bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a 3D model of terry fabric
Authors: Nikolov Nikolay , Germanova‐Krasteva Diana , Kandzhikova Galya 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a 3D geometric model of terry fabric, taking into consideration structural and geometrical characteristics of the fabric and of the yarns: weave, yarn counts, distances between yarns, weavings‐in, etc.Design/methodology/approachThe structural and geometrical parameters of the fabric and of the yarns are obtained from the pattern by measuring, calculations and through geometric drawings. The model is worked out by means of SolidWorks and is directly compatible for processing using ANSYS. The proposed construction is checked for admission and for matching with the original structure.FindingsA 3D computational model, which can be used for strength‐deformation simulation and analysis of terry fabrics, has been developed.Originality/valueThe study developed a 3D geometric model of a complex woven structure consisting of an additional pile warp system by means of non‐specialized CAD software. It can be used for strength‐deformation simulation and analysis.
Clothing similarity computation based on TLAC
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wang Jin , Chen Qijin , Lu Guodong 
Published: July 2012

PurposeTo enhance the pleasure experience of clothes shopping online, finding satisfactory clothing and similar clothing recommendations to customers should be available and accurate. The purpose of this paper is to present a method for automatically computing the similarity between two apparels and giving an effective recommendation.Design/methodology/approachBased on a tabular layout of article characteristics the authors built a clothing information model to describe clothing. The clothing attributes are classified according to excavating features of the model. After the proposal of the computation algorithm for various attributes, an efficient similarity computation method is developed to obtain similar clothes with the given cloth. To prevent error and information omission during the computation, the analytic hierarchy process method and entropy method are adopted by the integrated weights as a control.FindingsClothing is a non‐rigid product which has a lot of crossover and complicated attributes and features. This paper found a tabular layout of article characteristics can explain the clothing clearly. Through experiments the authors found the weight of attributes to have a great influence on similar results during the similarity computation.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new way to describe clothing information, and present the algorithm for attributes computation.
Co‐creating customer‐focused solutions within business networks: a service perspective
Authors: Hakanen Taru , Jaakkola Elina 
Published: July 2012

PurposeIncreased competition and more extensive customer needs have motivated companies to develop integrated solutions. In practice, companies struggle to co‐create effective solutions that meet customer needs. The purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors affecting the effective co‐creation of customer‐focused solutions within business networks.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates the co‐creation of two different types of solution. Data were collected from two business networks comprising 13 companies, including suppliers and their customers. The empirical data comprise 51 interviews and observations made at 21 company workshops.FindingsEffective co‐creation of solutions requires a fit between the perceptions of multiple suppliers and their customers with regard to core content, operations and processes, customer experience and value of the solution. Co‐creation is affected by, e.g. customer's preferences for participation and value, and the degree of competition, clarity of role division and rapport among the suppliers.Research limitations/implicationsFurther empirical research is needed to examine how companies could overcome the problems identified, and reap the opportunities arising from the factors affecting the co‐creation of solutions.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a framework that outlines practical activities that help firms to reconcile the perspectives of different actors, and to facilitate the integration of resources when co‐creating solutions within business networks.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the solutions literature by studying solutions as a network‐level process of resource integration between multiple suppliers and their mutual customers, and by applying a service concept framework to the study of integrated solutions.
Dual/joint auditors and the level of compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS‐required disclosure)
Authors: Alanezi Faisal S. , Alfaraih Mishari M. , Alrashaid Eyad A. , Albolushi Saad S. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of a dual‐audit/joint‐audit process and the level of compliance with IFRS in listed Kuwaiti financial institutions.Design/methodology/approachAn OLS‐regression model was used to test the relationship among dual‐audit/joint‐audit process and the level of compliance with IFRS‐disclosure. The sample was based on 33 firm observations in 2006.FindingsThe main results reveal that financial institutions audited by dual‐auditors were more compliant with IFRS‐required disclosure than financial institutions audited by joint‐auditors.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors have assumed that the work done by both auditors is as per the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) circular which obligates both auditors to do their fieldwork independently and then consolidate their work before issuing the final audit report. In the authors’ opinion, it is less likely that both auditors will not comply with CBK regulation, especially because CBK has the right to ban a non‐compliant audit firm from auditing banks. The authors did not ask audit firms whether they are complying with this circular because it was believed that audit firms would not disclose a non‐compliance issue with regulators to outsiders.Practical implicationsThis paper provides empirical evidence about the effectiveness of using dual‐auditors in promoting compliance with IFRS‐disclosure.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the association between the levels of compliance with IFRS‐disclosure and the dual/joint audit process in the financial institutions listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Structural and impedance spectroscopy study of Al‐doped ZnO nanorods grown by sol‐gel method
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Hashim Uda , Ali Eaqub , Saif Ala'eddin A. , Muhammad Usman Ali Syed , Willander Magnus 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the electrical transport mechanism of the Al‐doped ZnO nanorods at different temperatures by employing impedance spectroscopy.Design/methodology/approachAl‐doped ZnO nanorods were grown on silicon substrate using step sol‐gel method. For the seed solution preparation Zinc acetate dihydrate, 2‐methoxyethanol, monoethanolamine and aluminum nitrite nano‐hydrate were used as a solute, solvent, stabilizer and dopant, respectively. Prior to the deposition, P‐type Si (100) wafer was cut into pieces of 1 cm×2 cm. The samples were then cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with acetone, ethanol, and de‐ionized (DI) water for 5 min. The prepared seed solution was coated on silicon substrate using spin coater at spinning speed of 3000 rpm for 30 s and then dried at 250°C for 10 min followed by annealing at 550°C for 1 h. The hydrothermal growth was carried out in a solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (0.025M), Hexamethyltetramine (0.025M) in DI water.FindingsAl‐doped ZnO nanorods were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and impedance spectroscopy. The impedance measurements were carried out at various temperatures (100°C‐325°C). The impedance results showed that temperature has great influence on the impedance; the impedance value decreased as the temperature increased. This decrement is attributed to the increase of the mobility of the defects, especially the oxygen vacancies. The surface morphology of the samples was measured by SEM and X‐ray diffraction. The SEM images show that the high density of Al‐doped ZnO nanorods covers the silicon substrate, whereas the XRD pattern shows the (002) crystal orientation.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the electron transport mechanism of Al‐doped ZnO nanorods, at different temperatures, to understand the charge transport model.
Finite element modeling of channel sag in LTCC
Authors: Horvath Eszter , Henap Gabor , Harsanyi Gabor 
Published: July 2012

PurposeIn microfluidic channel fabrication in low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC), one of the biggest challenges is the elimination of channel deformation during lamination. The purpose of this paper is to describe the expected deformation of the substrate and the sacrificial layer (starch powder and 3D printed UV polymerized material) during the lamination process of microfluidic structure fabrication.Design/methodology/approachUniaxial compression and Jenike shear test were used to obtain the mechanical parameters of starch sacrificial volume material (SVM). To determine the stress‐strain characteristics of LTCC a uniaxial compression experiment was conducted. The shape of the laminated LTCC containing embedded channel was modeled by finite element method using the mechanical parameters obtained by the measurements.FindingsIt was found that the choice of SVM plays an important role in channel deformation. A design rule is given considering the channel width and the choice of SVM based on the simulation results.Originality/valueUntil now the lamination step of LTCC technology was only optimized in an empirical way.
Understanding work‐related learning: the case of ICT workers
Authors: Gijbels David , Raemdonck Isabel , Vervecken Dries , Van Herck Jonas 
Published: July 2012

PurposeA central issue in the field of workplace learning is how work‐related learning can be stimulated so that a powerful learning work environment is created. This paper seeks to further enlarge understanding on this issue. Based on the demand‐control‐support the aim is to investigate the influence of job‐characteristics on the work‐related learning behaviour of the worker such as job demands, job control, social support at work on the one hand and self‐directed learning orientation on the other.Design/methodology/approachThe study took place in the ICT‐department of a large company in Flanders. By means of an online questionnaire, all employees of the ICT‐department were asked to complete this questionnaire, which, apart from general information on the participants (age, gender, prior education, etc.), consisted of statements on five scales (job demands, job control, social support, self‐directed learning orientation, and work‐related learning behaviour) adapted from validated instruments. There was a total of 73 participants (response rate of 52 per cent, 73 per cent men, 27 per cent women, age varying from 20‐51 years old). In addition, all scales had Cronbach's alpha values above 0.79. Relations between the variables under study were tested using the Pearson correlation. The predictive value of the variables for the variance in work‐related learning was tested using the enter method of a multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe regression analyses show that job demands and job control were moderately positive and significantly linked with work‐related learning behaviour. Social support did not show a significant positive correlation with work‐related learning at all. Self‐directed learning orientation on the contrary had a strong and positive relation with work‐related learning. The results of the linear regression analyses indicated that only the self‐directed learning orientation scale significantly predicted the work‐related learning behaviour.Originality/valueThe study is one of the few investigations that takes into account both the role of personal and workplace‐related variables in order to better understand work‐related learning. The results stress that personal related variables such as self‐regulated learning orientation need to be taken into account in further research and in the daily practice of human resources development.
The effectiveness of storytelling on adult learning
Authors: Caminotti Enzo , Gray Jeremy 
Published: July 2012

PurposeAs two doctoral students and adult learners, the authors strongly believe that story telling can be a great tool for educators working with adult learners. The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of how effective storytelling can be for adult learners.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this paper is one of gathering information from literature written on storytelling and adult learning. The paper is designed to introduce storytelling as an effective tool for adult educators while also pointing out the different types of storytelling and its implications on e‐learning.FindingsThe findings from the literature review completed confirmed the authors' view that storytelling is effective for adult learners.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, a more comprehensive qualitative study should be completed to enhance the research on the effectiveness of storytelling on adult learning.Practical implicationsThe paper gives insight as to how some organizations are using storytelling, types of effective storytelling for educators and also the implications of storytelling on e‐learning.Originality/valueThis paper provides resources and information for adult educators and organizations to enhance or implement another way of instructing adult learners. The focus of the paper is to get adult educators and organizations to use storytelling as part of the learning process.
European real estate market convergence
Authors: Srivatsa Rahul , Lee Stephen L. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the extent of convergence in rents and yields in the European real estate office market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the concepts of beta‐convergence and sigma‐convergence to evaluate empirically the hypothesis of rent and yield convergence in seven European office markets during the period 1982‐2009. Because of the introduction of a single currency in January 1999, the analysis is carried out sequentially, first for the overall sample period and then the periods before and after the introduction of the single currency.FindingsThe results indicate that, irrespective of the time period considered, there is not enough statistical evidence of beta‐convergence in either rents or yields but evidence of significant sigma‐convergence in rents and yields in the European office markets under review. Additionally, some evidence is found that the introduction of the single currency in 1999 has led to increasing signs of convergence, especially in the Continental European markets.Practical implicationsThe results show that the real estate office markets in Europe are not fully integrated and so indicate that diversification across Europe is still a viable investment strategy.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to use beta and sigma convergence tests on European office market data.
Linkages between international REITs: the role of economic factors
Authors: Liu Jing , Loudon Geoffrey , Milunovich George 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study correlations between the national real estate investment trusts (REIT) markets in the USA and the four Asia‐Pacific countries of Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, and document the extent to which the time variation present in these correlations can be explained from a set of 11 economic and financial factors. Both US dollar and local currency returns are used.Design/methodology/approachTime‐varying correlations are estimated using a DCC‐GARCH model that allows for asymmetries in both the correlations and volatilities. The correlations are then regressed on a set of four economic and seven financial factors, and tests of statistical significance are conducted in order to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant explanatory variables. The authors estimate a fixed‐effects panel regression as well as individual regressions for each dynamic correlation.FindingsSignificant time variation is found in the four REIT correlation series. Panel regressions suggest that REIT correlations rise with increases in the interaction of national inflation rates and with higher global equity market uncertainty. It is also found that REIT correlations fall with increases in the US default risk premium and global equity market volume. Relaxing the structure imposed by the panel data model, individual regressions confirm most of the results, although there are some exceptions. It is also found that there are no substantial differences in the dynamics of the correlation coefficients when switching from the US dollar to local currency denominated returns.Practical implicationsInvestors in real estate securities across national markets should take into account information about the credit spread, the volatility and volume of global equity markets, and inflation rates when modeling correlations. These variables may alert the investors to the possibility that, under a set of circumstances, investing in real estate across different markets may not provide the expected diversification benefits. Another implication relates to the impact of currency hedging. It appears that the impact of switching from US dollar to local currency denominated returns does not substantially change the time dynamics of the correlations, or the importance of explanatory variables.Originality/valueAlthough considerable progress has been made in modelling time‐varying correlations between various REIT markets, to the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first papers to investigate the underlying causes of the co‐movement, especially between the US and Asia‐Pacific markets. The paper's results will help investors and risk managers make better choices by identifying those factors that have more systematic effects on the change in the REIT correlations, rather than more transient forces.
Managerial problems of hospitals under Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme
Authors: Sakyi Emmanuel K. , Atinga Roger A. , Adzei Francis A. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeHospital and health system managers are facing several problems following the introduction of Ghana's national health insurance policy. This study aims to investigate the opinions of health managers about the problems emanating from the national health insurance policy for hospital managers in regard to reimbursement, claims management, service delivery and waiting time.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved key informants from 12 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) accredited district hospitals, which were purposively selected from five regions in Ghana. Data were collected using in‐depth personal interviews with managers of pharmacy, supply/procurement, accounts and insurance scheme units of the hospitals. Data analysis was guided by the major themes that emerged during the interviews. A framework approach to analysis was used, grouping and incorporating themes and sub‐themes that emerged from the interview data.FindingsThe major findings identified by interviewees with regards to problems confronting hospital management were: cash flow delays from the health insurance authority; lack of capacity to procure essential drug and non‐drug consumables; and the inability to take initiatives and carry on effective administrative work. Other problems identified by the interviewee included inadequate logistics and human resources, limited space within the hospitals to cope with the increasing number of service users and “moral hazard” on the part of policy holders.Originality/valueThe NHIS has brought many organizational and service management challenges to hospitals. To overcome these challenges, services under the health insurance authority need to be streamlined to remove cash flow bottlenecks. Also, accredited hospitals need to adopt and use new technology, especially computerization and automation of the health insurance service delivery system. This would enable the authority to cope with the huge management problems confronting hospitals and the national insurance scheme. Above all, appropriate fund management systems would have to be established in the hospitals to reduce moral hazards.
Lean and queuing integration for the transformation of health care processes
Authors: Chadha Rajeev , Singh Amita , Kalra Jay 
Published: July 2012

PurposePatient satisfaction and quality care are important indicators for the success of any health care enterprise. The critical nature of health care operations entails that some excess capacity is stored in the system to provide the necessary flexibility of response. To prepare health care organizations to deliver high quality services at lower costs, this paper aims to report a lean health care (LEAN‐HC) transformation model that integrates queuing theory and lean methodology to improve the dynamic performance of the health care system.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews and evaluates an emergency department health care system that adopts a system dynamic model, redesigned the process using value stream mapping to eliminate non‐value‐added activities to achieve just‐in‐time (JIT) services. This study was conducted at SD Mission Hospital, India. The LEAN‐HC model includes three steps. First, the patient arrival flow is assessed and adjusted, using physicians at the front of the queue to separate patients at triage into major, medium, and minor injury classes. Second, a cross‐functional team consisting of process, information and clinical experts maps the hospital's current state to identify and eliminate wasteful non‐value‐added activities. Third, the process is continually de‐bottlenecked using a variety of lean techniques, such as 5S visual management, one‐piece‐flow to reduce service lead time, and adoption of standard operating procedures.FindingsThe authors' results reveal that a lean integration to queuing methodology frees up capacity in the health care system, providing necessary flexibility of response. The implementation of the LEAN‐HC model resulted in the following improvement. First, an improved process flow and increased capacity. Second, emergency department length of stay for all patient classes decreased. Third, value stream mapping was found to be useful in detecting opportunities to decrease patient turnaround. Fourth, the service bottleneck could be identified and shifted to where it could be most easily controlled, adhering to the principle of one piece flow. No changes in resource availability and safety or quality issues occurred during the implementation of lean methodology.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates how to apply lean methodology in conjunction with the queuing modeling in the health care industry, particularly with regards to the patient wait time and reduction in medical errors. The LEAN‐HC model delivers more efficient service by increasing hospital capacity while reducing non‐value‐added times and overhead costs.