bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resolving controlled vocabulary in DITA markup: a case example in agroforestry
Authors: Zschocke Thomas 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to address the issue of matching controlled vocabulary on agroforestry from knowledge organization systems (KOS) and incorporating these terms in DITA markup. The paper has been selected for an extended version from MTSR'11.Design/methodology/approachAfter a general description of the steps taken to harmonize controlled vocabulary on agroforestry, a general discussion of related work enriching documents and matching controlled vocabularies as well as details on managing controlled vocabulary in DITA are provided.FindingsThe paper identifies a number of practical and theoretical issues in matching controlled vocabulary from different sources, e.g. the complexity of addressing inconsistencies and incompatibilities between systems, and came across a number of approaches to semantically enrich documents, such as semantic‐document approach, facet classification, and integrating metadata and markup in documents.Practical implicationsWays of incorporating controlled vocabularies into DITA markup are presented that can be drawn upon to guide future work in this area.Originality/valueNo previous work has reflected on the actual experience used to enrich DITA markup, especially with reference to the agrorestry domain.
Supply chains and labour standards in China
Authors: Taylor Bill 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relations between supply chain strategies and impact on terms and conditions of employment of multinational corporations operating in China.Design/methodology/approachCase study analysis of two production plants owned by leading multinational corporations, and a number of their suppliers (five in total), was undertaken. Semi‐structured interviews with managers (personnel, production and supply chain) and workers in each case study were conducted both to gain information and to triangulate evidence. Visits were made to each of the factories and to the environment in which the workers lived and worked.FindingsThere is no uniform or single deterministic relationship between supply chains and labour standards. Supply chain strategies, ownership form and industry are all determinants of the relationship. However, size, as measured in terms of number of employees, does not seem a significant factor in power relations. There is also a balance between cost squeeze and other factors (the potential of cost saving, desire for predictability) in relations between existing firms in a supply chain.Originality/valueAnalysis of management practices and its relationship with employment issues in supply chain theory is still not well integrated. Part of the reason lies in the concerns of each discipline. By treating supply chain concerns as a menu of issues rather than an integrative theory, through case study analysis, a nuanced and explanatory detail can be given. These will need later repetition in quantitative or qualitative forms of research. Ontologically, the paper attempts to draw together the critical research and business school approaches to strategic management concerns. While both approaches provide a wealth of substantive evidence, there is a need to read from both perspectives to be able to catch the nature of work organisation and the management practices that inform them in China.
Normative identity processes in managers' personal development training
Authors: Andersson Thomas 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe article aims to analyze how personal development training influences managers' identity processes.Design/methodology/approachThe article, taking an interpretive‐critical approach, is based on a qualitative, longitudinal study of five participants (managers) in a personal development training program. During the two years of research, 62 interviews (with the managers and related personnel) were conducted and 13 observations were made.FindingsPersonal development training provokes identity regulation by prescribing a normative identity process that claims managers should engage in a process of reflection in order to gain self‐awareness. Such training constitutes a local management discourse that may influence different levels of identity work and identity regulation processes depending on the participants' expectations, their organizations and professional situations, their level of insecurity, as well as their previous experience with management discourse.Practical implicationsSince management training influences participants' identity processes, program organizers, purchasers and participants should be wary of the expectation that management training will deliver content as “a package” of managerial skills.Originality/valueThe study challenges the traditional view of management training as a provider of skills and solutions for managers by focusing instead on its influence on managers' processes of identity work and identity regulation. Management training in general is claimed to regulate identities and direct identity work by providing inspirational identities. However, this study finds that personal development training regulates identities by prescribing the identity process in itself.
Federal Reserve forecasts of nonfarm payroll employment across different political regimes
Authors: Baghestani Hamid , Poulson Barry 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study is motivated by the view that Democrats are concerned with reducing unemployment in the short‐run, while Republicans are concerned with keeping inflation low to promote economic stability and growth. The purpose of this paper is to ask whether the Federal Reserve forecasts of nonfarm payroll employment are accurate and free of systematic bias during the 1977‐2000 Democratic and Republican administrations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ comparable forecasts from a univariate autoregressive integrated moving‐average (ARIMA) model to assess forecast accuracy. An ARIMA model efficiently utilizes past information and thus yields desirable forecasts commonly used as benchmarks.FindingsFederal Reserve forecasts during the Democratic Administrations, while failing to outperform the ARIMA forecasts, display systematic under‐prediction. Such evidence is consistent with a discretionary approach to monetary policy when the bias is in the direction of full employment. During the Republican Administrations, the Federal Reserve forecasts, while superior to the ARIMA forecasts, are free of systematic bias. This, we argue, is consistent with a monetary policy that approximated the Taylor rule.Research limitations/implicationsThe distinct behavior over the two administrations is unique to the nonfarm payroll employment forecasts and cannot be substantiated for the Federal Reserve forecasts of other macroeconomic variables.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights into the monetary policies pursued during the 1977‐2000 Democratic and Republican administrations. The findings are useful and informative for the design and implementation of monetary policy.
Exploring Egypt‐China bilateral trade: dynamics and prospects
Authors: Reda Abu Hatab Assem , Abdelhamed Shoumann Nada , Xuexi Huo 
Published: July 2012

PurposeBilateral trade between Egypt and China has expanded substantially in recent years. Few studies however have focused on the understanding of this trade relationship. The purpose of this paper is to fill a void in the literature by examining and understanding the two countries' trade pattern.Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve the objectives of the paper, and in the light of the pool of literature and availability of data, the authors relied on qualitative methods to analyze the composition of trade between Egypt and China. In addition, the authors employed trade intensity index, intra‐industry trade index, and examined the trade complementarity to capture the dynamics and perspectives of bilateral trade between the two countries.FindingsResults show low values in Egypt's trade intensity index, implying that Egyptian trade with China is less than it should be. The low values of the intra‐industry trade index suggest smaller trade between the two countries' firms in the same industry. The study clearly shows that there are few areas where there is an overlap in the two countries' comparative advantage. The trade complementarity analysis tends to suggest that the complementarity for China to export to Egypt is increasing, while that for Egypt to export to China is declining.Originality/valueGiven the lack of research that examines and compares trade between the two countries, the paper provides an in‐depth understanding of the patterns of trade between them and the driving forces behind such dynamics, which is pertinent to best capture the opportunities presented by the Chinese market. Also, the findings can be used to draw policy implications for promoting future trade and cooperation between Egypt and China.
Is China compatible with ASEAN‐5? A gradual cointegration analysis
Authors: Ong Hway‐Boon , Shah Habibullah Muzafar 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper to examine if there is continuous macroeconomic compatibility between ASEAN‐5 and China. Thus, in addition to the typical VECM test of the long run macroeconomic cointegration test, this paper examines the existence of an ongoing cointegration analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe degree of convergence during different sub‐sample period of the full sample is employed, via Johansen cointegration rank tests, to examine if there is evidence of ongoing and improved cointegrating relationship among the economies.FindingsA successful ASEAN‐China economic cooperation would only work if there is continuous macroeconomic interdependence between the partnership. Since a smooth transition of ACFTA will complement AFTA, the effective ASEAN‐China coordination plan is essential to endorse a successful ASEAN‐China coalition.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a quick yet effective verification on the continuous compatibility of economies intended to have a long‐term economic coordination.
Asymmetric interaction between government spending and terms of trade volatility
Authors: Hatemi‐J Abdulnasser , Irandoust Manuchehr 
Published: July 2012

PurposeIn the literature on the effects of economic globalization, the compensation hypothesis suggests that there is a positive link between government size and external risk as governments perform a risk mitigating role to insure against productivity shocks through transfers. In contrast, the conventional wisdom hypothesis states that more openness will lower tax rates and lead to smaller government due to increased international factor mobility which undermines the ability of governments to tax. The purpose of this paper is to test the literature and present the authors' conclusions.Design/methodology/approachUsing time series data for the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia over the period 1960‐2008, the authors test the asymmetric relationship between government size and terms‐of‐trade volatility by applying multivariate hidden cointegration analysis.FindingsThe findings show that high terms of trade volatility are positively related to government spending in the all sample countries. The effect is stronger in the case of positive movements than negative ones.Practical implicationsThe policy implication is that the size of the public sector might play a risk‐reducing role in economies with significant amounts of external risk. In particular, public expenditure is considered to be an important fiscal policy instrument when terms of trade volatility are high.Originality/valueThe paper describes the first study of its kind.
New NDT techniques for new materials and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the techniques used for the non‐destructive testing (NDT) of non‐metallic structural materials, notably polymer and ceramic composites.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this paper first considers methods for testing carbon fibre‐ and glass fibre‐reinforced polymer composites. It then discusses the role of NDT in wind and wave power systems and some of the techniques used to test ceramics and ceramic composites. Brief conclusions are drawn.FindingsThis shows that the growing use of non‐metallic engineering materials in critical applications has highlighted the need for a range of advanced NDT methods. While some traditional techniques can be adapted to test these materials, in several instances novel methods are required. These include a range of thermal, ultrasonic, electromagnetic, radiographic and laser‐based technologies.Originality/valueThe paper provides a review of the techniques used and being developed for the non‐destructive testing of non‐metallic engineering materials.
Programmable materials for architectural assembly and automation
Authors: Tibbits Skylar , Cheung Kenny 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain a current implementation of a programmable and computational material, Logic Matter, and to describe potential applications for computational materials and self‐guided assembly.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction, the paper describes the types of information currently found in architectural construction, then introduces Logic Matter, a building block embodying physical digital logic. Examples of structural optimization and construction scenarios are given, to demonstrate the benefits of programmable and computational physical materials for assembly.FindingsLogic Matter demonstrates a prototype with embedded digital logic and programmability, offering new applications for automated assembly, online material analysis and physical computing.Originality/valueThe paper describes the existing types of architectural construction information and proposes a novel application of programmable and computational material for automated assembly.
Study of shape memory polymers snap‐fit for disassembly
Authors: Li Hua , Ortega Javier , Chen Ying , He Bang , Jin Kai 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of different shape memory polymer based snap‐fits in terms of disassembly time and reusability.Design/methodology/approachIn total, six different sets of snap‐fits were designed and manufactured. Each set of snap‐fits was tested ten times in a testing device for disassembly time. The stress caused by training process is simulated and analyzed.FindingsOne of the designs shows shortest average disassembly time, lowest standard deviation, and lowest stress. However, the overall reusability of the snap‐fits is not good enough for industrial use.Originality/valueThe paper tests the Veritex shape memory polymer sheets manufactured by CRG Industries LLC. The reusability has been analyzed based on the stress caused by the training process.
Generating NC program based on template for mass customization product
Authors: Xu Xinsheng , Yan Tianhong , Tao Xizhu , Zhu Tianrong , Li Dan 
Published: July 2012

PurposeIn the case of mass customization, product variety leads to exponentially increased variation in the production system. Providing flexible manufacturing solution for customized product rapidly is the key measure to achieve the goal of cost and delivery time. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachFollowing introduction, the paper describes flexible manufacturing and numerical control (NC) machining techniques in mass customization. The kernel idea is that NC program for mass customization product should be generated from parametric manufacturing information template, so as to achieve NC program variant design in accord with product variant design. The elements of NC programming system discussed in this paper address the definition of machining feature, the development of NC subprogram, template construct, and the architecture of NC programming system for mass customization product.FindingsMachining feature, NC subprogram, and template are made to help manufacturing system to deal with the increased variation requirements resulting from product variety. The effects can be verified by the case study.Originality/valueThis paper provides a practical NC programming system for mass customization product and makes detailed technical solution to manufacturing system developer and its applications.
Fastener identification and assembly verification via IR tracking
Authors: Rusli Leonard , Luscher Anthony 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create an assembly verification system that is capable of verifying complete assembly and torque for each individual fastener.Design/methodology/approachThe 3D position of the tool used to torque the fastener and the assembly pallet will be tracked using an infrared (IR) tracking system. A set of retro‐reflective markers are attached to the tool and assembly while being tracked by multiple IR cameras. Software is used to triangulate the relative position of the tool in order to identify the fastener being torqued. The torque value is obtained from the tool controller device. By combining the location of the tool and the torque value from the tool controller, assembly of each individual fastener can be verified and its achieved torque recorded.FindingsThe IR tracking is capable of tracking within 2‐3 mm for each tracking ball, with a resulting practical resolution of 24 mm distance between fasteners while maintaining 99.9999 per cent reliability without false positive fastener identification.Research limitations/implicationsThis experiment was run under simulated assembly line lighting conditions.Practical implicationsBy being able to verify assembly reliably, the need for manual torque check is eliminate and hence yield significant cost savings. This will also allow programming electric tools according in real time based on the fastener in proximity identification.Originality/valueCurrently, assembly verification is only done using the torque values. In automated assembly line, each process might involve fastening multiple fasteners. Using this system, a new level of assembly verification is achieved by recording the assembled fastener and its associated torque.
Intelligent gripping system for handling flexible web fabric
Authors: Ayub Muhammad A. , Tajuddin Ruziyati , Jackson Michael R. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeIn the garment industry, web lace fabric material must be tensioned and placed at the right position and orientation prior to the cutting process. In order to avoid a bottleneck, the speed of material handling must be relatively fast compared to the laser cutting speed so that the use of a laser for rapid prototyping of two‐dimensional (2D) cutting shapes is feasible. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a novel gripping system for handling flexible web materials.Design/methodology/approachThe manner in which this intelligent material handling system operates will be discussed in this paper. This includes its system configuration, errors that may occur during the web handling operation, and sequential operations of web distortion control. The material handling system uses a machine vision system coupled with a self‐tuning motion control strategy to assist the material handling system in controlling the web tension, adjusting the web deformation parameters and transporting the web materials.FindingsThe online image analysis and a novel mechanical design concept, coupled with the motion controller, are the key issues in the mechatronic integration of this intelligent web‐based material handling system.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel approach to designing and realizing an intelligent gripping system, which has not previously been attempted.
Moulds design for adhesive bulk and joint specimens manufacturing
Authors: Banea Mariana D. , da Silva Lucas F.M. , Campilho Raul D.S.G. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the techniques which are used and developed for adhesive bulk and joint specimens manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachAfter a short introduction, the paper discusses various techniques for adhesive bulk and joint specimens manufacturing and highlights their advantages and limitations. A number of examples in the form of different bulk and joint specimens of different types of adhesives are used to show the methods for determining the adhesive's mechanical properties needed for design in adhesive technology. In order to predict the adhesive joint strength, the stress distribution and a suitable failure criterion are essential. If a continuum mechanics approach is used, the availability of the stress‐strain curve of the adhesive is sufficient (the bulk tensile test or the TAST test is used). For fracture mechanics‐based design, mode I and mode II toughness is needed (DCB and ENF tests are used). Finally, single lap joints (SLJs) are used to assess the adhesive's performance in a joint.FindingsBefore an adhesive can be specified for an application, screening tests should be conducted in order to compare and evaluate the various adhesion parameters. Properties of adhesives can vary greatly and an appropriate selection is essential for a proper joint design. Thus, to determine the stresses and strains in adhesive joints in a variety of configurations, it is necessary to characterize the adhesive behaviour in order to know its mechanical properties. A great variety of test geometries and specimens are used to obtain adhesive properties. However, for manufacturing of adhesive bulk specimens and joints necessary for use in these tests, properly, moulds should be designed.Originality/valueThe paper summarises the main methods of preparing adhesive bulk and joint specimens and the test methods for determining the mechanical properties needed for design in adhesive technology. Emphasis is given to the preparation of specimens of suitable quality for mechanical property determination and the moulds designed for this purpose.
Conceptual design and workspace analysis of reconfigurable fixturing robots for sheet metal assembly
Authors: Yu Hongjian , Li Bing , Wang Yang , Hu Ying 
Published: July 2012

PurposeReconfigurability of the assembly fixtures, which enables a set of sheet metal automotive parts to be produced on a single production line, is becoming crucial to maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly changing market. One of the key issues in reconfigurable fixture design is to identify the fixture configuration and make sure there is enough workspace for a family of parts. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue, through the design and analysis of two novel reconfigurable fixturing robots.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction, the application of the reconfigurable fixturing robot addressed in this paper is described; it is characterized by using parallel manipulator as programmable fixture elements. Kinematic design and reconfigurable design of the fixturing robot is presented based on screw theory and modularized design, respectively.FindingsThe proposed reconfigurable fixturing robots can transform their configurations with 4 DoF (degrees‐of‐freedom), and have a continuous workspace for their application.Originality/valueReconfigurability of the assembly fixtures is an important issue for automotive manufacturing, due to the highly competitive nature of this industry. The proposed reconfigurable fixturing robots can greatly facilitate the development of new models of vehicles.