bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Garment prototyping based on scalable virtual female bodies
Authors: Chaw Hlaing Ei , Krzywinski Sybille , Roedel Hartmut 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe aim of the research is the development of 3D virtual models of lower female bodies from scanned data of different body types for computer‐aided 3D product development of loose‐fitting garments.Design/methodology/approachIn order to develop reproducible construction of fashionable/functional outerwear (e.g. ladies’ trousers) on the basis of generated scalable 3D virtual female models, 3D‐CAD methods have to be developed. In doing so, the variable parameters are predefined and the block pattern of a trouser design can be modified by changing the parameters for the variety of trouser models. Two‐dimensional (2D) pattern pieces are then automatically generated and modified if necessary. According to morphological changes, the whole process proceeds automatically up to 2D patterns and thus corresponds to a grading in 3D.FindingsThe generated 3D virtual model and trouser design corresponding to a basic design or block pattern can be offered to the garment industry. The task of the designer or stylist is only to define the intended pattern design on the created trouser shell. Therefore, the approach is also very feasible for pattern makers who are not skilled in computer technology. The goal of this research is to provide an indispensable basis for an effective new technology for the construction of fit‐relevant, loose‐fitting garments, and in doing so, further accelerate the textile chain.Originality/valueThis paper provides methods of creating 3D garment design as well as grading in 3D, based on scalable virtual models of female lower bodies, which are worked out using a new German size designation system. Since the data processed for the generation of virtual models derives from direct scan data from women (taking into account different body types), the targeted German population is reflected.
A novel real‐time measuring method for cloth fell distance during weaving
Authors: Vatankhah Elham , Sheikhzadeh Mohammad , Darvishzadeh Mehdi 
Published: May 2013

PurposeCloth fell distance is an effective parameter on controlling pick density during weaving process. The purpose of this study is developing a novel, simple and economic system to measure the cloth fell distance from the front position of the reed in each cycle of weaving process dynamically.Design/methodology/approachThis novel system consists of optical sensors used to measure difference between time the reed reaches the cloth fell and time the reed reaches the front. To interpret this time difference to cloth fell distance, reed motion equation has been used. The reed motion curve in terms of angular position of the crankshaft can be calculated by mathematical analysis.FindingsThis method combining the electronic components and mechanical mechanism of reed motion measures the cloth fell distance online.Originality/valueThis simple and economic method can be used in all types of weaving machine. High accuracy and high speed processing in comparison to previous reported methods are the most advantages of this new real‐time system.
The role of online informediaries for consumers
Authors: Chung Sunghun 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to find the role of online informediaries on the perspective of price comparison and information aggregator. Specifically, the author wants to explain how the level of product involvement moderates the effect of price dispersion and product information quality on attitude toward product in online informediaries.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study are obtained from a three‐way factorial experimental research design. Data were collected from 258 college students who have an experience with an online informediary. Combining ANCOVA and regression analysis enables the study of attitude formation and yields encouraging results.FindingsThe study finds that high‐involvement consumers focus on systematic cues (e.g. product attributes) in evaluating product quality. However, when they feel that their initial search yields insufficient results, causing them to perceive more product performance risk, they search for additional cues (e.g. price dispersion). Low‐involvement consumers are mainly affected by price dispersion, which is a heuristic cue, and they evaluate the product more favorably under a high (vs low) level of price dispersion.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to consider and empirically test a heuristic‐systematic model for attitude toward product in online informediaries. It also uniquely tests the level of price dispersion to discern the important motivating factors.
Measuring the sociocultural appeal of SNS games in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Kai‐Shuan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis study aims to explore the sociocultural appeal of SNS game content from the point of view of the human emotions aroused by the interaction between the players and the games.Design/methodology/approachThe author's research methodology is based on Miryoku Engineering. The author interviewed 11 knowledgeable gamers by the evaluation grid method (EGM) and surveyed 321 players through a questionnaire in order to gather data about their preferences, which were then analysed using quantification theory type I.FindingsThe semantic structure of the appeal of the games was determined from interviews with knowledgeable gamers (EGM). This structure represents a hierarchy of the relationship between the types of appeal or appeal factors, the reasons for gamers’ preferences, and the specific characteristics of SNS games. According to the statistical analysis, the most important sociocultural appeal factors of SNS games are “practicable and realizable” and “innovative and unique”, and these are affected in varying degrees by particular reasons and characteristics.Practical implicationsThe author has found that sociocultural factors influence the design of SNS games significantly. In addition, the issue of how to integrate the sociocultural factors into the design of games is critical to the success of the marketing strategies of SNS games in different areas or countries.Originality/valueThe author's findings provide important information for designers and researchers of SNS games. The study also contributes to the field of human‐computer interaction in cyberspace.
Corporate governance, economic turbulence and financial performance of UAE listed firms
Authors: Kamal Hassan Mostafa , Saadi Halbouni Sawsan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) listed firms.Design/methodology/approachRelying on a sample of 95 UAE listed firms affiliated to financial and non‐financial sectors, the paper performs a cross‐section regression analysis to test whether there is a significant relationship between governance mechanisms (voluntary disclosure, CEO duality, board size, board committee and audit type) and UAE firms' performance while controlling for firm size, industry type, firm listing years and leverage. The paper relies on data published on year 2008 and utilizes the accounting‐based measures of Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) as well as the market measure (Tobin's Q) in order to measure the UAE firms' financial performance.FindingsThe empirical results show that voluntary disclosure, CEO duality and board size are significantly influencing the UAE accounting‐based performance measure, while none of the governance variables significantly affects firms' market performance measure. The results also reveal that firm size is the only control variable that significantly influences firms' performance. This paper provides evidence showing that the accounting‐based performance measures are more objective in the years where unstable economic conditions exist.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings indicate that the underlying principles of corporate governance are applicable in emerging markets. The findings are important to regulators, investors, managers, and researchers aiming at developing new policies that establish better regulatory infrastructure that increases investors' confidence and attracting foreign investment.Originality/valueThe paper is one of very few studies that examine the relationship between corporate governance and firms' financial performance under economic turbulent in an emerging market economy, the UAE.
Competing while shopping
Authors: Satinover Nichols Bridget , Flint Daniel J. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand the experiences of women who were engaged in a competitive retail shopping event.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed the discovery‐oriented grounded theory approach, in order to interpret field data from observations and interviews from 30 women who participated in a bridal gown sale event.FindingsThis paper exposes the manner in which the women shoppers shifted from competitive mindsets and behaviors, to cooperative ones, with other women shoppers. Four complimentary “trajectories” help explain how this takes place by demonstrating that the women progressed through mindsets of competition, co‐opetition, cooperation, and charity. The course of this process occurs within the realm of highly dynamic environments, which help foster the women's changing behaviors. The experiences of our participants converged such that this process of competition‐cooperation contributed to positive experiential value of the shopping trip.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused only on women shoppers in the USA and concentrated only on one retail sale event. Future studies should expand the cultural diversity of the participants and increase the contextual boundaries of the phenomenon to include other instances of competitive shopping.Practical implicationsUnderstanding how women consumers engage in competition, and consequently cooperation, should be of considerable interest to retailers wishing to execute competitively natured events and promotions. The paper's findings suggest that women value competitive shopping events because of the social experience they provide, not solely for the product that might be acquired. The study contributes to our understanding of how women interpret social interaction, manage relationships with one another in retail settings, and are co‐creators of intrinsic shopping value. It also offers a more favorable viewpoint of competition in the retail domain than what is often construed in mainstream media.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first to focus on women shoppers who are engaged in a competitive shopping event. For consumer theorists, this study offers insights into social behavioral processes. It provides a platform for continuing research in the area of consumer competition.
Women's magazines as facilitators of Christmas rituals
Authors: Freeman Lynne , Bell Susan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the editorial content of monthly women's magazines and consider their role in facilitating the Christmas food rituals. Of particular interest is the extent to which the special food features have adapted to support the changes in women's lifestyles over the last 20 years.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a longitudinal social semiotic analysis of Christmas food features in women's magazines in Australia and the UK over the period 1991‐2011.FindingsThe analysis reveals a recurring conflict between the magazine content and the lifestyles of their readers. For families to participate in and maintain the Christmas ritual still means devotion, typically by a woman. The message has not changed, even though the work/home balance for many women has. The responsibility for putting the “magic” in Christmas lies firmly at the woman's feet. The magazines' text convey a contradictory message by offering readers budget and timesaving tips, while their visuals imply that such “shortcuts” stand in the way of the sought‐after magical Christmas, the rituals must be followed in full.Research limitations/implicationsAdopting a longitudinal social semiotic analysis enabled the authors to conduct a detailed comparison of both text and imagery across the magazines and across the years. The authors were also able to report on how the sign complexes such as colour and text worked in combination to create a social message.Originality/valueWhilst women's magazines remain an important vehicle for the transmission of social values, the paper's findings demonstrate that they are not necessarily adapting to social change.
A computerised model to enhance the cost‐effectiveness of production and maintenance dynamic decisions
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basim , Jacobsson Martin 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo develop and test a model and software‐based support system for better understanding of the interactions between man‐machine‐maintenance‐economy (MMME), and enable cost‐effective decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on published knowledge and experience within maintenance, maintenance organization and production, and a case study.FindingsDevelopment of a model describing interactions between man‐machine‐maintenance‐economy interactions and MMME software module. MMME test shows its ability to identify, quantify, assess and follow up losses in production time which is necessary when planning effective maintenance actions.Research limitations/implicationsIn the paper the focus is to quantify production time losses in order to identify the root causes of the problem. The case study is performed at a manufacturing plant for truck engines.Practical implicationsA systematic approach of how to quantify and evaluate losses in production time in order to identify problems and problem areas within the production. This approach is discussed and motivated with the aim of achieving more cost‐effective decisions in maintenance.Originality/valueThe model and software application developed enables a structured way of analyzing production time losses in order to find cost‐effective solutions to the problems. The model is very flexible enabling it to be customized for a wide spectrum of branches.
Certification of maintenance providers: a competitive advantage
Authors: Manuel Torres Farinha José , Galar Diego , Adelino Fonseca Inácio , Kumar Uday 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesize some relevant norms, namely European norms (EN), to the maintenance field.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on the conjunction of the most relevant norms to the maintenance field that represent a coherent set of tools to aid maintenance activity and maintenance companies to achieve a new level of competitiveness.FindingsUntil now, the companies have not given relevance to specific certifications, such as PAS 55 or NP4492. But, with the increase of competitiveness and the market more and more exigent, it is necessary to introduce this new paradigm to raise the maintenance activity at an upper level.Practical implicationsThe approach presented in the paper constitutes a base for an upper level of competitiveness among companies, based on common standards that make the maintenance activity more exigent and transparent.Originality/valueThe paper presents a conjunction among standards, including the newest ones, that constitutes a new vision for maintenance providers, representing a definitive contribution for a new positioning of the maintenance market.
Prototype production and experimental analysis for circular and profiled conformal cooling channels in aluminium filled epoxy injection mould tools
Authors: Altaf Khurram , Majdi Abdul Rani Ahmad , Raghavan Vijay R. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a technique of fabricating profiled conformal cooling channels (PCCC) in an aluminium filled epoxy mould using rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid tooling (RT) techniques and to compare the cooling times for the moulds with circular and profiled channels experimentally. The cooling channels in injection mould tools have a circular cross section. In a PCCC, the cross sectional shape is so designed that the flat face surface of the channel facing the cavity follows the profile of the cavity. These types of channels can be manufactured through RP and RT techniques.Design/methodology/approachA part to be moulded was designed and modelled. Two moulds were then designed with the part cavity, one having a circular channel and the second with a profiled channel, both having the same cross sectional area for coolant flow. The channel patterns were designed with supports according to their position regarding height and distance from the cavity as designed earlier. Both channels have the same distance from the cavity wall. RP patterns were produced for both channels and part using the Thermojet 3D printer. The cooling channel and the moulded part patterns were then assembled as designed in the moulds. Moulding frames were fabricated with aluminium plates and the pattern was placed in the frames. Epoxy was poured on the pattern and then cured. The moulded part and the channel patterns embedded inside epoxy were melted out during the final curing cycle, leaving behind the circular‐ and profiled‐cooling channels in the moulds. For the cooling time measurement, injection moulding was done with moulds with circular and profiled channels. Moulded part temperature will be recorded by embedding thermocouples within the mould cavities.FindingsA technique for the manufacture of cooling channels of different profiles in epoxy moulds was presented. Experimental analysis for temperature measurement for the moulded part with injection moulding process showed that PCCC mould has less cooling time then mould with circular channels.Research limitations/implicationsThe technique presented is based on the metal‐filled epoxy materials used in RT and was obtained using a specific test part. Epoxy tooling can be a useful alternative of metallic mould to produce injection mould tools. A limitation for the epoxy moulds is that they have a limited life as compared with metallic moulds.Originality/valueThis is a new technique of manufacturing moulds with cooling channels using RP/RT techniques. Moulds with different channel cross sections can be manufactured using this technique.
Reference data and geocoding quality
Authors: Hart Timothy C. , Zandbergen Paul A. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of reference data, input address quality, and crime type on completeness and positional accuracy of street geocoded crime events.Design/methodology/approachExisting data were analyzed using ArcGIS, including crime incident information, street network reference data, and address point and/or parcel reference data. Geocoding completeness was determined by the overall match rate. Positional accuracy was determined by comparing the Euclidian distance between street geocoded locations of crime events to the corresponding address point/parcel geocoded location.FindingsResults indicate that match rates vary by reference data, input address quality, and crime type. Local street centerline files consistently produced match rates that were as good as – and in many cases superior to – other types of reference data, including commercial data. Greater variability in positional accuracy was observed across reference data when crime type and input address quality was considered, but results were consistent with positional accuracy analysis conducted using data from other disciplines.Practical implicationsResults provide researchers and practitioners with valuable guidance and insight into one of the most basic – albeit fundamental – procedures related to the spatio‐temporal analysis of crime, suggesting that reference data required to produce geocoded crime incidents successfully and of high quality does not necessarily mean a large financial investment on the part of law enforcement agencies or researchers interested in the geospatial analysis of crime.Originality/valuePrior to this investigation, a comprehensive examination of the impact of data quality on geocoded crime events was absent from the literature.
Policing the homeless: policy, practice, and perceptions
Authors: Hartmann McNamara Robert , Crawford Charles , Burns Ronald 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe homeless are a common sight in many cities and their actions frequently bring them into contact with the police. However, little is known about police policy and the homeless. The aim of this research was to examine policy, practices, and perceptions of the police and the homeless.Design/methodology/approachA survey was mailed to 100 police departments in the United States to gather information about their policies, resources, and amount of contact with the homeless. A Chi square statistical analysis was conducted to assist in comparing departments on key issues. In addition, interviews were conducted with police officers and homeless individuals to gain further insight into their perceptions and experiences.FindingsPolicing issues with the homeless were examined by size of the department, municipality, and size of the population served. Law enforcement agencies of all sizes and jurisdictions encountered homeless individuals. Large municipal agencies had the most frequent contact, and provided the most services. However, these departments did not have significantly more training or information provided to officers regarding the homeless. The narratives from the interviews revealed a level of frustration and feelings of being burdened from officers, and a sense of being harassed and targeted from the homeless.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was only conducted with 100 departments as a pilot study, and the interviews were only conducted in one city. Future research would extend the survey to more departments and gather more information from officers and homeless individuals.Originality/valueResults from the present work advance our understanding of the relatively under‐studied relations and social dynamics between law enforcement and the homeless – providing both a qualitative and quantitative assessment. There are several policy recommendations for law enforcement administrators and organizations that assist the homeless.