bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-country evidence of Islamic portfolio diversification: are there opportunities in Saudi Arabia?
Authors: Ali Md Hakim , Uddin Md Akther , Chowdhury Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous , Masih Mansur 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
On the backdrop of growing importance of Shariah compliant equity markets, the purpose of this paper is to study cross-country portfolio diversification benefits for investors with major trading partners of Saudi Arabia, namely, USA, China, Japan, Germany and India, who have already invested or tend to invest in Saudi Arabian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors have investigated time invariant, dynamic correlations at different investments horizons of the investors among Islamic asset classes by applying relevant econometric techniques like multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic –DCC and continuous wavelet transforms. For robustness, this study also applied maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform.

Findings
The findings tend to indicate that the Saudi Arabian investors have portfolio diversification benefits with all major trading partners in the short-term investment horizon. Interestingly, Saudi Arabian market has the least portfolio diversification benefits with the Chinese market. However, in the long run, all markets are correlated, yielding minimum portfolio diversification benefits and most importantly Saudi Arabian investors have portfolio diversification benefits with the Indian Islamic equity market in almost all investment horizons. The findings are highly consistent across different econometric technique estimations.

Research limitations/implications
The authors are only considering five major trading partners of Saudi Arabia. Also, the authors are using S&P and FTSE shari’ah index. Moreover, the time period of the study is constrained by the availability of shari’ah indices. Econometric limitations are also well documented in the literature.

Practical implications
The results could be beneficial for the investors, portfolio managers, hedge fund managers and institutional investors and also could be useful for the policy makers in their policy-making decisions.

Originality/value
Only very few studies have looked into the benefits of international portfolio diversification from the perspective of local investors as well as the portfolio diversification benefits with the major trading partners of Saudi Arabia. One of the novelties of the method is to make the stock investors, practitioners and policy makers aware of the portfolio diversification benefits available at different time scales such as 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 256 trading days as investment holding periods to unveil the true dynamics of co-movement between those different assets.
Litigation risk and working capital
Authors: Malm James , Sah Nilesh 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the association between litigation risk and working capital management.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ four different regression techniques (OLS regressions, regressions with industry and time controls, median regressions, and Fama Macbeth regressions) to study the relation between litigation risk (contemporaneous and lagged measures) and working capital management (cash conversion cycle (CCC) and its components). The authors also conduct numerous robustness tests.FindingsThe authors find that high-litigation risk firms tend to have longer CCC. Decomposing CCC into days receivable outstanding, days inventory outstanding and days payable outstanding, the authors find that high-litigation risk firms have longer receivable periods, take a longer time to convert inventory to cash and do not pay their suppliers promptly. These results are robust to a series of robustness tests including using an alternate measure of working capital and accounting for firm type (high-tech vs labor intensive).Originality/valueThis paper contributes in several ways to the litigation and corporate finance literature. The authors identify another determinant of working capital management and document another avenue whereby legal institutions affect short-term financial decision making. The link between litigation risk and working capital management is of interest to the business community, financial economists, management and the investing public.
Does peer firm executive compensation affect earnings management?
Authors: Park KoEun 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between executive compensation of peer firms and earnings management. Given the prevalence of the competitive benchmarking practice in executive compensation, chief executive officer (CEO) compensation of potential peer firms can influence the behavior of CEOs at their current firms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs an ordinary least squares regression model to test whether CEO compensation of other firms in similar product markets is associated with a firm’s accruals management. It also employs firm fixed effects regressions to control for time invariant omitted variables. Lastly, it conducts subsample analyses based on CEO duality and the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and a propensity score matching analysis.FindingsUsing time-varying industry classifications based on product similarity, the author finds that CEO compensation of other firms in similar product markets is positively associated with a firm’s accruals management. The relation is more pronounced for firms with CEO duality, while it is less pronounced in the period after the passage of SOX. The main findings are robust to the use of firm fixed effects regressions, a propensity score matching analysis, and an alternative weighting scheme.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on executive compensation and earnings management. It provides useful insight into the spillover effect of other firms’ executive compensation on earnings management.
The self-thinking supply chain
Authors: Calatayud Agustina , Mangan John , Christopher Martin 
Published: December 2018

PurposeAn emerging theme in the practitioner literature suggests that the supply chain of the future – enabled especially by developments in ICT – will be autonomous and have predictive capabilities, bringing significant efficiency gains in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment. This paper aims to both bridge the gap between the practitioner and academic literature on these topics and contribute to both practice and theory by seeking to understand how such developments will help to address key supply chain challenges and opportunities.Design/methodology/approachA multi-disciplinary, systematic literature review was conducted on relevant concepts and capabilities. A total of 126 articles were reviewed covering the time period 1950-2018.FindingsThe results show that both IoT and AI are the technologies most frequently associated with the anticipated autonomous and predictive capabilities of future supply chains. In addition, the review highlights a lacuna in how such technologies and capabilities help address key supply chain challenges and opportunities. A new supply chain model is, thus, proposed, one with autonomous and predictive capabilities: the self-thinking supply chain.Originality/valueIt is our hope that this novel concept, presented here for the first time in the academic literature, will help both practitioners to craft appropriate future-proofed supply chain strategies and provide the research community with a model (built upon multidisciplinary insights) for elucidating the application of new digital technologies in the supply chain of the future. The self-thinking supply chain has the potential in particular to help address some of today’s key supply chain challenges and opportunities.
A review: metamaterial sensors for material characterization
Authors: Vivek A. , Shambavi K. , Alex Zachariah C. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to focus on research work related to metamaterial-based sensors for material characterization that have been developed for past ten years. A decade of research on metamaterial for sensing application has led to the advancement of compact and improved sensors.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, relevant research papers on metamaterial sensors for material characterization published in reputed journals during the period 2007-2018 were reviewed, particularly focusing on shape, size and nature of materials characterized. Each sensor with its design and performance parameters have been summarized and discussed here.

Findings
As metamaterial structures are excited by electromagnetic wave interaction, sensing application throughout electromagnetic spectrum is possible. Recent advancement in fabrication techniques and improvement in metamaterial structures have led to the development of compact, label free and reversible sensors with high sensitivity.

Originality/value
The paper provides useful information on the development of metamaterial sensors for material characterization.
Transmission + reflection anisotropic wave‐equation traveltime and waveform inversion
Authors: Feng Shihang , Schuster Gerard T. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTA transmission + reflection wave‐equation traveltime and waveform inversion method is presented that inverts the seismic data for the anisotropic parameters in a vertical transverse isotropic medium. The simultaneous inversion of anisotropic parameters and ε is initially performed using transmission wave‐equation traveltime inversion method. Transmission wave‐equation traveltime only provides the low‐intermediate wavenumbers for the shallow part of the anisotropic model; in contrast, reflection wave‐equation traveltime estimates the anisotropic parameters in the deeper section of the model. By incorporating a layer‐stripping method with reflection wave‐equation traveltime, the ambiguity between the background‐velocity model and the depths of reflectors can be greatly mitigated. In the final step, multi‐scale full‐waveform inversion is performed to recover the high‐wavenumber component of the model. We use a synthetic model to illustrate the local minima problem of full‐waveform inversion and how transmission and reflection wave‐equation traveltime can mitigate this problem. We demonstrate the efficacy of our new method using field data from the Gulf of Mexico.
Wages and Labour Productivity in African Manufacturing
Authors: Mawejje Joseph , Okumu Ibrahim Mike 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe examine the relationship between labour productivity and wages using a sample of manufacturing firms in 39 African countries. The analysis is based on the World Bank's enterprise survey data. Controlling for regressor endogeneity and country fixed effects, our main finding is that wages reflect labour productivity and worker skills. In addition, the adoption of management quality standards, foreign ownership, and location in the capital city are all positively associated with wages. Female workers and adverse business environments characterized by electricity outages and bribery are negatively associated with wages. These findings are robust to inclusion of control variables, alternative measures of labour productivity, and exclusion of firms located in upper middle income countries and North Africa.
Dealing with High Bank Interest Margins in Tunisia: A Dynamic Panel Investigation
Authors: Saadaoui Zied 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBy investigating factors influencing interest margins adjustment, this paper aims to provide some answers on how to improve the efficiency of the Tunisian banking system. Focusing on different theoretical views on the determinants of banks intermediation margins using a quite representative sample observed between 1999 and 2014, we estimate an augmented model using the system GMM estimator assuming the existence of adjustment costs. Estimations results and robustness checks show that reducing intermediation margins of Tunisian banks is fundamentally a matter of improving cost efficiency, scale economies and competitiveness. Considering the highly distressed economic and financial context in which Tunisian banks operate since 2011, we think that improving bank efficiency and credit access in Tunisia is closely related to the capacity of the government and the regulatory authority to enforce urgent strategic reforms in order to consolidate the banking system and to improve its competitiveness.
A Novel Method for Generation of a Fingerprint Using Electronic Nose on the Example of Rapeseed Spoilage
Authors: Rusinek Robert , Gancarz Marek , Krekora Magdalena , Nawrocka Agnieszka 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe paper presents application of a new three‐parameter method for identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and creation of fingerprints based on the impregnation time (tIM), cleaning time (tCL), and maximum response ([ΔR/R]max) of chemically sensing sensors for detecting spoilage of agricultural commodities. The novelty of this method consists in the use of two additional parameters: an impregnation time and a cleaning time for the first time. An Agrinose built of eight metal oxide semiconductors was used for identification of loss in the rapeseed quality during a short period of storage after harvest. Principal component analysis was applied as a method of data analysis to verify the suitability of the new three‐parameter method and visualization of groups of different quality of raw materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra for identification of the infrared bands of fungal polysaccharides and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of the headspace was applied to describe volatile metabolite contents in reference to the electronic nose technique. The investigations and analyses have demonstrated that the new three‐parameter method for determination of volatile compounds ([ΔR/R]max, tIM, tCL) describes the changes in VOCs more efficiently than the single‐parameter approach based only on the maximum sensor response ([ΔR/R]max). The proposed method for generation of electronic fingerprints clearly discriminated between rapeseed samples infected with field and storage microflora. Three‐parameters method can be useful for quality control in food microbiology and safety, as a rapid method of analysis and detection, including electronic nose sensor technology.Practical ApplicationThe use of the proposed method for generation of fingerprints requires no interference with the hardware of the electronic nose but necessitates modification of the software only. This facilitates implementation of the three‐parameter method in available devices. This kind of methods and devices can be useful for example in storage process with active ventilation.
Trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary referral center in Singapore from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Tan Yan Zhi , Cheen McVin Hua Heng , Goh Su‐Yen , Bee Yong Mong , Lim Paik Shia , Khee Giat Yeng , Thumboo Julian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundUse of glucose‐lowering agents is a cornerstone in combating type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Treatment guidelines have changed significantly over the past decade. We report temporal trends in medication utilization, glycemic control and rate of severe hypoglycemia in T2DM patients at a tertiary referral center in Singapore.MethodsWe analyzed data of 36 924 T2DM patients seen at Singapore General Hospital from 2007 to 2017. Annual age‐, sex‐ and racially‐standardized proportions of patients (a) prescribed with each class of glucose‐lowering agent, (b) on various glucose‐lowering regimens, and (c) had an HbA1c of less than 6%, 6% to less than 7%, 7% to less than 8%, 8% to less than 9%, or 9% or more were estimated using logistic regression. Poisson regression was used to estimate standardized rate of severe hypoglycemia.ResultsFrom 2007 to 2017, use of metformin (45.9% to 59.6%) and insulin (24.4% to 57.9%) increased, while utilization of sulfonylureas (52.0% to 44.9%) decreased (all P < 0.001). Utilization of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (1.2% to 31.2%) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (0.5% to 7.4%) increased from 2008 to 2017 and 2012 to 2017, respectively (all P < 0.001). More patients were prescribed a combination of insulin and oral agents (17.3% to 46.0%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with HbA1c of 8% or more increased (33.7% to 36.0%, P < 0.001). Rates of severe hypoglycemia (5.0 to 8.4 per 100 patient‐years, P < 0.001) also rose.ConclusionMedication utilization patterns have changed significantly over the past 11 years with a shift towards newer agents. Glycemic control has remained stable, and rate of severe hypoglycemia increased. Further analysis is required before causal relationships can be inferred.
Cost‐effectiveness of an adherence‐enhancing intervention for gout based on real‐world data
Authors: Lin Lydia Wenxin , Teng Gim Gee , Lim Anita Yee Nah , Yoong Joanne Su‐Yin , Zethraeus Niklas , Wee Hwee‐Lin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimMedication non‐adherence influences outcomes of therapies for chronic diseases. Allopurinol is a cornerstone therapy for patients with gout; however, non‐adherence to allopurinol is prevalent in Singapore and limits its effectiveness. Between 2008‐2010, an adherence‐enhancing program was implemented at the rheumatology division of a public tertiary hospital. The cost‐effectiveness of this program has not been fully evaluated. With healthcare resources being finite, the value of investing in adherence‐enhancing interventions should be ascertained. This study aims to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of this adherence‐enhancing program to inform optimal resource allocation toward better gout management.MethodAdopting a real‐world data approach, we utilized patient clinical and financial records generated in their course of routine care. Intervention and control groups were identified in a standing database and matched on nine risk factors through propensity score matching. Cost and effect data were followed through 1‐2 years. A decision tree was developed in TreeAge using a societal perspective. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess parameter uncertainty.ResultsAt an assumed willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $50 000 USD ($70 000 SGD) per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY), the intervention had an 85% probability of being cost‐effective compared to routine care. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $12 866 USD per QALY for the base case and ranged from $4 139 to $21 593 USD per QALY in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThe intervention is cost‐effective in the short‐term, although its long‐term cost‐effectiveness remains to be evaluated.
Asking sensitive questions using the unmatched count technique: Applications and guidelines for conservation
Authors: Hinsley Amy , Keane Aidan , St. John Freya A. V. , Ibbett Harriet , Nuno Ana 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Researchers and practitioners are increasingly using methods from the social sciences to address complex conservation challenges. This brings benefits but also the responsibility to understand the suitability and limitations of these methods in different contexts. After years of use in other disciplines, the unmatched count technique (UCT) has recently been adopted by conservation scientists to investigate illegal and socially undesirable human behaviours. Here we provide guidance for practitioners and researchers on how to apply UCT effectively, and outline situations where it will be the most and least appropriate.

We reviewed 101 publications in refereed journals that used UCT to draw conclusions on its use to date and provide recommendations on when and how to use the method effectively in conservation. In particular, we explored: type of studies undertaken (e.g. disciplines; behaviour being studied; rationale for using UCT); survey administration (e.g. sample size, pilot studies, administration mode); UCT outcomes (e.g. type of analyses, estimates, comparison with other methods); and type of recommendations.

We show that UCT has been used across multiple disciplines and contexts, with 10 studies that focus on conservation and natural resource use. The UCT has been used to investigate topics falling into five categories: socially undesirable behaviours, socially undesirable views, illegal or non‐compliant behaviours, socially desirable behaviours; and personal topics (e.g. being HIV positive). It has been used in 51 countries and is suitable to several situations, but limitations do exist, and the method does not always improve reporting of sensitive topics.

We provide best‐practice guidance to researchers and practitioners considering using UCT. We highlight that alternate methods should be considered if sample sizes are likely to be small, the behaviour in question is likely to be extremely rare, or if the behaviour is not particularly sensitive. UCT can be a useful tool for estimating the extent of non‐compliance within a conservation context, but as with all scientific investigation, careful study design, robust sampling and consistent implementation are required in order for it to be effective.
Elucidating the Effect of a Brief Drinking Intervention Using Neuroimaging: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , Ray Lara A. , MacKillop James , Lim Aaron C. , Karno Mitchell P. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundBrief interventions have empirical support for acutely reducing alcohol use among non–treatment‐seeking heavy drinkers. Neuroimaging techniques allow for the examination of the neurobiological effect of behavioral interventions, probing brain systems putatively involved in clinical response to treatment. Few studies have prospectively evaluated whether psychosocial interventions attenuate neural cue reactivity that in turn reduces drinking in the same population. This study aimed to examine the effect of a brief intervention on drinking outcomes, neural alcohol cue reactivity, and the ability of neural alcohol cue reactivity to prospectively predict drinking outcomes.MethodsNon–treatment‐seeking heavy drinking participants were randomized to receive a brief interview intervention (n = 22) or an attention‐matched control (n = 24). Immediately following the intervention or control, participants underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan comprised of the alcohol taste cues paradigm. Four weeks after the intervention (or control), participants completed a follow‐up visit to report on their past‐month drinking. Baseline and follow‐up percent heavy drinking days (PHDD) were calculated for each participant.ResultsThere was no significant effect of the brief intervention on PHDD at follow‐up or on modulating neural activation to alcohol relative to water taste cues. There was a significant association between neural response to alcohol taste cues and PHDD across groups (Z > 2.3, p < 0.05), such that individuals who had greater neural reactivity to alcohol taste cues in the precuneus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) had fewer PHDD at follow‐up.ConclusionsThis study did not find an effect of the brief intervention on alcohol use in this sample, and the intervention was not associated with differential neural alcohol cue reactivity. Nevertheless, greater activation of the precuneus and PFC during alcohol cue exposure predicted less alcohol use prospectively suggesting that these neural substrates subserve the effects of alcohol cues on drinking behavior.
Do Working Capital Strategies Matter? Evidence from Small Business Data in Japan
Authors: Tsuruta Daisuke 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPrevious studies show that a high level of working capital is harmful to firm performance. Using data from over 100,000 small businesses in Japan, we show that a high level of working capital has a positive effect on default risk and sales growth. Therefore, this activity has both positive and negative effects. Additionally, the relationship between working capital and firm performance is negative over a 1‐year period, but positive over longer periods, implying that a high level of working capital is ultimately not harmful for small businesses.