bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can sector-specific REIT strategies outperform a diversified benchmark?
Authors: Moss Alex , Clare Andrew , Thomas Stephen , Seaton James 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The authors in this paper aim to investigate the performance of different portfolios of REITs which specialise by property type compared to the performance of a diversified free-float market capitalisation-weighted benchmark index to determine whether superior risk-adjusted returns can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the authors examine the performance of portfolios constructed using the criteria of equal weight, minimum variance, maximum Sharpe and risk parity rather than free-float market capitalisation. Second, the authors apply an automated trading strategy of trend following to see if this filter will improve risk-adjusted returns.

Findings
The two-step process of forming combinations of REIT sectors with the subsequent addition of a trend following overlay can offer clear benefits relative to a passive benchmark investment.

Research limitations/implications
Although three of the four strategies were shown to outperform the benchmark index on a risk-adjusted basis, one issue was that the efficient portfolios tended to have large weightings to relatively few sectors. The authors also found that maximum drawdowns (losses) of the strategies tended to be rather high, as was the benchmark.

Practical implications
The methods outlined in this paper can be applied to construct superior risk-adjusted REIT portfolios globally.

Originality/value
Although studies have been undertaken separately on REIT specialisation and trend following in equity and commodity markets, this paper is the first to combine the two topics, and therefore has particular value for real estate fund managers globally.
Corporate real estate, capital structure and value creation
Authors: Bosch-Badia Maria-Teresa , Montllor-Serrats Joan , Panosa-Gubau Anna-Maria , Tarrazon-Rodon Maria-Antonia 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the corporate rent-vs-buy decision on real estate through the trade-off theory and default option in the framework of a corporation that aims to optimise its capital structure.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological core of this paper comprises the trade-off theory that approaches the optimal capital structure by counterbalancing debt tax savings with bankruptcy costs. Impacts on the default option and the default barrier are made explicit. The paper also explores the practical applicability of the renting scenarios in the European context by examining the regimes of real estate investment trusts in different countries from the demand-side of commercial renting.FindingsAnalytical relationships with tax savings, bankruptcy costs, default option and default barrier are identified for the renting-vs-buying real estate decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical model assumes simplifications, such as constant debt, to make it operational. The paper centres exclusively on the trade-off capital structure theory.Practical implicationsThis paper is an analysis of corporate real estate decisions together with capital structure. Applications are not only quantitative but also conceptual and strategic.Originality/valueIdentifying the main variables that govern the impact of corporate real estate decisions on capital structure and interweaving different approaches generates a conceptual framework that enlightens strategic thinking in this field.
Modeling of thickness effect on the creep properties of Ni-based superalloys
Authors: Wang Xinmei , Wang Yao , Wang Xinzhong 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
Specimen thickness has great influences on the creep behavior of single crystal Ni-based superalloys when it is less than 3.0 mm, which is known as thickness debit effect. Experiments have detected that oxidation can influence the microstructure of the Ni-based superalloys. Here, a model is proposed to bring in both the oxidation effect and void caused damage to account for the thickness debit effect. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
The model uses the simple Norton type creep relation to describe the creep rate evolution. The damage evolution caused by void is taken to be stress controlled. The load baring area changes are calculated with the consideration of oxidation and void evolutions.

Findings
Simulations on specimens with different thickness from 3.0 to 0.3 mm are carried out. The results show that the present model can reproduce the decrease of the creep strength with the decreases of the specimen thickness. The damage plays a major role in the creep behavior of the thick specimen. Both the damage and the oxidation are important for the thin specimen which should be paid attention to during the calculation of the creep response of the thin-wall turbine blade.

Originality/value
A model is proposed to account for the thickness debit effect on the creep behavior of Ni-based superalloys. Both oxidation influence and void caused damage are introduced. The simulation results show the capability of the model to reproduce the thickness debit effect.
Go online or get sidelined
Authors: Richardson Jayson W. , Heintzelman Sara 
Published: September 2017

Synopsis
Young professors Baxter, Jim, and Robert are eager to start a new graduate certificate in educational leadership with a focus on technology. The department supports their initiative. The department is even supportive of offering this certificate fully online. Support waned when, in an effort to boost student enrollment, it is suggested that additional graduate courses and programs within the department also move fully online. In department meetings, faculty members argue about the rigor of online courses and if it is possible to convert existing courses and programs to an online delivery format. Tammy and Larry are veteran faculty members who do not want to teach online and have made it clear to the rest of the faculty they are not eager to change. When there are not enough students to offer their programs in the traditional format, all faculty members are forced to begin teach online.

Research methodology
This is a disguised field-researched case.

Relevant courses and levels
This case may be used in a variety of graduate business or education courses, such as introduction to business, business ethics, educational leadership, technology leadership, or higher education.

Theoretical bases
Students should have some understanding of systems change, ethical decision making, and human resources development.
Intracontinental plant invader shows matching genetic and chemical profiles and might benefit from high defence variation within populations
Authors: Tewes Lisa Johanna , Michling Florian , Koch Marcus A. , Müller Caroline 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhereas many studies have revealed mechanisms driving plant invasions between continents, research on intracontinental range expanders is scarce. Therefore, we studied genetic, chemical and ecological traits of a range‐expanding Brassicaceae, assuming that high genetic diversity should maintain chemical variation, which potentially benefits the invasion success. Moreover, we expected that within‐individual defence diversity plays an essential role in biotic interactions.We comparedBunias orientalisL. plants from 16 populations of native, invasive or exotic non‐invasive origin. The genetic structure was investigated by analysing the plastidDNAand amplified fragment length polymorphisms. For characterisation of the leaf chemistry, metabolic fingerprinting and profiling of glucosinolates as defence compounds were performed. The plant defence potential was tested using the generalist herbivoreMamestra brassicae.We found two major genetic lineages, which were mirrored in distinct chemical fingerprints of the plants. Genetic differentiation patterns point to a multiple introduction history ofB. orientalisunderlying the range expansion. Moreover, the genetic distance between individuals was correlated with the distance in chemical features. Genetic diversity tended to be reduced in potential leading edge (exotic) populations and was positively associated with quantitative metabolic diversity. Concentrations of indole glucosinolates were elevated in non‐native populations, and high glucosinolate diversity was associated with low herbivore survival.Synthesis. This study suggests that the invasion success of this species may be facilitated by high chemical variation within populations. Moreover, high defence diversity within individuals of a population might be the main factor reducing herbivory and can be more important than the total concentration of defences. The combination of genetic and chemical analyses combined with bioassays revealed to be a powerful tool to study the differentiation between native and non‐native populations and should be applied more often to explore intraspecific divergence.
Outcomes of infants with a birthweight less than or equal to 500 g in Northern England: 15 years experience
Authors: Gillone Jenna , Banait Nishant , Miller Nicola , Ward Platt Martin , Harigopal Sundeep 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimWe aimed to evaluate mortality and short‐term neonatal morbidity of babies born ≤500 g cared for in the Northern Neonatal Network over a 15‐year period.MethodUsing regional databases, we identified all live‐born babies ≥22 weeks gestation and ≤500 g, in North East England and North Cumbria from 1998 to 2012. We quantified major neonatal morbidities and survival to one year.ResultsWe identified 104 live‐born babies ≥22 weeks gestation and ≤500 g (birth prevalence 0.22/1000), of which 49 were admitted for intensive care. Overall one‐year survival was 11%, but survival for those receiving intensive care was 22%. There was significant short‐term neonatal morbidity in survivors, in particular retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease.ConclusionSurvival of babies born weighing ≤500 g in this cohort remains poor despite advances in neonatal care, with considerable short‐term neonatal morbidity in survivors. This could be due to a combination of attitudes and a rather conservative approach towards resuscitation and intensive care, and the intrinsic nature of these tiny babies.
Clinicopathological study of lip cancer: a retrospective hospital‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Hui‐Wen , Liou Huei‐Han , Tsai Kuo‐Wang , Ger Luo‐Ping , Shiue Yow‐Ling 
Published: September 2017

To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics, high‐risk lifestyle factors (HRLF: chronic exposure to sun, betel quid, alcohol, and tobacco), and prognostic factors of lip cancer. The hospital records of patients with pathologically confirmed lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC, n = 112) and lip basal cell carcinoma (LBCC, n = 21) were reviewed. Differences in clinicopathological characteristics between LSCC and LBCC, upper and lower lip, and status of second primary tumors were compared by chi‐square test and logistic regression. The prognostic factors for LSCC were analyzed by Cox regression. Compared with LBCC patients, LSCC patients were men‐predominant (p < 0.001), had younger ages at onset (p < 0.001), and higher rates of lower lips involvement (p < 0.001) and HRLFs. Patients with second primary tumors were highly associated with lower lip cancer involvement (adjusted odds ratio = 2.91, p = 0.03). Patients with lower lip cancer had more HRLFs with an increasing linear trend (p = 0.004). The poorer prognostic factors of LSCC for disease‐specific survival were advanced stage III/IV [crude hazard ratio (CHR) = 11.16, p < 0.001], tumor dimension >4 cm (CHR = 8.19, p = 0.006), lymph node involvement (CHR = 11.48, p < 0.001), and recurrence (CHR = 3.96, p = 0.01); whereas for disease‐free survival were moderately to poorly differentiated LSCC (CHR = 4.97, p = 0.002) and alcohol consumption (CHR = 3.13, p = 0.04). LSCC and lower lip cancer were highly associated with HRLFs.
Significant burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with advanced fibrosis in the US: a cross‐sectional analysis of 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wong R. J. , Liu B. , Bhuket T. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease in the US. Understanding the epidemiology of NAFLD, with specific focus on individuals with hepatic fibrosis is important to guide healthcare resource planning.AimTo evaluate prevalence and predictors of hepatic fibrosis among US adults with NAFLD.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study using data from the updated 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national, stratified, multistage sampling survey of non‐institutionalised US adults age ≥ 20. METAVIR F2 or greater fibrosis among individuals with NAFLD was assessed using AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score > 0.7. METAVIR F3 or greater fibrosis was assessed using NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) > 0.676 and FIB‐4 score > 3.25. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated for predictors of fibrosis among individuals with NAFLD.ResultsOverall prevalence of NAFLD among US adults was 21.9% (95% CI 20.6‐23.3), representing 51.6 million adults. Among individuals with NAFLD, we observed a 23.8% prevalence of ≥F2 fibrosis, representing 12.2 million individuals, and we observed a 2.3%‐9.7% prevalence of ≥F3 fibrosis, representing as many as 5.0 million adults. On multivariate regression analyses, increasing age, obesity and concurrent diabetes mellitus were associated with increased risk of ≥F3 fibrosis.ConclusionsNAFLD represents a major healthcare burden among US adults with as many as 5 million adults estimated to have NAFLD with ≥F3 fibrosis. Age and the components of the metabolic syndrome are independently associated with higher risk of fibrosis.
Explaining urban governance in the midst of political transformation: The city of Macao
Authors: Sheng Li , Wan Penny Yim King 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper takes a close look at the urban governance and political culture of Macao, the world largest casino city. Macao has experienced spectacular economic growth since gaming liberalisation in 2002 and China's Free Individual Travel scheme launched in 2003. However, the booming gaming sector has crowded out other sectors of Macao. It has not only made the city's economy mono‐structured and consequently extremely vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations but also induced serious social divisions and political controversies within the local community. By tracing the root cause of the ongoing dilemma and crisis in the mode of governance, the dynamic relationships between formal and informal institutions, consensus politics and the social group culture are intensively discussed in a historical context. In fact, the sustainable development of the former Portuguese colony has largely been hindered by its residents' passive attitudes toward political communication, non‐transparent urban governance, the absence of a middle class and the dominance of pro‐establishment social groups.
Effect of negative dietary cation‐anion differences on carcass characteristics and beef tenderness of Japanese Black steers
Authors: Ishida Kyohei , Hirano Kazuo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLowering dietary cation‐anion differences (DCAD) can enhance responsiveness to Ca‐homeostatic hormones and increase Ca availability, which might have potential to activate a Ca‐dependent protease, calpain, and to enhance postmortem myofibrillar proteolysis. In this study, we investigated the effects of DCAD manipulation on calpain activity and beef tenderness in Japanese Black cattle which are characterized by their high marbling. Thirty‐six Japanese Black steers were allotted to one of two treatments: (i) control (CON; DCAD +6.09 mEq/100 g of dry matter (DM)) or (ii) negative DCAD (NEGD; DCAD −8.27 mEq/100 g DM) for 70 days before slaughter. Lowering DCAD decreased DM and energy intake (P < 0.01) even though it did not negatively affect the growth performance or carcass characteristics. In NEGD, urine pH was decreased by acidification caused by the negative DCAD (P < 0.01). Calpain activities tended to be improved in NEGD (P = 0.09), but Warner‐Bratzler shear force values were not affected by treatment. Although calpain activities tended to improve, lowering DCAD to −8.27 for 70 days before slaughter was insufficient to enhance beef tenderness in Japanese Black steers.
Relationships between mineral concentrations and physicochemical characteristics in the Longissimus thoracis muscle of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kitagawa Takashi , Funaba Masayuki , Matsui Tohru 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe relationship between mineral concentrations, and the relationship of mineral concentrations with physicochemical characteristics in muscles were investigated using the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of 44 Japanese Black steers. We determined moisture content, fat content, meat color, fatty acid composition and mineral concentrations in the LT muscle. Magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) concentrations had negative correlations with fat content, but sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were not correlated with fat content. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn largely and positively contributed to the first principal component of mineral concentrations. Because the red muscle was rich in these minerals compared to the white muscle, the variation of these minerals probably results from the abundance of red fibers in the LT muscle. The concentration of K was positively correlated with moisture content but Na concentration was not related to moisture content, suggesting that the intracellular fluid volume can largely affect moisture content. The results of the present experiment suggest that mineral concentrations reflect some traits such as not only fat content but also the composition of myofiber type and the intracellular fluid volume in the LT muscle of Japanese Black cattle.
Effects of hybrid and bacterial inoculation on fermentation quality and fatty acid profile of barley silage
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeon , Amanullah Sardar M. , Lee Hyuk Jun , Joo Young Ho , Han Ouk Kyu , Adesogan Adegbola T. , Kim Sam Churl 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study estimated the effects of hybrid and bacterial inoculant on fermentation quality and fatty acid profile of barley silages. Yuyeon (Silkless) and Youngyang (Silking) barley hybrids were harvested at 24.9 and 27.1% dry matter, respectively, and chopped to 10 cm lengths. Each hybrid was treated with or without an inoculant (2 × 104 colony‐forming units/g of Lactobacillus plantarum). A total of 48 silos were prepared in an experiment with a 2 × 2 (hybrid × inoculant) treatment arrangement with four replications and three ensiling durations (2, 7 and 100 days). After 100 days of ensiling, Yuyeon silage had higher (P < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility and C18:3n‐3 than Youngyang silage. Youngyang silage had higher (P < 0.05) acetic acid and C18:2n‐6 than Yuyeon silage. Inoculation reduced the C18:3n‐3 concentration of both hybrids and increased (P < 0.05) the C18:2n‐6 of Youngyang. However, fermentation quality was not improved by the inoculant. These results indicate that Yuyeon hybrid might have better potential benefits on animal performances due to its smooth awn and silkless nature, and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility. Its higher C18:3n‐3 would be better for improving fatty acid profile of meat or milk than Youngyang hybrid.
A Semiparametric Likelihood-based Method for Regression Analysis of Mixed Panel-count Data
Authors: Zhu Liang , Zhang Ying , Li Yimei , Sun Jianguo , Robison Leslie L. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryPanel-count data arise when each study subject is observed only at discrete time points in a recurrent event study, and only the numbers of the event of interest between observation time points are recorded (Sun and Zhao, 2013). However, sometimes the exact number of events between some observation times is unknown and what we know is only whether the event of interest has occurred. In this article, we will refer this type of data to as mixed panel-count data and propose a likelihood-based semiparametric regression method for their analysis by using the nonhomogeneous Poisson process assumption. However, we establish the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimator by employing the empirical process theory and without using the Poisson assumption. Also, we conduct an extensive simulation study, which suggests that the proposed method works well in practice. Finally, the method is applied to a Childhood Cancer Survivor Study that motivated this study.
Testing a biopsychosocial model of the basic birth beliefs
Authors: Preis Heidi , Chen Rony , Eisner Michal , Pardo Joseph , Peled Yoav , Wiznitzer Arnon , Benyamini Yael 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundWomen perceive what birth is even before they are pregnant for the first time. Part of this conceptualization is the basic belief about birth as a medical and natural process. These two separate beliefs are pivotal in the decision‐making process about labor and birth. Adapting Engel's biopsychosocial framework, we explored the importance of a wide range of factors which may contribute to these beliefs among first‐time mothers.MethodThis observational study included 413 primiparae ≥24 weeks’ gestation, recruited in medical centers and in natural birth communities in Israel. The women completed a questionnaire which included the Birth Beliefs Scale and a variety of biopsychosocial characteristics such as obstetric history, birth environment, optimism, health‐related anxiety, and maternal expectations.ResultsPsychological dispositions were more related to the birth beliefs than the social or biomedical factors. Sociodemographic characteristics and birth environment were only marginally related to the birth beliefs. The basic belief that birth is a natural process was positively related to optimism and to conceiving spontaneously. Beliefs that birth is a medical process were related to pessimism, health‐related anxiety, and to expectations that an infant's behavior reflects mothering. Expectations about motherhood as being naturally fulfilling were positively related to both beliefs.ConclusionPsychological factors seem to be most influential in the conceptualization of the beliefs. It is important to recognize how women interpret the messages they receive about birth which, together with their obstetric experience, shape their beliefs. Future studies are recommended to understand the evolution of these beliefs, especially within diverse cultures.
Psychosocial barriers associated with organ donation in Mexico
Authors: Marván Maria Luisa , Álvarez del Río Asunción , Jasso Kristian , Santillán‐Doherty Patricio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionThere is a severe shortage of organs for transplantation worldwide, and Mexico has one of the lowest organ donation rates. In this study, we explored the psychosocial barriers that prevent posthumous organ donation by Mexicans.MethodWe asked 218 adults who were not willing to be donors to complete the sentence “I don't want to donate my organs after death because organ donation is…” The data were analyzed using the Natural Semantic Networks Technique.ResultsThe most important answers given by the participants were related to mistrust. Older participants and those with limited education gave more answers that reflect misconceptions about organ donation. Many participants acknowledged its benefits, even though they did not want to be donors, especially the youngest and those with a higher education.ConclusionsMistrust and poor education are problems that urgently need to be addressed in order to increase acceptance of organ donation and transplantation.