validating/simulating/determining optimum loading of servicing facility with refined tasks, reduced cycle length and resources. In simulation, the optimum combination of manpower, resources and infrastructure at the facility level was determined through sensitive analysis and design of experiments (DoE).

Findings

– Optimization at the task level and its re-organization at the servicing cycle level reduced the cycle length by 55-68 per cent and manpower resources by 26 per cent. This further reduced facility-level manpower by 25 to 40 per cent, capacity requirements by more than 33 per cent and annual aircraft downtime by 78 per cent. The approach reduced the average number of aircraft undergoing servicing at each airbase at any time from 2.35 to just 0.76 and increased the mission availability to 20 per cent.

Originality/value

– The hallmark of the paper has been the design of LSS approach from structured historical data and its validation through innovative simulation. The multi-pronged bottom-up approach practically bundles all wastes resident in the maintenance organization. The paper provides cursory approach to lean practitioners in the elimination of wastes in the maintenance of capital assets like aircraft.
Development of a methodology to assist manufacturing SMEs in the selection of appropriate lean tools
Authors: Alaskari Osama , Ahmad Mohammad Munir , Pinedo-Cuenca Ruben
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in the manufacturing sector, to select an appropriate lean tool for the company which will maximum benefits from adopting the tool.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study focuses on the selection of an appropriate lean tool for manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains a quantitative approach that can assist SMEs in identifying the appropriate lean tool. A literature review, collation of experts’ opinions via a questionnaire and a case study (to provide a guideline as to how the developed methodology may work) are presented in this research.

Findings

– The findings revealed that the proposed methodology was effective in identifying the appropriate lean tools for companies, according to the key performance indicators in the manufacturing SME sector.

Practical implications

– The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as a decision support system to enable the representatives of the company to make an informed decision regarding the selection of the most appropriate lean tool (i.e. that will address the most important issue that the company is experiencing). The strength of using this methodology is that appropriate lean tool can be ascertained relatively easily and inexpensively. There is the prospect of this methodology being applicable to most types of SMEs.

Originality/value

– This methodology has proven to be useful for recommending the application of lean tools in a company’s attempt to become lean, bridging the gap identified in the literature review.
Study of grease lubricated journal bearing with partial surface texture
Authors: Yu Rufei , Li Pei , Chen Wei
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to study the impact of surface texture on grease-lubricated journal bearing, load-carrying capacity, friction and friction coefficient.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper opted for a basic application research using the commercial CFD software FLUENT 14.0.

Findings

– The load-carrying capacity can be enhanced if the surface texture is introduced from a suitable position. The textural shape has a more significant effect on the friction and load-carrying capacity than the friction coefficient. The rheological parameters of grease affect the load-carrying capacity in the same way, i.e. the load increases with the increase in the rheological parameters. With the decrease in the value of cavitation pressure, the cavitation area reduces but the dynamic pressure area gets enlarged.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen research method, the research results may lack the analysis of experiments.

Practical implications

– The research results can be applied to the domain in the high-speed spindle and lubricated multibody system.

Originality/value

– The investigation on the performances of grease-lubricated journal bearing with surface texture would be significant.
Tool wear characteristics of cutting and extrusion processing technology based on the edge-chipping effect
Authors: Tian Xinli , Wang Long , Wang Wanglong , Li Yongdong , Ji Kaiwen
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The cutting and extruding processing technology for ceramics based on the edge-chipping effect is a new contact removal machining method for hard, brittle materials such as engineering ceramics. This paper aims to provide an important reference to understand the tool wear mechanism and the wear law of this new processing technology.

Design/methodology/approach

– The real-time temperature monitoring and the observation of micro-morphology are used to analyse the wear characteristics of the tool face. In addition, the research focuses on the influence of three processing parameters (axial feed rate, thickness of flange and depth of groove) on characteristics including tool wear.

Findings

– The temperature variation shows that the new processing technology improves the tool temperatures condition. The tool is worn mainly by mechanical friction including abrasive wear, and the flank face also suffers the sustained scratching of residual materials on the rough machining surface. With increased feed rate, the wear of the rear face of the major flank initially decreased and then increased. As the depth of the retained flange increases, the wear became worse. The wear initially decreased and then increased with increasing depth of groove.

Research limitations/implications

– Study on the new processing technology is still in its early stages. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

– The machining process itself destroys materials, albeit a controllable manner: based on this principle, the authors proposed a new machining technology based on cracks driven by edge chipping. In this way, the surface of such ceramics is removed. Therefore, the research provides a new method for reducing processing costs and promoting the extensive application of engineering ceramic materials.

Originality/value

– The cutting and extruding processing technology based on cracks driven by edge-chipping effect makes full use of the stress concentration effect caused by prefabricated defects, and the edge-chipping effect which occurs during machining-induced crack propagation. The wear mechanism and law of its tool is unique than other machining ways. This paper provides an important reference to understand the tool wear mechanism and the machining mechanism of this new processing technology. With the application of this study, the ceramics could be removed with less energy consumption and the tools with the hardness of lower than its own one. Therefore, it could not only reduce the processing costs but also promote the extensive applications of engineering ceramic materials.
Transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis of spur gears running-in considering effects of solid particles and surface roughness
Authors: Huang Xingbao , Wang Youqiang
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the mechanism of spur gears running-in and to solve the lubrication problems of teeth running-in.

Design/methodology/approach

– The elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model considering solid particles was established by applying multi-grid and multiple-grid integration methods to the numerical solution.

Findings

– In the region where debris settle, transient pressure increases sharply, and a noticeable increase in the running-in load causes a remarkable increase in both the centre and maximum pressures and a slight increase in the minimum film thickness. Roughness wavelength makes a considerable difference to the minimum film thickness at double-to-single tooth transient. A considerable increase in rotation velocity can cause a remarkable reduction in both the centre and maximum pressures but an amazing increase in the minimum film thickness. The effects of roughness amplitude on the maximum pressure are considerably distinct.

Research limitations/implications

– Research on EHL of spur gears in the running-in process considering solid particles, surface roughness and time-variant effect is meaningful to practical gears running-in. Thermal effect can be included in the next study.

Practical implications

– The analysis results can be applied to predict and improve lubrication performance of the meshing teeth.

Social implications

– The aim is to reduce gears’ manufacture and running-in costs and improve economic performance.

Originality/value

– The EHL model that considers solid particles was established. The Reynolds equation was deduced taking the effects of solid particles into account. The EHL of spur gears running-in was investigated considering the time-variant effect, surface roughness, running-in load and rotation speed.
Friction and wear properties of friction materials containing nano/micro-sized SiO2 particles
Authors: Sugozu Kezban Banu , Daghan Behcet , Akdemir Ahmet , Ataberk Necati
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Among the components used for a car brake lining, the chemical and structural properties of the abrasives, jointly with the morphology and size of the particles influence the friction parameters and stability of the composite. This paper aims to investigate the effect of nano SiO2 particles in brake pads on friction and wear properties.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the effects of SiO2 (Silica) particles of varying size on the friction-wear properties of polymeric friction composites are investigated. Four friction composites were prepared containing (5, 10 Wt.%) micro silica (MS) particles and (5, 10 Wt.%) nano silica (NS) particles. The samples were produced by a conventional procedure for a dry formulation following dry-mixing, pre-forming and hot pressing. Friction and wear characteristics of the specimens against to a disk made of cast iron were studied. Friction coefficient, specific wear rate and hardness of specimens were obtained. Detailed examinations on the worn surface were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope.

Findings

– The results of test showed that the inclusion of nano silicon carbide (SiC) powder improved the wear performance significantly. Friction coefficient (μ) of NS samples was higher than the MS samples. Micro-SiC showed poor performance and μ. High wear performance was exhibited in materials containing 5 Wt.% NS and 10 Wt.% NS.

Originality/value

– This paper emphasizes the importance of nano-composites in the automotive industry and helps to industrial firms and academicians working on wear of materials.
Mass valuations
Authors: Grover Richard
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the issues involved in the implementation of mass valuation systems and the conditions needed for doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method makes use of case studies of and fieldwork in countries that have either recently introduced mass valuations, brought about major changes in their systems or have been working towards introducing mass valuations.

Findings

– Mass valuation depends upon a degree of development and transparency in property markets and an institutional structure capable of collecting and maintaining up-to-date price data and attributes of properties. Countries introducing mass valuation may need to undertake work on improving the institutional basis for this as a pre-condition for successful implementation of mass valuation.

Practical implications

– Although much of the literature is concerned with how to improve the statistical modelling of market prices, there are significant issues concerned with the type and quality of the data used in mass valuation models and the requirements for successful use of mass valuations.

Originality/value

– Much of the literature on mass valuation takes the form of the development of statistical models of value. There has been much less attention given to the issues involved in the implementation of mass valuation.
Differences in underpricing of A-REIT IPOs and Australian property company IPOs
Authors: Dimovski Bill
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– A variety of papers have analyzed the underpricing of REIT IPOs or property company IPOs. The purpose of this paper is to compare the two sectors and examines differences in the underpricing of the two types of IPOs.

Design/methodology/approach

– An OLS regression is used to identify factors influencing the underpricing of A-REIT and property company IPOs from 1994 until 2014.

Findings

– This study finds that A-REIT IPOs have a significantly lower underpricing on average than Australian property company IPOs. The time taken to list appears to influence the underpricing of both A-REIT IPOs and property company IPOs, in that issues that are filled more quickly have higher underpricing but with the magnitude of the impact being less for A-REITs. The sentiment toward the stock market also appears to impact on the underpricing of A-REIT and property company IPOs again with the magnitude of the impact being less for A-REITs.

Practical implications

– The paper provides information to new A-REIT and property company issuers, underwriters and investors.

Originality/value

– The study is the first to compare and examine the differences in the underpricing of both REITs and property companies in the one country over the same time period.
Determinants of foreign direct real estate investment in selected MENA countries
Authors: Salem Mohamed , Baum Andrew
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the main determinants of foreign direct real estate investments (foreign direct investment (FDI)) in selected Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical work of this study is an econometric analysis of FDI in the commercial real estate sector for eight MENA markets, namely Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia and the UAE during the period 2003-2009. The econometric analysis is carried out using the pooled Tobit model technique for panel data.

Findings

– The paper finds that both country-specific factors and real estate sector-specific variables consistently support hypotheses explaining commercial real estate-related FDI, and find evidence that political stability explains why some selected MENA countries attract more real estate investments than other MENA countries.

Practical implications

– The findings should be seriously considered in any policy making effort on the part of governments in the region.

Originality/value

– The authors contribute to the existing literature in many ways. First, the study aims to develop econometric models, using both conventional and unique variables, to be generalised and applied to any developed or emerging market. The study applies relevant techniques in estimating the models, including the pooled Tobit model. Second, the research studies eight selected MENA real estate markets from 2003 to 2009, a timeframe and geography not examined in previous published empirical work on commercial real estate investments. Lastly, and for the first time in real estate literature, the study applies the location dimension of Dunning’s OLI paradigm as a theoretical explanation for the behaviour of foreign investors in commercial real estate towards the selected MENA markets.
Anti‐suit Injunctions and the Doctrine of Comity
Authors: Chan Felix W. H.
Published: March 2016

Hin‐Pro International Logistics Limited v CSAV is an important case in the areas of anti‐suit injunctions, contractual interpretation and private international law. Despite the ambiguities surrounding the jurisdiction clause contained in the bills of lading, the Court of Appeal construed the jurisdiction clause as ‘exclusive’ in the context of a ‘contractual background’, and affirmed the continuation of the anti‐suit injunction granted by the Commercial Court. It is argued that the approach of applying the common law principles of contractual interpretation to a bill of lading is questionable. The approach used to apply English private international law is problematic in a number of ways. There are legitimate reasons for concern that the doctrine of comity in English private international law may become undermined as a result.