bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of link-length and vertex angle on mesh generation and pattern flattening for virtual clothing
Authors: Sayem Abu Sadat Muhammad , Kennon Richard , Clarke Nick , Hayes Steven George 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify optimum operating parameters, namely, link-length and vertex angle, for producing virtual clothing prototypes for the purpose of pattern flattening.

Design/methodology/approach
– Commercially available physically based simulation and flattening engines were utilized to carry out the computational part of this study. Two separately developed 3D garment templates were used for the creation of virtual garments in the form of a triangulated mesh and later for pattern unwrapping by taking differential link-lengths and vertex angles into account to ascertain their effects on the mesh quality and on the ultimate pattern flattening process.

Findings
– It has been found that a link-length between 10 and 15 mm and a vertex angle between 120° and 160° are optimum for the virtual clothing prototyping process.

Practical implications
– The findings of this study can universally be applied to simplify the tasks of virtual clothing prototyping and pattern unwrapping using commercial software packages.

Originality/value
– Previously, there has not been any guidance available for the selection of specific operational parameters to promote 3D garment design.
Fabric defect detection via learned dictionary-based visual saliency
Authors: Li Chunlei , Yang Ruimin , Liu Zhoufeng , Gao Guangshuai , Liu Qiuli 
Published: July 2016

Purpose– Fabric defect detection plays an important role in textile quality control. The purpose of this paper is to propose a fabric defect detection algorithm using learned dictionary-based visual saliency.Design/methodology/approach– First, the test fabric image is splitted into image blocks, and the learned dictionary with normal samples and defective sample is constructed by selecting the image block local binary pattern features with highest or lowest similarity comparing with the average feature vector; second, the firstLlargest correlation coefficients between each test image block and the dictionary are calculated, and other correlation coefficients are set to zeros; third, the sum of the non-zeros coefficients corresponding to defective samples is used to generate saliency map; finally, an improve valley-emphasis method can efficiently segment the defect region.Findings– Experimental results demonstrate that the generated saliency map by the proposed method can efficiently outstand defect region comparing with the state-of-the-art, and segment results can precisely localize defect region.Originality/value– In this paper, a novel fabric defect detection scheme is proposed via learned dictionary-based visual saliency.
Determinants of e-learning adoption among students of developing countries
Authors: Boateng Richard , Mbrokoh Alfred Sekyere , Boateng Lovia , Senyo Prince Kwame , Ansong Eric 
Published: July 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of e-learning adoption (ELA) among students in the University of Ghana.Design/methodology/approach– A quantitative research approach comprising of a survey of 337 students was adopted. Data were collected using questionnaires designed in conjunction with 13 factors (computer self-efficacy (CSE), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude towards use (ATTU)) in the conceptual model of the study. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling.Findings– The result revealed that PU and ATTU had a direct effect on ELA whilst, PU and PEOU also had a direct relationship on ATTU. Other variables such as CSE and PEOU had an indirect relationship on ELA though they were found to have an insignificant direct relationship on ELA.Practical implications– The level of significance of each construct identified in the study provide practical guidance to school administrators and instructors as to which factors to pay close attention to when implementing e-learning projects within their respective institutions.Originality/value– This study provides insight into ELA from the students’ perspective, through an extension of the TAM model in a developing country context given the existence of cultural differences and societal idiosyncrasies which exist in different contexts, particularly in Africa.
The impact of institutional trading on liquidity and volatility during the financial crisis
Authors: Mostafa Md Ahmed 
Published: July 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of institutional trading on the market quality during the financial crisis and short sale ban.Design/methodology/approach– The following methods was applied to discuss the total impact on market quality and efficiency of short sale ban in USA from 2001 to 2010. The author examined institutional ownership and breadth of ownership while performing a mean variance tests for changes in efficiency as well as multivariate analysis.Findings– Analyzing USA, Standard and Poor’s 500 stocks the author find increase high-low volatility, realized volatility, effective spread and relative quoted spread during January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Realized volatility increases for both small and large quantile stocks. High-low volatility increases for small quantile stocks and relative quoted spread increases for large quantile stocks. Comparing the percentage change between pre and climax period we find that large quantile stocks have a negative association between breadth of institutional ownership and returns and a positive relation high-low volatility, realized effective spread and quoted spread to returns.Originality/value– The present paper is the first to discuss the total impact on market quality and efficiency of short sale ban in USA from 2001 to 2010. The author find a remarkable improvement in market efficiency (variance ratios) after the crisis period for small and non-financial stocks, while the price efficiency lost during the crisis period is more persistent for large and financial stocks.
The relative importance of mortgage pricing determinants in mortgage affordability in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Manu D. , Pärn E.A. , Donkor-Hyiaman K. , Edwards D.J. , Blackhurst K. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the mortgage affordability problem in Ghana, an issue that has been associated inter alia with high mortgage rates, which results from the high cost of capital, an unstable macroeconomy and unfavourable borrowers’ characteristics. Concurrent improvements in both the macroeconomy and borrowers’ characteristics have rendered the identification of the most problematic mortgage pricing determinant difficult, consequently making the targeting of policy interventions problematic.

Design/methodology/approach
This research sought to resolve this aforementioned difficulty by providing empirical evidence on the relative importance of mortgage pricing determinants. A data set of mortgage rates of selected Ghanaian banking financial institutions from 2003 to 2013 was examined and analysed by applying Fisher’s model of interest rates and an ex post analysis of the standard regression coefficients.

Findings
The risk premium factor emerged as the most important determinant in Ghana compared with the inflation premium and the real risk-free rate, although all are statistically significant and strongly correlated with mortgage rates.

Originality/value
This study provides an insight on the relative importance of mortgage pricing determinates and subsequent macro-economic guidance to support policy interventions which could reduce mortgage rates/enhance mortgage affordability. The paper specifically aims to engender wider debate and provide guidance to the Ghanaian Government and/or private enterprises that seek to provide affordable mortgages. Further research is proposed which could explore ways of reducing mortgage rates as a means of engendering social equality and adopt innovative international best practice that has already been tried and tested in countries such as South Africa and the USA.
Corporate social responsibility for construction contractors: a China study
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Yu , Zhao Xiao-Jing , Zuo Jian , Zillante George 
Published: July 2016

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) practice and research regarding construction contractors are comparatively limited. The purpose of this research is to identify a series of CSR issues that reflect the major components of CSR, and to determine the perceived importance of these factors in the context of construction contractors.Design/methodology/approachA CSR indicator framework was developed based on stakeholder theory. CSR stakeholders and their corresponding CSR performance issues in construction contractors are classified into two levels, i.e. project level and organizational level. This is followed by a questionnaire survey to investigate the perceptions on relative importance of CSR issues of four key stakeholders in typical construction projects in China, i.e. construction contractors, clients, design and engineering consultancy and supervision firms.FindingsThe study highlighted a number of factors, e.g. “quality and safety of construction”, “occupational health and safety” and “supplier/partner relationship” were highly regarded; however, their relative importance varied according to the type of responding organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicated the major concerns of the different parties in construction projects, thereby providing a pathway for construction contractors to improve their CSR practice.Originality/valueThe priorities of various stakeholders described in this paper provide a useful reference for construction contractors in the selection and adoption of criteria for CSR performance. A better understanding of perceived priorities of CSR factors from different participating parties also serves useful inputs to construction contractors in their stakeholder management process.
Smart morphing based on shape memory alloy plate
Authors: Msomi Velaphi , Oliver Graeme John 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
This article reports on the possibility of using nickel titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi SMA) plates rather than NiTi SMA wire for actuation application in the aerospace industries.

Design/methodology/approach
A scaled-down model of smart aileron was constructed based on NiTi SMA plate and aluminium plate. Prior to the manufacturing process, NiTi SMA plates had to be trained to suit our application. The leading edge was constructed using trained NiTi SMA plates, whereas the trailing edge was constructed using aluminium plates. Pop rivets were used in joining the parts or in the construction of the smart aileron, and riveting was preferred as it is mostly used in the aerospace industry for surface construction. The constructed smart aileron was tested for vertical upward and downward deflection using heat application, and the deflection was measured using deflection transducer. The heat was sourced from heater mat kits that were laminated inside the smart aileron. The temperature and the deflection data were recorded and analyzed.

Findings
It was found that NiTi SMA plates could give a deflection on the trailing edge of the smart aileron. The current maximum deflection was found to be 3 mm, which corresponds to aileron rotation of about 0.57 degrees.

Originality/value
The paper presents a hinge-less alternative in bringing the rolling motion of the flight. The constructed model of smart aileron can be used to replace the existing aileron, which is activated through hydraulic systems. So, the newly constructed smart aileron can be used with the benefit of reducing weight, because it does not use the hydraulic systems like the existing one.
Modularity in nuclear power plants: a review
Authors: Upadhyay Ashok Kumar , Jain Karuna 
Published: July 2016

PurposeModularity in design and construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is widely used for reduction in project construction time and cost. This paper aims to improve understanding of existence, rationale, relevance, types and definitions of modularity in NPPs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper approaches study of modularity in NPPs through review of existing literature. The objective of this paper is to answer the questions such as “what is the meaning of module in the context of NPPs?”, “what is the meaning of modularity in the context of NPPs?”, “why modularity is considered in the design and construction of NPPs?”, “what are the types of modules and modularity?” and “what are the emerging trends?”FindingsFindings of the paper indicate towards widespread use of modularity to reduce construction time and cost, improve safety performance and enable smarter applications of NPPs. Large NPPs tend to use modularity to shorten the project gestation period, and thereby reduce capital cost. Small and medium size NPPs plan to use modularity for simpler and safer reactors that can be factory manufactured, transported, installed and scaled up as permitted by the economic environment.Research limitations/implicationsThis being a review, it has the usual limitations associated with the literature review papers.Practical implicationsFindings of the paper may influence policy regarding option, type, size, design, engineering, procurement and construction of NPPs.Social implicationsFindings of the paper may influence the safety, cost, time and quality performance of future NPPs and facilitate cheaper and more reliable supply of electricity to consumers.Originality/valueThe systematic literature review presents issues and emerging trends in modularity of NPPs, enabling the future work to progress as modularity continues to develop and evolve. The paper also proposes a comprehensive classification and definitions of modules and modularity in NPPs that may facilitate understanding of these terms precisely and uniformly by researchers and practitioners alike.
New developments in Hong Kong’s anti-money laundering laws
Authors: Kwok David 
Published: July 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss briefly new developments in Hong Kong’s (HK) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, both in terms of case law and legislation.Design/methodology/approachIn terms of case law, the author discusses two decisions given by HK’s Court of Final Appeal relating to the dealing of proceeds of crime offence. Also, a guideline case on sentencing is also examined. In terms of legislation, the author briefly outlines the main provisions of the newly enacted AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Ordinance.FindingsAs suggested by the Financial Action Task Force, new measures need to be put in place. The AML laws, as they presently stand, need further improvement.Originality/valueA good AML regime is necessary as HK continues to thrive as a major financial/banking centre in Asia. This paper seeks to encourage more discussion on the topic.
Rethinking money laundering and drug trafficking
Authors: Soudijn Melvin R.J. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
In accordance with the literature on money laundering, policymakers and researchers often use a model which distinguishes three successive stages: placement, layering and integration. But how well does this model compare to actual investigations of money laundering in relation to large-scale drug trafficking?

Design/methodology/approach
The basis is formed by data collected in 2012 for that year’s crime pattern analysis (CPA) for money laundering and cocaine trafficking. In all, 46 structured interviews were conducted. These interviews mostly centred around money laundering, involving the proceeds of drugs crime. As a result of the interviews, the dossiers from 16 criminal investigations were also obtained for further analysis.

Findings
Comparing the three-phase model with Dutch investigations on drug trafficking, three observations can be made. First of all, cash plays a larger role than the theoretical model would suggest. Second, the proceeds of crime are often moved abroad, circumventing the legal financial system. And third, money laundering often occurs in much simpler forms than the theory would lead one to suspect.

Research limitations/implications
The sources mainly involve criminal investigations into organized drug trafficking. Investigations involving white collar crime and fraud will probably generate different outcomes. Another caveat is that the situation in other countries may differ from the picture that emerges from the Dutch data.

Practical implications
Combating money laundering is sometimes a job for specialists, but many forms (involving cash and moving money around) can easily be left to ordinary investigative officers with no financial background. Money laundering therefore needs to be demystified to broaden the opportunities for investigating analyzing and researching money laundering. Furthermore, it is not always practical to depend on Financial Intelligence Unit’s information to start an investigation or to evaluate anti-money laundering efficiency.

Originality/value
The literature on money laundering often centres around judicial system, legal issues and theoretical solutions. Empirical data is hard to come by. This article uses information from actual investigations to illustrate aspects of money laundering that can be overlooked.
Motivations of SME entrepreneurs to become halalpreneurs
Authors: Soltanian Moloud , Zailani Suhaiza , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Aziz Azmin Azliza 
Published: July 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to address the factors associated with a propensity for halal entrepreneurship among small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from SMEs in Malaysia by conducting a survey with 209 respondents. Data were analyzed with the partial least squares technique.FindingsResults indicated that halal entrepreneurship, intrinsic motivation, effort to seek out opportunity, perceived desirability, peer influence, perceived feasibility and perceived governmental support significantly affected halalpreneurial propensity among SME entrepreneurs. On the other hand, the effects of creativity and innovation, honesty and integrity, risk taking attitude, relative advantage and family supports on halalpreneurial propensity were not supported.Practical implicationsThrough identification of the motivational factors to be recognized as a halapreneurs, policyholders in Malaysia would be able to successfully promote halal entrepreneurship in this country. In this regard, policymakers can adjust their tactics and strategies in a way which encourage halal entrepreneurship among SME entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study aimed to serve as an initial step in understanding the cognitive process of SME managers in embarking on halal business.
Union members at the polls in diverse trade union landscapes
Authors: ARNDT CHRISTOPH , RENNWALD LINE 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis article investigates to what extent social democratic parties still benefit from the support of union members at the polls. Not only are social democratic parties confronted with new competitors in the party systems, but also the union confederations of the socialist labour movement are in some countries losing their dominant position due to the rise of separate professional confederations. It is argued in the article that the effect of union membership on voting choice is conditioned by the structure of the trade union movement. The support of union members for social democracy is fostered by the strength of the confederations historically close to this party family, while it is hampered when strong separate (or politically unaffiliated) white‐collar confederations exist. Using European Social Survey and Swedish Public Opinion data, the article shows that social democratic parties still enjoy important support from trade union members, but at the same time are under fierce competition from bourgeois and green parties among members of white‐collar confederations. This reinforces the challenges for social democracy to build new voters’ coalitions in post‐industrial societies.
Identification of copy number variations in three Chinese horse breeds using 70K single nucleotide polymorphism BeadChip array
Authors: Kader Adiljan , Liu Xuexue , Dong Kunzhe , Song Shen , Pan Jianfei , Yang Min , Chen Xiaofei , He Xiaohong , Jiang Lin , Ma Yuehui 
Published: July 2016

SummaryCopy number variation (CNV), an essential form of genetic variation, has been increasingly recognized as one promising genetic marker in the analysis of animal genomes. Here, we used the Equine 70K single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping array for the genome‐wide detection of CNVs in 96 horses from three diverse Chinese breeds: Debao pony (DB), Mongolian horse (MG) and Yili horse (YL). A total of 287 CNVs were determined and merged into 122 CNV regions (CNVRs) ranging from 199 bp to 2344 kb in size and distributed in a heterogeneous manner on chromosomes. These CNVRs were integrated with seven existing reports to generate a composite genome‐wide dataset of 1558 equine CNVRs, revealing 69 (56.6%) novel CNVRs. The majority (69.7%) of the 122 CNVRs overlapped with 438 genes, whereas 30.3% were located in intergenic regions. Most of these genes were associated with common CNVRs, which were shared by divergent horse breeds. As many as 60, 42 and 91 genes overlapping with the breed‐specific ss were identified in DB, MG and YL respectively. Among these genes, FGF11, SPEM1, PPARG, CIDEB, HIVEP1 and GALR may have potential relevance to breed‐specific traits. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the equine genome and facilitating association studies of economically important traits with equine CNVRs in the future.
Sarcolemmal dependence of cardiac protection and stress‐resistance: roles in aged or diseased hearts
Authors: See Hoe Louise E , May Lauren T , Headrick John P , Peart Jason N 
Published: July 2016

Disruption of the sarcolemmal membrane is a defining feature of oncotic death in cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion (I‐R), and its molecular makeup not only fundamentally governs this process but also affects multiple determinants of both myocardial I‐R injury and responsiveness to cardioprotective stimuli. Beyond the influences of membrane lipids on the cytoprotective (and death) receptors intimately embedded within this bilayer, myocardial ionic homeostasis, substrate metabolism, intercellular communication and electrical conduction are all sensitive to sarcolemmal makeup, and critical to outcomes from I‐R. As will be outlined in this review, these crucial sarcolemmal dependencies may underlie not only the negative effects of age and common co‐morbidities on myocardial ischaemic tolerance but also the on‐going challenge of implementing efficacious cardioprotection in patients suffering accidental or surgically induced I‐R. We review evidence for the involvement of sarcolemmal makeup changes in the impairment of stress‐resistance and cardioprotection observed with ageing and highly prevalent co‐morbid conditions including diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia. A greater understanding of membrane changes with age/disease, and the inter‐dependences of ischaemic tolerance and cardioprotection on sarcolemmal makeup, can facilitate the development of strategies to preserve membrane integrity and cell viability, and advance the challenging goal of implementing efficacious ‘cardioprotection’ in clinically relevant patient cohorts.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.20/issuetoc